Our church cancelled worship on Christmas Day.

(Just hold your rocks for a moment.)

I have seen post from clergy colleagues on my denominations Facebook pages who are completely amazed that anyone would consider cancelling services on Christmas Day. Gospel Coalition blogger Kevin DeYoung wrote a post urging Pastor’s not to cancel Christmas Day services (though he posted it about 3 months too late to really have an impact). I don’t agree with much that DeYoung says in the post- but this isn’t the place to discuss that.

We cancelled worship on Christmas Sunday because I need to be a Dad to my kids on Christmas Day after spending all of Christmas Eve with my church.

One of my core beliefs to my ministry is that I have a ministry to my children and family before the church. God’s called me to pastor and lead them. They are my primary ministry. My church is my secondary. I don’t want my kids or wife to ever feel that they were second fiddle to the church (which is much different than saying my relationship with God is my top priority). I know I come up short on this with my family from time to time, I am thankful that Andrea (and our kids) help to hold me accountable to this.

So I am going to give all of myself to God and my congregation through worship and preaching on Christmas Eve. Then I am going to give all of myself to God and my family on Christmas morning as we worship and celebrate together. What a great opportunity for all parents to lead their children and families in worship.

By all means- come and worship with us on Christmas Eve. And on Christmas Day, our doors will be closed- but that does not mean our hearts will not be turned towards God.