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In a world of unrelenting demands, it can be very easy to spend all of our focus on work and the needs of our children. This laser focus can come at the cost of our own spiritual health, which will then damage every other area of our life. My guest today has spent decades observing the effects of spiritual neglect on the mission field as well as home front. One of his central life callings has been to help those serving in full time ministry tend to the nurturing of their own souls. I’m excited to share with you today a brilliant man whom I also call friend, Dr. Jim O’Neill.

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Show Highlights

Jim O’Neill serves as Director of Mobilization and Leadership Development at Frontier Ventures. Additionally, he and his wife Sterling are the founders of the Next Gen Leaders Conference.

Jim and and his wife Sterling have been married for over 38 years. They have 4 grown children, 3 son-in-laws and 4 grandkids. Jim hails from Pennsylvania and Sterling from SC. They met in college in VA. where both were called to missions. Serving together, they each come with 13 years of church planting experience in Asia, 13 years in leadership with two mission organizations, and 8 years ministering in formal theological education and equipping.

Because of their passion about multiplying and nurturing leaders, Jim and Sterling founded the Net Gen Leaders Conference. You can find out more at www.nextgenleader.net  or email them at [email protected] and/or [email protected].

There are many situations in our world today that put pressure on you in various aspects.

But, as a parent, remember that in shepherding your child’s soul, you have to tend to your own soul, too. Remember that the more you pour out of yourself, you have to replenish, too.

There are beautiful outcomes to giving attention to your soul, such as a more submissive spirit. Jim says, there’s nothing more beautiful than the mutuality of mutual submission. That comes when your soul is in a place of rest in Jesus.

A rested soul is a humble one. As a parent, there are no more important words to say to your spouse and your kids than “I really blew it, I’m so sorry. Will you please forgive me.”

Help your children realize that getting every single thing right is not the only way to please you as a parent. You and your child are both imperfect. Take that grace-based parenting to heart. If you don’t, you could risk crushing your child’s soul. They will end up with a broken spirit or a rebellious one.

As you continue to parent them, keep tending to your own soul, and don’t give up on your son or daughter.

Remember, this is a unique season, but this too shall pass. When it does, as parents, set aside calibration time to review what you and your family have gone through together.

Jim suggests spending one on one time with each child to process life. Keep a record of the story of your kids (and grandkids) for the past year. Celebrate the goodness, kindness, and growth that you have seen in their lives. It will lift your child’s heart and your own heart, too.

As a parent, remember that in shepherding your child's soul, you have to tend to your own soul, too. Share on X

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