Motherhood is Ministry

“Our ministry is not about big platforms or public recognition. It is in the quiet moments, the prayers spoken over our children, the lessons we impart, and the love we give.”

Janel Dunegan

Key Scripture: Proverbs 31:26-28 (NIV)
"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."

Reflection:
I have often found myself yearning for a more "formal" ministry—thinking of ministry in the traditional sense: preaching, serving, or leading in the church. For a long time, I didn't see motherhood as a ministry. It felt like a personal choice to grow my family and raise children with good values. I thought of it as a duty—one filled with love and joy, but still, just a personal responsibility. It wasn’t until I began my walk with Christ that I realized that motherhood was so much more than I had initially imagined.

Motherhood is indeed a ministry, and it is one that God has appointed me to from the moment I became a mother. In the early days, I didn’t see my daily routine of diaper changes, school runs, and family meals as anything other than the rhythm of parenting. But as I grew in my faith, I began to realize that every moment spent nurturing, guiding, and loving my children was not just a task—it was an act of service, a calling, and a ministry to God.

The truth is, I had unknowingly submitted to God when I chose to embrace motherhood. Psalm 127:3 tells us that “children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” Children are God's precious treasures, and the opportunity to care for them is a divine responsibility. As I look back now, I can see how motherhood has been woven into a larger purpose: I am not only called to raise my own children but also to love the children around me—whether they are the children of friends, those I encounter through the foster care system, or even the little ones in my community.

Motherhood as Ministry:
Motherhood is a ministry that doesn’t always wear a “formal” label, but the impact it has is undeniable. Proverbs 31 describes the virtuous woman as one who speaks with wisdom, offers faithful instruction, and looks after her household with care. In the same way, a mother’s role in guiding her children, nurturing their hearts, and teaching them about God is a sacred act.

As I interact with children, whether my own or others, I am reminded of my responsibility to plant seeds of love, kindness, and grace. It is not just about raising good people—it is about pointing them to Christ, teaching them how to love, and modeling for them the heart of a servant. The work we do as mothers—both within our homes and outside of them—has eternal value.

Our ministry is not about big platforms or public recognition. It is in the quiet moments, the prayers spoken over our children, the lessons we impart, and the love we give. Motherhood may seem small in the eyes of the world, but in God’s eyes, it is a deeply significant calling that echoes through eternity.

Encouragement to All Women:
Sisters, from all walks of life, let me plant a seed of encouragement in your hearts, that I hope over time, will grow and blossom. While we may all be on different paths to motherhood—or are unsure of what we want or deeply sure of our calling—hold steadfast to this: motherhood isn’t a one-shoe-fits-all situation.

Motherhood looks like the women on the Kids Team who lovingly invest in the next generation.
Motherhood looks like the friends who become "aunties," pouring into the lives of children as part of a larger family.
Motherhood looks like showing up for the kids in your community, loving them with the heart of Christ.
Motherhood looks like the mentor you are or have, guiding and nurturing others in their walk with God.

No matter where you are in your journey, your role in the lives of children, whether biological or not, is a ministry. You are making an impact, and God is using you in ways you may not even realize.

Prayer:
Father God, we come to You lovingly, longing for Your understanding in what motherhood looks like in each of our lives, during each phase of our lives. Grant us the wisdom, Oh God, to know that we are indeed doing Kingdom work as moms, aunts, sisters, and friends, even when it gets hard and ugly. Grant us peace, rest, joy, and gratitude during our walks in the ministry. In Your holy name, we pray, Amen.