Don says he remembers one question from his entire ordination council. A senior deacon wanted to know what his priorities would be in ministry.
Don's answer was direct: "God first, my family second, and the church third."
“God first, my family second, and the church third.”
As Don remembers it, the deacon told him that a different answer would have meant a vote against his ordination. The exchange stayed with him long after the meeting itself.
In telling the story, Don places his responsibility to his family within his calling. His answer gives a clear view of the priorities he brought to being a husband, a father, and a preacher.