GlocalNet

Having been a PK (preacher’s kid) I have experienced a good bit of what people talk about in regards to being a PK, many PKs end up hating the church, being angry with God, and having broken relationships with their parents.  I’ve seen this again and again and again.  It doesn’t have to be that way.  It shouldn’t be that way.  If you are a pastor or a pastor’s spouse you have a lot to do with that.  What can you do to keep your kids excited about God and the church?

1.  Don’t bring home all the troubles you have at the church and vent with the children present.  What do you expect?  If they hear about people and situations, and love you and hear how you are being hurt, how do you think they will feel?

2.  Be honest when the headaches are public, but put the blame where it belongs and don’t color the whole church and everyone.  Deal with the issues and leave it alone.

3.  Spend time with your kids daily.  Play with them and laugh with them.  Enjoy them.  I always had a practice of giving the kids a couple of hours daily of undivided attention.

4.  Talk about a lot of other things beside the church and the ministry.  Often, they see you only in one scenario.  Know their music, culture, etc.

5.  Give them permission to question and think deeply about issues.  Often, we fear our kids not agreeing with us - and they won’t.  Can we teach them how to think?  Or, do we always have to tell them what to think.  There is a huge difference.

6.  Treat them like any other children.  Discipline them. Don’t give excuses about living in a glass house or how difficult the ministry is. 

The greatest thing I’ve ever been blessed to do is to be a Husband and Father.  Planting NorthWood has been good.  Working in the inner-city has been fulfilling.  Working globally has been mind-blowing.  Writing books and getting published is fun . . . . yada yada yada yada . . . but nothing comes close to being a parent.  Love those little ones God gives you, so they can love you . . . . and God.