Recently, Relevant Magazine posted an article about ten well-know pop stars who were all pastor’s kids. While the names on the list were extremely impressive, many were a bit surprising! The list included:
I've read article after article about PK's turning a 180 away from their upbringing, and while articles of this nature generally start with a "wow...you won't believe this..." I appreciated Relevant's approach:
There are a lot of different stereotypes about PK’s—some more fair than others—but maybe the safest thing you can say about being a PK is that it sets you up with some expectations. Every Sunday morning, you’re on a stage (sometimes literally), with members of the congregation going through a mental checklist of how you do or don’t fit in with their preconceived notions of what the son/daughter of a preacher man ought to be like.
There’s no blueprint for what becomes of PK’s. Some of them go on to become pastors themselves. Some of them hightail it out of vocational ministry fast as possible. And some of them, well, some of them go on to be stars. Here are a few of them.
As you peruse the list of names, no doubt you will notice a great deal of success for each, at least in the world's perspective. And while notariety is great, for many of those PK's, their turning away from the Lord is obvious! The article is right, there is no blueprint for PK living. I have known PK's to grow up to be in ministry - I'm a fourth generation preacher. But all too often the story reads something like "PK leaves church at first chance, and now lives to spite an semblance of his upbringing."
Yes, there are multiple factors that play into the future of a PK. Consistency in the lives of their parents. The culture of respect from the church members. A PK's personal relationship with Jesus. If any one of these is misaligned, a PK's course can be forever altered.
To the PK: Channel your energy into your personal relationship with Jesus. Allow him control of your life. You need not seek approval from any man, because Jesus has called you and counted you worthy of the office you hold. BE YOU, and not who others perceive you should be.
To the Pastor: If you did not grow up a PK, don't pretend to understand the struggle of your children. Pray for God's guidance as you lead the unique culture of your home. When your HOME/Family is your priority, they will in turn assist you in the ministry. Ministry is most effective as a family affair.
The the Church Member: Raising your pastor's children is not your job, so take a sigh of relief. For many that will be a huge burden lifted off your shoulders! Now you will be able to spend some time examining the lives of the family for which you are accountable before God. Then, should you have some extra time, INVEST in the life of your pastor's children. Invest in the life of your pastor! You'll never know this side of heaven what baggage they bring into the church-house each week. Translate the time you would spend criticizing into time praying.
If you know a PK, please direct them to the Preacher's Kid Network page. Home of the 2015 PK Retreat! https://www.facebook.com/groups/preacherskid/
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