by Doy Moyer<\/p>\n
I grew up a PK (preacher’s kid). This presents its own challenges for youth. The youngest of the children won’t think anything about it, but as we grow, we are often reminded that how we behave reflects on mom and dad, and … remember that dad is a preacher (the same goes for elders and deacons and their children). He’s the one in front of people giving instructions from Scripture regarding the home. He’s the one so many are coming to with their problems. If the PK doesn’t behave, that could signal problems in the preacher’s home, impacting his influence and reputation.<\/p>\n
Now, it is true that all children, no matter parental occupation, are reflections of their home. But the PK cannot hide in obscurity (I wanted to). Everyone knows us, and so many are watching, not necessarily because they are looking for something wrong but because it is natural to see those closest to the ones who lead the congregation. The preacher’s wife is seen; the preacher’s kids are seen. Whatever the reason, warranted or not, there is a certain kind of pressure in this.<\/p>\n
The reaction to the pressure comes in many varieties. Some PKs are models of well-behaved children (not perfect, but they stay focused on doing what is right). Others jump to extremes and, in some cases, dive off the deep end into sin. They are embarrassed to say that their dad preaches. They hate the pressure that comes with that situation, so they bow out. And yes, it does hurt mom, dad, and their situation in working with the church.<\/p>\n
But what we need to remember is that PKs (and EKs and DKs) are kids just like any other. They don’t need to be pressured more than others to behave. They need the love and attention that every child needs while growing up. Don’t place extra burdens on them that would not apply equally across the board. They need understanding, patience, and correction like any other. They need to know they are loved, not just by mom and dad, but by all within their circle.<\/p>\n
Today, I am not embarrassed that my dad was a preacher. Even as I began to preach, no one was more supportive or helpful to me than Dad, who could offer the advice of one who spent a lifetime preaching. He wasn’t perfect, and neither am I. Today, I have children who grew up as PKs, and they have been blessings to us in ways that we cannot express.<\/p>\n
Yet, PK or not, we are all children of the King of kings, and our responsibility to reciprocate the grace of God is the same for all. Treat the children of all well, and remember that causing little ones to stumble is egregious before our Lord (Matt 18:5-6). Let’s not elevate the work and value of some over others. Instead, let’s remember our true Father and aim to please Him in all we do.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
by Doy Moyer I grew up a PK (preacher’s kid). This presents its own challenges for youth. The youngest of the children won’t think anything about it, but as we grow, we are often reminded that how we behave reflects on mom and dad, and … remember that dad is a preacher (the same goes…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[110,173,1681],"class_list":["post-67819","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-article","tag-children","tag-family","tag-preacher"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2802,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/what-does-a-preachers-wife-do\/","url_meta":{"origin":67819,"position":0},"title":"What does a preacher’s wife do?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"May 5, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: I am getting married soon and my future husband will be looking for a church at which to preach.\u00a0 While I've grown up in the church, I've never really been around for the \"behind the scenes\" look at what a preacher's wife does and what position she holds.\u00a0 Any\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":39727,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/should-the-church-continue-to-support-a-preacher-whose-children-are-already-adults-but-are-not-christians\/","url_meta":{"origin":67819,"position":1},"title":"Should the church continue to support a preacher, whose children are already adults but are not Christians?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"July 16, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: I need your advice brother. Should the church continue to support a preacher, whose children are already adults but are not Christians? Answer: There are no requirements in the Bible concerning a preacher's children. It may be a concern that a preacher is not able to persuade his own\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":8823,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/the-blessings-of-being-a-preachers-wife\/","url_meta":{"origin":67819,"position":2},"title":"The Blessings of Being a Preacher’s Wife","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"August 31, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"by Barbara C. Adams Originally published in\u00a0Truth Magazine, March 22, 1973, anonymously Republished in\u00a0Searching the Scriptures, March 1978 Republished in an abridged form in\u00a0Biblical Insights, October 2006 Tonight is the 23rd of December. In another week a new year will be upon us. It, naturally, is a time for reflection\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Article"","block_context":{"text":"Article","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/article\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":8820,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/what-do-i-need-to-know-to-become-a-preachers-wife\/","url_meta":{"origin":67819,"position":3},"title":"What do I need to know to become a preacher’s wife?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"February 26, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: I know that I could become a preacher's wife. I want to be a good virtuous wife because I have, well, kind of seeing a preacher. I want to do the right things in God eyes and not my eyes. I don't want to mess it up. I have\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":87412,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/why-are-we-losing-our-young-people\/","url_meta":{"origin":67819,"position":4},"title":"Why Are We Losing Our Young People?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"June 2, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"by James P. Needham via\u00a0Sentry Magazine, Vol. 17 No. 1, 31 March 1991 I'm sure you are aware of the tragic loss to the church of many of our young people. It has reached alarming proportions. Have you ever wondered why? 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