Part 6: From the Preacher’s Kids, Questions VI to X~ A series of Interviews in Honor of Pastor Appreciation Month

Do you have any words of encouragement for pastors and wives raising kids in the ministry, especially to those who have prodigals?

Always pray for God’s plan for them. Sometimes being a mother of a lost child is hard and you kill yourself over their condition but through my life God has told my mother many many times, “stop praying for what you think they need and hand them over to me for what I know they need.” –Ben Laine, 16 years old. Son of Pastor Peter and Ruthann Laine, Victory Chapel, CFM, Dover NH

 

First of all, if your kids are young train them up like your own little disciples. Don’t go easy and don’t give them an option. You assume they want to follow God and bring them up in that way. Train them for the ministry even from a young age.

If you have prodigals this could be an opposite situation than the younger kids. Do not judge them and condemn them. Ask God to show you how by love to win them over. They already know what’s right to do so you harping on them all the time will only push them away. Pray for them and don’t push religion on them but by your example shown, they may be won over. – Lysandra Winslow, 24 years old, Daughter of Pastor Greg and Suzanne Winslow, Missionaries to Zihuatanejo, Mexico

 

Keep praying for and loving them. I really believe that’s how I got saved.  Because my parents were prayer warriors! -Faith Scott, Second Generation Pastor’s Wife, Daughter of Reverend Ralph and Mary Wise, Potter’s House CFM, Roselle Park, NJ

 

Keep praying! My grandmother prayed 12 children back into the kingdom!- Maria Winslow, Daughter of Pastor Tim and Faith Scott, Victory Chapel, Hagerstown, MD

 

Don’t preach to your children, they’re not your congregation. Teach your children, by example in the way of the Lord with utmost patience, and it will be the core foundation in their life choices. They want to do what is right, but don’t know how, and need your love, guidance, encouragement, and forgiveness.  If they stray, pray for them to find their way back to the Father. -David

 

God first. Family second! Then the church. Never, never, never, put the church before your spouse and kids. If some church emergency does come up, be sure to explain to your kids why you need to go, but be sure to always make it up to them. As much as possible, attend their games, recitals, fairs, concerts, etc.. -Pastor Schaffer, New Life, 2nd Generation Pastor  Altoona PA, (His son recently became a Youth Pastor.)

Is there anything else you like to say to the Church about being a PK?

I’m sorry I waited so long to give my life to Christ. I could have avoided so much heartache and depression. -Faith Scott

 

Thank u for being patient with us!!! -Maria Winslow

 

Don’t expect PK’s to be any different than anyone else. We are individuals not clones of our parents.  -David

 

Don’t ever say, “You’re the pastor’s kid, you should know better.” Because our response that we keep to ourselves is, “You call yourself and adult Christian; act like one!” -Pastor Schaffer

For those of you are PKs and are now pastoring and raising PKs of your own: How has being raised as a PK equipped you to parent your own?

I had a great example from my own parents growing up. They were always there for me and my sisters. I also had some bad examples of pastors I served alongside, whose kids ran as far as they could away from the church. -Pastor Schaffer

For those of you who are now pastors or pastors wives; What are your thoughts on being the second or third generation in this call?

My dad always said I was crazy. He said “I can’t believe you are signing up for this after all you’ve seen.”

How awesome to have this legacy. -Lori Ganiear,  Pastor’s Wife, Daughter of Pastor Paul and Linda Campo, Victory Chapel CFM, Cape Cod MA

 

We keep saying to each other, what a great heritage! -Faith Scott

 

I am the third generation pastors wife in my family.Knowing what to expect in this instance doesn’t matter. Nothing can prepare you for this life, but God is good and faithful! -Maria Winslow

Is there anything you would like to say to your parents, or tell us about your parents?

My folks are an awesome Godly example. I appreciate that they have stood for what’s right even when it’s not popular My dad will not be manipulated. I would not have the life I have now if they hadn’t made the choices they did. I know what I would have been without God, and it’s not good. My dad had been a real rock. Steady. -Lori Ganiear

 

My parents have always had a certain grace with me through hard times which has always been relieving and helpful. -Ben laine

 

Thank you for being diligent and consistent in correcting me and teaching me God’s way.

One of the most important things my parents instilled in me since I was little was a personal devotional time with God which consisted of reading His word and praying or worshipping Him.  –Lysandra Winslow

 

Thanks for running the race and making it!  You have sat the example and now you are both with Christ!  And because of that I will see you both again someday! -Faith Scott

 

My parents as well as Matthew’s parents have left us with a rich inheritance that we are so grateful for. Thanks to them and their sacrifice we have the marriage and family we are blessed with. They shaped us into who we are and and gave us the tools to survive this life and we are blessed!! -Maria Winslow

 

Thank you, my loving parents for always allowing me to be who I am, loving me under all circumstances. I have learned so much about forgiveness and living life as the Father would have us. You have walked the walk as the example of how to endure the trials and tribulations that may come our way.  -David

 

They were and continue to be my hero’s of the faith. They raised me well and I am forever grateful for the Godly heritage. -Pastor Schaffer

*Text the word PASTOR to 74574 for daily/weekly reminders & tips to pray for your pastor.

**Share some words of appreciation for your pastor and he will be listed on the Wall of Honor and entered to win a retreat at the Energize Lodge. http://energizeministries.com/latest-news/pastor-wall-of-honor/