Wednesday, January 16, 2008

When PK's Ask Difficult Questions

PK, also known as preacher's kid, face unique situations in life which are sometimes stressful and sometimes privileged. Stress from not having your parents when you want them, troubled and jealous people, and a fluctuating schedule. Privileges range from first in the potluck line or traveling to faraway places for events and experiencing new countries, cities, cultures and friends. This was the only life I knew and the life my children know. Most often, PK's are keenly aware of happenings and people which provokes the PK to ask questions which can be difficult to answer. When I was a child, there were many occasions church members would come to our house to seek counsel and my sister and I would be sent to our rooms so our parents could discuss confidentially with the saint. My sister and I would not hear the conversations, but it was easy to determine if the meeting was pleasant or not. No matter how hard our parents tried, their body language would give them away. If you couldn't quite figure it out then, you just waited until the next service and watched the people they counseled. Now my husband has made it a practice to counsel with people at his church office but my children, like my sister and I, know if the meeting was glad or sad. My husband is great at masking his feelings, but somehow these kids "just know." Then comes the questions - "Why did it take so long?" "Do those people love you, Dad?" "Why did Mr. NoName look mad and why was Mrs. NoName crying?" The questions can be endless. Now if you are a minister and minister's wife like my husband and I, you never repeat any part of a counseling session to your children and you try your best to shield them from any negative feelings. Even so, PK's sense so much. As much as a pastor tries to keep all counseling sessions during "normal" hours at his office, the fact is people work and they want to speak to the pastor at their convenience. This means late night meetings, lunch time, dinner time, and the occasional middle-of-the-night phone calls. PK's can feel as though they are being robbed of their parents time and must be convinced that mom or dad is helping someone. This can bring more questions because sometimes dad's counsel is refused and the member decides to walk a different path. That's when the question is asked, "Where is Bro. Whoever?" The most difficult is when Bro. Whoever was someone who had made himself very close to the pastor and his family. The PK then wonders why Bro. Whoever stopped loving them. Pastors try very hard not to play favorites, but there are always parishioners who make themselves available for any service to the pastor and make themselves close. The pastor does not favor this person over another member, but because of the strong love and support this member gives the pastor it endears them to the pastor and his family. When you have an "endeared" member walk away, the sting is intense. Several years ago, there was a young girl who desired to play the piano so much. She didn't have any family members in our church and she became very close to our family. I drove her, my son, and niece to piano lessons every week which was always followed with dinner and ice cream. I loved this girl as if she were my own. Suddenly, a young man entered her life and persuaded her she did not need God. Away she went, but not before calling and asking, "Would anybody want my Bible because I don't need it anymore?" Ouch! Hurt! I cried for days sure my heart would break until I received a song in the mail titled "Comforter" that brough peace to my soul. My son was devastated and asked, "Why?" Another occasion, my husband had been in a lengthy counseling session with another "endeared" one and our children were waiting for the session to end so our family could go to dinner. Finally, it was over. We all got in the car and headed to the restaurant. The short drive to eat was quiet. We parked and began to walk to the door of the restaurant when our young son slipped next to his dad and quietly asked, "Dad, did you lose them?" That time, the question was too difficult for me. I cried knowing that before long we would be hearing, "Dad, how come she doesn't love us anymore?" I tried to hold the tears back. They wouldn't stop. When PK's ask difficult questions, mom or dad can do their best to mask feelings, but sometimes our humanity takes over and we cry.

33 comments:

  1. In some ways, this speaks to a celibate priesthood, where there are no innocents to hurt. No PKs, no wife to the pastor.

    In others, it speaks to how pastors have defined their "calling" so that they bring job pressures home from "work." (We scold others for doing this.) It also describes why some pastors don't do counseling.

    PK is not a Biblical term, but PKs are real children who need our prayers. So are pastors and pastors wives (who at least had and have a choice).

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  2. Jana this is such a heartfelt thought. I sat here with tears in my eyes as I read it. Truer words have never been spoken. Praying for you!

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  3. Jana this is such a heartfelt thought. I sat here with tears in my eyes as I read it. Truer words have never been spoken. Praying for you!

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  4. Helen - It is sort of damned if you do and damned if you don't. Yes, a celibate priesthood would eliminate a wife and children from the stress, but then the "priest" is without support. I can't speak for others but, personally, my husband is excellent at not bringing "work home with him." Even when he worked a secular job for the state, he never brought the stress of the job home. His field of study and degree is in pyschology. He chose this so he would be able to counsel people. The big difference between a pastor and the doctor, is the pastor works along side the saint/patient and develops relationship whereas the doctor only meets with them for the session and does not have a relationship. In that respect, it might be easier to send parishioners to a doctor. For Brian, he feels he is able to provide this service without the fees the church member would incur with the outside doctor. For the most part, Brian is always able to help people. In reality, you win some and lose some. When the pastors family has become close to the congregation, it is a hurt when there is a loss. Even if the PK's never "sense" anything, they will ask questions when they don't see see the person that left. Having been married to Brian for nearly 29 years, I can sense when the counseling session was stressful. Brian smiles, talks normally, but I just know. There have been times I put Brian in the car and just start driving. When the silent tears stop, I will go home. This is very rare, but it has happened four or five times in the past 29 years. In those moments, I feel good I was there for him and sad for the pain and loss he feels.

    Not much is said about PK's and, yes, they do need prayers. Thanks for your comment. It was thought provoking.

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  5. Great post. Having been raised as a PK and now raising one I understand where you're coming from.

    BTW I don't see where God ever intended pastors to be without the support system that comes from the family and close minister friends.

    Besides having been raised in a pastor's home, I have traveled extensively many times even staying in pastors homes and have found that most pastors do extremely well at not bring church problems home to their families.

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  6. I think I will add a link to this post on my blog.

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  7. Debbie - I have heard about people having very truamatic things happen in their lives and they decide to write a book. They say when the write the book it is as if they "re-live" the truama. That is exactly how I felt writing this post. I cried. I know you understand. Likewise, I am praying for you.

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  8. Oh the joys, and the sorrows that come with the ministry, but I, along with you and others can say, "it is worth it"! I, too have been a PK, now a PW (Pastor's wife) and I wouldn't trade my life for any other. Yes, there are those times of hurt and sorrow, but the JOY that comes from seeing those who really love God are numerous. Thank you, Jana for this post. Keep marching onward....for the battle is almost over! Soon we will be "home"!!! Love you!

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  9. Linda - As the song says, "...All of the good days, outweigh the bad days, I can't complain..." There isn't much said about PK's and I wanted to bring awareness to their feelings. Many times people get the idea that a PK's life is a bed of roses, but the pastor and his family live in a real world with real problems. We are not immune to feelings.

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  10. Mark - feel free to link this post. You are right. For the most part, pastor's do not bring their work home with them. I think they have learned to leave the problems in the office because they don't want to carry them to the pulpit. In so doing, they don't take them home either.

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  11. Jana, I am so sorry, and will be praying for you and your family. Love you.

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  12. This is a really good post. Which brings me to my next point... Why on earth has PK Retreat been canceled? lol jk

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  13. Sister Allard,
    Thank you for opening your heart. God knows and He is the Comforter.
    Sometimes, we need flesh and bones to "give us a touch" and God knows that too.
    A special prayer for you and your family today.
    Love you.

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  14. Awwww, I feel sorry for your kids. That must be rough!!! They are good, tough kids though and great parents to walk them through life. I think it would be difficult for you to give them anwers at times when you have none...I'm sure that's part of being a parent. That's kind of scary to me! PK's do have troubles that are special, and I've seen sooo many of them walk away from God. That is REALLY scary! but I think as long as their experience with God is super real and powerful, and they have parents that really put time into them, they will be great leaders for God.

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  15. I concur with everything said here. I, like you am a PK and a Pastor's Wife. I appreciate how you brought out that we are real people, living in a real world and we have real feelings. I also agree with Mark that most pastors I know are very good at leaving the "work" at the office and not bringing it home. I love my life and wouldn't trade it for any other.

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  16. Sis Allard, I was never a PK or a PW but I do understand the words you have spoken. PKs are special and often misjudged but so are PWs. I love you and I'm praying for you, your children and my pastor as well.

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  17. I can totally relate to what you're talking about. Normally I don't take time to read longer posts, but when I saw the title I had to. Being a PK, I've seen my parents try and hide frustration and dissapointment, and they've seen me try and hide mine. It's easy for people to misjudge you or be jealous of you for being the first one in line at a potluck, etc. Thanks for the post, it's nice to know that there's others that know what it's like! lol

    -Jen

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  18. Timely post. Thank you, Jana.

    When my children were at home, and had "ministry" complaints, I always listened carefully. If there was something I could do about the situation and it seemed right, I would do so.

    But my overarching feeling...and thus my communication with them...was: you have the best life in the world. The finest people on God's green earth sleep in your bed, sit on our couch, and eat meals around our table. I reminded them of their advantages--close conversation with God's ministers, travel, conferences, nice clothes,etc.

    There are trying and heart-rending moments in our lives as you have so capably told, but quite honestly, we of ministry, and our children are abundantly blessed to so live.

    Love you.

    shirley Buxton
    www.shirley buxton.wordpress.com

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  19. My prayers are with you Sis.Allard. To children OR adults, we can't always explain sickness (spiritual or physical) or why it comes to some and not to others; why some are more vulnerable or weak than others. All we know is that God won't put more on us than what we are able to bear... and that goes for the diseased of spirit, the innocent children's questions (PKs), and for the feelings of loss we encounter. (I know you already know this but sometimes it helps to hear it again). =\

    PS its okay to cry too.

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  20. Karen and Catherine - thanks for your prayers.

    Weston - Who in the world knows WHAT is going on?!?!? LOL Hopefully, someone will come through with the job.

    Janell - parenting can be difficult, but the good always prevails. PK's do face things much differently than others.

    Ronda - I know God placed me where I am and I am content. When the occasional difficulty arises, I sometimes think I wasn't cut out for this job. Others will say my compassionate heart is part of the reason I am in this position.

    Jolene - if everyone was like you, we wouldn't have many rough patches other than worrying about someone's health. I love you, too.

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  21. Jen - I have often thought of writing a book for PK's but figured it wouldn't sell. :) Misjudgment and jealousy are probably the two most difficult things PK's face. I think you and I understand each other really good!

    Shirley - In all sincerity, our children never complain and we always reinforce that they are blessed. Really, the most difficult thing is losing someone your kids love. That is when the difficult questions come.

    Von de Leigh - It seems PK's are the "forgotten" ones in ministry. I wasn't writing this post for sympathy but rather shed light on the life of PK's and what is most difficult for me as their mother. I can handle most questions, but when they are saddened over a loss of which I am also sad it can be difficult at best.

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  22. Jana, after reading the comments, I just had to add that any book you wrote would sell. I can only imagine the advice that everyone could glean from the book. :-) P.S. I know an editor that would gladly edit the book.

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  23. Hi Jana,

    I can totally relate to this post, and as you saw, so could my daughter. Yes there are some hard times, misunderstandings, misjudgments involved in being in the ministry, but I think it is that way with anything that is worthwhile. Sometimes we just have to stop and look at how blessed we really are and with the Lord's help, let the negative things go like water off a duck's back. Like the song says, "It's Gonna Be Worth It All."

    Love and appreciate you!

    Carol

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  24. Wow Jana ~

    You definitely hit the nail on the head. Every PK reading this post is saying, "yep, that's right, ahaa". I wouldn't trade my PK childhood for any other, but it was rough. The perks were few and far between, but the sacrifices were daily.

    I think our generation is MUCH better at separating work from family, and keeping their priorities straight (family before the church). As a PK, my dad, and most of the other pastors I knew put their work before their family. As a result, most of the PK's I grew up with grew bitter and left the church. Today's pastors seem to be doing a much better job of balancing church and home life. As a result, the children are growing up to love God, love His work, and dedicate their life to it. Only a few of the PK's I grew up with are still living for God.

    Hang in there, my friend. I'm sorry for your sadness. I pray that God's love will be a soothing balm for your aching heart. You bring so much joy to everybody around you, I pray that He restores your joy.

    Thanks for sharing your heart.

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  25. Jana - I agree wholeheartedly with your words. I thank God for being raised in the home of ministry - it was fun! But I also know the questions that arise from my own children. Thanks for your words.

    At BOTT, Bro. Huntley preached an incredible message about preacher's kids. I would highly recommend anyone in the ministry to get the cd or dvd of this message. It was awesome and very thought-provoking.

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  26. Debbie - thanks for your vote of confidence.

    Carol - our lives are very rewarding and there are so many precious moments I wouldn't trade my life. The thought crossed my mind about PK's after Blake asked a difficult question. He is so keenly aware of people and their feelings. I believe he is destined for the ministry and therefore he ask more questions than average.

    Anonymous - thank you for commenting. Your words were heartfelt and I know exactly where you are coming from. Many of the PK's of my era and my sister's generation gave up. They accused everyone of being hypocrites and the pressure was too great. If you ever want to talk privately, feel free to contact me at my private e-mail via my website. www.janaallard.com Bless you, my friend.

    Karla - thanks for the comment and suggesting Bro. Huntley's message. I want to hear it. He is such a great preacher.

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  27. Sis. Allard!
    I have been reading your blogs for a while now and couldnt resist commenting on this one. Being a PK I appreciate your blog, just knowing that you were a PK and survived with words to help others helps me. Thanks for your blogs and esp. this one :)

    Megan Dworaczyk

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  28. Technically I was not a PK, but my folks have been involved in leadership since I can remember. My dad never got his ministers license. But he and my mom always were involved with counseling and doing everything that a pastor would do. I understand your thoughts and feelings I have been there and now with my 17 year old son my wife and I have to answer the same questions. But we must have been raised right because look where we are today! As well my son has felt his call into ministry. But every once in awhile even now he asks a question that is hard to answer. I still call my folks that are now retired in Apopka Fl. and ask them questions but with them I stay away from the hard questions. Unfortunately the years of being in ministry has taught them to listen to the heart and they still come up with answers even though I did not ask the question. I think you should write a book! LOL!! God bless you!

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  29. Megan - thanks for dropping by my blog. It was nice to hear from you. Being a survivor depends how much fight you have deep inside. You can do it. On the roughest day, remind yourself that God is on your side and you can fight your way through the bad day.

    Kevin - "Technically," it sounds as if you really qualify as a PK. I think all of us would readily admit we wouldn't change our lives of ministry, but we should be honest enough to admit there are days we feel whipped, lonely, and beat up. The good definitely out-weighs the bad, but the bad days are so heavy because we are so emotionally and spiritually connected. Thanks for visiting my blog. It was nice talking to you.

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  30. One thing I've seen is that often times an insecure PK can be misjudged by others as a "stuck up" PK. I had to deal with this especially when I was going through my awkward adolescent insecurites. The worst thing an insecure teen can hear is that someone thinks they're stuck up. I guess this really applies to people in general an not just PK's.

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  31. Sis. Allard,
    I am so sorry that you children have to go through these things. My heart does hold a special place for PKs.

    After reading your many previous posts, you can tell that you and Bro. Allard are some fine parents who love your children very much. With your love and prayer, they are going to come forth as gold!

    As far as PK retreat is concerned, it is my understanding due to low SFC offerings/budget cuts is why it had to be canceled.

    I will be sure to keep your family in prayer.

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  32. Hey Jana!! Boy, I'm really looking at the blogs today! I know exactly what you mean with the PK's and counseling! As moms, our hearts bleed for our children! Our kids seem to "know" without "knowing." Misti has told me many times, "Mom, you don't have to keep everything inside, I already know that "So-and-so did such-and-so!" How many meals, vacations, and family times have been interrupted? Then those days when we see our kids hanging over the alter, crying to our savior, or dancing and rejoicing, we know that God has given us grace! When I watch Misti with her husband that God so perfectly matched her with, and I see them weeping and loving Him, doing His work without complaint and overly involved in every department (considering they are 7 months newly wed) I am so grateful for his mercy and keeping her through it all. Girl, if we can just do it again with our "new little girls!!"

    I love you dearly! I am so blessed that God let us be "connected" in so many ways!

    Susan

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  33. Weston - I believe you are right. Two of the biggest problems is misjudgment and jealousy.

    Monica - it isn't just my kids, but all preacher's kids have their rough days. If they haven't yet, they will. It is just comes with the job. As Helen said, "PK's are real children who need our prayers."

    Susan - It is so nice to hear from you. You and Misti really know what this life is like. We are so blessed that our children STILL love the saints, going to church and God. So many PK's backslide. And Misti is right. Even if you never breathe a word of a problem to your children, they just know. When Bryce was about 16 or 17, we had a men's conference and he came home from the men's conference and started talking to his dad. He said, "Dad, Bro. So&So has a problem with this, and Bro. NoName is struggling because..." He named four or five men and everything he said was true. In fact, a couple of the guys we didn't even know they had the problem but it came out shortly afterwards. PK's are keener than they are given credit for. I love you and your family. God help us with our young 'uns.

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