PK Drop Outs

Why Pastors’ Kids Fall Away  By Dale Hudson (Director of children’s ministries at Christ Fellowship Church in Palm Beach) Katy Perry is currently the highest-profile pastor's kid (PK) that has walked away from her faith. In a recent interview, she said she is no longer a Christian and doesn’t believe in heaven, hell or “an old man sitting on a throne.” Perry represents a host of Pastors Kids who have struggled with their faith. Recent statistics from Barna Group research says that: • 40 percent have gone through a period where they significantly questioned their faith • 33 percent are no longer active in church • 7 percent no longer consider themselves a Christian What causes this? Pastors who were asked answered: • Unrealistic expectations were placed on them (28 percent) • Negative experiences in church (18 percent) • Father or mother were too busy at church to spend time with them (17 percent) • Faith not modeled at home (14 percent) • Influence of friends or peers (9 percent) When pastors were asked what they’ve done best in raising their kids, their responses included: • Introduced their kids to Christ and maintained a Bible-focused home (37 percent) • Spent time with them and supported them (21 percent) • Loved them (12 percent) • Taught them good values (10 percent) • Allowed them to make their own choices and be themselves (9 percent)  Here's what pastors said they wish they had done better: • Spent more time with their kids (42 percent) • Been more understanding (8 percent) • Given them more Bible teaching (5 percent) • No regrets; wouldn’t change anything (19 percent) I have a special place in my heart for kids who are Pastors kids because I am one. I grew up to serve the Lord and live for Him. Looking back here are a few reasons that happened for me: 1. My parents practiced what they preached. I could argue with what they believed, but I couldn't argue with how they lived what they believed. 2. My dad and mom spent time with me. My dad spent hours with me in the backyard, practicing pitching with me when I was in Little League. When I got into high school and played basketball, he was there in the stands cheering for me. My mom poured her life into me and was always there for me. 3. I was able to see past the negative side of ministry. Yes, there are negative sides to ministry. Sheep bite, and people are not perfect. At times there are politics. The church is made up of people—people who struggle and have weaknesses like we all do. But I was able to see past  that and see the bigger picture. 4. I made a personal choice to follow Christ, and my faith became my own. I came to Christ when I was a young child. It was a very real experience that I can still remember to this day. When I was in high school, God begin to speak to me about being a pastor. My parents had never asked me about being a pastor. In fact, they had mentioned several times that I should consider being a schoolteacher, and I had personally told God I would never be a pastor. Yes, I would be faithful to church and serve Him, but not working for a church. But when God calls, you have to make a choice. You can say yes or you can walk away from His will for your life. After struggling for months, I made the choice to say yes to God’s plan for my life. I say that to say this: At the end of the day, each person must decide for themselves if they will follow Christ or not. Yes, godly parents do make a difference and help cultivate the soil, but they cannot make the decision for their child. Do I blame Katy Perry’s parents for the road she has chosen? No. She picked this path. I could have just as easily chosen to go down a path away from God. PASTOR, Remember, God loves you and your children!!! If you need prayer or guidance, please accept our invitation to pray with you by  sending an email to christalone@telkomsa.net  Regards and God bless,    Johan Terblanche Christ Alone Ministries • Please note that this is a free service • We also offer a free prayer and guidance service. • You are also welcome to forward this mail and / or to forward me addresses of persons who might like to receive these weekly mails.