Midway through my growing years, I learned of a certain title/position known as PK. The term was new to me then, but the experience of having lived as one was certainly not.
PK stood for Pastor's Kid. And I had been one for as long as I could remember.
(Technically, I should have been called Elder's Kid since my dad was recognised as the Elder at our church rather than referred to as its Pastor. However, delving into an explanation of why that is so will result in a different sort of long story so I shall address that only later.)
To be honest, I don't think I can ever recall a moment in my life's history when my father wasn't a church leader. It feels so much a part of his DNA that you could almost say he wouldn't be himself if he wasn't at the spiritual helm in some form or another.
So I was a PK nearly all my life and it has impacted me in very profound ways. It was both good and bad.
Perhaps I should start by listing down the good stuff.
By virtue of being a PK, it meant that I was constantly being exposed to the concept of spiritual leadership. Consequently, this remains in the periphery of my mind whenever I contemplate my personal faith.
I do not view my spiritual growth as something I do for my own benefit. Rather, I see it as a responsibility that is necessary for the wellbeing of other Christians. Thus, I am constantly aware of how my actions or words will influence others.
Besides that, I became pretty well grounded in the fundamentals of Christianity.
I knew how to maintain a daily devotional habit of prayer and Bible reading (a concept introduced to me as Quiet Time). I could pray proficiently for myself and others in public. I was well acquainted with the basics of sharing the gospel with non-believers. And I was committed to a habit of regular church attendance.
Many of these spiritual disciplines became second nature for me over the years.
In addition to whatever I've already mentioned, growing up a PK also meant that I would instinctively analyse each and every Christian I crossed paths with. I learned how to see the potential in other believers. In fact, whenever I was given the opportunity, I'd attempt to encourage them in their faith.
But being a PK has also impacted my life in undesirable ways. And that shall be a tale I will return to share in the near future.
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