Full-text, unabridged article from the Kalamazoo Gazette, Part Three of three. To read Part Two, click here.
4) Do you think you might consider going into the ministry someday? If so, why? If not, why?
MEGHAN: I really feel that I might go into the ministry in some form, not because my parents are, but because of what God has been stirring up in my heart. I feel like I am really tapping into what He has planned for my life.
ANNIE: Yeah, it is something that I've grown up in. I've seen the great benefits of being in the ministry, and I've been able to see how difficult it can be at times. It's always been something that I've been interested in and I feel peace about it. Being in this family, we can see everything that goes on behind the scenes, and although there are days when it seems like it could be the worst job to go into, there are others when it seems like it would be the most rewarding job ever. Also both my sister and I have both had jobs at the church and being in that work environment is so much fun, and it is sometimes hard to see myself in any other kind of work environment. But we'll see what God has planned for all of us, who knows one of these days one of us might take over the church.
LUKE: Yeah, I think I will probably do something in the ministry someday in the future ... only if that's Gods calling on my life. Whatever He wants in my life is what I'll do. I have always had that thought in the back of my mind that someday I will be in ministry, but I am not sure what.
ERIC: Yes I might consider myself going into the ministry someday because I love the Lord with all my heart and would love to someday help many others find a relationship with an amazing God.
5) Are you ever resentful of the time that your parents dedicate to the church and its members? If so, why? If not, why?
MEGHAN: When I was younger, I remember wishing that I didn't have to spend so much time at church with my parents. But now that I'm older, I see the value and how all the time they spent at church has paid off. I know that they really put in a lot of extra time and worked their hardest to follow God in everything and now they are reaping the benefits of that. It's been awesome to grow up and watch the church grow and to be a part of it all. I wouldn't change anything. I've never felt like my parents put their job in front of the family, either. They always make time to make the family a priority as well.
ANNIE: There are times when I wish that my parents did something else, but for the most part it is really fun being in the ministry. When we were younger, it felt like we lived at the church because we were always there, and went to EVERY single event. And for a while it was not fun. There are also times when we haven't been able to go on vacations like most families because my parents have to stay and preach.
However, a lot of the time we get sweet privileges that most kids don't get to experience at their church. We've been able to meet some of the most well-known ministers from all around the world, and we've been able to travel places that most people don't. It's cool because we get to know a lot of people through the ministry that we otherwise wouldn't. One of our favorite things about being pastors' kids is the food.
Every weekend they put food in my dad's office for us to eat and it is the most incredible stuff ever. For the most part we get a lot of extra things, but we do have to pay a price. We've had to miss out on a lot of things because of church obligations, and there are times when we are in extremely busy seasons, and sometimes our family vacation time is cut. But our parents have always done a great job of not putting pressure on us, and making sure that we know the blessing that God has for us because of the position that we are in.
LUKE: No I am not resentful that my parents are dedicated to the church and members, because they still have time with us kids and are always there for us when we need them. Sure sometimes I wish I could do something on a Saturday night; I'll need a ride to hang with friends, but they will be at church from 4:30 to 9:00. But it's alright with me because they are doing it for the Lord. They always have time for us, and our family.
ERIC: No I'm not resentful that my parents are so dedicated to the church because I know they are following God's plan and working for Him. They also always make time for us kids to have movie nights, or make time to come to our sports games.
To read the entire article as it was published in the Kalamazoo Gazette, click here.
Until next time ...
Beth
