Preachers’ Kids Convention Highlights Becoming Missional

According to a study by the Barna Group, pastors with children aged 15 or older report that 40% of their kids experienced significant doubts about their faith, 33% are no longer actively involved in church, and 7% no longer identify as Christians. While specific data for children of Seventh-day Adventist pastors and workers is unavailable, this phenomenon of preachers’ kids distancing themselves from the church is not uncommon. 

One hundred and sixty nine Preachers' Kids (PKs) from all over Luzon attended a PKs Convention, with the majority of them being in their mid-teens to mid-twenties, to develop spiritual growth and offer spiritual support while addressing the specific needs of PKs. The convention took place in March 2024 at the Word of Life in Calauan, Laguna, Philippines.

Mrs. Delba de Chavez, the Ministerial Spouses Coordinator of the Adventist Church in the North Philippines, greeted the delegation with heartfelt words: “You make my old heart glad.” When she asked who preferred to be a PK, only a few hands went up. She encouraged the group with the verse from John 15:16, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give it to you.” Speaking directly to the preachers’ kids, she emphasized, “You are not here only for the fun, you are here to learn, to come to Jesus as you are, to honor Jesus as your Lord, and to remember, who and whom you are. You are not only to immerse in the Word of God but to go out and live your God-given mission.”

For the vespers worship, Pastor Rex Mangiliman, the Executive Secretary of the Adventist Church in Cavite, and himself, a pastor’s kid, shared insights into both the perks and the challenges of being a PK. He emphasized, “We experience all these privileges, not for ourselves, but to bless others. It’s about paying forward.” He continued to inspire the young audience, stating, “You have the opportunity to bless others. You can be Jesus’ hands. You can be his feet. You can be his lips. You can bring blessings to others until Jesus comes.”

During the Hour of Worship, Pastor Maximino Cadalig, President of the Adventist headquarters in Baguio City, challenged the PKs. “You can be a powerful force for the Lord.” He reminded them, “Being called and chosen is God’s act for you; your act in response is to be faithful to him.”

The presentations throughout the convention centered on how to live daily as a disciple of Jesus. In one of the lectures, Dr. Ardie Diaz explored what it truly means to come to Jesus without changing anything first. Mrs. Ester Fadriquela underscored the concept of honoring Jesus—recognizing Him as Lord, surrendering to Him everything, and following His leadings in all of life’s choices every day. 

Participants were also divided into smaller groups for sharing and reflection sessions. During one of these sessions, a PK, recounted his two-year absence from church. Throughout this period, he engaged in activities he knew were wrong and felt increasingly unworthy and ashamed. He often thought about returning but believed he needed to “fix” himself first. However, he realized that trying to change himself on his own was an impossible task; every step forward seemed to pull him several steps back. He confided to his fellow PKs, “God is always ready to accept us just as we are. We just have to come to Him.” 

The three-day event was a dynamic mix of lectures, team-building exercises, games, and fun activities. The PKs also had opportunities to praise God through their talents. Those who’ve reached significant milestones, such as passing the board exams, were also recognized. However, one of the poignant highlights, was the moment of silence to honor the memory of the preachers’ kids who had passed away. 

The event culminated with Pastor Jose Orbe, Jr., challenging the PKs to live their God-given mission. He stressed that Jesus has a special mission for each PK, but they have to ask God to give them the courage to step out of their comfort zone in whatever ways He’s calling them to serve. Pastor Orbe articulated, “Mission is a journey to transformation. You become Christ-like, and you are heaven-bound.”

The response was overwhelmingly positive. "Wow! Blessed! Renewed!" These were just a few of the words PKs used to describe their experiences at the event.

Melo Anadem Adap-Ong, Assistant Communication Director North Philippine Union Conference