Three Unique Joys of Being a PK

Over the years, I’ve heard a lot of talk about the challenges of being a PK. I’ve read (and written) articles on the topic because these challenges are real. But I’ve also found that thinking, speaking, and writing on the challenges of PK life can quickly lead to disillusionment. It’s important to acknowledge PKs’ challenges, but it’s just as important (if not more so) to recognize the joys. 

I believe God places PKs in their families for a sovereign purpose. The title “PK” isn’t a burden to be borne; it’s a gift to steward. I wonder if, perhaps, we might do a better job of embracing this perspective. Maybe we need less content on the challenges of PK life and more on the blessings. In light of this, let’s consider a few of those blessings together. 

Learning to serve well

In watching their parents, PKs learn what it means to serve well. It’s more than an occasional obligation–it’s a way of life. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). God calls us to adopt this posture as followers of Jesus. 

Throughout my life, I’ve had the privilege of observing this servant posture in my parents. I’ve seen my dad make hospital visits, sit with church members in their grief, and devote himself to the Word week after week so that he can faithfully proclaim it. And I’ve seen my mom come alongside him, supporting him through encouragement and prayer, enabling his ministry by caring for our home. Both my parents understand what it means not just to serve but to be servants.

PKs have the blessing of learning from their parents firsthand when they’re young. I remember going with my dad to the hospital or tagging along with my mom to bring meals to church members in need. During these trips, I discovered the joy of serving the same body Christ came to serve. 

But, what’s more, PKs get to serve alongside their parents when they’re older. In my life, I’ve helped with hospitality, watching little ones, or simply praying for my parents’ ministry now that I’m in college. Ultimately, it’s been a great blessing to learn to serve from a young age and have countless open doors to practice what my parents have taught me. 

Listening to believers’ stories

Another sweet joy of being a PK is hearing believers’ stories. My home church owns a mission house right across the street, and when new missionaries came to stay, my family often shared a meal with them and listened to their stories. I look back on these meals with gratitude. So often, I’d leave the dinner table with a broadened perspective and a heart stirred for the lost. 

I also have fond memories of meals in church members’ homes. These were sweet opportunities to see how other families lived out the gospel in a more personal capacity. I saw husbands and wives love one another faithfully and parents shepherding their children well. These families’ stories played out in real-time before me and shaped much of how I dream my own life will look one day. I’m so grateful for a childhood church that exemplifies Hebrews 10:24-25:

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

God used the stories of faithful saints to begin shaping my own story, and it was a particular privilege to hear so many as a PK. 

Living deeply connected to the life of the church

As a PK, it was also a joy to be deeply connected to the life of our church. My family was there whenever the doors were open, and my little brother and I often found ourselves at events sparsely attended by kids. For example, every summer, my church held Wednesday night prayer meetings. Children rarely attended, but my parents always brought my brother and me along. Although I wasn’t always thrilled about this, I began to sense that this was a privilege – that I would look back on those summer nights and be grateful. During those prayer meetings, I learned to pray—like really pray. I listened to older saints cry out to the God they knew so well and developed a desire to know God like that. These were the Loises and Eunices of my church, women who modeled faithfulness and, in so doing, stirred a desire for faithfulness in my young heart (2 Timothy 1:5).

I’m not sure my parents knew how much I soaked up during these times, even from a very young age. Pastor, be encouraged. Your PK is watching and listening. They see you serve, hear fellow believers’ stories, and notice faithfulness as they are immersed in the church community. By God’s grace, your lives and the lives of fellow saints will inspire them to press on to know the Lord (Hosea 6:3). 

So encourage your child to bear their PK title with a grateful heart. They will face challenges, but greater joys will swallow these challenges up if only your PK can develop eyes to see them. You can help them in this, dads, as you encourage your child to maximize their PK status for the good of the kingdom and the glory of God. 

©2024 Abby Jo Thompson. Used with permission.