Chapter 1 The PK Problem Nobody Wants to Talk About

The Statistical Reality Research on pastor's kids (PKs) and other ministry family children paints a concerning picture. A disproportionate number of adults who grew up in pastoral households report significant spiritual damage from the experience — ranging from disillusionment with the church to active rejection of faith to more severe psychological wounds. This does not mean all PKs are damaged. Many grow up with a robust faith and a deep love for the church. But the conditions that produce either outcome — faith or deformation — are not accidental. They are created by the environment the pastor builds at home. The PK problem is real. And it is largely preventable by pastors who are willing to take it seriously and make different choices than the culture of ministry may encourage. "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." — Ephesians 6:4 Your children are watching how you live the faith more than they are listening to what you preach about it. The home is the primary formation environment. Not the church.