First Ever Pastors’ Kids Regional Convention Held in the Philippines

Pastors’ kids (PKs) from across the Adventist Church’s Southwestern Philippine Union Conference (SwPUC) gathered at its Adventist regional headquarters in Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, August 16-17 to explore the unique challenges and misconceptions they face as children of ministry leaders.

The SwPUC Children’s Ministries Department organized the event, which provided a safe space for these young participants to openly share their struggles while receiving biblical guidance from mentors and peers who understood them.

“This first-of-its-kind event in SwPUC was eagerly anticipated, not just by the children, but by adults who grew up as pastors’ kids without similar opportunities,” SwPUC children’s ministries director Marife Patalinghug said. “Participants are hungry for understanding, and this convention helps them embrace their role with grace and responsibility.”

Throughout the event, resource speakers delivered impactful messages that empowered the children to rise above misconceptions, build their identity in Christ, and see their role in God’s mission. Patalinghug noted, “The children engaged enthusiastically with the discussions, gaining a clearer sense of how they can contribute to their communities and support their parents in ministry.”

This initiative reflects SwPUC’s commitment to equipping the next generation to live out their faith boldly, grounded in mission and compassion, regional church leaders said.

Challenges that PKs Face

Research studies show that despite their close proximity to the church, PKs are not immune to spiritual uncertainty.

One of the most prominent challenges is the weight of unrealistic expectations. Studies indicate that many pastors believe their children are subjected to increased scrutiny, with congregations expecting them to uphold an image of moral and spiritual perfection. These heightened expectations can be emotionally taxing, as PKs often feel forced to represent a level of spiritual maturity that may not reflect their personal experiences or desires.

Another significant factor is the impact of negative church experiences. Many pastors said that witnessing conflict within the church or criticism of their parents has a negative impact on their children’s faith development. Such experiences can foster disillusionment and erode a PK’s trust in the church community, complicating their spiritual journey.

Additionally, PKs often struggle with a lack of time with their parents, as pastoral duties frequently require significant time and attention. It is something that can lead to feelings of neglect among PKs, studies have shown.

Discussions and Social Activities

The two-day convention addressed a variety of relevant topics, including the influence of smartphones and gadgets, the importance of maintaining physical and mental health, and strategies for cultivating a positive mindset. Central to the discussions was the theme, “Daddy Needs You the Most,” emphasizing the critical role that pastors’ kids play in supporting their father’s ministry.

Beyond the lectures, the convention fostered deeper connections through rapport-building discussions, group activities, and reflective exercises. Participants expressed their thoughts on sticky notes, which were then displayed on a wall, creating a tangible representation of their experiences. One participant shared, “My father works hard every day in the ministry, so I wanted to show him affection and become an important support for him in his work.”

The program culminated on Saturday (Sabbath) with an inspiring message from Danita Caderma, children’s ministries director for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division. She underscored the role of the church in nurturing pastors’ kids and focused on their unique calling within the church’s mission. During her prayer, Caderma encouraged participants to see themselves as vital contributors to their father’s ministry and to actively support the gospel work.

“It’s undoubtedly challenging to be a pastor’s kid, but we’re excited to highlight just how important their role is. They should feel encouraged to be actively involved in ministry,” Patalinghug said.

One of the delegates, Jaxith Jez Pepito, reflected on the meeting. “As pastors’ kids, we still need to uphold God’s image. It’s important to continue spreading God’s word wherever we go.”

This article is based on the story posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site. The original article was posted by the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference.