Growing Up in Ministry: Legacy, Friendship, and the Call to Impact
Ministry is more than a career; it’s a lifestyle, a calling, and for some, it’s the very fabric of their upbringing. In this second episode of “Growing Up In Ministry” on the “Unfiltered Podcast”, we delve into the unique experience of growing up in a ministry family. Through the lens of the Prepare International (PI) family, we uncover how childhood memories, challenges, and deep-rooted bonds have shaped a commitment to serve that spans decades.
A Childhood Shaped by Ministry
Growing up in ministry isn’t the typical childhood experience. It means constant moves, new homes, and adapting to ever-changing environments. As the speakers reflect, this nomadic lifestyle often brought unique challenges, such as building lasting friendships. Unlike many who grow up in one place with the same friends from kindergarten to adulthood, the PI family learned to find friendship within their family unit.
“I think my family had to be my friends,” shared one of the guests, highlighting how those bonds were not only necessary but also formative. From playful sibling rivalries to moments of genuine connection, the family became a team, sharing in both the joys and challenges of ministry life.
Making Your Family Your Friends
What set this family apart was their ability to cultivate genuine friendships with one another. They played together, supported one another, and even invited in-laws into their circle with open arms. “Working with my family is easier because we’re actually friends, too,” one speaker remarked, underscoring the importance of these relationships in their work at PI.
This foundation of friendship, nurtured by their parents’ intentionality, allowed them to carry their bonds into adulthood. Whether it was playing Barbies with their dad or engaging in creative play with siblings, these experiences planted seeds of unity that grew into a shared passion for ministry.
The Power of Purpose and Involvement
One recurring theme was the importance of purpose and involvement. From a young age, the PI family was not merely bystanders in their parents’ work. They were active participants. “We had to know how to tell a three-minute testimony with a translator by the time we were five,” one sibling recalled. This level of involvement gave them a sense of ownership and purpose, helping them see that their contributions mattered.
Decades later, this foundation continues to inspire them. “I want to continue to make a difference in the world,” one sibling said. “Even if PI is just a little part of that, why would I not want to do it?”
Ministry as a Lifestyle
For the PI family, ministry isn’t just what they do—it’s who they are. It’s a lifestyle ingrained so deeply that stepping away feels unnatural. One speaker compared their ministry bond to that of a military unit, saying, “We fought together in the kingdom. I don’t want to fight with anyone else.”
The family’s commitment is also tied to the legacy of their parents. Over the last 25 years, their parents built credibility and integrity within the ministry world, opening doors for their children to lead and influence. One of the children reflected, “Because of who dad and mom are, we get to step into rooms we might not otherwise enter. Their legacy gives us opportunities to lead and speak.”
Challenges and Pressures
While the rewards are plentiful, the pressures are significant. Carrying the weight of a multi-decade ministry comes with its challenges, from managing thousands of students across 25 countries to navigating expectations as the next generation of leaders. Yet, these challenges are met with resolve. “Why would I not build on what’s already been built for almost three decades?” one speaker asked. “I can make the most impact with the time I have by continuing this work.”
The Gift of Legacy
The conversation concluded with a reflection on legacy. Ministry, as the PI family sees it, is like passing down a family ranch—it’s a calling meant to be stewarded and continued for generations. They recognize that their upbringing in ministry is a unique gift, one that has equipped them with the tools, relationships, and vision to make an enduring impact.
Growing up in ministry is no ordinary life, but for the PI family, it’s one they wouldn’t trade. Through friendship, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the mission, they’ve turned a shared childhood into a shared legacy of service. Their story is a testament to the power of family, faith, and a life lived in pursuit of making a difference.
