shared by Collie Coburn

In June of 1967, my Dad took on his first pastoral assignment. He and Mom packed up the family and moved to Water Valley, KY. Waiting for us there was a beautiful red brick church with a lovely parsonage right next door. My older brother, Kimball Jr, younger sisters, Kathy and Cari, and I were very young. Cari had just been born before the move. Water Valley was a small rural community with lots of room for me and Kimball Jr to run around. That’s why Mom and Dad said we were always to let them know where we were going.

When I tell people that I grew up as a pastor’s kid (PK), I get mixed reactions. Some might imagine PKs as being automatically well-behaved young Christians. But for those of us who actually know preacher’s kids, we’ve seen that they can also be a bit on the wild side. I see myself somewhere in the middle. Being a PK can present certain challenges for a kid. But as you’ll see in my case, the challenge was more on the preacher.

Dad’s first challenge happened when he was preaching his first sermon ever at Water Valley Methodist Church on Father’s Day. To say he was nervous is an understatement. Mom had to slip out to take care of the needs of Kathy and Cari, so she took them home while my big brother and I stayed in the service. Kimball Jr sat quietly and listened, but I quickly lost interest and wanted to leave. I remembered the promise to my parents that I would always let them know where I was going. What happened next was reported in the local newspaper the following day.

“Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family.”

1 Peter 2:17 (The Message)

There were plenty of times I made Dad’s job difficult. But to be honest, I don’t quite remember this incident. What I do remember is how comfortable I felt at Church. Perhaps that’s why I always felt free to be myself completely. Church friends are like an extension of my own family. Even when visiting churches other than mine, I still find it natural to smile and chat with strangers. I hope you feel this way too.

When we feel loved, supported, and encouraged at church, it confirms we are part of the family. And when we love, support, and encourage others at church, we are strengthening the family. Let’s work together to build up the family of God and make the Church a place where no one wants to say, “I’m going home.”

See you on Sunday!

Collie