By: Rev. Liza Angelias
As the world solemnly retraces the sacred steps of Holy Week, a unique gathering of distinguished individuals from both Northern and Southern Mindanao convened at the Royal House Hotel in Tagum City from April 17 to 19, 2025. This significant occasion—the JECPP’s Nationwide Synchronized Conference for Pastors’ Kids (PKs)—was brought to fruition through the visionary initiative of Rev. Dr. Robert Lim, in collaboration with the organization’s spiritual leaders.
Pastor’s Kids
Pastors’ Kids occupy a rare and often misunderstood niche within faith communities. Raised under the public eye of congregational life, their journeys are frequently overlooked—marked by both spiritual blessings and emotional burdens, constant visibility and profound vulnerability. Often expected to embody perfection, these children navigate a labyrinth of complex emotions while witnessing the triumphs and tribulations of ministry life firsthand. The conference sought not only to affirm their unique experiences but to spiritually nourish and equip them—offspring of our beloved missionaries—who are poised to carry the torch of faith forward.
Fifty PKs, spanning ages 12 to 30, gathered alongside eight local pastors in what proved to be an extraordinary and transformative assembly. These young individuals, though diverse in age and experience, shared a common identity as children of pastoral staff—an identity that fosters both camaraderie and calling. Through God’s providence and the unwavering support of their parents, many of these PKs have grown in wisdom, stature, and faith.
Given the retreat’s brief duration, Rev. Peter Wee, JECPP’s Senior Overseer, alongside his wife Rev. Christine Wee, ensured that every moment was filled with purpose and impact. The opening day commenced with a warm welcome from Rev. Wee and a briefing led by Rev. Rosario Simpas. The first plenary session was delivered by Pastor Micah, the eldest child of Rev. Greg and Rev. Rosario Simpas, and the first Filipino missionary child under JECPP in Mindanao. Her session, entitled “The Role of a Pastor’s Kid: Is Ministry My Inheritance?”, braided personal testimony with profound insights on divine calling. She emphasized that one’s identity in ministry is not solely determined by a formal title, but rather on faithfulness and obedience to God’s unique assignment—an idea later echoed by Rev. Wee.
The evening worship service led by gifted PK musicians Sanrose Padua, Anton Pontillas, Shelton Pontillas, and Trina Kintanar, lifted the congregation into heartfelt thanksgiving. That night’s speaker, Rev. Tony J. Angelias, delivered a stirring message titled “Destined for Greatness.” He reminded the attendees that though the label “pastor’s kid” may invite scrutiny or even bullying, it is a divine designation—an identity loaded with blessing, not burden. “You are not a mistake,” he declared. “Extraordinary callings invite extraordinary challenges.” Despite physical exhaustion from travel, delegates responded with spiritual fervor. Tears, uplifted hands, and heartfelt surrender marked the evening as a sacred moment of renewal.
The following day was brimming with activities. After a morning devotional and a hearty breakfast, the attendees heard from three speakers. I had the honor of addressing the topic “Mental Health and Self-Care: Understanding the Acceptance of Struggles.” In an era where youth grapple with anxiety, depression, and trauma, it is imperative to acknowledge that even devout believers—including PKs—are not exempt from these battles. Drawing from Scripture and psychology, I presented practical and biblical strategies for resilience. Participants were also given self-assessment tools to reflect on their current state of emotional and spiritual well-being.
Next, Rev. Rosario Simpas facilitated a dynamic open forum, beginning with a thought-provoking discussion on “Handling Criticism.” She highlighted the difference between constructive and destructive criticism, underscoring the emotional toll that comes from constant scrutiny—especially for PKs, who often inherit the criticisms aimed at their parents. Discerning which battles are worth our emotional investment is the key to maintaining peace.
Rev. Greg Simpas, the final morning speaker, focused on “Good Moral Character,” drawing powerful lessons from the biblical narratives of Nadab and Abihu, as well as the sons of Eli—figures whose misconduct had grave consequences. His message emphasized that while not every PK is called to pastoral ministry, all are called to uphold integrity, humility, and reverence. “Does your conduct, as a PK, reflect or detract from your parents’ ministry?” he asked. The session concluded with a group photo to commemorate the event and celebrate this milestone gathering.
After a sumptuous lunch and a brief rest, the much-anticipated Team Building commenced, skillfully led by Rev. Christine Wee. This segment was not only about fun but fostered a spirit of unity and cooperation. Activities like verse memorization challenged their mind and spirit, with prizes awarded during the evening celebration.
That final night, Rev. Peter Wee delivered an unforgettable message titled “The Inconvenient Call of God.” Referencing a profound quote, he declared: “God does not have a mission for His church—He has a church for His mission.” There is something that God wants to accomplish here on earth, and He has chosen His church to accomplish that mission. He emphasized that the church is not a building, but the collective body of believers entrusted with divine purpose. Often, we desire convenience over calling, asking God to choose somebody else, yet God in His wisdom, chooses the unqualified and qualifies them into vessels for His glory. “The size of God’s call on your life will never match where you are today. It only matches who will you become tomorrow.”
Drawing from Philippians 2:6–8, Rev. Wee displayed Christ’s obedience as the ultimate example of surrendering convenience for the sake of mission. It was a powerful call to embrace inconvenience as part of divine preparation. I saw it with my own eyes and heard many testimonies of deliverance, restoration, and revival towards the calling of God on the lives of these precious Pastor’s kids.
To culminate the retreat, Rev. Dr. Robert Lim blessed us with a celebratory feast featuring a traditional lechon banquet, bringing joy and fellowship to all. Attendees relished the meal while reflecting on the life-changing messages they had just received.
This first-ever JECPP Pastors’ Kids Conference was not merely an event—it was an answer to prayer, a strategic investment in the lives of the 21st-century Levites. Though the retreat lasted only a few days, but everyone went home with a new appreciation of the Call of God in their life. Indeed, to God be all the glory.
