#20: On reformed theology and grace for pastor’s kids with Scott Garrison.

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It might seem odd, but I believe growing up in a pastor’s home to be one of the most treacherous realities young kids can face. I can speak to this because I am a pastor’s kid (p.k.). My dad’s been serving as the senior pastor of Colonial Hills Baptist Church in the upstate of South Carolina since 1998. My whole life has revolved around the church, see that every time the doors were open, we were there. Sunday School is practically in my DNA at this point. Perhaps you’re wondering, though, how that’s a bad thing. And to that I’d say that being close to church and religion all the time makes it far easier for the privilege of church and religion to be taken for granted. The liberties and freedoms of worshiping freely and frequently aren’t as precious as when you have to sneak around and do it, out of fear of persecution or even execution.

Growing up a p.k. is dangerous because the surprise and awe of the gospel is often worn off through seeing the “behind-the-scenes” of ministry. It’s tough to believe in the gospel when your dad comes home worn out and spent emotionally because his beloved congregation has chewed him up and spit him out at their own lack of understanding the gospel. The messiness of ministry often removes the gloss off ministry life, and yet, in that mess, the mercy of Christ meets us. It comes to speak to us, and remind us of the infallible veracity of the Father’s grace. Christ meets us in the mess and tenders incomprehensible mercy to us. For sinners and for pastor’s kids.

In this episode, I’m joined by Scott Garrison, a former police officer turned church planter turned Reformed Theology apologist. Scott shares the story of his salvation, recounting the marvelous way God drew him to himself. We also speak to the realities of growing up in a pastor’s home. What happens when a p.k. doesn’t believe what they’ve heard their whole life? How can a p.k. grow up not reading the Bible? Also, we touch on how Reformed Theology should inform and impact parents.

Resources.

Reflections of a Prodigal: 40 Days of Renewal, Scott Garrison

Holiness: It’s Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots, J. C. Ryle

The Bondage of the Will, Martin Luther

The Imperfect Pastor: Discovering Joy in Our Limitations through a Daily Apprenticeship with Jesus, Zack Eswine

The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance—Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters, Sinclair Ferguson

Keeping the Heart, John Flavel

Knowing God, J. I. Packer

Grace: So Much More Than You Know and So Much Better Than You Think, Brad J. Gray

Sponsor.

This episode is brought to you by the Christian Standard Bible. Find out more by going to CSBible.com.

Notes.

Scott and his wife Laura currently live in Nashville, Tennessee. There, Scott pastors South City Church. Scott is an avid blogger, often speaking to the harder sides of Christianity. But in that rawness, there’s found some very real grace. You can read him on his blog, PreacherInked.com, and on DeadMenStuff.com. Be sure to also keep up with him on Twitter, @bscottgarrison.

Credits.

Intro music: “West Coast” by Ryan Little, licensed under CC BY 4.0.