Like Father, Like Son?

One day following a church meeting, an elderly female friend brought up a question while we ate lunch. Her late husband was a pastor, but their son had no interest in becoming one. She questioned if the call to preach can be hereditary. I immediately thought of father-son ministry teams like Billy and Franklin Graham, John and Joel Osteen, John and Matthew Hagee, and others whose churches I attended.

Some renowned preachers have a family legacy. For instance, Perry Stone hails from four generations of ministers. Kenneth E. Hagin had seen his son and grandson preach. Unfortunately, the latter was recently removed from his position at Rhema Bible Church due to misconduct (I pray Craig Hagin repents and is restored).


It’s natural for some boys to follow in their fathers’ footsteps when it comes to their careers. However, that wasn’t the case for me. My father was an interior decorator, but that never piqued my interest. Instead, I worked as a disc jockey, plus various sales jobs before eventually becoming an evangelist.


I’m not discounting female preachers, but I don’t recall any that followed their mothers into full-time ministry. However, I can think of at least two who followed their fathers. One is Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of Billy Graham. Another is Terri Savelle Foy, the daughter of Jerry Savelle. Some might argue Terri is more of a motivational speaker. Then again, she regularly ministers in churches (including my former home fellowship Living Word Christian Center).


Every Christian is called to serve in ministry. The Great Commission extends to all believers. Your mission field may differ from that of your parents. So whether you are a businessman, a homemaker, a student, a retiree, or in the five-fold ministry, God wants to use you to minister His love to others.


“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” - Ecclesiastes 9:10

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