Being a Pastor's kid can be rough at times. From Catholic friends having no clue what it means, to having your pastor also be your parent, to always having to be on your best behavior, it's a full-time job. Let me recount a few of the struggles for you so that you can have a glimpse into the life of a PK.
1. The term “PK”
Use the term in front of someone who isn’t and they’ll stare at you like you're from another planet.
2. That one person who is always the last to leave the church
You're left waiting in the car or begging for the keys so that you can go home.
3. This meme
4. Everyone thinks you're a complete angel or a total rebel
Can't I just be me?
5. Not even bothering to ask if you can wear jeans to church
The answer is no.
6. The face that you make when a congregation member has been talking to you for a really long time and you're trying to be polite, but you really just want to escape
Can we go home yet? I have homework.
7. Everyone in the congregation asks you about your college plans
There's a sign around my neck that reads: Chemistry major, Music minor, Senior at Wittenberg University. Yes, I really am a Senior (even though I look like I'm still 16). Yes, time sure does fly by and how am I supposed to respond to you remembering when I was just a little baby? (Are you ready to go yet, Mom?)
8. Knowing the busybodies, alligators, and cliques in the congregation
You have to know who you can trust to fill you in on the gossip.
9. The pastor (and his/her family) doesn't live in the church
It's called a parsonage. Look it up.
10. The Pastor works 24/7, not just on Sundays.
Other duties include, but are not limited to: visiting people in the hospital or nursing homes, weddings, funerals, baptisms, writing sermons, and typing bulletins if they don’t have a secretary. Plus, they also have family chores such as cooking, cleaning, and trying to have a quasi-normal life.
11. Hiding when your pastor parent comes home from church council meetings
You listen to the latest church drama from a couple of rooms away.
12. Sunday afternoon naps
They are a necessity. Don't poke the sleeping Pastor.
13. Guilt from missing/skipping even one church service while at college
You may be at college, but they know when you miss. They always know.
14. Being spoiled by older church members who have basically become your pseudo-grandparents
They’re always waiting with arms wide open and cookies, pie, or (in my case) fruit pizza to spoil you with.
15. Having the most dedicated and loving parent(s) in the entire world
I love you, Mom and Dad.