Pastors

What is it like to be a pastor's kid, to grow up in both the spotlight and the shadow?

Recently LEADERSHIP received a note from Lorina Marsch of Winnipeg, Manitoba: "My husband is minister-at-large for the Mennonite Brethren churches in Canada. On our travels, we meet many pastor families and get firsthand stories of their lives. One story that touched our hearts came by way of a letter written in January 1988 just before the installation of Albert and Dianne Friesen in the pastorate of a Winnipeg church. They have two children; Jared was 8, and Dana, the writer, was 10 at the time. The letter reveals hidden expectations toward PKs and how the kids themselves feel about it. Many other pastors' children share in the poignant plight revealed here."

Here, with Dana's permission, is the letter she wrote to her pastor parents:

Dear Mom and Dad,

Jared and I have never been right in front of a church, and you have. We are a litle nervis and you are not. You have many friends at church and we don't, ...

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