Preacher's Kid
Romans 3:23
Ephesians 5:1
“Preacher's Kid” is episode #300 of the Adventures in Odyssey audio series. It was written and directed by Marshal Younger, and originally aired on February 4, 1995.
Summary
Donna Barclay is tired of everyone expecting her to be the perfect pastor's child, but her rebellion goes too far.
Plot
Old Mrs. Erskine is at it again. She is sitting behind Donna and her friends during the Sunday morning worship service. George is preaching, and something happens to make all the kids giggle. Mrs. Erskine is annoyed. She threatens to move up a pew and sit between all of them if they don’t quiet down. Not only that, but she tells both George and Mary about Donna’s behavior after the service.
George and Mary come down on Donna, who is beginning to have serious doubts about being a preacher’s kid. Nowadays, it seems that no matter what she does, someone is scrutinizing her. Donna feels she can’t make even the slightest mistake. George and Mary try to sympathize with her, but George tells Donna that now she is expected to be a role model, simply because she is his daughter.
But Donna feels imposed upon, especially when she has to attend pastor functions like a senior citizens’ dinner and a home Bible study on parenting. Donna decides enough is enough. On the night of the Bible study, she skips out to go on a hay ride with her friends. Only, her friends don’t go on a hay ride. Instead, they go to the old Donovan house near Gower’s Field, and accidentally burn it down!
No one is hurt, but the police bring Donna home in disgrace. George is called to an emergency meeting of the pastor’s committee at the church. He is sure he will be fired for not being able to control his rebel daughter, but the committee is anything but condemning. Even Mrs. Erskine is understanding. The committee just wants to know what they can do to help George.
In the end, Donna apologizes for her actions, and everyone realizes that just because you’re a preacher’s kid doesn’t mean you’re perfect.
Discussion Questions
- Were Donna and her friends misbehaving in church? How should they have behaved?
- Were George and Mary putting too much pressure on Donna to behave a certain way? Explain.
- Donna did something she knew she shouldn’t just because her friends talked her into it. Have you ever been in a similar situation?
- How did you handle it?
Cast
Heard in episode
Mentioned in episode
| Character | Mentioned By |
|---|---|
| Stewart Reed Barclay | Jimmy Barclay |
Notes
- Trivia
- This episode is the final appearance of both Eric Myers, who last appeared in #235: “Forgive Us as We Forgive”, and Marsha, who was last heard in #237: “Deliver Us From Evil”.
- In this episode's dream sequence at the drive-in theater, George Barclay says that the last scene of the movie contradicted Deuteronomy 14:6, which states: "You may eat any animal that has a divided hoof and that chews the cud." The infraction in the movie was likely someone eating bacon.
- This is the 300th Adventures in Odyssey episode
Quotes
Jimmy Barclay: Here you go, Normal. Anyway, Stewart, as I was saying, the key thing to remember is that the one way to keep 'em happy is to just feed them. Now they eat a lot more than you think. And they like to think that they're your master. You know, that they're the boss. Just let them think that — it doesn't hurt anything. One tough thing is getting used to the way they smell, but that just takes time. Well, anyways, that's my advice on girls.
Jimmy Barclay: Hey, Mom, the baby spoke. He said the word — get this — "carrot."
Mary Barclay: Carrot!?
Jimmy Barclay: He did! I heard him. His first word was carrot. Where's the baby book?
Mary Barclay: He was just gibbering, Jimmy. Why would he say carrot?
Jimmy Barclay: Maybe he likes them?
Mary Barclay: Oh, would you change his diaper?
Jimmy Barclay: He doesn't want to be changed; he wants a carrot.
Mary Barclay: Trust me on this one, Jimmy.
Kevin: She's a preacher's kid. You can't ask her out.
Eric Myers: Why not?
Kevin: It'll be like going out with... Moses.
Eric Myers: Moses?
Kevin: Well, Moses' daughter. You'd have to do everything right. You never know when you might be breaking a commandment you don't even know about.
Kevin: I'm serious. You'll have to watch every step you take. You date Donna, you date the preacher.
Mrs. Erskine: Jimmy, hurry. You're missing it. We're trying to find all 50 states in Mr. Baker's liver spots.
Jimmy Barclay: Gotta go.
Donna Barclay: Oh, brother.
Mrs. Erskine: Oh, look! I believe it's Florida!
Donna Barclay: Fifteen minutes to digest?! What did they eat — wood chips?
Jimmy Barclay: Donna, you have to come over here. Mr. Williams is doing a puppet show using a zucchini, a rolled up paper plate, and his dentures. It's hilarious!
George Barclay: Then, why did you call this meeting?
Richard (Head of the Pastoral Committee): Well, Mrs. Erskine called it. She suggested that we ask you if there is anything we can do to help.
George Barclay: Mrs. Erskine?
Mrs. Erskine: Yes. That’s right, George. And I just want to say that... I’m sorry. I did exactly what you’re talking about. I expected you and your daughter to be perfect, and that’s just not right. So, I’d like to apologize.
George Barclay: Well, thank you, Mrs. Erskine.
George Barclay: Well, uh... <chuckle> what was it I was talking about?
Jimmy Barclay: Keeping your kids in line?
George Barclay: <beat> Thanks, Jimmy.
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