Preacher's Kid

Donna Barclay’s life has changed since George became the church’s interim pastor. When several teenagers whisper and pass gum during a service, Mrs. Erskine complains specifically about Donna. George explains that people watch a preacher’s daughter more closely, then requires her to sit in the front with Mary. He also warns her to stay away from the condemned Donovan house, where other young people have been trespassing.

Sitting in front is only one new obligation. Mrs. Erskine expects the whole Barclay family at a senior citizens’ dinner, forcing Donna to cancel plans for a movie. The church’s constant attention makes her feel that every choice belongs to the congregation. Meanwhile, her friends tease Eric for considering a date with her, claiming that going out with Donna would be like dating the preacher and obeying extra commandments.

Donna imagines how dreadful that date would be: George would inspect Eric’s poem, correct its spelling, interrupt the movie with Bible criticism, and climb into the front seat between them. The ridiculous picture reflects a real fear that her father’s new role has made ordinary friendships impossible.

At the senior citizens’ dinner, Donna complains while Jimmy genuinely enjoys the unusual entertainment. George later offers a path back to the rear pew: if Donna’s friends will sit in front and behave for two Sundays, he may allow them to sit together in back again. But another conflict arises when George reminds her that she promised to speak at his Friday parenting study, the same night as a hayride. Donna learns that Eric has already invited Allison Davis because he assumes she cannot attend. Her friends tell her that she is never around and has become the preacher’s kid who cannot have fun. Determined to prove them wrong, Donna decides to go.

She slips out before the Bible study, only to discover that her friends have abandoned the hayride plan. They intend to visit the Donovan house on the thirtieth anniversary of the family’s mysterious disappearance. Donna knows George has expressly forbidden it and asks to leave, but teasing about “Reverend Donna” changes her mind.

Inside the dark house, Kevin’s lantern falls and breaks. The flame spreads from a sheet to the curtains too quickly for the teenagers to stop it. Everyone escapes, but the abandoned house burns down. A police officer brings Donna home during the parenting study. No charges will be filed because the condemned building was due for demolition, yet the officer is disappointed and George is stunned that Donna ignored both his warning and her promise.

George’s first response makes Donna’s failure about his reputation. He wonders how he can preach when his daughter has burned down a house and whether anyone will trust a pastor who cannot control his family. The church’s pastoral committee immediately summons him, and George assumes he is about to lose his position. Donna promises to work harder, attend every church event, sit in front, and become the perfect preacher’s kid.

At the meeting, George speaks before anyone can accuse him. Teenagers make mistakes, and Donna must face consequences for hers, but no child can be perfect. He can ask his children to follow God and contribute to the family, yet he cannot demand that they stop being young. If the church wants him, it must accept the Barclays as an imperfect family that will do its best and sometimes fail.

The committee has no intention of dismissing him. Mrs. Erskine called the meeting to ask how the church could help. She apologizes for expecting perfection from George and Donna, and the others affirm their support.

George returns home and tells Donna she never has to pretend to be perfect. He apologizes for words that placed his ministry’s image on her shoulders. Donna still accepts that she deserves punishment and grieves that she has disappointed him. George gathers her close and assures her that disappointment can never end his love. The Barclays are not a perfect preacher’s family; they are a family learning to love one another faithfully through their mistakes.