I never wanted to be church leader like my Dad, and guess what I do now!

I was born in the city where my Dad was training to be a vicar. I was raised in vicarages in various places. I didn’t realise until later childhood that not everyone went to church or even knew what a vicar was.

Growing up in a vicarage had lots of perks and quirks.

We lived in beautiful houses (that I didn’t appreciate fully at the time!). I had a front row seat (literally on a Sunday) to the activities and adventure of church, that for me as a child were often exciting, and were with people who I enjoyed being with. I’m sure I got some preferential treatment sometimes because my Dad was the vicar.

And there were the quirks of vicarage life – various dignitaries who visited our house meant we had to be on our absolute best behaviour. My first Saturday job was ringing the bell (singular!) after weddings on a Saturday, of which my Dad did at least two most Saturdays in summer.

And then there was the time where I was handed a box of ashes on the doorstep to give to my Dad for the service at the crematorium the following day…

Perks and quirks.

Without my parents’ faith and willingness I wouldn’t have the foundations that I do or some of the opportunities that I’ve had in my life. In hindsight, I see the heart of my parents and the cost they willingly paid in pursuit of growing the kingdom of God.

But I was adamant, for years, that I would never be a church leader.