If you live in a parsonage, you don't pay property taxes

That was my revelation tonight. I had dinner with a teacher friend of mine, and she was telling me about the many difficulties she and her colleagues face. Getting a window to let in more light in my study seemed like a ridiculous luxury compared with having current and enough textbooks for her students.

I'm a sympathetic audience. Although it's probably true that pastors don't in general receive the salaries and prestige that their academic credentials would demand in other occupations, I've long felt that teachers are far more abused by the rest of us. Their salaries and respect in most communities are far below what they deserve, and they're constantly struggling for the funds to (a) eek out a modest living, and (b) teach children effectively. Most teachers I know are very idealistic (at least, they start out that way), and are truly fulfilling their calling by teaching. That we don't honor them for their talents and efforts more than we do is shameful.

That's when I had my revelation. One consequence of parsonage life is that I don't pay property taxes. While this is generally a happy circumstance, it also means that none of my salary goes directly to support the schools. If the school district were to come to us and ask for more funding, as much as I'd lobby for it, it would be entirely accurate for someone to say, "It's all well and good for you to advocate higher taxes - since you don't have to pay them, Pastor!"

I don't know that there is a good "solution" for me, other than to patronize school events, purchase fundraiser items when the kids come to my door, and drop a bigger-than-expected donation in the wicker basket at band concerts.

I was just struck by the realization that my status as a pastor resident in the parsonage ever so subtly undermines my credibility as an advocate for proper school funding. I hope nobody else thinks as hard about these things as I do, or they might also figure that out. =(