It's here! I managed to get my hands on a copy of Barabas Piper's new book 'The Pastor's Kid' and so far it's excellent! He's written in such a way that it is very approachable, easy to read and feels very relevant to read. He uses many personal examples in his writing but is very clear from the start that he isn't out to 'expose' his family and its flaws. I'm quite relieved personally, the point is not to bring down a prominent Christian theologian, but to delve into issues that all pastor's kids (PKs) face. He is very thorough too!
I'm also impressed that the foreword is written by his dad, John Piper. It shows a real sense of humility and willingness to look at the realities of ministry and its effects on the children of pastors. There are many MANY good quotes (I'm only on page 50!) but I just want to recommend to all pastors, pastor's wives/husbands and pastor's kids out there to get a copy and have a read. You're guaranteed to learn that there are others out there who have had similar experiences to you, to gain an honest insight into how your kids are experiencing your ministry and a sense that there is hope, regardless of whether you belong to a church, or don't want anything else to do with Christianity - your experience is valuable and deserves to be heard.
For those of you in Australia - get yourself a copy! It's fantastic and I haven't found anything published in Australia of the same caliber. You can find it on:
Book Depository (free shipping) - http://www.bookdepository.com/Pastors-Kid-Barnabas-Piper/9780781410359
FishPond (free shipping) - http://www.fishpond.com.au/q/the+pastor%27s+kid?rid=1394117665
Koorong (AUD $12.99 - shipping varies or pick up in store) - http://www.koorong.com/search/product/pastors-kid-the-barnabas-piper/9780781410359.jhtml
Word Bookstore (AUD $11.19 - shipping varies or download online) - http://www.word.com.au/The-Pastors-Kid/Barnabas-Piper/9780781410359\
If you'd like to know more about Barnabas Piper, here's his website (http://www.barnabaspiper.com/the-book). I would love to hear what you think. You can comment anonymously here or contact me at clergyfamiliesau@gmail.com.
~ Rachel
