ACF Rating:
4 out of 5 books
I love a good pair of shoes, which if I’m honest is probably part of the reason I chose this book! I’ve been on the hunt for a good resource for ministry wives for several years now, particularly relating to being yourself in the face of ministry expectations and self care. So when I picked up this book, I was looking forward to seasoned advice, personal stories, and even a dash of Aussie humour.
What I
didn’t expect was a thoroughly written, humourous texbook for clergy wives called to ministry.
While the
title suggests a book about being yourself in ministry, I would argue that it
is instead the kind of textbook that makes you think “finally!” when you get
into it.
The author,
a psychologist originally from Australia but now living in America, really knows
her stuff. She dives headfirst into some great biblical passages, gives some sound
exegesis, and even throws in a bit of Greek and Hebrew translating to better
understand important ministry passages. She shares some funny and intimate stories
from her own experience as a clergy wife and mum, and includes a fabulous section
at the end of each chapter based on feedback from personal surveys, resources,
and conversations with other clergy wives and church members about the
realities of ministry.
While I’d
have to say there isn’t much about being yourself, self care or life outside
ministry, she covers a range of helpful subjects that got me thinking about
ministry differently. With a great mix of humour, bluntness, and even a bit of
satire, the author discusses many aspects of ministry much like a mentor
would, letting you know you aren’t alone, even if you face incredibly difficult
or confusing seasons. She walks with you through leadership, marriage,
friendship, raising clergy kids, following God’s call for you, discerning when
to say no in a ministry situation, and (unexpectedly) learning how to express and
receive love from your church community.
One unique element is the author’s determination to include church
member’s insights and needs as part of the book. I truly admire her goal to
encourage clear communication and targeted support between ministry wives and
church members as equal members of the Body of Christ. For example:
On Friendship:
“Both ministry wives and laypeople are
actually trained to fear intimacy. Because of this, we flap our arms shouting
‘I’m not sure if I can trust you, so keep clear!’ At the same time, the church
members swat back, assuring us, ‘No worries! I don’t want to get close because
you’ll just leave me eventually anyway!’...Sad, isn’t it?”
Saying No:
“I share this dilemma because it would be
very easy for me to write a chapter telling you to just say no, when in reality
it isn’t always that easy. On the other hand, we can also be guilty of assuming
there is no one to take the reins while that person is in our pews just waiting
for someone to ask her to exercise her gifts.”
It’s a
textbook worth taking your time to read – and one I would like to see in any Australian
theological college! Like all books, some advice will work for you and some
won’t, but you’ll definitely walk away with a very real, practical and biblical
resource that covers subjects I’ve not seen other books talk about.
If you know
a clergy wife who feels called to ministry with their husband, is new to ministry, or just looking for a fresh perspective, I thoroughly recommend
grabbing a copy of this book. As always, I’d love to know what you think or if you’d recommend it
to someone in ministry, or even a church member.
You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes can be purchased from Book
Depository.
~ Rachel
www.australianclergyfamilies.com/about -- journeying together with clergy families
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