I was really interested to hear what Barnabas Piper, son of famous Baptist preacher John Piper, had to say in his new book, The Pastor’s Kid. I’m not a “PK,” but my four sons are. I want to understand the unique challenges they face, and I was hoping this book would give me some valuable insight.
For the most part, I wasn’t disappointed. Piper narrates his own book, which I love because you can really hear his heart as he relates this very personal, yet practical book. There are expressions of pain, confessions, impassioned pleas, and, yes, even indictments of his famous father all throughout the work. This must have been a tough book to write. John Piper admits in his touching forward to the book that it was a painful book for him to read as a father.
Barnabas Piper is about my age, and I appreciated his pop culture references and dry humor. He’s a straightforward, plain writer, and I mean that in a good way. His message lands hard and true: Pastors, be mindful of what your unique public role means for the way your child will view the church and the world around them. Church, be sensitive to the family of your pastor. Topics include a description what it’s like to live in “the fishbowl” of public ministry along with a pastor father, and tips for pastor fathers who are trying to relate to their PK. Very valuable information!
I recommend this book for grown PKs who may need some help and healing after a difficult upbringing. I especially recommend this book for pastors with kids for some equipping in understanding and supporting their own PKs.
Please Note: This audiobook was gifted as a part of the Christianaudio Reviewers Program in exchange for my unbiased review of this work. This has in no way influenced my opinion or review of this work. More information can be found about this and other Christian audiobooks at christianaudio.com.