Surviving the Fishbowl: Letters to Pastors' Kids

“Catherine Stewart, who edited the helpful book Letters to Pastors’ Wives, has assembled another timely volume with an impressive list of contributors called Surviving the Fishbowl: Letters to Pastors’ Kids. Every pastoral family will resonate with the topics covered and find wisdom and encouragement for facing the challenges that children encounter in the course of ministry life.”

“Too often, the pastor’s family lives with weighty and unarticulated open secrets. Dad has been called—summoned by God and confirmed by the congregation—to undershepherd a flock of sheep (and wolves), while the pastor’s wife and children live under expectations shared by no other family in the church. PKs are born into a burden and a blessing that they did not choose but in God’s providence was chosen for them. And under the spotlight, they confront the world, the flesh, and the devil. This excellent and balanced volume gives biblical words, categories, and concepts to these real burdens. Every chapter in this book is worth its weight. And every chapter unearths an important truth—when God calls a man to the office of teaching elder (pastor), He intends a blessing for each member of his family. God never overlooks the obedience of children. While that blessing may have sharp edges and lonely days, under the light of the gospel and the love of God, it bears fruit for the child, the church, and the world.”

“The latest collection from Catherine Stewart is another gem. How I wish I had this volume while our three PKs were growing up. Not to worry: now this resource should be on every gift list for every pastor’s home. It is practical, biblical, and lively and features a faculty of wise and experienced parents. Having known many of the children discussed in this book and their parents, who write unique epistles to pastors’ kids, I find that this fine and timely book oozes authenticity. If you love your pastor, share this book with his children!”

“I’m not sure I’ve seen a book quite like this one, and it’s curious why that is so. Pastors’ kids are certainly in a fishbowl, and these letters covering every imaginable issue are the perfect antidote for both parents and children. Cleverly conceived and disarmingly candid, this book is sure to do a great deal of good. I nominate it as book of the year!”

“The aim of this volume is to provide many of the tools a pastor’s child will need. But pastors and pastors’ wives need to read it, too. Here are insights from seasoned preachers who have given years to the gospel ministry, from PK’ s who have wandered away but have come home to Christ in the end, from moms and dads who love their children and want them to thrive and want to help our children thrive, too. May the Lord use it to comfort troubled young hearts and direct them heavenward. May He use it to counsel troubled parents as they care for their ministry children. And above all, may Christ be magnified!”