Faith of My Fathers: Conversations with Three Generations of Pastors about Church, Ministry, and Culture

The past sixty years has seen dramatic changes in the culture of America. These changes range from the way religion is viewed and the invention of new forms of media, to the general demise of racism and the controversies over abortion and homosexuality. How Christians have viewed and reacted to these changes has differed over time. Faith of My Fathers explores these changes and much more through the experiences of three generations of pastors. Though Chris Seay is the principle author, Faith of My Fathers is really a conversation between a family of pastors united by their love for Christ but divided in their views of ministry and culture. The conversations take place between Chris, his brothers, Brian and Robbie, dad and grandfather (Papa). Donald Miller also adds his two cents from time to time. After introducing themselves, the family begins by discussing inner-church issues, such as the use of different forms of media and music, multigenerational gaps, and the spiritual and family life of pastors. They then move on to discuss doctrine and how to properly understand the Bible. The conversation gets heated when they begin discussing abortion, James Dobson, and how Christians should be involved in politics (if at all). After addressing racial issues, Chris brings up a personal family matter to close the book. The parts of the book I enjoyed most were those that resonated with my own experiences. Since multigenerational issues were part of the reason I left the church I grew up at, I was intrigued by that conversation. What I didn't appreciate about the book was the input of Donald Miller. Some of his comments, especially his rants again James Dobson and the Republican party, distracted from the stories of Chris's family. In his foreword, Donald Miller describes Faith of My Fathers as a documentary (15), and I think that's the best way to approach it. Those who are looking for a `how to' in regards to the issues discussed won't find much direction. What they will find are rich and honest stories born out of the real life experiences of men who have sailed the rolling waves of a changing church and culture.

Do yourself a favor: Ignore the title. Force yourself to at least read the first chapter. That's what I did. Now, I don't know if it was some sort of male version of PMS or what, but I found myself against all logic continually moved with emotion. I was downright weepy at times-downright annoyed at others. It's embarrassing. Chris Seay, along with his brother Robbie, sat down for an extended conversation with his father and grandfather. All four are "career" ministers with very different philosophies of ministry. This book is nothing more than a transcript of that conversation, raw and mostly unedited. It is insightful, honest and a must read for anyone who wrestles with the ongoing tension between church and culture. Oh, and "Papa" definitely steals the show. Should you buy the book? You'll know the answer to that after reading chapter one.

Very good look at the past and present challenges and realities of ministry through diverse sets of lens. Worth the read...