FROM THE PSYCHIATRIST’S CHAIR:
Selected works of Dr Monty Barker
Words by Design. 201 pages. £12.50
ISBN 978 1 909 075 672
Monty Barker was a consultant psychiatrist who taught medics in his professional capacity as well as mentoring and counselling theological students around the world. This book contains a collection of his talks and papers, which he delivered over many years of far-reaching ministry.
The book consists of five sections: issues in the family; issues of health; issues in the workplace; issues in pastoral ministry; and issues in cross-cultural mission. Each section consists of between three and seven short chapters.
Timeless issues
Many of the writings were delivered in the late 1980s and early 1990s, so some of the examples used in the material do appear a little dated. However, the issues discussed in the subject matter are timeless. Struggles in marriage, parenting, depression, bereavement, work-family balance, burnout, ministry expectations, ministry needs, missionary call and culture shock are all covered, as are many more.
The lectures are easily accessible, while at the same time providing depth of insight into the human condition and human experience as well as the application of biblical wisdom to the subject matter. Depending on our personal situations, I would suggest that certain sections will resonate more strongly than others. For example, the section on ‘issues in the workplace’ largely focuses on those working in the medical sphere and would therefore be pertinent to those involved in this area. I personally found the section on ‘issues in the pastoral ministry’ extremely insightful and would encourage those in both formal and informal ministry to consider Monty’s writing in this area. Given the struggles we face personally or when supporting others, as we persevere together through the ‘now and not yet’ of this fallen world, the variety of writings in this book is sure to speak into the hearts and lives of many.
