Review: Fighting for Family

Fighting for Family: The Relentless Pursuit of Building Belonging

By Chris and Julie Bennett (Harper Horizon)

In Fighting for Family, Baylor University graduates Chris and Julie Bennett draw on their experiences in the course of more than 20 years of ministry and marriage to present a practical handbook on developing healthy, thriving families and friendships.

In 2018, the Bennetts moved their family of six from Oklahoma, where Chris was a minister, to California, hoping to create an entertainment company related to “all things family,” only to be hit by an unexpected cancer diagnosis.

In the midst of adjusting to their new home with no existing support network, the Bennetts quickly learned the importance of accepting care and establishing new bonds.

In Fighting for Family, the Bennetts discuss their failures and successes in relating to people, both within their personal family and in the “family” they have established through friendships.

At times, in an attempt to appeal to an audience beyond evangelicals, the book can read as stereotypical middle-aged “cool” ministers trying to grow an audience for their new media company through overly-relevant language hoping to show they’re not stuffy or uncool.

But, don’t judge too quickly.

There is a good bit of helpful content, in particular a caution for extroverts in ministry—who might be inclined to welcome all in as “family”—to set appropriate boundaries for the good of all involved.

By the end, I found myself rooting for this family, who chose to be open about both their successes and failures in relationships so that others might grow. And, I found applications to my own life and ministry. I bet you will, too.

Calli Keener, news writer

Baptist Standard