Exploring the rich experience of the PFE Book Club

by Sarah Burbridge

The image I have in my mind when I think of the PFE book club is that of a delicious Yorkshire tea bread and extra mature cheddar - rich, sharp and perfect with a cup of tea. 

The PFE book club connects women in the UK and a few from beyond our border. Our different ages, stages and background means there is much diversity of thought. I love the rich experience this delivers whilst reading a stimulating book. Everyone is welcoming and share stories from their lives openly to illustrate points being made in the book. Engaging with real life joys and struggles means the head knowledge has more of a chance to become heart knowledge. You feel heard and not judged. The culture of the PFE book club is that of collective 'head scratching' as discipleship dilemmas pour in. The silent members are welcomed too and there were times, I was content to just observe the chats and join in when I was ready. Much of my observation during that period consisted of 'I thought that was just me but others feel that too'. 

The messaging platform 'band' is user friendly. The book is read in sections over several weeks, with each section allocated it's own discussion tab. This means that if you fall behind you can still join the discussion under the relevant tab. 

Its always best to read with local friends at church who understand your context but if that is not an option for you, I'd highly recommend reading with the PFE ladies. Better still read locally and join the national/international conversation too! 

Find out more about our next Book Club read - Enjoying Jesus by Tim Chester here.