Arthur W. Pink: Born to Write

by Richard P. Belcher Jr.

The first biography of A.W. Pink ever written. A peculiar man, but a faithful preacher, this biography, while showing that Pink had an eccentric and often hard personality, the author tries to understand his actions and reactions in the theologically desperate and dark times in which he lived, and how Pink sought earnestly to awaken the church to neglected truths. The result is not only a presentation of facts and events but an interpretive biography that reveals the man and his heart-beat for the eternal God and His glory.

Genres: Biography

136 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Dr. Belcher is the Professor of Old Testament. He is an ordained minister in the PCA and pastored an urban nondenominational church in Rochester, NY for ten years before pursuing the Ph. D. This pastoral experience in an unusual and challenging setting gives him great insight into the practical, modern issues that will be faced by future pastors studying with him at RTS. He graduated from Covenant College and received his M. Div from Covenant Seminary. He also received an S.T.M. from Concordia Theological Seminary, and his Ph. D. is from Westminster Theological Seminary. He has served as stated supply for numerous churches in the area since coming to RTS Charlotte in 1995.

Reviews

[H.b. Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been greatly helped by the writings of A.W. Pink - God-centered, biblical, clear, practical, helpful, and uplifting. The story of his life is sad, fascinating, and God-glorifying. This brief biography is a good introduction to the life and ministry of a faithful expositor.

[George Mayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not going to sit here and say that Richard Belcher is an amazing writer, but he does show a vast knowledge of, and love for, A.W. Pink. This biography often reads like a cautionary tale, shining a light on Pink's harsh criticism of churches (most of which he broadbrushed as apostate) and his increasing isolationism having experienced rejection after rejection. However, it also shows how God used Pink's withdrawal in order for him to write more extensively. A.W. Pink had some massive flaws, and his thoughts on the church revealed the heart of a man who was wounded by rejection, and who perhaps thought he ought to be received more publicly. But God used these weaknesses for our benefit. We are still benefiting from the work of Arthur Pink, and we should thank God for that.

[Becky Pliego · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting to see the author share with us two important sides of a man whose writings have blessed so many through the years. On one hand, we see a man who believed in God's sovereignty and God's providence over all things in life, including his desires to write and minister others, which is super encouraging. But on the other hand, we see an imperfect man who let hurt take root in his heart and soon was found isolating himself (and his wife) from any local church.

[joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Helpful read

As someone who is himself an introvert I was helped by the honest truth telling of this godly man A.W. Pink by the author. In a constant search for wisdom in dealing with an introverted mind I see the same struggles and blind spots in myself as in Pink. I do however fall way short of his heights...

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Biography

No doubt Pink was misunderstood and unappreciated in his life. And no doubt he brought on a lot of his misery on himself. But God used Pink in spite of his weaknesses and frailties. This brief biography captures the heart of Pink. Solid and informative.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a brief biography of Arthur W. Pink and it is well done. Belcher has been an avid reader of Pink for many years and has a great appreciation for him. He does however deal quite honestly with some of Pink's shortcomings.

Pink's writings have been of inestimable value to me. I also read the old version of Ian Murray's book on Pink. It has been recently updated and expanded. I recommend both books to you.

[Jess Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

Une biographie bien faite permettant de mieux comprendre le personnage sans compromis de Arthur Pink. L'auteur ne passe pas sous silence les défauts et torts de son sujet sans noircir le tableau.