Book Two: This Odd and Wondrous Calling

This Odd and Wondrous Calling: The Public and Private Lives of Two Ministers
By Lillian Daniel and Martin Copenhaver

Throughout the course of a day, I often hear clergy and religious professionals say, "That's something they didn't teach you in Seminary." Indeed, one of the things they never teach us is how to successfully navigate the demands of your very public role with the needs of your personal life. Through a series of essays, Lillian Daniel and Martin Copenhaver share glimpses of their own varied, yet somewhat universal, experiences in ministry. Chapters on praying, shaking hands, hospital visitations, associate ministry, and advocacy ground the discussion surrounding public ministry; discussions about PKs (preacher's kids), being married to the pastor (or being married to a pagan), and what happens when your child is in the hospital during Holy Week open readers to the very human lives of spiritual leaders. I've read many "spiritual autobiographies" (readers please note: you'll get to read reviews on many others over the course of this year), but never have I read one that made me think "I wish this was required reading in Seminary."

Perhaps Copenhaver's commentary on why he remains in ministry when so many of his colleagues have left the Church resonates the most with me: "(T)he affirmation that God can be found outside the church has never seemed like much of a claim. The true wonder is that God can be found inside the church, among quirky, flawed, and broken people who have little in common and yet are bound to one another...If we can practice the art of reconciliation long enough with one another in church, then we have a chance to let reconciliation mark our relationships with others outside the church as well. The church, like family, is the place where we learn to live with people we are stuck with. And when we stick together, it is a living reminder of the God who is stuck with us all." As one who wanders on the margin of the institutional Church, I can think of no better reminder of why I continue to believe in God and the mission of the Church.

Heard about it from: Cokesbury

You can purchase it at: http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=807040