This Odd and Wondrous Calling: The Public and Private Lives of Two Ministers by Lillian Daniel

by Lillian Daniel

This Odd and Wondrous Calling offers something different from most books available on ministry. Two people still pastoring reflect honestly here on both the joys and the challenges of their vocation. Anecdotal and extremely readable, the book covers a diversity of subjects revealing the incredible variety of a pastor’s day. The chapters move from comedy to pathos, story to theology, Scripture to contemporary culture. This Odd and Wondrous Calling is both serious and fun and is ideal for those who are considering the ministry or who want a better understanding of their own minister’s life.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Memoir, Spirituality, Church, Christianity, Biography Memoir

Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Sam Pfab Hospo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really love the little vignettes of these two ministers' experiences. Not only enjoyable but also provides great insight into the minor and transformative pieces of life and ministry. The AMP students in our Emotional Intelligence course this semester.

[Katherine Pershey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much, and recommend it not only to fellow pastors, but also to the people who love us but think we might be a little bit nuts for doing what we do (including perhaps parishioners...)

Many of the essays were familiar - literally, because I've read them in previous iterations in the pages of the Christian Century and Journal for Preachers. Others were familiar because they so faithfully reflected my own experiences in congregational ministry.

I stopped reading Leaving Church: A Memoir of Faith when BBT actually made her leave-taking. I couldn't read any further, even though I of course love her writing and wisdom. In some ways, this book was a response to that one - not a critical or mean one, just a parallel offering that demonstrates another way. It ends with a chapter about staying in church, which is endearing and hopeful to this pastor who intends to remain in congregational ministry for the long haul.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a layperson in the Episcopal church, and I absolutely loved this book. I have a whole new appreciation for our priests and the work they do. And, I have to admit, there were certain places where I recognized myself in the parishioners, and had to cringe a bit!

This book is definitely recommended, especially the first chapter, which discusses the holy imagination and chili mac. Hilarious and heartbreaking.

[Liralen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should have been required reading in my first semester of divinity school. (I still would have quit, and without regret at that. But I might have felt a tad less isolated.) I know of no other book like This Odd and Wondrous Calling, writes Peter J. Gomes in the foreword, and I am convinced that it will come to play a useful and significant part of the formation of the clergy of the next generation (xiii). But let's come back to that.

At any rate, this worked brilliantly well for me. Alternating essays by two pastors—essays about prayer and divinity school and the joys and difficulties of ministry. They have quite different backgrounds, and I'd love to know how this book came about (how long had they known each other? Who suggested a joint project?), but the essays are all accessible and light. I'm curious about how closely the style of the essays tie into the writers' preaching styles, because in some ways these do read as sermons to me...just sometimes ones that wouldn't really translate to a pulpit.

Regarding Gomes's foreword, this does seem very much a modern book—that accessibility and, yes, sort of irreverence. They're both in liberal traditions, which does not seem altogether a coincidence in terms of the style of writing (not to suggest that more conservative pastors have no sense of humour...just that Daniel and Copenhaver are trying to reach a particular audience, I think). That's probably a large part of the appeal for me, but the whole thing just felt very...thoughtful and reassuring, maybe.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I was glad to read a book that celebrates being in ministry (Copenhaver dialogues with Barbara Brown Taylor's "Leaving Church"), I think my original plan to read this collection of essays one at a time was better than running through them quickly, as I did with the second half of the book. I felt encouraged and challenged, in a positive way, by the first half, but in the end I felt like I wasn't very good at any of the things they were writing about, either professionally or personally. That's a little discouraging, and I'm sure it wasn't the intention of the authors! I resonated more with Daniel's chapters, and I don't think that's about age or gender. I like her writing style better. It's more compact. Copenhaver's style is a little more meandering. I found myself wanting to edit some of his chapters, but there were others I loved.
I recommend this book both for pastors and for involved lay people who might appreciate an insight into the pastoral life.

[Tad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this book for anyone considering going into the ministry (like myself) as it gives an honest, unflinching portrait of what it is really like to be in that field that can be so frustrating and exciting at the same time. Also recommended for current clergy who will probably be able to relate to many of the stories shared here. All in all, a wonderful and well-written book that had me both laughing and holding back tears, sometimes in the same story.

[Jonelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just finished reading another book that I'll be reviewing this Sunday on pastor memoirs. This one was well written and offered two points of view--a 40-something female pastor and an older male pastor--both from the UCC denomination. It seemed to offer an honest appraisal of the work and would be a great book to read for those considering this kind of vocation.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book so much that I've given it to several people for ordination / installation gift.

[Cate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book would have a pretty niche audience, but I'm it! This book was everything I needed to hear right now, and restored some of my hope in a challenging vocation in a challenging world. It seems primarily directed toward ordained leaders and others who have experience in that field, however it could offer insight into a life in ministry to lay folks and anyone who is curious as well. Have you ever found yourself asking a minister "But what do you DO?"? If so, this book could help clarify that question for you.

The book shares stories, anecdotes, and advice from two ministers, Lillian Daniel and Martin B. Copenhaver, who each have a few decades of ministry experience under their belts. They write alternating chapters, and although I preferred one author's style to the other (I won't say which), they both shared useful and amusing things. I felt seen and heard in my call, because so much of this book echoes what I've experienced in my three years. Some of the things they shared inspired me and refreshed my perspective on ministry. I found myself thinking "If only we weren't in a pandemic, so we could return to shaking hands at the door. I wonder how I can implement something similar now...", and feeling reinvigorated to appreciate aspects of ministry I had started to ignore.

I bought this for myself when I was in seminary, and it's been on my shelf, staring at me, ever since. For whatever reason, I decided my week of study leave this year was the time to pick it up (even though I savoured it for longer than just study week!), and I'm so glad I did. Even though it was written over a decade ago, it still rings true today. This is one of those books that I wish I had read sooner, however I think it came to me at the right time. I highlighted up a storm in it, and I'll certainly be going back to read it in the future. In fact, I think I have a new ordination gift to give folks! :P

[Julie Golding Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever wondered what the everyday life of a minister is like? Or maybe you are one yourself, whether seasoned or brand-new to the role? Then this book is for you.

This honest and eminently readable book takes those who are curious about or committed to life in the church through what is "ordinary" in the daily existence of a church pastor or priest. Topics include such varied things as what ministers' marriages are like and how ministers do regular tasks in their work, such as hospital visitation. Each chapter has a different topic, so the book need not be read in order, nor all at once.

I would recommend this great resource to enthusiastic newbies, experienced pastors, their family members, their congregations and the generally curious.

[Sadie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever had the experience of reading a book and realizing that you're heard some of it before? I hadn't either until I read this book. There were a couple of chapters that were so familiar. I already knew the stories and I couldn't figure out why because I knew I had never read this book. That's when I remembered that I went to a book reading and discussion with both authors while I was in divinity school duh?

I think it's better that I didn't read this book until now just a few months into my first appointment as a pastor. I loved it, I appreciate learning about their journeys how they balance work and family and life. Why they love being a pastor and are honest about the ways it's really difficult. A really great read that I'm sure I will go back to time and time again.

[Trisha DeBoer · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This Odd and Wondrous Calling" is an interesting book written from the perspectives of two pastors; one male, one female. Not only do they speak of their professional roles, but their private ones, as well. More interesting, both speak of how their private and professional roles mingle and enhance the other. The book was interesting, engaging, and theologically minded. I took very little issue with any of their theological views, and truly, I appreciated the openness and honesty with which they wrote. I think that pastors, seminarians, and people in congregations could get a lot out of reading this book.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really lovely collection. Beautifully written, with beautiful content too.
As a parishioner, I appreciate the insights this gave me to pastoral life.
As a reader, I appreciated how accessible this book is. Pick up and read a short, interesting chapter, one at a time. Skim and hop around. A book you might leave sitting out to dip into here and there - and I suspect more often than not you'll come out refreshed.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very easy-to-digest and informative peek into the lives of two UCC ministers, in essay format. The authors alternate chapters, covering all kinds of topics, from being a minister in public to the politics of associate ministers. It's a quick reading, with some very touching and enlightening stories.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful book, written by two people who are candid and forthright and vulnerable in the expression of their opinions. I love being a pastor and have loved this calling for twenty eight years. Daniel and Copenhaver remind me of why I felt called to the ministry and still do after all these years.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic - it addressed just about every issue or question that I am facing in my first few months as a pastor - how to navigate titles, marriage, gender, money, preaching, ordination, community... I remember thinking at the beginning of every chapterm "oh yes, I was wondering about that, too." This book should be given to every newly ordained minister along with their stole.

[Noah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I really enjoyed this book. I appreciate their candor -- their ability to say things truthfully in a way that is both grounding and inspiring. Also, it's funny. I recommend to anyone with a minister somewhere in their life.

[Reread January 2017]: Really glad to be rereading with my campus discernment group. Themes of prayer and humility especially resonated with me this time around.

[Elsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were many moments among these stories about the calling to be and remain in pastoral ministry that made me cry. Indeed, it is unique and wonderful work. And it's so odd how we come together to be the church but that's why I love it.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the honest reflections of these two pastors on the blessings and hard parts of everyday ministry. As a new pastor myself, I found the stories comforting, inspiring, and occasionally challenging. Plus, there were a few things to steal for future sermons, which is always a plus.

[Joy Laughridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lillian Daniel is my new inspiration. I related to the chapters on preaching and tithing and found a lot of humor and encouragement in them. The discovery that she was the bass player in an all-girl punk band before going to seminary also endeared me to her.

[Shelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this may be the best book I've read in 2010. Personal stories of 2 ministers finding grace in the situations in which they have found themselves due to their vocational calling. Anyone involved in ministry at any level would enjoy this book.

[Tamara Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for an inside look at the life of a Pastor. This would be an important book for anyone in seminary (or considering going to seminary). I imagine it would also be a good book for lay people interested in just what (and why) their pastors do.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, winsome, wise and true, Lillian Daniel and Martin Copenhaver tell stories of their lives as parish pastors. The authors alternate chapters and topics. Both are gifted writers, and I found this book very enjoyable to read.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very insightful and provocative read about the lives of two ministers, one young and the other older, one a woman and the other a man. I would highly recommend for those interested in pastoral ministry.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this far more than I expected to. Some great insights.

[John Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful anecdotal account of two different ministers experience of their vocations. Both the mundane and the profound.

[Travis Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on ministry I've ever read. Seriously. It's honest, compelling, and beautiful.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The two authors are ministers and write about various topics from their perspectives. It was interesting to read about their lives and there were lessons to be shared for my own life.

[Lis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book that all congregants should read. It gives a great look into what the life of a pastor is really like. It's very well written and a pleasure to read.

[David Bocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think every minister, minister-wannabe, and seminary student simply must read this book. Regardless of your faith tradition, it is heartwarming, sad, powerful, and VERY insightful. I loved it!