Book Review - The Call by Os Guinness

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

Os Guinness, a student of Francis Schaeffer and renown author, speaker, thinker has given a gift to the Christians community in his book The Call. Designed to be read as sort of a “daily devotional” The Call has twenty six chapters exploring the meaning of God’s call on one’s life. Guinness considers topics ranging from discerning one’s vocation to finding meaning in the menial. With thoughtful reflection, provoking anecdotes, and piercing analysis Guinness helps the reader develop a full-orbed vision of what it means to be called by God both spiritually and vocationally.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.

I don’t think I can speak highly enough of this book. Guinness is not addressing the “how to” of leadership and vocation as much as the “why to.” Those looking for “three easy steps” to discern and develop ones calling will initially be put off by Guinness's philosophic style. But read on and you will discover a wealth of wisdom and insight not only in the area of calling, but into a spiritual worldview encompassing all of life. Those who struggle with “how does my work matter to God?” will especially be glad they gave Guinness the investment. Guinness is a stellar model of good writing, intellectual thinking, and warm communication. The quotes and stories are worth the price of the book themselves.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.

The chapter entitled “Patches of Godlight” moved me to tears. I don’t know if I have ever read anyone who so skillfully articulates the path to finding “splendor in the ordinary”. I plan to reread this book in the daily reading format in which it was designed. I would also love to use The Call in a group study with other men who are seeking out greater meaning in their jobs. Guinness is also helpful in seeing ones’ work as vocation and not simply occupation.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.

p.25 “Only when we respond to Christ and follow his call do we become our real selves and come to have personalities of our own. So when it comes to identity. Modern people have things completely back to front: Professing to be unsure of God, they pretend to be sure of themselves. Followers of Christ put things the other way around: Unsure of ourselves, we are sure of God.”