Leaving Church: A Memoir of Faith

Barbara Brown Taylor chronicles her path into and out of parish ministry, beginning with her early calling to become an Episcopal priest in the 1980s. Her journey takes her from a bustling urban church in Atlanta to a small congregation in rural Georgia. Taylor documents the realities and daily rhythms of life as a parish priest, from sermons and hospital visits to administrative duties and congregational dynamics. The narrative follows her growing awareness of both the rewards and costs of full-time ministry. She recounts her decision to leave parish ministry after fifteen years and transition to teaching religion at a small college. This shift prompts her examination of what it means to maintain faith outside traditional church structures. The memoir explores universal themes of vocation, burnout, and the distinction between institutional religion and personal faith. Through her experience, Taylor illuminates the complex relationship between serving God within and beyond church walls.

Readers connect with Taylor's honest account of her faith journey and career transition. Many appreciate her poetic writing style and vulnerability in discussing religious doubt. Reviews highlight her ability to articulate complex spiritual questions without offering oversimplified answers. Readers praise: - Raw authenticity about ministry burnout - Beautiful prose and metaphors - Resonance with those questioning traditional church roles Common criticisms: - Too much focus on personal struggles versus spiritual insights - Lack of concrete resolution or clear spiritual direction - Some find her tone self-absorbed Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (500+ ratings) Representative review: "Taylor puts into words what many of us feel but struggle to express about our relationship with organized religion" - Goodreads reviewer Critical review: "While beautifully written, the narrative meanders through personal grievances without offering meaningful spiritual guidance" - Amazon reviewer

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🔷 Barbara Brown Taylor was named one of the 12 most effective preachers in the English language by Baylor University, and TIME magazine included her on their list of most influential people in 2014. 🔷 The author resigned from her position as an Episcopal priest after 15 years of ministry, not because she lost her faith, but because she felt called to explore spirituality beyond the confines of traditional church walls. 🔷 Taylor has taught world religions at Piedmont College in Georgia, where she encourages students to attend services of faiths different from their own to broaden their understanding of spirituality. 🔷 The memoir was awarded the 2006 Theologos Award for Best General Interest Book and included among the year's Best Books by Publishers Weekly. 🔷 After leaving her parish ministry, Taylor found spiritual meaning in everyday activities like gardening and stargazing, leading her to develop what she calls "the practice of wearing God's world as a prayer shawl."