Holy Calling, Human Heart (A Devotional Companion for Life in Ministry)

A deeply affirming devotional inviting religious leaders to embrace their humanness rather than strive for flawlessness.

The vocational journey of a clergyperson can be full of joy, beauty, and blessings. It can also be stressful, paralyzingly complicated, and deeply lonely. In these pages, Howard offers heartwarming reflections drawn from his own long, imperfect, and profoundly human walk in ministry—stories shaped by hospital rooms, empty sanctuaries, classrooms, dinner tables, and moments when faith must be lived before an audience of One. Written by a religious leader for religious leaders, this powerful devotional serves to nourish the souls of those who lead, care, and show up—often while carrying expectations of holiness, certainty, and perfection. Again and again, Holy Calling, Human Heart reminds readers that God does not love them in spite of their humanity, but through it—and because of it. This book is a gentle, steady light for those who serve, offering companionship, courage, and permission to be both faithful and fully human.

Praise for Uncovering Your Path

“In my own life, I walked a slowly uncovered path of discernment in the years after college. What a gift it is to have not only the great 'cloud of witnesses,' as St. Paul says of the Saints who help us with their prayers and examples, but also good books to help us find, and refine, our purpose and find our way. I'm delighted that my friend (and the chaplain of my alma mater) the talented and charismatic Chaz Howard has written this beautiful book to help others along their discernment journeys.” —James Martin, SJ, author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything
 

“This inspiring book will help you find your path in life as well as joy and peace as you walk it. Chaz’s reflections are a gift to people of all faiths and those of none at all. Uncovering Your Path gives you the opportunity to 'sit down with the chaplain,' explore your life, and benefit from his wisdom as countless current and future leaders have done throughout Chaz’s more than two decades of ministry.” —Ben Jealous, Executive Director of The Sierra Club, Former President and CEO of The NAACP, author of Never Forget Our People Were Always Free: A Parable of American Healing