Leaving Ruin

by Jeff Berryman

Loreen is her name–the old woman in the angel costume who accosts Cyrus Manning near the dance floor of the Down Under. A gift is coming, she tells him. “The gift to die for.”

For Eleven years Cyrus has pastored First Church of Ruin, a small city deep in the barrens of West Texas. He has come upon hard times. His congregation doesn’t want him anymore, and he is questioning not only his call but his very identity.

Genres: Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because it was recommended by Eugene Peterson in a letter to his son, published as Letters to a Young Pastor. Peterson said that it is a classic of the church that should be recognized as great literature along side The Diary of a Country Priest. Peterson was surprised that Jeff Berryman, a layman, showed such insight into the life of a pastor.
The book is told from the perspective of Cyrus Manning, the pastor of First Church, Ruin, Texas. Ruin is a fictional west Texas town near Abilene and Ft. Stockton. Berryman is a former professor at Abilene Christian University and thus has good insight into the mindset of the west Texas Christian community. Cyrus has pastored the church for 11 years, but doesn’t fit their idea of a man of God. The book chronicles Cyrus’ inner and outer life for 2 months as he prepares for his inevitable termination.
The book is very introspective and is hard to get into. However, after having read a third of the book I was captivated by Cyrus’ struggles. He struggles with his parishioners, his family, himself and with God. The book is a confirmation of what I have always believed, that the pastorate is the hardest job in the world.

[Eric Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's so much to like about this book--the conversational style, the sly humor, the honesty of a struggling pastor. As I read, though, it bogged down on a lack of much plot or narrative drive. Very little propels the story forward, and instead I felt trapped inside the main character's head with nowhere else to go and very little dialogue or interaction with others. I enjoyed the writing and truly wanted to love this book, but had to force myself through the last half of it.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

Journey

[Veisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was unique. I was so moved by the raw and honest portrayal of our journey with God. The writing captured me.

[Bob Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a book that bears my soul and spiritual journey so deeply. It was shed at times to read because of this. After reading “Leaving Ruin”, I sense hope in that the pastor’s struggle is a reality that is not easy. I appreciate the friend that shared this book with me, and look forward to a conversation about it.

[Barb Terpstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite christian books. The characters are real, and sinful, and struggle. The prayers to God could be my prayers. The longings expressed could be my longings. It is true to human nature, and true to the struggle of loving God with integrity. It's honest about how hard relationship can be, and the cries out to God are cries from the heart.

[Bo White · Rating 3 out of 5]

a bit too close to home at times, but it's funny, insightful, and has something authentic to it where it lacks a satisfying ending

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book - but the Goodreads summary of the book is completely false. (Jeffrey Dahmer? What?) It is the story of a disillusioned pastor in Texas. You can find a correct description on Amazon.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some thoughts on a life of faith were interesting, but I liked this book most for its portrayal of human interactions.

[Wanda Reinford Martin]

goodreads summary is of different book

[Karen Hooker]

Not recommended. Slow moving. A pastor struggles wanting to leave his church due to unsatisfied parishioners. Spiritual victories but overall weak and long.