Our Daily Bread: From Argos to the Altar – a Priest's Story

by Father Alex Frost, Alastair Campbell (Foreword)

A warmly funny, intensely moving and startlingly personal account of the lives of an urban parish priest and his parishioners. Father Alex Frost was not always a man of the cloth. He found his calling while running an Argos store in his native Burnley, moonlighting as a stand-up comedian and die-hard fan of The Clarets and Depeche Mode. But having achieved his profession, Fr Alex quickly recognised the 17,000 inhabitants of his new parish were in dire need of help. Burnley is typical of many towns across a place of run-down council estates, severe poverty litter, crime and drugs, but also a place where the sacred sits alongside the secular in an intimate and personal way. And so it was that he found himself running a food bank from a car park, helping the desperate amid his flock as the pandemic raged. Fr Alex’s down-to-earth style of ministry struck a chord with people of all faiths, cultures and class at a time when the divide between rich and poor is widening cataclysmically. But amid the tragedy, addiction, appalling loss, illness and neglect, there also lies hope, joy and moments of comedy. Our Daily Bread is as much the story of the rich cast of characters that cross the threshold of any church as it is our vicar’s. Through them it shows the continued relevance of the church for those in the poor and the marginalised. This heartfelt and moving book seeks to give a voice to the voiceless, charting the tragedy and pain, humour and hope which are ever-present in his community. It is ultimately about modern poverty – and how we all can, and should, espouse Christian virtues of love, kindness, tolerance.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Christian

256 pages, Paperback

Published January 23, 2024

Reviews

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hardships and unfairness that Fr Alex encounters in his ministry will anger, sadden and move even the hardest heart. But what shines through the hardships is faith, hope, community spirit, decency and strength of the characters he writes about. Some of whom will remain with me for a long time.

This book is the voice of those who get overlooked and ignored everyday. But they are the members of society who are in most need.

Fr Alex is probably one of many, many priests, doctors, social workers who see these problems every day. But I thank him for writing about them. As an audiobook it’s passionately narrated by the author who’s slightly imperfect reading due to his dyslexia somehow makes this story even more touching.

Whether your beliefs are sacred or secular, there are simple and poignant messages that will strike a chord with nearly everyone.

[Martyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, sad and frequently heartbreaking account of ministering to the estates of Burnley.

[Jayne Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father Alex is a Priest in the Church of England who describes himself as a liberal Christian. The whole book is written in a thoughtful way, considering a small piece of scripture in the context of the often extreme poverty he sees every day, very much through lens of where God is in all that is happening. The author is also very clear about his support for full inclusivity within the church.

I'm not sure what I was expecting with this book, but it certainly wasn't what I got. From the first page where he says 'In Luke's Gospel it says 'Blessed are the poor'. Well I can tell you, they certainly don't feel very fucking blessed', I knew this book was going to be different. This was going to challenge me.

And it did. It is absolutely fantastic. It is a call to arms for us all in the fight against poverty and deprivation. I found it utterly inspiring, and often heartbreaking.

I mean there are a few technical glitches in the writing - some things are repeated, some pseudonyms get a bit muddled once or twice. But for a man who very clearly does not consider himself intellectual, the writing is superb - far superior to most memoirs.

And the content. The characters. The love of the place and the community. It is both tender but also brutal. However, what stood out most for me is Father Alex's seemingly unending compassion.

Despite at times what sounds like complete exhaustion, or bureaucratic apathy and stonewalling, or people's capacity to be their own worst enemy, Father Alex's soul deep desire to do as much as he can to help shone through. He says his faith offers him a structure and a role model, and it has to be said, he in turn is a truly wonderful example of what faith can offer the world.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very touching, very emotional with just the right amount of humour. An insight into the parish of one of the most deprived areas of the country, Burnley. Real stories about real people told from the heart. Definitely worth a read.

[Landon Gaddy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a heartbreaking book. Not only for the stories the author shares of those in Burnley, but also because of the author’s perspective on these stories.

The rhythm of this book is simple. Frost shares a story of a struggling individual/family, he shares his personal experience hearing their story, shares how he is overwhelmed at the reality before him where he finally shares his disgust with the system that has failed them.

Many questions are asked in this book, almost none are answered.

If the underlying motivation for writing this book was to bring awareness, I think Frost did that well. By the time you finish you will understand there is a dire need in Burnley. The tragic part of this book is that it ends there. As a minister of the Gospel, does Father Frost have nothing but Empathy to offer the people of his community ? I think not.

The problems of poverty and addiction aren’t a byproduct of broken systems as Father Alex would suggest, but an intrinsic failure of a broken and sinful world in need of the transformative power of Jesus Christ. If you don’t believe that to be fundamentally true, I would question why you choose to be a priest rather than a social worker.

“Seek first the kingdom of God and all his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” -Matthew 6:33

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee” -James 4:7

Frost’s inability to call out the destructive sin of the world and advocate for an immediate turn to Christ is ultimately where this book falls short. Instead he seems intent on fighting a culture war

I do genuinely admire the passion and good works of Alex Frost and pray good has and will come of this book.

[Laurena Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had expected this to be the story of how Father Alex joined the church (it is, after all, titled 'From Argos to the altar'. It turned out to be a very different read - Father Alex shot to national fame when he and another minister in Burnley set up a food bank during the pandemic for local residents who were really struggling, and the book is more of an account of the kinds of characters who Father Alex has encountered in his work. He write with great compassion and also a fair amount of frustration with systems which have allowed people to reach rock bottom. I hadn't realised just how difficult many self-employed people found the lockdowns, and how many people fell through the net (while more high powered individuals were able to make themselves extra money through fast track PPE schemes...)
Definitely worth a read, but don't be surprised by the grittiness and the equally gritty language!

[Tecia]

The author writes about how he doesn't judge but talks about meeting a man in a balaclava with backpack and writes that backpacks are sometimes used to carry round equipment to shoot up heroin and his first instinct was that the man was going to attack him. When the man was talking to him and gesticulating the author wondered if the man was going to "thump" him. Later he goes on to call a church members house a "shithole".

I'm glad he didn't advise a woman to ignore her fiancé's active gambling addiction and marry him anyway

On one hand he says kids shouldn't be indoctrinated but on the other hand he believes children should be taught Bible stories. - some would think these two are incompatible.

Editing errors?
Talking about a person called Rebecca then changing the presumed pseudonym to Rachel whilst recounting a single conversation.

Introduced the younger reverend Kat twice.

Many mentions of "blessed is the poor" and what the author believes this means.

[Alice Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book on a whim, having heard the author interviewed on radio 4. I was hoping for an insight into the author’s own spiritual journey to priesthood, particularly as a convert in adult life. There was less depth to this aspect of the book than I would have liked, however what it did offer was a rich portrait of life in an extremely deprived community in modern Britain. Like many others, this is extremely far removed from my own life experience and I am grateful to Frost for this insight.
The dignity and resilience of his parishioners in the face of extreme hardship and marginalisation is astounding.
Our Daily Bread has offered a challenge to my own faith and life. What does it mean to follow in Christ’s footsteps, when faced with vast inequality and poverty on our doorstep.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone needs to read this book, whether a Christian or not. I’m happy that I found it in my library, but disheartened that it hasn’t been taken out nearly enough times. Father Alex digs out all the compassion, care, and justice we have forgotten as a society and shines a huge spotlight on it.

Through sharing some truly harrowing stories of what his parishioners have been through on the working class estates of Burnley, coupled with just the right amount of relevant scripture, Father Alex asks us to meet the next person we see in need of help with patience and an open heart.

This book made me reflect and held me accountable to realise that I could do more. As I direct result of this book I have recommitted to contributing to my local food bank whenever I can. Thank you Father Alex.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Our Daily Bread’ tells the story of a priest and his parishioners. It’s quite bleak at times, but it’s honest and a personal account of the struggles of daily lives for many. I enjoyed it, but in some chapters felt a little as though I was being preached to (non-religiously) with little suggestion or solution provided. This was a three star read for me!

My full review: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...

[Nat Ratcliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing memoir from such a down to earth Northern priest! Wonderful tales of his journey into priesthood and touching stories about individuals in his local community.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book and would have given it 6 out of 5 if I could! I listened to this on audiobook and the delivery was excellent, his lovely accent and humour adding to the book.

I hope Father Alex returns to writing in future and a part two comes in time.

[Margaret Gregg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a book. What an honest recount of life in a northern town. A story of love, life, hope, despair, depth of faith, kindness, positivity, expectation, and empathy. Throughout this book, I could touch the stories that were written. As a parent, a teacher and a northern girl, I could relate to many of these stories.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Father Alex recounts his life as the parish priest in an area of Burnley. We hear of the difficult struggles of his many parishioners and his attempts to help in their lives, along the way he finds such goodness and friendship in totally unexpected places.

[Abby Hobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A stunning book that serves as a testament to the people Fr. Frost serves and a manifesto for what so many in this country deserve but do not receive. Frost’s ideas of his faith and social justice being interwoven were as fascinating as they were beautiful.

[MARTINE OBORNE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book which gives not only an insight inti the life of a (v hardworking) vicar in an urban parish but also asks some challenging questions about what we, as a society, do or don't do, for the most vulnerable

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent read

I loved this book. Heartwarming and touching. I shed a few tears. Well worth a read. Well done Father Alex!

[Lauren Pybus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both very depressing and very uplifting, I cried but overall felt inspired and sad. Would recommend if anyone wants to think about society and community and people.

[Deborah Kirkham · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful look into Burnley and one man's view of the role of the Church of England in tackling social inequalities today.
Repetitive at times but engagingly written.

[Liz Birchall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant, made me think about one day being a more useful human being!

[Lisa Marriott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A christian who practices what he preaches. Insightful at times gritty. You realise just how resilient some people are when it seems that life would be hopeless.

[David Manclark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Read

This is a story told from the heart. Praise God for Fr Alex Frost and others like him for sharing a story that needs to be told

[Lucy Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book fascinating, as well as being pleasantly free of oppressive and inaccurate theology about women's ministry and LGBT+ people. The writing perhaps could have used another round of editing, but that's on the editor, not Fr Alex, who by his own admission is not a writer - however this doesn't take away from the moving and insightful messages throughout the book. 4.5 stars