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Full Phoenix Rising: Real Time Grace at the Speed of Jesus
What do a Russian in gold hot-pants, a cow-pat fight, and real-time grace have in common? They all show up in this wildly funny, deeply heartfelt exploration of what it means to live out faith in the mess of real life.
Full Phoenix Rising is not your typical Christian inspiration book. It's part memoir, part stand-up comedy, and part soul-reflection, told by a black-sheep pastor with a knack for getting into trouble-and finding Jesus there. Duncan invites readers into his most awkward moments, spiritual insights, and hilarious disasters to remind us that God's grace isn't reserved for the polished and perfect-it's for the ones still wiping off the cow poo and reaching for hope.
If you've ever felt like you don't quite fit in at church, questioned your worth, or just needed permission to laugh at how weird this whole faith thing can be, this book is for you. Come for the cow-pats, stay for the grace.
Full Phoenix Rising is not your typical Christian inspiration book. It's part memoir, part stand-up comedy, and part soul-reflection, told by a black-sheep pastor with a knack for getting into trouble-and finding Jesus there. Duncan invites readers into his most awkward moments, spiritual insights, and hilarious disasters to remind us that God's grace isn't reserved for the polished and perfect-it's for the ones still wiping off the cow poo and reaching for hope.
If you've ever felt like you don't quite fit in at church, questioned your worth, or just needed permission to laugh at how weird this whole faith thing can be, this book is for you. Come for the cow-pats, stay for the grace.
- GenresNonfictionChristian
172 pages, Paperback
Published August 5, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 9, 2026
A smart, engaging read. Duncan Robinson’s honesty about his personal journey, triumphs and failures, while told with comedic flare are also filled with absolute humility.
The idea of messy church that’s welcoming to everyone and where “black sheep” are embraced and included (at heart, aren’t we all black sheep?!) is thought provoking and real, supported by Biblical scripture.
At its heart is a focus on grace. Real-time grace, and many other forms of grace, which got me reading, re-reading, and thinking deeply about. Highly recommend.
The idea of messy church that’s welcoming to everyone and where “black sheep” are embraced and included (at heart, aren’t we all black sheep?!) is thought provoking and real, supported by Biblical scripture.
At its heart is a focus on grace. Real-time grace, and many other forms of grace, which got me reading, re-reading, and thinking deeply about. Highly recommend.
February 3, 2026
There are elements of this book which resonate as someone in ministry who has also been told they don’t fit the role. The humour at times is also genuine, endearing, and the author can certainly tell a good story, and most of the time, the central theme in the stories is that of God and his transformative grace.
It’s certainly “unfiltered”, and “raw” but in the moments and the stories where it counts, this approach distracts from the main point rather than aiding it.
While it’s not presented as a book of fine or nuanced detail on ministry, its lack of detail on some issues lends itself to confusion in some parts, and some unfortunate theological eyebrow raises and more concerningly, questionable biblical use or interpretation, especially around discussion of seeking mystical experience with Jesus rather than being disciples of Jesus. I think I get the point he was trying to make, but he could have made it clearer and with more of biblical underpinning . It was of particular concern how readily the author (& even the recommendations) not only embrace alcohol, but platform it so strongly, especially for evangelism or outreach. This is a blind spot towards Australian culture, not a “cool” cultural approach.
It’s certainly “unfiltered”, and “raw” but in the moments and the stories where it counts, this approach distracts from the main point rather than aiding it.
While it’s not presented as a book of fine or nuanced detail on ministry, its lack of detail on some issues lends itself to confusion in some parts, and some unfortunate theological eyebrow raises and more concerningly, questionable biblical use or interpretation, especially around discussion of seeking mystical experience with Jesus rather than being disciples of Jesus. I think I get the point he was trying to make, but he could have made it clearer and with more of biblical underpinning . It was of particular concern how readily the author (& even the recommendations) not only embrace alcohol, but platform it so strongly, especially for evangelism or outreach. This is a blind spot towards Australian culture, not a “cool” cultural approach.
May 16, 2026
Reading Full Phoenix Rising is just like sitting in the living room having a chat with Duncan - loads of fun and always leading back to Grace and Identity. Our book club read this book and Duncan gave us loads to chat about! I enjoyed the movement between anecdotes and the very real struggle of living out faith genuinely - receiving God's love (even as a Black Sheep Pastor) and loving others through genuine and meaningful acts of Grace.
June 20, 2026
The book was provided by the author, but this review reflects my own opinion.
This is a refreshing book. It is funny, engaging, and inspiring. Through his journey of navigating life and ministry, Duncan manages to instil both humour and encouragement. In this book, you will find funny stories, thought-provoking commentaries on familiar passages of the Bible, and a behind-the-scenes look at life in ministry.
As a person in ministry, I really appreciate Duncan’s honesty and rawness in his reflections on being a pastor. It is messy, but there is grace in it. I found myself nodding along as he talked about church life. I found myself smiling at the mishaps he encountered. I found myself relating to his frustrations. But I also agree wholeheartedly with the need for “Real-Time Grace.”
This book is not intended to be a deep theological analysis of Scripture, but Duncan offers valuable insights into the biblical view of the church, ministry, spiritual formation, and the Christian life in general.
What I appreciate most about this book is how relatable it is for people in ministry. You may not agree with all of his methods, but you will understand where he is coming from. This book is perfect for ministers at the end of a long Sunday or as a break between reading heavy theological books. It is like drinking a refreshing soft drink after a long day at work. It is refreshing.
This is a refreshing book. It is funny, engaging, and inspiring. Through his journey of navigating life and ministry, Duncan manages to instil both humour and encouragement. In this book, you will find funny stories, thought-provoking commentaries on familiar passages of the Bible, and a behind-the-scenes look at life in ministry.
As a person in ministry, I really appreciate Duncan’s honesty and rawness in his reflections on being a pastor. It is messy, but there is grace in it. I found myself nodding along as he talked about church life. I found myself smiling at the mishaps he encountered. I found myself relating to his frustrations. But I also agree wholeheartedly with the need for “Real-Time Grace.”
This book is not intended to be a deep theological analysis of Scripture, but Duncan offers valuable insights into the biblical view of the church, ministry, spiritual formation, and the Christian life in general.
What I appreciate most about this book is how relatable it is for people in ministry. You may not agree with all of his methods, but you will understand where he is coming from. This book is perfect for ministers at the end of a long Sunday or as a break between reading heavy theological books. It is like drinking a refreshing soft drink after a long day at work. It is refreshing.
November 19, 2025
I love books like this that don't take themselves to seriously. It's the kind of book that is relatable for all those on a spiritual journey, not just the devout.
Duncan Robinson does a great job of challenging the reader to think deep. It is not necessarily designed to persuade anyone, but to challenge their understanding of their own faith.
We are presented with the authors real life moments and he lets us in on his reflection of them. It allows for the run of the mill Christian to understand we don't all have to be the same in our faith to know who our savior is.
Duncan Robinson does a great job of challenging the reader to think deep. It is not necessarily designed to persuade anyone, but to challenge their understanding of their own faith.
We are presented with the authors real life moments and he lets us in on his reflection of them. It allows for the run of the mill Christian to understand we don't all have to be the same in our faith to know who our savior is.
January 27, 2026
A completely different kind of religious read. I really appreciate when people show how all of our faith is different and unique and we all do it in our own ways and that is perfectly fine.
This is a raw and entertaining read about the authors journey that will inspire your own faith and belief. You get so much from this while being entertained and honestly just happy reading.
Duncan Robinson's voice comes through like a friend and readers will connect with it right away. It's a wonderful read.
This is a raw and entertaining read about the authors journey that will inspire your own faith and belief. You get so much from this while being entertained and honestly just happy reading.
Duncan Robinson's voice comes through like a friend and readers will connect with it right away. It's a wonderful read.
December 31, 2025
“Full Phoenix Rising” is an incredible and unique Christian book that challenges you to live your faith boldly and unapologetically. It’s not just a book—it’s a way to give yourself grace.
Duncan’s passion for God shines through every page, encouraging readers to step out of fear and live with purpose, courage, and conviction.
It’s uplifting, honest, real, and full of heart!
Duncan’s passion for God shines through every page, encouraging readers to step out of fear and live with purpose, courage, and conviction.
It’s uplifting, honest, real, and full of heart!
January 6, 2026
This book was more in every way. It wasn't just a Christian book, it challenges you and gives you more meaning than you will expect.
Duncan Robinson proves to be one to not shy away from the most difficult truths of the Christian life. He uses his humor to cut tension while speaking truth.
A challenging yet essential read for all who often feel like they don't fit.
Duncan Robinson proves to be one to not shy away from the most difficult truths of the Christian life. He uses his humor to cut tension while speaking truth.
A challenging yet essential read for all who often feel like they don't fit.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews