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A Call Less Ordinary: Why Your Purpose Matters

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A Call Less Ordinary describes what it looks and feels like to pursue God’s calling through life’s ups and downs.

It connects the dots of your everyday life, with all the challenges and frustrations, hopes and aspirations, and shows how God is both calling you and leading you in greater freedom and fulfilment. It provokes courage to stare down fears and enter boldly into the faith adventure that God’s calling demands. In refusing to sugarcoat some of life’s darkest days, Rich Wilson’s storytelling and writing illuminates how the call and grace of God reaches deeper into our lives than we often dare to embrace. It is practical and provocative in equal measure, leaving you energised and expectant for how God is working now and for your future.

WHAT IS MY CALLING?

It is a question wrestled with in every stage of life. You might know that God has a plan for you, but how do you know what it is?

AND HOW DO YOU PURSUE IT ONCE YOU KNOW?

Rich Wilson shares his journey of pursuing calling through adventure and adversity. After discovering his own calling as a student, he now encourages many others to do the same through his work with Fusion and beyond.

This book will challenge and guide you as you embrace your own call less ordinary.

240 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2020

6 people are currently reading
32 people want to read

About the author

Rich Wilson

3 books9 followers
Grateful for life, longing for heaven. Husband, father, friend, leader and author. Interested in faith, calling, spiritual parenting, grief and hope. Passionate about investing in and releasing the next generation.

Senior Leader at Open Heaven Church

Servant Leader of the Fusion Movement

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5 stars
44 (63%)
4 stars
18 (26%)
3 stars
6 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
4 reviews9 followers
September 13, 2020
I'd recommend this book to everyone! It helped me to draw closer to God and gave me some clarity in what God's plan is for my life. So much so that I quit my job and am going back to school for a career change. This book helped me sense God's calling on my career and also on every day, minuscule moments.
1 review
June 3, 2020
This is an excellent book.
It's a book about calling - calling in the broadest biblical sense that God has a plan for each and every one of us. A plan which only we can fulfil. That alone makes it worth the price as so many books on call have a specific ministry or end in mind.
It's also a book about a someone faithfully living out their God given call.
Rich Wilson writes with raw and compelling honesty about the path God has called him to walk - a path which has involved deep heartache and pain. His wisdom and insights about living with pain and suffering will speak to and encourage many.
It is a book which speaks across generations.
It's also the story of Fusion and how it has grown from one man's vision into an international student movement which has blessed so many (myself included).
As someone who works with students and young adults this is a book which I will recommend again and again. As someone who works with those of all ages who are exploring their call in the context of authorised church ministry this is a book I will recommend again and again. As someone who works with those who are hurt by life and wondering where God is - this is a book which I will, when the time is right, recommend too. And as one who seeks to be faithful to the God who calls this is a book I will read again and again.
I don't read as many books as I would like these days but this book I read fast - it is hard to put down. But it is also a book I will return to again and again to savour.
It contains profound lived truth and challenge in equal measure - but does so in a way which will leave you encouraged, inspired, blessed and ready to take the next step along the path God invites you to follow.


Profile Image for Chris.
66 reviews6 followers
November 21, 2020
Well written, accessible book with many compelling stories

I’m encouraged and rejuvenated regarding my personal calling as a result of reading the book. Thank you, Rich!
1 review1 follower
February 18, 2022
Thank you Rich for taking the invitation of Jesus to a depth that has inspired myself and a whole generation of students who desperately needed guidance. May this book seek out a broader group of people, from those who have been following Jesus' call for a while to others who have only just started to hear the call to a life with a truly satisfying purpose.

My plug for this book is one that initially honours Rich's challenging journey through the hard, high and hazy phases of his life so far and the vulnerably shared within these pages.

The ultimate reason why you should invest your time and money, however, is that there is no doubt in my mind God is the ultimate author here. I have been challenged page by page, hour by hour. My perspective on life has been shaken and deepened. This book is for everyone because, if there's one thing I've now further discovered, a life of meaning isn't about having all the answers to what to do or where to go. This matter of purpose is founded by the peace of knowing 'the initial call is a call to intimacy' with the One who designed you, made you, and invites you to a life of true fullness beyond initial understanding. This read leads you to precisely that.
Profile Image for Tamsin Frost.
13 reviews
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December 30, 2024
I didn’t end up finishing this book due to the fear a certain chapter made me feel. As Christians, we should be more careful when talking about the purposes and timings of the enemy. We don’t know the ‘why’ behind the sufferings and, while you personally might find comfort in finding a reason, it is dangerous to promote that if you do God’s will bad things will happen to try to stop you. Life isn’t as simple an equation as that. The mentally vulnerable might then turn away from God altogether. I’m thankful for the faith God put in me to not trust Wilson’s ideas more than God’s Word, but it took a long time and a lot of work to find safety with God again.
1 review
February 11, 2020
A beautifully written book. Hard to put down as you get drawn into the personal story of the author and also the much bigger story behind it. It's real, honest, and full of wisdom. I couldn't recommend this book anymore and I am so excited to hear and see how lives are transformed after reading it! Calling and purpose is a question that everyone has in life and this book will invite you to fully embrace the very reason you're here on Earth through the different seasons that come. it's a 5 out of 5 from me!!
1 review
February 28, 2020
I am not a reading person but I picked up this book and I just couldn't put it down until I had finished it. It delves deep into what people tend not to advertise about their lives - the turmoil and heartbreak. Shining thought the whole book is the presence of God. I think I found it so gripping as it's a book everyone can relate to in some sense.

I would highly recommend this book, with great enthusiasm, to everyone!
1 review
March 31, 2020
This book is an easy read. I don't mean that you can smash through it cover to cover in an evening; If anything the opposite is true. It demands reflection, questioning, and thoughtful prayer. But it is written in a way which makes it enjoyable and endlessly shareable.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for purpose and calling. Rich's vulnerability provokes a response to the God who knows you and walks with you in every situation and circumstance.
1 review
February 17, 2020
This book is not only a great story of a life daringly lived for Jesus. It is also a helpful and a deep reflection on what it's like to go into God at every turn. Rich's story is very relatable and really moving.

This guys walks the walk as well as talking a pretty good talk!

A must read if you are trying to figure out your calling, or if you are helping others to do this.
1 review1 follower
February 19, 2020
In an age where we can all to often be consumed with the quick fix A Call Less Ordinary provides a holistic and life long view to what it means to purse the call of God in your life. It is both encouraging and challenging and no matter what stage of life you are at I believe it will provoke and equip you.
1 review
April 1, 2020
This book is for you if you want to take steps into the unknown, towards God's ever-present calling and passion for your life. Rich shares honestly about how life curveballs play out in this God dream and presents some valuable lessons in navigating seasons, change and prioritising the fire and favour of God over our lives. Read with caution!
Profile Image for Anna Kettle.
Author 2 books26 followers
April 7, 2020
Loved this book.

I knew I would find it inspiring, having encountered Rich’s unique and passionate leadership firsthand during my own student years.

But this book also went much deeper, and was more tender and personal than I expected too, touching on his own personal journey through loss, suffering, and setbacks to demonstrate how God can use everything to help shape your destiny ...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
April 19, 2020
With genuine words from the heart Rich reminds us of God’s incredible faithfulness towards us. And, through his own life story Rich inspires us to remain faithful throughout the ups and downs of life. Loved how he speaks with wisdom and passion highlighting that what we do now has eternal consequences! Would definitely recommend this book.
5 reviews
May 26, 2020
Simply brilliant

Calling Is potentially the most asked, yet hardest to answer question that surrounds young adults (and wider) currently. Rich answers with biblical insight, raw personal experience, and insightful revelation on the topic.

Rich won’t tell you your calling. But he shapes how we can work it out!
Profile Image for Kaylee Jo Neeley.
19 reviews
December 26, 2024
Going through this book was really helpful for me as I was struggling to boldly dream about what the Lord has planned for my life. Really authentic and vulnerable parts of this book helped me have the courage to step out in faith in the direction I felt the Lord was leading me. Such great writing and wisdom paired with undoubted honesty.
1 review1 follower
February 17, 2020
This book is perfect for anyone asking the question "what do I do with my life?". It's rooted in scripture and completely relevant for today. Rich acknowledges the challenges and heartbreak that life can bring, as well as the joy in following Jesus' call for your life long-term. 100% recommend!
1 review
March 2, 2020
A very readable and challenging book. Like the below reader, I was also hooked from the first chapter. There is so much life tested wisdom in this book to do the Christian life well. Thanks for this outstanding read.
1 review
March 31, 2020
This book is fantastic for anyone who is working through what they're 'called' to do and who they're called to be. It's an honest and raw reflection from a leader who has battled through a lot and is still humbly walking through life with God. Recommend for anyone who wants more wisdom on calling!
1 review
March 31, 2020
This is a beautifully challenging read. As you turn the pages, again and again, it reminds you of what you've been created for, it speaks of God's presence in all circumstances and is packed full of helpful provocation.
1 review
April 7, 2020
Jeg er vild med denne bog!
Rich Wilson deler ud af sin indsigt i et liv i kald på en ærlig måder, hvor vi både får lov til at høre om livets op-ture, men også livets ned-ture. Der er meget man kan lære af ham.
Profile Image for Joanna Blair.
1 review71 followers
May 1, 2020
Brilliant!
This is such a refreshing read of what it is to pursue God fully in the ups and downs of life. It will raise your faith, open your eyes to more of what God is like and what is possible with him, and it will give you a lot of hard-earned wisdom to mull over.
Author 1 book4 followers
April 11, 2020
This is a raw, rugged and beautiful story that will help anyone discern God's voice.

I laughed. I cried more and am so grateful for Rich's heartfelt call to the adventure.

Loved it.
Profile Image for Nigel Thompson.
12 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2020
Really enjoyed reading this book and the honest and open insight provided by Rich. He invites you into his story and life and I love that. Easy to read and very uplifting!
2 reviews
February 9, 2021
It had a deep and profound on me, and I found it incredibly helpful!
Profile Image for Thea Smith.
210 reviews
December 29, 2022
‘A call less ordinary- Why your purpose maters ’ by Richard Wilson gets 5 stars 🌟 an absolute gem for any follower of Jesus, who wants to be inspired and probably a little bit challenged. Rich writes with raw honesty, sharing parts of his life and journey with Jesus that many leaders may shy away from. Its such vulnerability that makes this a great read. Each chapter will encourage you to press more into being with God and in doing so help work out your purpose, in this amazing adventure that is ‘life’ that we have the privilege to be a part of as a follower of Christ. Throughly recommend it to anyone whatever stage of your faith you find yourself. It also has a few simple and yet incredibly powerful questions linked to each chapter as a helpful study guide at the end of the book that you could use in a group or for your own individual quiet time - If used I believe will offer growth in your faith & walk with Jesus. ❤️📖
1 review
February 1, 2021
A beautiful book full of raw honesty about life, purpose and family. Rich shares his experiences so openly about how God has worked in and through his life over the years, expressing so much through words on the hard and best moments in his life. This book captures what it means to follow Jesus wholeheartedly; pursuing your calling even when you don't know what that looks like or means! It gave me perspective on my doubts and fears that I have around where I am headed in life, and brought me back to the truth that God has it all handled. Would 10/10 recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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