Have you ever wondered what pastors do? The typical perception is that pastors shepherd their flocks by preaching the Word, counseling those seeking advice, visiting and praying with the sick, marrying and burying people, and meeting with church boards. So far so good, but the stories in this book may hold some surprises for you. Depending on the congregation, of course, ministers may at times be called on to play on a church baseball team, serve on a church-sponsored harvest crew, or participate in off-the-wall youth activities.

Pastor Friesen has certainly had his share of unusual experiences. His "professional" involvements have included teaching at the military penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas, embarrassing himself while making a speech at a high school graduation, and learning how to work in an interfaith capacity. He wrote a book with a Doukhobor friend, participated in weddings with Roman Catholic priests, and frequently took his students to a local Sikh temple. You will have to read the book and discover how these events turned out!

Pastor Friesen once arrived a week early to preside at an out-of-town wedding, then forgot to show up the following week on the wedding day! He married a couple on top of a tall mountain, and another couple at a zoo. His first funeral held a surprise or two, and when he appeared before the congregation on family day with his three teen-aged children, he was taken off guard to learn that his children's perceptions of his role as father differed significantly from his own. On the other hand, the congregation was delighted with the exchange.

However, in the final analysis, pastors, like all Christians, find it necessary to rely on God for daily spiritual guidance. They believe it is important to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding, In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:4-5, NKJV).