Martin B. Copenhaver ponders whether he should be called “Martin,” “pastor” or some other title, such as “The Very Right Reverend Doctor Julius W. (‘Who Are You To Question My Authority?’) Johnson III.”
Author
Martin B. Copenhaver
The Rev. Martin B. Copenhaver is senior pastor of Wellesley Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in Wellesley, Mass. He is the author or co-author of four books: “Living Faith While Holding Doubts,” “To Begin at the Beginning: An Introduction to the Christian Faith,” “Good News in Exile” and “Words for the Journey: Letters to Our Teenagers About Life and Faith.” His new book, co-authored by Lillian Daniel, is “This Odd and Wondrous Calling: The Public and Private Lives of Two Ministers,” to be published by Eerdmans in August.
The worst of all jobs, and yet...
Link to author Martin B. Copenhaver
By
Martin B. Copenhaver
What makes this crazy work worth doing? A sense of call, says the Rev. Martin B. Copenhaver.
Apply for Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Exploring Christian Practices Initiative
The Exploring Christian Practices Initiative aims to multiply opportunities and increase access to settings that help individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds explore and engage in Christian practices to address their spiritual interests and questions, find and build community with others, nourish their religious lives and grow in faith.
An Interest Form and Letter of Interest are due March 25, 2026. Complete proposals are due May 18, 2026.
Learn More