Real Time Grace at the Speed of Jesus
Date Published: August 5, 2025
Publisher: Lucid Books Publishing
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.
Interview with Duncan Robinson
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I think you become much more aware of the amount of work that needs to go into having a clear skeleton and understanding how concepts need to work together in a clear direction. I honestly thought you just string a bunch of chapters together and you have a book, but it is really important to have a shape to the narrative and know where you want to land the idea.
What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
I remember doing toastmasters, and most people did a serious conversation on some topic. I wanted to do a stand-up comedy critique on people at school. Basically a satirical presentation of culture at the time. I remember at the state level getting a big round of laughter and really started to think about comedy to bring joy into people’s lives but also using it as a vessel to communicate truth or wisdom.
What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Back pain. Honestly sitting down for long periods of time is probably the hardest thing about writing!
Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?
So I pastor 4 days a week, I coach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 2 times a week, I have a creative communications side business that books work sporadically. I am working on an AI project with a crew out of north America, and I’ve done a bunch of podcasts. Then in my spare time I’m married with 2 kids and coach two sports for them in basketball and baseball. Most people know that stuff, I think I often come across as extroverted but thoroughly enjoy being alone, I’ll often watch documentaries on youtube about like people living in rustic cabins in the snow and think I’d love to do that.
If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?
Learn grammar better so I can write good.
What is the biggest surprise that you experienced after becoming a writer?
I honestly think the best moment is when someone who you don’t know or have ever met sends a message to speak to the impact of your words. When that happens it is the best feeling.
Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book and why it is a must-read?
I don’t think many books are a must read outside of the bible. I certainly don’t feel that way about mine. I think its an important topic on how we approach grace in a way to model it after Jesus. I think the book is both a witty reflection on 20 years of pastoring alongside an important note towards the future of church being slower and a little messier. If you feel a little like a black sheep on a Sunday at church then I can relate (and do in the book). If that resonates with you then I encourage you to read it!
Before stepping into full-time ministry, Duncan spent years waking up Sydney with wisdom, wit, and questionable life choices as the host of one of the city’s most popular Breakfast Radio Shows.
With over 20 years of pastoral experience in Australia and the USA, he is fluent in both “G’day Mate” and “Bless your heart.” He’s married with two kids and an American Chocolate Labrador, who is convinced every sermon should include belly rubs.
Equipped to handle both heresy and headlocks, Duncan takes pastoral care very seriously—though whether a theological debate ends in grace or a grappling match depends entirely on the situation.
He proudly refers to himself as a Professor, purely to annoy actual academics. What can we say? He’s a man of many talents.
Purchase Links
0 comments:
Post a Comment