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Unrepeatable: Cultivating the Unique Calling of Every Person
"Beautifully written, compellingly personal, and a treasure to read."
—Most Rev. Charles J. Chaput, OFM, Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia
What if we were able to gain profound insight into the unique design, creative drive, and potential destiny of the people in our lives? The bold promise of this book is that we can.
This ability carries an awesome responsibility: We must all be mentors and midwives to the personal vocations of others.
Unrepeatable is about the urgent need for each of us to cultivate the vocations of others and the steps we should take to do it well.
By smartly weaving evocative stories of those who have radically lived out their callings with practical tools for discernment and mentorship, Luke Burgis and Joshua Miller—who have a combined twenty-five years of experience helping people and organizations discover their purpose—turn staid perceptions of vocation on their head.
Unrepeatable will equip you to:
-- Renew your church, school, community, or company by empowering every member to discover, embrace, and fully live out their unique calling
-- Confidently teach and mentor young people in critical skills of discernment and decision-making
-- Know and be known by others in a deeply personal way through a technique that unlocks and awakens the deepest desires of the heart
As we enter into the stories of others' lives, we enter into the story of God's love. There is no greater adventure. Unrepeatable invites you to be a part of it.
"This spiritually grounded, easy-to-read treatise is a solid piece of research, and yet is still packed throughout with supporting anecdotes that the reader will recognize and appreciate. Eminently practicable, Unrepeatable is for every Christian, especially the teacher, counselor, or spiritual director, who is truly serious about sifting through the cultural morass to find the ‘right’ vocation, rather than just a job."
—Bishop Robert Barron, Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Los Angeles
—Most Rev. Charles J. Chaput, OFM, Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia
What if we were able to gain profound insight into the unique design, creative drive, and potential destiny of the people in our lives? The bold promise of this book is that we can.
This ability carries an awesome responsibility: We must all be mentors and midwives to the personal vocations of others.
Unrepeatable is about the urgent need for each of us to cultivate the vocations of others and the steps we should take to do it well.
By smartly weaving evocative stories of those who have radically lived out their callings with practical tools for discernment and mentorship, Luke Burgis and Joshua Miller—who have a combined twenty-five years of experience helping people and organizations discover their purpose—turn staid perceptions of vocation on their head.
Unrepeatable will equip you to:
-- Renew your church, school, community, or company by empowering every member to discover, embrace, and fully live out their unique calling
-- Confidently teach and mentor young people in critical skills of discernment and decision-making
-- Know and be known by others in a deeply personal way through a technique that unlocks and awakens the deepest desires of the heart
As we enter into the stories of others' lives, we enter into the story of God's love. There is no greater adventure. Unrepeatable invites you to be a part of it.
"This spiritually grounded, easy-to-read treatise is a solid piece of research, and yet is still packed throughout with supporting anecdotes that the reader will recognize and appreciate. Eminently practicable, Unrepeatable is for every Christian, especially the teacher, counselor, or spiritual director, who is truly serious about sifting through the cultural morass to find the ‘right’ vocation, rather than just a job."
—Bishop Robert Barron, Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Los Angeles
256 pages, Hardcover
Published April 30, 2018
About the author
Luke Burgis
8 books148 followersLuke Burgis has founded and led four companies in wellness, consumer products, and technology. He’s currently Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Director of Programs at the Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship where he also teaches business at The Catholic University of America. Luke has started and serves on the board of several new K-12 education initiatives. He studied business at NYU’s Stern School of Business and philosophy and theology at a pontifical university in Rome. He’s Managing Partner of Fourth Wall Ventures, an incubator he founded to build, train, and invest in people and companies that contribute to a healthy human ecology. He lives in Washington, DC with his wife, Claire, and writes regularly at lukeburgis.com.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 29, 2018
I don't even know where to start with how awesome this book was. For the record, I wasn't expecting it. I'm not particularly religious, I don't particularly like being preached at, and I was perfectly prepared to relegate this book to the the DNF pile of 1-star shame.
I spent several days reading this book. Not because I couldn't have finished it in a day, it is certainly doable. No, I spent several days reading this because I had to keep putting it down to think about what I had just read. I read a lot of books like this from across different disciplines (I have no idea why), and after about ten books or so, the presentation is different but the content is consistent. So for a book to make me stop and reflect on what just transpired is pretty impressive. Especially a book that I was so sure I wasn't going to enjoy.
The book itself works on the premise of a mentor-mentee relationship in helping young people find their vocation - that is, their calling. 'Vocation' is explored in depth, weeding out existing fallacies and preconceived notions about what 'vocation' even means and the direction the conversation needs to take.
Here's the funny thing that happened: the book is aimed at helping young people find their unique calling, and it certainly brought me to a new understanding about how I talk to my kids about their futures. But perhaps unintentionally, it was a rather cathartic experience for myself, as an adult, to recognize how my past unfolded based on the principles and ideas he outlined. That left me with the questions: Can I still fix it? Is it too late? Never mind "unrepeatable", is it "irredeemable"?
As I reflected on those questions, it became clearer that no, it is not too late to change a trajectory. Using the book as a guide, and forcing myself to answer some hard questions, it's something that could be accomplished.
I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking to help their children find who they are, and who they are called to be. You might learn something about yourself in the process.
I spent several days reading this book. Not because I couldn't have finished it in a day, it is certainly doable. No, I spent several days reading this because I had to keep putting it down to think about what I had just read. I read a lot of books like this from across different disciplines (I have no idea why), and after about ten books or so, the presentation is different but the content is consistent. So for a book to make me stop and reflect on what just transpired is pretty impressive. Especially a book that I was so sure I wasn't going to enjoy.
The book itself works on the premise of a mentor-mentee relationship in helping young people find their vocation - that is, their calling. 'Vocation' is explored in depth, weeding out existing fallacies and preconceived notions about what 'vocation' even means and the direction the conversation needs to take.
Here's the funny thing that happened: the book is aimed at helping young people find their unique calling, and it certainly brought me to a new understanding about how I talk to my kids about their futures. But perhaps unintentionally, it was a rather cathartic experience for myself, as an adult, to recognize how my past unfolded based on the principles and ideas he outlined. That left me with the questions: Can I still fix it? Is it too late? Never mind "unrepeatable", is it "irredeemable"?
As I reflected on those questions, it became clearer that no, it is not too late to change a trajectory. Using the book as a guide, and forcing myself to answer some hard questions, it's something that could be accomplished.
I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking to help their children find who they are, and who they are called to be. You might learn something about yourself in the process.
April 27, 2018
"Why am I here?" "What is my purpose?" "What am I supposed to do?" For every parent, mentor, guidance counselor, and educator of a young person who has heard these words, the answers are in the pages of this book. For those looking to truly touch and change the lives of young people stuck in the disconnected "me generation", this book is a springboard into discovery of what Saint Pope John Paul II called the "unique and unrepeatable" essence of each individual and their purpose in God's creation. Solidly grounded in Church teachings and tested principals, Burgis and Miller show the reader how to truly listen and draw the joy of achievement stories from our young adults and use that knowledge of heart to create a life that fulfills the personal vocation of each individual. I received a pre-publication copy of this book for review.
October 20, 2018
Unrepeatable is a blueprint for helping young people discover their personal vocation. Heavily influenced by Pope St. John Paul II and his phenomological approach, authors Luke Burgis and Joshua Miller use contemporary cultural references and personal experiences to explain the why and how of discovering personal vocations.
While ideal for those who work with teens and young adults in helping them discover their unique call, it's also valuable for parents. (Frankly, I'd like to see something for middle-aged adults who have been flailing about for decades and were only ever presented with vocations in limited (dare I say clericalist?) terms of priesthood and religious life.)
Unrepeatable moves decidedly beyond preconceived notions of a vocation as a calling to a state in life to unveiling the unique reason for which each human being was created. It repeatedly brought to mind one of my favorite quotes from Pope St. John Paul II: "Become who you are."
Truly a gift to persons seeking to discover for what purpose they've been called - and isn't that all of us?
While ideal for those who work with teens and young adults in helping them discover their unique call, it's also valuable for parents. (Frankly, I'd like to see something for middle-aged adults who have been flailing about for decades and were only ever presented with vocations in limited (dare I say clericalist?) terms of priesthood and religious life.)
Unrepeatable moves decidedly beyond preconceived notions of a vocation as a calling to a state in life to unveiling the unique reason for which each human being was created. It repeatedly brought to mind one of my favorite quotes from Pope St. John Paul II: "Become who you are."
Truly a gift to persons seeking to discover for what purpose they've been called - and isn't that all of us?
August 19, 2018
You are Unique
This is a easy to read book but can take you to deep places in yourself to see who you really are. Not a book you can sit down in one sitting and read but in portions so your can devour it one but at a time. I found at ingress i need to allow down and understand what was being said and other times think that's obvious but then i had to think if it's so obvious why want i doing it.
This is a wonderful book that looks at us as individuals acknowledges this fact so w can grow as we are made in the image of GOD. The true magnitude of creation and that i am unique as are you and the well never be another like you or me has challenged me to look and focus on my calling and how I should go forward not how others do it but LORD how must i go onwards.
This is a easy to read book but can take you to deep places in yourself to see who you really are. Not a book you can sit down in one sitting and read but in portions so your can devour it one but at a time. I found at ingress i need to allow down and understand what was being said and other times think that's obvious but then i had to think if it's so obvious why want i doing it.
This is a wonderful book that looks at us as individuals acknowledges this fact so w can grow as we are made in the image of GOD. The true magnitude of creation and that i am unique as are you and the well never be another like you or me has challenged me to look and focus on my calling and how I should go forward not how others do it but LORD how must i go onwards.
February 12, 2023
I subscribe to a mailing list which offers discount or free Kindle books, according to one’s choice of genres. (See www.bookbub.com). Sometimes I get an ebook if it’s free (but not always!) and other times I am tempted if the book is in my mind “a bargain”. The list is emailed daily and most of the time I spend less than 30 seconds perusing the specials of the day. I recommend subscribing if you enjoy books and are used to some sort of ereader. A few months this book caught my eye and because it was free I downloaded it.
I read it sporadically over three months or so and quite enjoyed it, so much so that I am writing this review! I recommend it given you have the time and are interested in the topic of mentorship/discipleship in general and more specifically the idea of vocational counselling for young adults.
The premise of the book is that we all have a unique and specific calling from God rather than just a select few. Both Burgis and Miller are devoted Catholics, and so the book is very much written from within that context as is evident from the many quotations from Popes, both recent and ancient. If this idea bothers you I still think there are many commendable ideas to learn and put into practice.
The authors address the vast area of young people in North America who are rudderless and misguided when it comes to their future employment. Rather than having a Biblical framework and the sense of being called by God, they are rather motivated by the common secular dogma of: “Be the best you can be”, “Make the world a better place” or “There are no barriers to your personal dreams and goals”. They start with the assumption that because we are all made in the image of God, we are unique creations each with a set of intrinsic skills and foundational abilities. Discovering and discerning these innate gifts are developed by suggesting a set of open ended and self reflective questions for each youth.
The mentor/mentee portion of the book develops the standard Rogerian ideas of developing the essential but difficult skills of genuine listening with both empathetic and sympathetic responses. The book ends with some ideas for persons to their life vocation by developing both internal and external skills of formation and mission. The work is an easy read with each chapter well written with contemporary illustrations and practical ideas to latch onto.
I read it sporadically over three months or so and quite enjoyed it, so much so that I am writing this review! I recommend it given you have the time and are interested in the topic of mentorship/discipleship in general and more specifically the idea of vocational counselling for young adults.
The premise of the book is that we all have a unique and specific calling from God rather than just a select few. Both Burgis and Miller are devoted Catholics, and so the book is very much written from within that context as is evident from the many quotations from Popes, both recent and ancient. If this idea bothers you I still think there are many commendable ideas to learn and put into practice.
The authors address the vast area of young people in North America who are rudderless and misguided when it comes to their future employment. Rather than having a Biblical framework and the sense of being called by God, they are rather motivated by the common secular dogma of: “Be the best you can be”, “Make the world a better place” or “There are no barriers to your personal dreams and goals”. They start with the assumption that because we are all made in the image of God, we are unique creations each with a set of intrinsic skills and foundational abilities. Discovering and discerning these innate gifts are developed by suggesting a set of open ended and self reflective questions for each youth.
The mentor/mentee portion of the book develops the standard Rogerian ideas of developing the essential but difficult skills of genuine listening with both empathetic and sympathetic responses. The book ends with some ideas for persons to their life vocation by developing both internal and external skills of formation and mission. The work is an easy read with each chapter well written with contemporary illustrations and practical ideas to latch onto.
January 8, 2019
Vocation is a term little used beyond religious professions, and perhaps most specifically to Catholic ones. This book seeks to widen the use of the concept to include not just 'lay' members of churches, but all people. Although the book is written from a strongly Catholic viewpoint, with abundant references to encyclicals from recent popes, there is a wider humanistic truth to the idea that each of us is unique and thereby needs to find our own skill set, interest and expression of roles and responsibilities available in paid and unpaid work. People are not mere cogs in a machine, valuable only for their muscle and coordination - our creativity and intuition will be needed long after robotics have been deeply integrated into our lives.
The authors have an optimistic outlook for the next generation - but provide practical steps for how they will reach their potential. They commend the approach of achieve to stories to enable conversations which help youth, in particular, identify their vocational path. But they also acknowledge that this path won't be delineated as a predetermined map for people's 'career', rather youth will be supported in finding affirmation of their unique gifts and personhood and have the courage to follow their path. As I've read in other books about coaching, others will find their best when mentored to discover insights for themselves, not by mentors thinking they know best.
I think this deserves wider readership than its native Catholic audience, so I'd hope readers look beyond current church issues and give it a go.
The authors have an optimistic outlook for the next generation - but provide practical steps for how they will reach their potential. They commend the approach of achieve to stories to enable conversations which help youth, in particular, identify their vocational path. But they also acknowledge that this path won't be delineated as a predetermined map for people's 'career', rather youth will be supported in finding affirmation of their unique gifts and personhood and have the courage to follow their path. As I've read in other books about coaching, others will find their best when mentored to discover insights for themselves, not by mentors thinking they know best.
I think this deserves wider readership than its native Catholic audience, so I'd hope readers look beyond current church issues and give it a go.
September 26, 2018
This book was well executed. Mostly, I just disagreed with the angle from which he taught some of his information. This was due to their being Catholic and me being protestant. I found some of their teaching less Christ centered, and almost made me feel set adrift to find my purpose in life, which is not what I believe the Bible teaches about our purpose for living.
I greatly appreciated what they said about relationships and communication, and how important it is to care deeply about the people you interact with, so you can help them find the meaning to life.
I greatly appreciated what they said about relationships and communication, and how important it is to care deeply about the people you interact with, so you can help them find the meaning to life.
March 29, 2019
While written by a pair of Roman Catholics, they discuss the doctrine of Vocation as it applies to everyone, not just as a calling to be a priest or a nun. Of course Martin Luther was talking about this 500 years ago, but better late than never.
The title Unrepeatable comes from the notion that as each individual person is unique, his or her vocational call will be different. The authors then discuss the process they use of helping their mentees get to the understanding of what their unique vocation is.
The title Unrepeatable comes from the notion that as each individual person is unique, his or her vocational call will be different. The authors then discuss the process they use of helping their mentees get to the understanding of what their unique vocation is.
May 20, 2022
Personal profession enlightenment
While I am not Catholic, I found this book resonated true for me, and I found myself digging into my own personal profession. This book makes you think about how we seek the wisdom of God in our lives as we make life changing decisions. and how we can help others in their journey. I hope to practice some of the suggestions on my grandchildren!
While I am not Catholic, I found this book resonated true for me, and I found myself digging into my own personal profession. This book makes you think about how we seek the wisdom of God in our lives as we make life changing decisions. and how we can help others in their journey. I hope to practice some of the suggestions on my grandchildren!
December 31, 2018
Excellent book on finding your calling
Everyone has a unique vocation and calling but most hear the word “vocation” and immediately think “priest” and miss out on the importance and discovering and knowing your personal destiny. Great book.
Everyone has a unique vocation and calling but most hear the word “vocation” and immediately think “priest” and miss out on the importance and discovering and knowing your personal destiny. Great book.
November 7, 2020
Not exactly what I expected.
This book is about mentoring young people. It has some thought provoking exercises . It is a very long book and my mentoring days are pretty much over. Goodauthor.
This book is about mentoring young people. It has some thought provoking exercises . It is a very long book and my mentoring days are pretty much over. Goodauthor.
September 8, 2018
Found this book for free on Amazon through Book Bub. Hard a hard time getting into this book. SOme good info and a different perspective that I'm used to. A tough read for me to get through.
March 21, 2024
Fascinating and insightful. The focus on each person's unique calling and intentionally fulfilling that call is refreshing.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews