Ronald J. Sider
— President, Evangelicals for Social Action
"Delightful, moving, important. . . The wonderful story of a person who has played a large role in bringing Christ's one — broken — body closer together."
Brian D. McLaren
— author of A Generous Orthodoxy
"If you asked me to name the finest human beings I've ever had the privilege of knowing, Wes Granberg-Michaelson would be on the short list: an exemplary Christian leader, a compassionate friend, a wise older (slightly) brother and mentor, and a fly-fishing buddy too. As I read Unexpected Destinations, two emotions kept rising up in me. First, I felt the joy of getting to know Wes even better as he tells his story, shares from his personal journal, and offers his reflections on his times. And, second, I felt so grateful that others who haven't had the gift and pleasure of Wes's friendship can get to know him in these pages. This book is a multifaceted treasure — a window into a fascinating Christian leader and a window into his times as well."
Diana Butler Bass
— author of Strength for the Journey and Christianity for the Rest of Us
"At last. An honest memoir about the challenges of Christian leadership in our time. Retracing his lifelong quest to follow Jesus, Wes Granberg-Michaelson inverts the usual 'Great Man' success story in favor of a deeply personal tale of how God uses flawed human beings and imperfect institutions to transform the world. Through a journey riddled with questions, doubt, conflict, and some regrets, he takes us across the globe to the unexpected destination of God's future of unity, justice, and hope."
Mark S. Hanson
— Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
"This personal faith narrative of a highly respected global religious leader inspires us to continue to work for the visible unity of Christ's church. Wesley Granberg-Michaelson keeps us asking 'What about Jesus?' and 'What does it mean to live one's faith for the life of the world?' His passion for justice is that of a prophet. His wisdom is that of a sage. Wes has an insatiable curiosity about faith and life. He calls us to live as a people of the resurrection, following the way of the cross. In a fragmented world, he works tirelessly for unity within diversity. Thanks be to God for Wesley Granberg-Michaelson's powerful personal witness to the faith as he has lived it in the community of Christ's church with perseverance and imagination."
Setri Nyomi
— General Secretary, World Communion of Reformed Churches
"Unexpected Destinations is more than one person's memoirs. It is an inspirational piece that draws readers to experience the Lord's surprising destinations. Wes, a remarkable church leader and friend, through this book shares experiences that inspire readers to respond faithfully to their own callings by our Lord Jesus Christ. Readers will catch a glimpse of the author's leadership and ministry with a great impact on people in many countries around the world and across denominational lines. Unexpected Destinations is a must read for all ministers and lay persons."
Fr. Leonid Kishkovsky
— Orthodox Church in America
"Unexpected Destinations bears witness to a life journey committed to discerning the way of Christ. The journey is personal but not solitary. Wes finds his bearings in this journey in community — in the community of marriage to Karin, in the community of family and church. It is a story not only of unexpected destinations but also of unexpected companions in the diverse Christian churches and communities in every country and region around the world. Readers will meet an American Christian pilgrim who is faithful to Christ, committed to global Christian mission and evangelism, inspired by the vision of Christian unity, and determined both to encounter the world with an open mind and to engage the world with the truth of the gospel."
Peter Borgdorff
— Executive Director Emeritus, Christian Reformed Church
"Inspiring, reflective, intimate, and visionary — vintage Wes. From reading his memoir I learned so much about about his journey through life — his agonies and ecstasies, his disappointments and dreams — and throughout I recognized the ecumenist he is. . . An important contribution to the exercise of discerning what ecumenically yet needs to be done."
William H. Willmon
— Bishop of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church and author of Why Jesus?
. . . a wonderfully well-written autobiography by one of the notable leaders of the contemporary American church. If you are a Protestant Christian over 50, there is a good chance that you will see marks of your own pilgrimage in the steps of Granberg-Michaelson . . . though Granberg-Michaelson knows firsthand the underbelly of the worldwide church, has met and worked with just about everybody who is anybody in Protestant Christianity and has made the tough, day-to-day decisions required of a church executive, he comes through as a warm, vibrant, generous, deeply pious and likeable Christian."