Describing clergy experiences ‘in their own words’, this paper reflects on the findings of a qualitative study (by the authors) on the lives of contemporary Church of England parish clergy.1 From the data, themes of obedience, sacrifice and intimacy emerge to provide an explanatory framework for clergy lives. In applying theological, social science and occupational management perspectives, the research counters the literature about clergy failures. While acknowledging a range of clergy views about the nature of faith and commitment, it nevertheless reveals an enduring and authentic vocational steadfastness among priests across the years.