The reverend and Emma descend on Edendale and discover that it's even more run-down than the reports suggested. During the events of one night, they confirm their worst of fears and reinforce that Edendale really needs them.
The bishop wants a definite answer from the reverend: is he moving to Edendale or not? Philip has a few days to convince his family. Meanwhile, the marriage of their best friends seems to be coming to an end.
Open hostilities are declared between Philip and the rest of the parish when circumstances suggest that, suffering from the stress of recent events, he is hitting the bottle-and his nearest and dearest.
The day of the move arrives at last, but, due to a missing tortoise and furniture van, both the departure and the arrival are very different from expectations.
The plight of an elderly widow prompts Philip to ask Oscar Randolph, the local supermarket tycoon, to help him aid the old people in the parish. Philip soon discovers that Oscar, as usual, is helping no one but himself.
When Philip tries to alter the parish hall bookings, he comes into conflict with a local martial arts club. A firm hand is called for, especially when Philip is invited to shatter a few tiles himself.
Philip is visited by a stranger who believes he has a divine mission to fulfill. A few days later they meet again, but, on this occasion, the stranger has a gun.
When his father decides to emulate Philip and take on a tough urban parish, Philip tries to dissuade him. His arguments end up falling upon deaf ears, two of which belong to a ventriloquist's dummy.
A homeless couple arrives on Phillip's doorstep late one night and are given shelter. On further acquaintance, having no home turns out to be the least of their problems.