It was published by Doubleday and continues the saga of Baptist minister London Wingo, a character introduced in Street's previous novel The Gauntlet.

The High Calling earned generally positive reviews in the American press upon its initial release.

John Crown of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution predicted it would find an audience across all faiths despite its religious focus, describing it as "written with warmth and a deep insight into the live of a sincere man of God.

"[3] It was commended for its earnestness and relatable characters by Rader Winget, who described it as "good, normal wholesome stuff--and exciting.

"[5] Sterling North's review similarly mocked it with faint praise: "The High Calling is a readable, well-constructed novel.