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The Search Committee
They started out seeking a pastor. But what they found was each other. When a small-town southern church throws a hodgepodge of wildly different personalities together in a van and sends them out to look for a new pastor, the dust gets kicked up in more ways than one. There’s Travis, a young husband whose ambiguity about becoming a father is threatening his marriage. Dot, a middle-aged busybody whose strong opinions set everyone’s teeth on edge. Susie, an attractive single mom coping with a troubled teenage son. Bill, an older man who centers his entire life on caring for his fragile wife. Joyce, a transplanted Yankee who feels like an outsider. Matt, highly educated but socially awkward. And Frankie, who just tries to keep the peace. Jostling along bumpy back roads, they squabble about practically everything, from which pastoral candidates show promise to where to stop for lunch. But gradually the facades fall away, revealing seven lonely souls drawn together in a search for healing and grace.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2012
42 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Tim Owens
15 books4 followersTim Owens has a doctorate in environmental engineering and is the co-owner of an environmental engineering firm. He also holds three patents, is a Scoutmaster, and participated in disaster relief in Honduras and Mozambique as a water systems engineer. He currently resides in Summerville, South Carolina, with his wife and four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
June 25, 2012
Take seven people with different personalities, put them in a van to travel in search of a new pastor, and you have the makings of some funny stuff, or a disaster.
The book has a lot of humor in it. To me, the idea of a search committee is foreign to me. A handful (sometimes I think it boils down to one guy, the church boss) of people decide who the church will call, and members vote on him, so I was interested and entertained by how the search committee works. It actually sounds kind of fun.
Each individual on the committee has problems and struggles they are dealing with. None of them are perfect. One struggles with lust. Another loses a spouse. As they travel from church to church, they learn more about each other and how to be there for others.
If there is a lesson to be learned from this book, I would say there are two actually. First off, none of us are perfect, but God loves us anyway and keeps working on us. Secondly, sometimes what we are looking for is right in front of us, and we don't need to go looking elsewhere. I enjoyed reading this book, and would recommend it.
The book has a lot of humor in it. To me, the idea of a search committee is foreign to me. A handful (sometimes I think it boils down to one guy, the church boss) of people decide who the church will call, and members vote on him, so I was interested and entertained by how the search committee works. It actually sounds kind of fun.
Each individual on the committee has problems and struggles they are dealing with. None of them are perfect. One struggles with lust. Another loses a spouse. As they travel from church to church, they learn more about each other and how to be there for others.
If there is a lesson to be learned from this book, I would say there are two actually. First off, none of us are perfect, but God loves us anyway and keeps working on us. Secondly, sometimes what we are looking for is right in front of us, and we don't need to go looking elsewhere. I enjoyed reading this book, and would recommend it.
March 17, 2016
This is a gem of a book. I laughed out loud and even cried. It's just a fun book with such likeable characters. Great message without just slapping you in the face. I heard about it through my southern reading group. I love that it was set in North Carolina and the personalities showed the south for sure. I'm still laughing about the camp scene, referencing how SC people aren't as good as NC residents and the multiple stops for the ladies to use the restroom. If you want something fun and easy....highly recommend.
June 13, 2012
In The Search Committee, Tim Owens introduces us to seven people, all members of a shepherd-less Presbyterian flock. Their duty is to find a man (and some insist it must be a man) to pastor their congregation.
They are as unique as any seven random people in a congregation, and each week they travel in an old church van to hopefully complete their task of finding just the right minister. In an attempt to keep it secret from the churches they visit, they split up during the service and try to keep a low profile. That isn't always easy because of the adventures they find themselves in -- from being covered in dust by taking a back road to a couple of them getting stuck in an elevator in a sombrero.
While that might be the plot, we get a glimpse of each of the seven members and the struggles they face. We all have skeletons in our closets, and The Search Committee shows a cross section of good church people and their problems from the death of a spouse, someone who is a afraid to have children, someone who witnessed the death of her mother and brother on the same day, and a man whose girlfriend gets pregnant and the baby isn't his.
Life isn't easy. In fact, it's hard. But somehow if we can continue on through the pain, we find that God is still Good. Somehow, we find it. Just as they did.
I loved this book. It was a bit confusing at first because there were so many members of The Search Committee, but once I got used to the writing style, I enjoyed the look into each one. Usually I hate when fiction books include sermons. I think there has to be a better way to get a point across than a sermon thrown in. However, in this book, it worked quite well. I was pleasantly surprised to see a female minister thrown in the mix and how that issue was handled.
This book hits the target for everything I expect in a Christian fiction book. It's fun, and since fiction should be entertaining, it is a must. There is plenty to point to God, which is something I feel is a requirement of Christian fiction. Finally, it's a book that leaves you pondering your life, and what would be written about you if you were part of The Search Committee, and if you have brought resolution to the hard parts of life and have found in the end that God is still Good, and quite possibly the answers (and God) are closer than we think.
They are as unique as any seven random people in a congregation, and each week they travel in an old church van to hopefully complete their task of finding just the right minister. In an attempt to keep it secret from the churches they visit, they split up during the service and try to keep a low profile. That isn't always easy because of the adventures they find themselves in -- from being covered in dust by taking a back road to a couple of them getting stuck in an elevator in a sombrero.
While that might be the plot, we get a glimpse of each of the seven members and the struggles they face. We all have skeletons in our closets, and The Search Committee shows a cross section of good church people and their problems from the death of a spouse, someone who is a afraid to have children, someone who witnessed the death of her mother and brother on the same day, and a man whose girlfriend gets pregnant and the baby isn't his.
Life isn't easy. In fact, it's hard. But somehow if we can continue on through the pain, we find that God is still Good. Somehow, we find it. Just as they did.
I loved this book. It was a bit confusing at first because there were so many members of The Search Committee, but once I got used to the writing style, I enjoyed the look into each one. Usually I hate when fiction books include sermons. I think there has to be a better way to get a point across than a sermon thrown in. However, in this book, it worked quite well. I was pleasantly surprised to see a female minister thrown in the mix and how that issue was handled.
This book hits the target for everything I expect in a Christian fiction book. It's fun, and since fiction should be entertaining, it is a must. There is plenty to point to God, which is something I feel is a requirement of Christian fiction. Finally, it's a book that leaves you pondering your life, and what would be written about you if you were part of The Search Committee, and if you have brought resolution to the hard parts of life and have found in the end that God is still Good, and quite possibly the answers (and God) are closer than we think.
August 10, 2012
During the last few months I’ve talked with and been observed by several search committees. The title and concept of this book stood out to me. It seemed current and important, a must read.
In Tim Owens first book, he tracks a team of folks who climb on a bus and go out in search of a new pastor for their church. The story jumps between segments of their personal lives, the trip, their church and interim pastor. Initially I found myself annoyed with the transitions. I wanted to follow one of the plots to completion. The search committee process he utilizes is also quite different from what I am used to, so it seemed a stretch.
I’m glad I stayed with this read and completed the book. If you are a pastor or church leader, you should give this book a chance. What I discovered is a conclusion that made a great impact on me as a preacher, pastor and past failure.
Sometimes search committees go looking for what they want on the outside and other times God leads them gently through life’s turmoil. Not to a Pastor who ‘fixes’ everything, but rather one who struggles on life’s journey with them and points the way to Jesus. The wounded healer is the very best kind of encourager.
As you turn these pages you will not find every problem solved. You may not like every character. But you are reminded how much God cares for us. He is working our stories together to show His redeeming grace and that is always a story worth reading.
Tyndale House Publishing provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.
In Tim Owens first book, he tracks a team of folks who climb on a bus and go out in search of a new pastor for their church. The story jumps between segments of their personal lives, the trip, their church and interim pastor. Initially I found myself annoyed with the transitions. I wanted to follow one of the plots to completion. The search committee process he utilizes is also quite different from what I am used to, so it seemed a stretch.
I’m glad I stayed with this read and completed the book. If you are a pastor or church leader, you should give this book a chance. What I discovered is a conclusion that made a great impact on me as a preacher, pastor and past failure.
Sometimes search committees go looking for what they want on the outside and other times God leads them gently through life’s turmoil. Not to a Pastor who ‘fixes’ everything, but rather one who struggles on life’s journey with them and points the way to Jesus. The wounded healer is the very best kind of encourager.
As you turn these pages you will not find every problem solved. You may not like every character. But you are reminded how much God cares for us. He is working our stories together to show His redeeming grace and that is always a story worth reading.
Tyndale House Publishing provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.
August 7, 2012
Rating is 4.8... Loved this book. Imagine a group of 7 people in a van every Sunday morning in search of the next pastor for their church. Along the way they have lots of adventures. You will learn about their lives, the people in their lives, and the people at the churches they visit. You will laugh, you will cry, and everything in between. You will learn to love some of these people, like the one who keeps a journal of all the signs out in front of the churches they pass during their travels through North and South Carolina. If you're not right with God, you're left.... Triumph is just a little umph added to try.
This book has lots and lots of layers and there is so much to think about...racism, spirituality, healing, compassion, faith....
At each church they visit you meet more people and get a Sunday sermon. Some good, some not so good, but thought provoking.
I love books where at the end you want to get in the car and go find these people.
This book has lots and lots of layers and there is so much to think about...racism, spirituality, healing, compassion, faith....
At each church they visit you meet more people and get a Sunday sermon. Some good, some not so good, but thought provoking.
I love books where at the end you want to get in the car and go find these people.
September 7, 2015
I had never heard of this book until a friend suggested I read it. What I got in reading this book about a group of people on a Presbyterian Search Committee to find a new minister for their church was much more than I expected. Told with humor and sadness, this book is more than the sum of the people riding in a van every Sunday to covertly spy on other churches preachers for the perfect candidate. It's the story of each members lives past and current. A thought provoking story of forgiveness, redemption and beauty. Thanks Laura, this was a real treat to read.
May 31, 2018
When a North Carolina church needs to replace their pastor, seven church members, representing a cross section of their congregation, are assigned the task of scouting possible replacements. On the rides in the Church van to see the candidates, these folks begin to get to really know one another, though rather reluctantly. Tim Owens intertwines information about the emotional baggage each committee member is processing their decision through with stories about the attempts to discover the next leader of their congregation. I thought the story demonstrated that a church is its people, and those people are a family that, like any other family, can be dysfunctional at times, but can also be an amazing support system.
November 12, 2018
Small town, little Presbyterian church, sinners and saints, gas stations/truck stop cafes, tragedy and humor, good preaching and bad....this little book has it all! I picked it up at the library as the "one more" book (because, you know, 15 titles aren't enough), and didn't get to it until the very end of the month. It's set in the south, but could be ANY little old church in the U.S. And if you grew up in a small town (better yet, if you're still in that same town), you'll swear you know some of these people. Maybe you ARE one of these characters!
I didn't like it, and then I loved it.
Maybe because it hit uncomfortably close to home and it took me a while to appreciate that, and not resent it.
I didn't like it, and then I loved it.
Maybe because it hit uncomfortably close to home and it took me a while to appreciate that, and not resent it.
March 26, 2021
This book would’ve been two stars if it didn’t have such good nuggets of faith-filled moments and scripture. I loved the different characters and the whole idea and plot behind the book. The execution of everything was just...... a little painful and full of Hallmark cringiness. It didn’t flow well to me, and at times had way too much going on. The details that were important should have stayed, but the rest should’ve had been left out.
Personally, I also I think it would be better if they were Southern Baptist, but hey, maybe I’m biased!! I will be putting it back in the free book bin at work, but not because I don’t want anyone else to read it! I just don’t want it on my shelf.
I would love if this turned into a Netflix series!!
Personally, I also I think it would be better if they were Southern Baptist, but hey, maybe I’m biased!! I will be putting it back in the free book bin at work, but not because I don’t want anyone else to read it! I just don’t want it on my shelf.
I would love if this turned into a Netflix series!!
September 28, 2017
The second half of the book was better than the first half. When I read the description I thought there would be more funny parts to the story but I did end up enjoying the characters towards the end.
March 1, 2020
Well written and easy read. It is about looking for a new minister but they learn, we need each other and God is with us. It is humorous but also showing that we all have problems or baggage that we carry with us.
January 19, 2021
This book was interesting to see the aspect of a church’s search committee looking for a pastor. It was neat to see the different people’s perspectives. This book felt a little disjointed in all the stories and different perspectives jumping around all at the same time.
January 7, 2018
Book was a better read then what I expected. Showed that everyone has issues and all things are possible when your turn them over to GOD.
March 30, 2022
An ok book.
May 2, 2012
Description:
When a Protestant church finds itself without a pastor, the church forms a search committee to represent the wants and needs of its congregation. In this case, when a Presbyterian preacher is called to Atlanta, the church's search committee, comprised of Travis, Dot, Susie, Bill, Joyce, Frankie, and Matt, pile into a white '78 model Ford Econoline and start searching for candidates. Just because they have been elected to agree on a new pastor, doesn't mean that they agree on anything else, so tension begins to rise. Can seven people sent on a religious mission put aside their backgrounds and secrets long enough to do what's best for the church? Or will their inner conflicts be revealed and make for a "bumpy ride"?
Review:
The Search Committee by Tim Owens is less about the actual search, and more about the committee members themselves. Seven wildly different personalities stuck in a van in search of a preacher - sounds like a great idea, right?... I loved the premise of this book right away, I have never thought about how a church gets a new pastor, especially in today's "electronic" society - (I wonder if you can Google a pastor too?). Anyway, the story-line is easy to follow and exceptionally well-written. I started to enjoy the complexity of the characters and their interactions immediately. I appreciated the balance of seriousness and humor, as well as the level of emotion - I was never bored. The only drawback was the choppiness of some of the viewpoint changes, but it didn't take anything away from the overall readability. Being a church-goer myself, I couldn't help but laughing since some of the characters reminded me of friends and neighbors in my own congregation. I have been on "road trips" before, so I know what it's like to be stuck in a van with people you don't necessarily agree with; although, those events do stand out in my mind because of the unexpected moments we all shared. I will definitely be recommending this book to my congregation! Great for book clubs; I found the Discussion Questions thought provoking as well!
Rating: Bounty's Out (3.5/5)
* I received this book from the author (Tyndale Blog Network) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
When a Protestant church finds itself without a pastor, the church forms a search committee to represent the wants and needs of its congregation. In this case, when a Presbyterian preacher is called to Atlanta, the church's search committee, comprised of Travis, Dot, Susie, Bill, Joyce, Frankie, and Matt, pile into a white '78 model Ford Econoline and start searching for candidates. Just because they have been elected to agree on a new pastor, doesn't mean that they agree on anything else, so tension begins to rise. Can seven people sent on a religious mission put aside their backgrounds and secrets long enough to do what's best for the church? Or will their inner conflicts be revealed and make for a "bumpy ride"?
Review:
The Search Committee by Tim Owens is less about the actual search, and more about the committee members themselves. Seven wildly different personalities stuck in a van in search of a preacher - sounds like a great idea, right?... I loved the premise of this book right away, I have never thought about how a church gets a new pastor, especially in today's "electronic" society - (I wonder if you can Google a pastor too?). Anyway, the story-line is easy to follow and exceptionally well-written. I started to enjoy the complexity of the characters and their interactions immediately. I appreciated the balance of seriousness and humor, as well as the level of emotion - I was never bored. The only drawback was the choppiness of some of the viewpoint changes, but it didn't take anything away from the overall readability. Being a church-goer myself, I couldn't help but laughing since some of the characters reminded me of friends and neighbors in my own congregation. I have been on "road trips" before, so I know what it's like to be stuck in a van with people you don't necessarily agree with; although, those events do stand out in my mind because of the unexpected moments we all shared. I will definitely be recommending this book to my congregation! Great for book clubs; I found the Discussion Questions thought provoking as well!
Rating: Bounty's Out (3.5/5)
* I received this book from the author (Tyndale Blog Network) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
September 27, 2013
What a delightful novel this turned out to be. The book is written by a first time author and was, as so many are, rejected almost 50 times before being reworked and accepted. It is likely to be tagged and noted as Christian Fiction, but I assure you ahead of time that it does not belong in the group of cheesy books that so often define Christian Fiction. This novel is a beautiful picture of the south as well as the importance of a church community. Even more than these though the book tackles major issues and powerful topics.
One of the major issues that the book deals with is the prevalence of domestic violence within the low-socio economic communities of the south. All too often this violence was not only directed at the woman of the house, but was also directed toward the children and in particular the male children of the home. At times of course it was sexual in nature, but for the most part it was not. It revolved around a lack of money, a lack of hope, and mostly a lack of joy in the home. The book tackles this issue from the perspective of both Travis (the primary narrator) and Frankie (a female member of the search committee). The book also tackles issues of race relations, out-of-wedlock pregnancy, suicide and depression, and a variety of other issues relating to happiness in life.
While the central plot revolves around a church's search committee traveling and looking for a new pastor the book in reality is a story of the lives of each of these people. They come together to form unique bonds based on their experiences. They learn from one another and in turn learn from themselves. The book is inspiring, humorous, and moving. It was a page turner and certainly worthy of your time.
One of the major issues that the book deals with is the prevalence of domestic violence within the low-socio economic communities of the south. All too often this violence was not only directed at the woman of the house, but was also directed toward the children and in particular the male children of the home. At times of course it was sexual in nature, but for the most part it was not. It revolved around a lack of money, a lack of hope, and mostly a lack of joy in the home. The book tackles this issue from the perspective of both Travis (the primary narrator) and Frankie (a female member of the search committee). The book also tackles issues of race relations, out-of-wedlock pregnancy, suicide and depression, and a variety of other issues relating to happiness in life.
While the central plot revolves around a church's search committee traveling and looking for a new pastor the book in reality is a story of the lives of each of these people. They come together to form unique bonds based on their experiences. They learn from one another and in turn learn from themselves. The book is inspiring, humorous, and moving. It was a page turner and certainly worthy of your time.
July 11, 2012
The Search Committee is a fun book. Tim Owens wrote a good book about road trips with purpose. I say grab a glass of sweet tea and read this book. This made me laugh out loud. The book starts out with “The church van already had 187, 00 miles on it. It was a white Ford Econoline and Travis figures it was either a 77 or 78 model” and road trip here we come. Let me introduce you to this band of characters. We meet Travis Booth his mission is to drive and find a new pastor well he and 6 others, all in this white Ford van. He is young and married and is a business professional. We meet Dot Spivey she is sort of a hot mess. She is the busy body of the church she is middle age and has a lot of opinions that she loves to share. Then there is Matt Fischer he is in his early thirties and is out of work and now living with his dad. Bill Duncan is retired from the co-op , Joyce Lambertson she is a widow in her sixties who moved south from New York, Frankie Fulford is a retired mail man and in his seventies last but not least is Susie Mayfield is divorce attractive and in her thirties. Now here comes the fun these 7 people are going to set out on trips across the south to find a pastor for their Presbyterian Church. The journey with this group is so much fun. They each are coming into this in different phases of their lives and each have opinions that let’s just say, May or may not clash. Really get this book and take the trip with them you will be glad you did. You will laugh and learn. I give this book my best rating of five stars because it made me laugh out loud.
March 14, 2012
The Search Committee is written by Tim Owens and published by Tyndale House Publishers.
This is a fun book! The characters are all interesting and make this book an easy read. The plot centers on a group of church members looking for a new pastor. Their personalities are well developed and make this book a must read.
Each person in this group of searchers has their own life and problems to handle as well as trying to find the right person to be their new pastor. From a single mom to a husband not sure about being ready for fatherhood, each person encounters struggles you will relate to. How the characters interact with each other is very real to life. I liked how they helped each other even though they were going through their own struggles. I especially liked the conclusions of all the story lines.
The ending of the book has some great discussion questions to talk about if you are reading this book in a group setting. I found the questions very helpful in making me think more about the story the author was presenting in the book. Although it is a fictional story you can still learn some great practical and Biblical principles that will help you grow as a Christian. Overall it was an enjoyable read that you can actually learn from!
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
This is a fun book! The characters are all interesting and make this book an easy read. The plot centers on a group of church members looking for a new pastor. Their personalities are well developed and make this book a must read.
Each person in this group of searchers has their own life and problems to handle as well as trying to find the right person to be their new pastor. From a single mom to a husband not sure about being ready for fatherhood, each person encounters struggles you will relate to. How the characters interact with each other is very real to life. I liked how they helped each other even though they were going through their own struggles. I especially liked the conclusions of all the story lines.
The ending of the book has some great discussion questions to talk about if you are reading this book in a group setting. I found the questions very helpful in making me think more about the story the author was presenting in the book. Although it is a fictional story you can still learn some great practical and Biblical principles that will help you grow as a Christian. Overall it was an enjoyable read that you can actually learn from!
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
July 6, 2013
Occasionally, very occasionally, I buy books for myself. Usually they are classics. Or, like with The Search Committee, I know the author. In this case, he is part of my writers' group. I have read short pieces of his before and know him to have an intriguing voice in his writing and a strong sense of humor and some quirky characters. All of that is present in The Search Committee. I was, however, surprised by how Southern this novel is.
The real main character in this book is the setting. I had just finished reading Barbara O'Connor's How to Steal a Dog before I started The Search Committee. It was amazing how well the writing dovetailed -- it wasn't the same -- Ms O'Connor writes for children, but there is a quality to the writing that is shared by both authors. In case you are wondering, I love Barbara O'Connor's writing, so I loved the writing in The Search Committee as well.
The Search Committee ostensibly is about the four women and three men who make up a committee searching for a new pastor for their church. Every main character is given a view point and flashbacks to his or her past. I don't really have a problem with that. I do, however, think this book could have been improved by tighter editing. That, to me, is more a reflection on the publishing house than on the author.
I do know that Mr. Owens is working on another book. I do know that I'll be buying it when it is released. And I do know that I expect to enjoy it.
The real main character in this book is the setting. I had just finished reading Barbara O'Connor's How to Steal a Dog before I started The Search Committee. It was amazing how well the writing dovetailed -- it wasn't the same -- Ms O'Connor writes for children, but there is a quality to the writing that is shared by both authors. In case you are wondering, I love Barbara O'Connor's writing, so I loved the writing in The Search Committee as well.
The Search Committee ostensibly is about the four women and three men who make up a committee searching for a new pastor for their church. Every main character is given a view point and flashbacks to his or her past. I don't really have a problem with that. I do, however, think this book could have been improved by tighter editing. That, to me, is more a reflection on the publishing house than on the author.
I do know that Mr. Owens is working on another book. I do know that I'll be buying it when it is released. And I do know that I expect to enjoy it.
January 14, 2012
Has your church ever searched for a new pastor? Have you ever been on the search committee? Even if this isn’t the case, you’ll be able to relate to The Search Committee, the debut novel from Tim Owens.
A search committee is usually made up of a cross-section of the church membership, and this one is no exception. There’s the retired church elder that drives the van, the opinionated woman who talks non-stop, the resident socially-awkward genius, and the transplanted Yankee. The story is told through the eyes of the youngest member, recently married Travis. The committee travels throughout the Southeast, sneaking into churches to evaluate the pastor’s sermon and trying not to let the local parish know that they’ve come to steal the pastor.
This story is not so much about the search as it is about the committee getting to know each other and overcoming their different personalities and backgrounds . Only when they accomplish this will they be able to select the right pastor for the congregation.
The Search Committee was selected as the first winner of the Operation First Novel contest run by the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild. You will understand why when you finish this well-written tale.
I received this book for free from Tyndale House Publishers for this review.
A search committee is usually made up of a cross-section of the church membership, and this one is no exception. There’s the retired church elder that drives the van, the opinionated woman who talks non-stop, the resident socially-awkward genius, and the transplanted Yankee. The story is told through the eyes of the youngest member, recently married Travis. The committee travels throughout the Southeast, sneaking into churches to evaluate the pastor’s sermon and trying not to let the local parish know that they’ve come to steal the pastor.
This story is not so much about the search as it is about the committee getting to know each other and overcoming their different personalities and backgrounds . Only when they accomplish this will they be able to select the right pastor for the congregation.
The Search Committee was selected as the first winner of the Operation First Novel contest run by the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild. You will understand why when you finish this well-written tale.
I received this book for free from Tyndale House Publishers for this review.
June 14, 2012
Being originally from a small town in the South, I thoroughly understand the concept (and the pitfalls) of a church search committee. My mom was even on a search committee when I was in middle school.
And just like I have mixed feelings about search committees, I have mixed feelings about this book.
After a slow start – it took a long time for me to figure out exactly where this book was taking place, who was who, and to settle in to the flow of things – I was able to enjoy parts of the novel. There were some humorous things that happened during their trips to visit the pastors, and I enjoyed when we were able to “listen” to the sermons right along with them.
However, this novel is written as more of a series of anecdotal events and background stories of the characters rather than a cohesive plot with a beginning, middle, and end. The overarching storyline of the search committee is there, but it seems to sometimes take a backseat to the situations the characters are dealing with. While this is great from a character development standpoint, I still sometimes found myself becoming distracted while I was reading. The fact that it was so based in reality also made the writing come off as coarse at times.
Read my complete review here: http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...
And just like I have mixed feelings about search committees, I have mixed feelings about this book.
After a slow start – it took a long time for me to figure out exactly where this book was taking place, who was who, and to settle in to the flow of things – I was able to enjoy parts of the novel. There were some humorous things that happened during their trips to visit the pastors, and I enjoyed when we were able to “listen” to the sermons right along with them.
However, this novel is written as more of a series of anecdotal events and background stories of the characters rather than a cohesive plot with a beginning, middle, and end. The overarching storyline of the search committee is there, but it seems to sometimes take a backseat to the situations the characters are dealing with. While this is great from a character development standpoint, I still sometimes found myself becoming distracted while I was reading. The fact that it was so based in reality also made the writing come off as coarse at times.
Read my complete review here: http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...
July 29, 2012
A plethora of personalities!
Seven church members are on a mission, to find a preacher for their small Presbyterian congregation. A van of personalities could not be more mixed, come along with The Search Committee as they look for their next pastor and reminisce about days gone past.
Will they find the pastor of their dreams?
I loved the character diversity, and how each person had their own stand-out personality. I really liked getting to know the characters and when it went back to revive some of their memories was really great because through their memories I got to see another side of them or perhaps a bit of buried hurt.
There were many humorous parts, or even just the way that certain characters handled themselves in certain situations. This book felt like a small town read, even though the actual town wasn't really in the book, through the characters we could see the sense of community and diversity just through the few in the van.
Overall this was a highly enjoyable read, that was fun and really focused on the characters, we got to see how they each had different expectations for what they wanted to shepherd their congregation.
A relaxing read, that is also highly engaging.
No review required :)
Seven church members are on a mission, to find a preacher for their small Presbyterian congregation. A van of personalities could not be more mixed, come along with The Search Committee as they look for their next pastor and reminisce about days gone past.
Will they find the pastor of their dreams?
I loved the character diversity, and how each person had their own stand-out personality. I really liked getting to know the characters and when it went back to revive some of their memories was really great because through their memories I got to see another side of them or perhaps a bit of buried hurt.
There were many humorous parts, or even just the way that certain characters handled themselves in certain situations. This book felt like a small town read, even though the actual town wasn't really in the book, through the characters we could see the sense of community and diversity just through the few in the van.
Overall this was a highly enjoyable read, that was fun and really focused on the characters, we got to see how they each had different expectations for what they wanted to shepherd their congregation.
A relaxing read, that is also highly engaging.
No review required :)
January 5, 2012
Having been reared in church all my life and now serving as a pastor's wife I couldn't put The Search Committee novel down because Tim Owens "hit the nail on the head" with this novel.
Imagine a committee from church being sent out on the road to literally "steal" a pastor. But the committee must all agree on said pastor. And after visiting church after church the wear and tear of being together on the road begins to break down the defenses of each of the committee members. We think we know people until we are confined in close quarters with each other hour after hour...then we really get to know one another!
What a plan! The search committee finds more than a pastor! The people portrayed in this read could have stepped right out of our churches. Many a time I found myself laughing out loud! I haven't read such an interesting an ingenious book like The Search Committee in years! The portrayal of raw emotion, family dynamics and the uniqueness of church life makes for a grand read! I absolutely loved this read! But don't take my word for it....go grab your own copy and join The Search Committee!
*This book was provided by Tyndale Publishing*
Imagine a committee from church being sent out on the road to literally "steal" a pastor. But the committee must all agree on said pastor. And after visiting church after church the wear and tear of being together on the road begins to break down the defenses of each of the committee members. We think we know people until we are confined in close quarters with each other hour after hour...then we really get to know one another!
What a plan! The search committee finds more than a pastor! The people portrayed in this read could have stepped right out of our churches. Many a time I found myself laughing out loud! I haven't read such an interesting an ingenious book like The Search Committee in years! The portrayal of raw emotion, family dynamics and the uniqueness of church life makes for a grand read! I absolutely loved this read! But don't take my word for it....go grab your own copy and join The Search Committee!
*This book was provided by Tyndale Publishing*
July 3, 2016
The story involves seven people who have been chosen to pick a new pastor for their church. They drive to each church and go in one by one so the church doesn't know they are evaluating the pastor. Each person has a chance to tell their story and why they are in this small southern town.
The story flowed smoothly, but at times slowly as the church committee searches for a pastor that will help their church grow. It was hard for me to keep track of all of the different lives and what was happening to each person. But the characters were fun and real to life. I enjoyed listening to them talk about some of the towns they visited or went through since I've lived in or near quite a few of them.
As they visited each church the author has the pastor give a sermon so the search committee can evaluate him. Some of the sermons were really good. This book is worth a read just for those sermons alone. But it also has an amazing ending about why we are here and what our purpose in life is all about. All in all, despite the slow start, it was a great book and I am glad that I read it.
I received this book free of charge from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.
The story flowed smoothly, but at times slowly as the church committee searches for a pastor that will help their church grow. It was hard for me to keep track of all of the different lives and what was happening to each person. But the characters were fun and real to life. I enjoyed listening to them talk about some of the towns they visited or went through since I've lived in or near quite a few of them.
As they visited each church the author has the pastor give a sermon so the search committee can evaluate him. Some of the sermons were really good. This book is worth a read just for those sermons alone. But it also has an amazing ending about why we are here and what our purpose in life is all about. All in all, despite the slow start, it was a great book and I am glad that I read it.
I received this book free of charge from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.
August 28, 2012
This was a light-hearted humorous book about 7 people (the search committee) in a small southern Presbyterian congregation who travel in a church van searching to "steal" a new pastor. They try to keep their mission secret in the churches they visit and along the way have plenty of misadventures. We also get to experience some of the sermons they hear along the way. We get a glimpse into their lives - past and present. There is Travis (a young married professional), Bill (retired from electric co-op), Frankie (70 and retired from post office), Matt (a socially inept depressed out-of-work PhD), Dot (a non-stop talking opinionated housewife), Joyce (60 and a transplanted New Yorker), and Susie (30ish and a divorced good looking bookkeeper). There is also John the Interim pastor. This is a book without much of a plot, but through flashbacks we see how their pasts have affected their present day lives. In their search for a new pastor they also find healing and grace - a life affirming read.
February 26, 2013
The pastoral search committee and search process is a setting that allows the various characters to come together and interact. This book is really not about the search but about the relational dynamics that come from the setting. There are quite a few characters that appear immediately and at first it can be difficult to keep track of who's who. As the story progresses each character is developed, revealing their backgrounds, their hopes, hurts, disappointments, and secrets. The author includes insightful life philosophies in the form of sermons that the search committee hears throughout the story. The very last pages contain some thought and discussion questions so that this story could be the basis of a small group discussion.
I found the story engaging and completely enjoyable. Some of the details are specific to the Presbyterians, and having some familiarity with them can add to the enjoyment by recognizing some of the "inside" humor. Regardless I recommend this book to anyone looking for good entertainment with a religious flavor.
I found the story engaging and completely enjoyable. Some of the details are specific to the Presbyterians, and having some familiarity with them can add to the enjoyment by recognizing some of the "inside" humor. Regardless I recommend this book to anyone looking for good entertainment with a religious flavor.
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March 4, 2012I enjoyed the book I received through NetGalley. The Search Committee attracted my attention because our church had recently formed a search committee in order to find a new senior pastor for our church.
Tim Owens writes of a search committee made up of members of a Presbyterian congregation, each person representative of a different demographic in the church. Together they spend their Sundays driving from church to church looking for a potential minister to "steal". The reader learns about the secrets each one keeps buried from the others, and themselves too. Gradually the secrets and struggles work themselves out and the book ends with each member of the committee having changed in some way. There is redemption, forgiveness, healing and maturing in the story.
The book lends itself to being used by a book club because discussion questions are included at the end of the book, along with an interview with the author of the book.
Tim Owens writes of a search committee made up of members of a Presbyterian congregation, each person representative of a different demographic in the church. Together they spend their Sundays driving from church to church looking for a potential minister to "steal". The reader learns about the secrets each one keeps buried from the others, and themselves too. Gradually the secrets and struggles work themselves out and the book ends with each member of the committee having changed in some way. There is redemption, forgiveness, healing and maturing in the story.
The book lends itself to being used by a book club because discussion questions are included at the end of the book, along with an interview with the author of the book.
August 31, 2012
A mismatched team of seven hit the road in an Econoline church van on a mission to find a new pastor. They don't agree on much other than the stops at Hardee's for coffee and a biscuit. But they stick to the call, trying to slip undetected into worship services across the Southeast—all in hopes of stealing a preacher for their congregation.
Each member is wrestling to balance their own busy life and personal struggles. And they're trying to keep their issues to themselves. Forced to spend countless hours together, these very different personalities from different generations begin to bond. And their lives are profoundly changed as they love and support each other through the difficulties in each of their lives.
This is a really good book that has me thinking about a lot of things. I think everyone knows someone like each of the members of the committee and that we're like at least one of them. I really like the ending and didn't see it coming.
Each member is wrestling to balance their own busy life and personal struggles. And they're trying to keep their issues to themselves. Forced to spend countless hours together, these very different personalities from different generations begin to bond. And their lives are profoundly changed as they love and support each other through the difficulties in each of their lives.
This is a really good book that has me thinking about a lot of things. I think everyone knows someone like each of the members of the committee and that we're like at least one of them. I really like the ending and didn't see it coming.
September 10, 2012
I think I would have liked this book a lot more if I was Presbyterian or any other religion where search committees are a thing. A lot of it went over my head given that I'm Catholic and priests are assigned parishes rather than recruited. I didn't connect with the plot at all.
Aside from that I thought that the characters were fairly flat. The book is built upon the lives of main characters, and yet, I was often bored with them. They were pretty one dimensional and just blah. No one was exciting. I didn't really like any of them, but it wasn't because they were bad or mean it was just because there was nothing to them.
It was free on Amazon, and that is how I ended up reading it. I wouldn't bother with it unless you want to know the workings of how Presbyterians find ministers. There just isn't much substance here.
Aside from that I thought that the characters were fairly flat. The book is built upon the lives of main characters, and yet, I was often bored with them. They were pretty one dimensional and just blah. No one was exciting. I didn't really like any of them, but it wasn't because they were bad or mean it was just because there was nothing to them.
It was free on Amazon, and that is how I ended up reading it. I wouldn't bother with it unless you want to know the workings of how Presbyterians find ministers. There just isn't much substance here.
May 16, 2019
Owens' Operation First Novel winner is funny and meaningful and will cause readers to examine what is truly important about a church, pastor and the eclectic group of members that make up the congregation. More than just a book about a search committee, it's a tale that looks at relationships between people of all ages and backgrounds.
SUMMARY: A group of seven people from a North Carolina Presbyterian church form a search committee to find a new pastor to replace the one who recently left their church. Each weekend they pile into an old Econoline van and listen to the preaching of various men (and women) who have applied for the position. As they travel, the group gets into some hilarious predicaments, but also learn a bit about themselves and the others.
SUMMARY: A group of seven people from a North Carolina Presbyterian church form a search committee to find a new pastor to replace the one who recently left their church. Each weekend they pile into an old Econoline van and listen to the preaching of various men (and women) who have applied for the position. As they travel, the group gets into some hilarious predicaments, but also learn a bit about themselves and the others.
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