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The Wandering Worshipper: A Reluctant Churchgoer's Journey to Belonging
The Wandering Worshipper is the story of a journey where I knew where I was going, but not what I would find. I discovered that there is a place for everyone, and everyone needs a place.
It began with an entirely irregular and wholly uninspired churchgoer who thought regular church attendance could be beneficial and wanted to figure out a way to make it happen. I decided to attend services at houses of worship of all different sizes, shapes, colors, religions, and denominations – 33 in one year.
As the journey unfolded, I realized I knew a lot less than I thought. Rather than the typical negative impressions of church, I encountered smiling, welcoming people; heard uplifting, not condemning, faith messages; learned that the differences in faith traditions are not so different; and discovered faith can transcend race.
Most crucially, I found nurturing communities that fostered connection and provided support like no other place – “Strangers” disclosing and discussing a vexing, daddy/daughter issue; the congregation that looks entirely different than the elderly, immobile woman embraces her and holds her hand until the moment she passes away, and a black congregation welcomes its sole white member to talk about racism and slavery for Black History Month.
The book is not a report on church services but the story of a journey to belonging that transformed me from uninspired and irregular to passionate and always.
The Wandering Worshipper is a story about human nature, faith traditions and values, race relations, and most importantly, the power of community, not an evangelical call to practice any particular religion.
To those apathetic or antagonistic toward houses of worship, I hope my journey provides you with a different perspective. The Wandering Worshipper is an encouragement to put aside preconceived notions, explore church, and seize the benefit of community worship wherever that may be. To regular attendees of houses of worship, I hope my journey inspires you to develop an even more faithful and loving community.
It began with an entirely irregular and wholly uninspired churchgoer who thought regular church attendance could be beneficial and wanted to figure out a way to make it happen. I decided to attend services at houses of worship of all different sizes, shapes, colors, religions, and denominations – 33 in one year.
As the journey unfolded, I realized I knew a lot less than I thought. Rather than the typical negative impressions of church, I encountered smiling, welcoming people; heard uplifting, not condemning, faith messages; learned that the differences in faith traditions are not so different; and discovered faith can transcend race.
Most crucially, I found nurturing communities that fostered connection and provided support like no other place – “Strangers” disclosing and discussing a vexing, daddy/daughter issue; the congregation that looks entirely different than the elderly, immobile woman embraces her and holds her hand until the moment she passes away, and a black congregation welcomes its sole white member to talk about racism and slavery for Black History Month.
The book is not a report on church services but the story of a journey to belonging that transformed me from uninspired and irregular to passionate and always.
The Wandering Worshipper is a story about human nature, faith traditions and values, race relations, and most importantly, the power of community, not an evangelical call to practice any particular religion.
To those apathetic or antagonistic toward houses of worship, I hope my journey provides you with a different perspective. The Wandering Worshipper is an encouragement to put aside preconceived notions, explore church, and seize the benefit of community worship wherever that may be. To regular attendees of houses of worship, I hope my journey inspires you to develop an even more faithful and loving community.
180 pages, Hardcover
Published October 28, 2025
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October 28, 2025
I went in to this book blind and when I had finished my eyes were unexpectedly wide open to more than I could have imagined. The thoughts and opinions of the author were interesting and I was intrigued right from the start. The end took a surprisingly sentimental turn and I loved every minute. Whether you’re curious about spirituality or continuing your walk, I would recommend this book to anyone!
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