It All Counts: Finding God Everywhere They Told You Not to Look

by Natalia Terfa, Jeff Chu (Foreword)

What if I told you that whatever it is you are doing, if it is done with love, is enough?

It All Counts is a fiercely compassionate and deeply personal exploration of faith, doubt, and the sacredness of everyday life. With humor, honesty, and theological insight, pastor and podcaster Natalia Terfa invites us to reimagine what it means to live a spiritual life--especially when it doesn't look like the version we were taught.

Through stories of grief, joy, digital ministry, nature, rituals, and rage walks around the lake, Terfa challenges the idea that faith only "counts" when it fits inside institutional boxes. Instead, she offers a liberating vision of spirituality rooted in authenticity, curiosity, and love. Whether you've been told your questions are too big, your worship too unconventional, or your body too broken, this book You still belong. You are not alone. And yes--it all counts.

For spiritual seekers, deconstructing Christians, and anyone longing for a more expansive, inclusive, and embodied faith, It All Counts is both a balm and a rallying cry. With each chapter, Terfa dismantles shame-based theology and replaces it with grace, reminding us that God is not small, stingy, or confined to buildings--but present in every breath, every doubt, and every messy, beautiful moment of being human.

155 pages, Paperback

Published July 21, 2026

Reviews

[Danielle Shroyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book for those who need permission to see God beyond the confining walls of restrictive religion and legalistic belief, for those who need affirmation that the God they feel in nature is indeed speaking. If you need to see God with fresh eyes, this book is for you. Natalia is a wonderful pastor and human, and her pastoral voice is here to guide you into trusting that maybe, just maybe, all of this counts to God.

[Inga · Rating 4 out of 5]

A kind and gentle reminder that there is so much more freedom in faith than we realize. This book reads like walking and talking with a friend. Coherent as a whole, but each chapter can stand on its own, too.

Thanks to Broadleaf and Netgalley for the ARC.

[Ryan George · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I really like an audiobook, I buy a physical copy for my office bookshelf. I decided to buy a copy of Natalia Terfa’s book—while listening to Jeff Chu’s forward—before I even got to Terfa’s writing. I came to this short volume during a season when I wanted to start a monthly or quarterly alternative Sunday worship experience for people of my church, and Terfa’s sentiments affirmed that dream. While I don’t (and won’t) take my curiosity around spiritual practices as far as Terfa does, I like her approach to exploration. Her anecdotes around funerals and weddings and church services offer readers permission to ask questions. She asks readers and listeners not to accept tradition as an excuse for a lack of examination, both internal and external. I didn’t expect the topic of her last chapter, but I loved how she broke the convention of the book’s title and premise. In it, Terfa explains when a way of connecting to God doesn’t count. Unfortunately, those who most need those parameters would probably never get that far into this work to have their assumptions confronted.

[Vee's Shelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

It All Counts is one of the most impactful books I've read in years.

Natalie Terfa offers an honest and compassionate exploration of faith, spirituality, and belonging. With warmth and authenticity, she gently challenges shame-based beliefs, rigid expectations, and the idea that faith must fit within a narrow set of rules. Instead, she invites readers to consider a more expansive understanding of spirituality rooted in grace, curiosity, and connection.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its ability to affirm the many ways people experience the sacred. Terfa explores how faith can be found not only in traditional religious spaces, but also in everyday moments, relationships, nature, creativity, and practices that foster presence and meaning. Her writing creates space for questions and doubt without judgment.

The book expanded my perspective around what faith looks like and who belongs within it. If you are wrestling with questions of faith, spirituality, or belonging, this book will offer comfort, perspective, and hope.

Thank you to Broadleaf Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I opened Natalia Terfa’s book, “It All Counts,” I couldn’t put it down. Natalia tells it how it is, expressing her faith journey with truth, honesty, and humor in ways that are relatable and compassionate. As someone who has been in faith-related conversation with Natalia for ten years, I can attest that she writes how she speaks: with wisdom, vulnerability, and just the right amount of snark. Natalia faithfully reminds all of us that God's love and grace are bigger than any attempt to control, dominate, or negate your experience of the holy.

[Charlie Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalia has a casual way of writing that is easy to read and relatable. The stories in this book accomplish what they are set out to represent. A good reminder out there that there are sane people talking about religion as well.

[Lynell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I smiled, I laughed, I cried, and I pondered. It's a good read with lots of love and encouragement included.

[Lydia · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

This book is perfect for both spiritual leaders and the spiritually curious. I was very moved by the personal stories and connections.