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Rooted: The Hidden Places Where God Develops You
You were born to make an impact in this world and you know it. You feel it deep down in your bones. Apathy is your nemesis and your hunger to change the world keeps you up at night. But no matter how deep this hunger growls, we can only make a meaningful impact if we are rooted in Jesus. And here’s the
God is not interested in developing your vision first.
He is interested in developing you.
In Rooted, Banning Liebscher takes us to the life of David to show how God expands our root system in the hidden places before leading us to where we all desire to go, the visible world. It was in a field of prayerful devotion, a season of serving, and a cave of community that God prepared David for his crown, the same way God prepares us. Take a look at your own life. Are you embracing God’s process, the sometimes painstaking and maddening process? When we can release ourselves to God we will find that we can thrive while He develops us, rather than succumb to discouragement.
Whatever your age or season of life, it takes immense courage to slow down enough to let God grow a root system in your life so that you can bear fruit that remains. You are where you are because God has planted you there. Discover what it looks like to embrace His process so you can do what He has called you to, change the world.
God is not interested in developing your vision first.
He is interested in developing you.
In Rooted, Banning Liebscher takes us to the life of David to show how God expands our root system in the hidden places before leading us to where we all desire to go, the visible world. It was in a field of prayerful devotion, a season of serving, and a cave of community that God prepared David for his crown, the same way God prepares us. Take a look at your own life. Are you embracing God’s process, the sometimes painstaking and maddening process? When we can release ourselves to God we will find that we can thrive while He develops us, rather than succumb to discouragement.
Whatever your age or season of life, it takes immense courage to slow down enough to let God grow a root system in your life so that you can bear fruit that remains. You are where you are because God has planted you there. Discover what it looks like to embrace His process so you can do what He has called you to, change the world.
224 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2016
338 people are currently reading
2018 people want to read
About the author
Banning Liebscher
29 books48 followersBanning Liebscher was on staff at Bethel Church in Redding, California for eighteen years and founded the ministry Jesus Culture during that time. Banning and his family, along with the Jesus Culture team, relocated to the capital of California where they started a church, Jesus Culture Sacramento. Their vision is to see people encounter God, be empowered in community, and engage their city for revival and transformation. He and his wife, SeaJay, have three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
May 8, 2022
With this one I annotated the pieces out of it.
When you read this book you will see why.
When you read this book you will see why.
June 6, 2025
Loved reading this with my husband 🥰 had so many good points for how to grow closer to the Lord and how to really plant yourself in a relationship with Him.
March 28, 2016
I've known since last summer that God was giving me some direction for where my life was headed and what God wanted me to do with it. But I've also spent the last several months since then working hard to build the skills that I need to move forward. I've had to learn new things, create new habits and thought patterns, and dig deep into scripture to learn as much as I can before I move forward into what God is calling me to do.
Along that journey, reading has been an integral piece of the puzzle for me. And I just finished Rooted: The hidden places where God develops you by Banning Liebscher. When I signed up to read this book and review it, I didn't know who Liebscher was, but I was drawn to the book, and the subtitle. I was intrigued by the idea of creating a hidden place with God.
Since we are on the heels of the "war room" phenomenon, I greatly appreciated Liebscher's approach to creating that hidden, secret place with God. It wasn't a specific location, although he pointed out that certainly helps, but he acknowledged that we can create a hidden place wherever we are. This was freeing for me because of how much I travel. Even if I have created the habit and sacred space in my own home, I need to also be able to find this space anywhere that I am.
Rooted focuses on finding your way as God continues to develop the vision he has given you and how to grow deep roots in God.
That's another huge piece of the puzzle for us. One thing Eric said to me as we started this blog was that it was all about roots going deep. This book serves as a road map to help you find that place with God, and trust the process that may have a different timeline than your own.
While I may know the direction my life is headed, I cannot fulfill that calling and vision, without building those roots down deep in the soil of intimacy, serving and community. Rooted helped me think about where I am on this journey in developing my roots so that I can continue to flourish and grow into the vision that God has given me.
I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.
Along that journey, reading has been an integral piece of the puzzle for me. And I just finished Rooted: The hidden places where God develops you by Banning Liebscher. When I signed up to read this book and review it, I didn't know who Liebscher was, but I was drawn to the book, and the subtitle. I was intrigued by the idea of creating a hidden place with God.
Since we are on the heels of the "war room" phenomenon, I greatly appreciated Liebscher's approach to creating that hidden, secret place with God. It wasn't a specific location, although he pointed out that certainly helps, but he acknowledged that we can create a hidden place wherever we are. This was freeing for me because of how much I travel. Even if I have created the habit and sacred space in my own home, I need to also be able to find this space anywhere that I am.
Rooted focuses on finding your way as God continues to develop the vision he has given you and how to grow deep roots in God.
That's another huge piece of the puzzle for us. One thing Eric said to me as we started this blog was that it was all about roots going deep. This book serves as a road map to help you find that place with God, and trust the process that may have a different timeline than your own.
While I may know the direction my life is headed, I cannot fulfill that calling and vision, without building those roots down deep in the soil of intimacy, serving and community. Rooted helped me think about where I am on this journey in developing my roots so that I can continue to flourish and grow into the vision that God has given me.
I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2022
simple yet profound!! looks at the life of David and how we can abide and grow like he did
February 10, 2024
My spiritual director told me to read this book. She was onto something, to no surprise. Great insights and a lot of it spoke to my current season. Your roots will run deep and your life will be fruitful if you are in the soils of intimacy, service, and community. Build the wall in front of you and watch as the Father speaks into the dreams you have with Him. He is faithful and is worth our faithfulness.
January 6, 2025
An easy read and offers helpful insight on difficult topics like how to navigate your thoughts and community building. I don’t love how the author frequently states word for word what God was “speaking” to him as if they were having a human interaction. He does, however, clarify in the book that some may not agree with that.
April 13, 2017
This book addresses the how in bearing fruit in a Christian's life - basically developing one's "root" system and developing in the soils of intimacy with God, serving and community. So many quotes I want to highlight cos they are truths and good reminders!
July 26, 2022
Banning Liebscher formår at beskrive Guds modningsproces af sem Gud kalder på en nuanceret og præcis måde, der både er bibelsk og understøttet med rige erfaringer og historier. Denne bog er en guide til et sundt liv som kristen leder med nuance og med øje for det vestlige menneskes faldgruber.
Et mustread for enhver som oplever Guds kald over deres liv.
Et mustread for enhver som oplever Guds kald over deres liv.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2022
Banning is revealing in his writing of this book, writing at one point that, “Maybe it’s because my top love language is words of affirmation, but it kind of irritated me when Jesus said, ‘Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him?'” (pg. 148) Notice how Banning admitted he was irritated with the words of Jesus? Most would be ashamed to admit that they were irritated with Jesus, but Banning admits it anyways. It makes his story easier to relate to, more real.
Throughout this book, we read personal examples from Banning’s own life that contribute to what he’s trying to tell us. Instead of expecting us to read what would amount to little more than a Christian textbook, Banning explains in a simple, understandable way. The simplicity is not so much as to be insulting, but just enough that it can contribute to the newly-saved’s walk with Christ, or to someone who has been saved for a long time.
Banning included many Biblical references; nearly every page has at least one reference. I really appreciated that, because then I could read the passage for myself if I had any questions about his interpretation.
The only thing I did not like about this book was that when Banning references the Bible, he tends to use several translations; you could read three different references and each would be a different translation. It would be better if Banning stuck with one translation – switching translations each time says to me that he’s looking for the verse to say what he wants it to say, rather than a more direct (trustworthy) translation that may not say it the way he wants.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in encouragement in their walk with Christ. There were several instances where I personally found encouragement reading this. In one section, God used this book to speak to me about something I had been praying about and give me assurance about His will. I think there’s something written in here for every Christian – or even for someone considering Christianity.
This review is also at https://www.allbehindasmile.com/roote...
Disclaimer: I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Throughout this book, we read personal examples from Banning’s own life that contribute to what he’s trying to tell us. Instead of expecting us to read what would amount to little more than a Christian textbook, Banning explains in a simple, understandable way. The simplicity is not so much as to be insulting, but just enough that it can contribute to the newly-saved’s walk with Christ, or to someone who has been saved for a long time.
Banning included many Biblical references; nearly every page has at least one reference. I really appreciated that, because then I could read the passage for myself if I had any questions about his interpretation.
The only thing I did not like about this book was that when Banning references the Bible, he tends to use several translations; you could read three different references and each would be a different translation. It would be better if Banning stuck with one translation – switching translations each time says to me that he’s looking for the verse to say what he wants it to say, rather than a more direct (trustworthy) translation that may not say it the way he wants.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in encouragement in their walk with Christ. There were several instances where I personally found encouragement reading this. In one section, God used this book to speak to me about something I had been praying about and give me assurance about His will. I think there’s something written in here for every Christian – or even for someone considering Christianity.
This review is also at https://www.allbehindasmile.com/roote...
Disclaimer: I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 15, 2019
The author definitely hit some things right on the head in terms of leadership and emotional health, and I greatly appreciated his awareness in those realms. But his theology was often lacking or faulty in my opinion, and sometimes he made some pretty big stretches to achieve the point he was trying to make. Also I found the book to be prettttyyyy repetitive, which will never be a great thing for me personally ;) I think he could have gone deeper, been more consistent, and not talked about his accomplishments as much. But I think his heart is in the right place for sure. Just my honest opinion.
October 29, 2024
This was a really good book. Deep. Thoughtful and understanding, yet uncompromising and convicting. I'm in the middle of a major life decision right now, and this was a very timely and apt book. Thank you to my oldest brother who rec’d it to me. Definitely something I'd like to reread and would recommend to others.
January 25, 2018
A simple yet profound book for every Christian that has ever dealt with questions such as 'Am I where God wants me to be?', 'Is this for me?'. Though the book does not provide any answers, reading it would definitely bring you hope and a change of perspective to the situation. Love it!
May 16, 2020
Read this actually a while ago, but this is one of the more influential books of my college experience. I really, really loved it. Not sure how I would feel now, but I remembering feeling that it was an "easy read" that was both enjoyable and challenged my expectations of God and my life.
November 5, 2024
Great book study for personal or small group use. Last two chapters on community convicted me HARD.
November 2, 2024
Terminei hj e já sei que preciso ler ele de novo o mais rápido possível
April 12, 2016
I enjoyed this book and read it in one seating. There's no heavy typological or foreshadowing of Christ here. What we get instead are plenty of lively stories from Banning's (and family's) life and ministry. He attempts to communicate a simple message - to be rooted intimately with God, in service to him and in the context of a community.
I was constantly engaged with the unfolding thesis of the book, and was kept hooked from the get go. The plentiful sharing of the real-life memories and experiences (especially the painful/embarrassing ones) helped Banning connect with a young reader like myself. I appreciated the authenticity and vulnerability thoroughly. I'd probably increase the 4 stars to 5 if more emphasis (and pages) was placed on the necessity of the believer actively seeking to be rooted in the 3 soils (Intimacy, serving, community).
I'm actually conflicted as to whether I wished he had gone in greater depth for each of the bible passages he cited. After wrestling for a moment, I think he made the right choice in the touch-and-go methodology in citing Scripture. (Because the more reformed would probably not even pick up a book by a Jesus Culture pastor in the first place!) As I reflect on what this main lines of propositions Banning attempted to convey, I am reminded of James Bryan Smith's Good and Beautiful trilogy. This book (Rooted) would serve as a superb appetitiser (should a small group or church leader decide to ease the flock to journey together with the Good and Beautiful series).
I received this book from Crown Publishing Group's Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.
I was constantly engaged with the unfolding thesis of the book, and was kept hooked from the get go. The plentiful sharing of the real-life memories and experiences (especially the painful/embarrassing ones) helped Banning connect with a young reader like myself. I appreciated the authenticity and vulnerability thoroughly. I'd probably increase the 4 stars to 5 if more emphasis (and pages) was placed on the necessity of the believer actively seeking to be rooted in the 3 soils (Intimacy, serving, community).
I'm actually conflicted as to whether I wished he had gone in greater depth for each of the bible passages he cited. After wrestling for a moment, I think he made the right choice in the touch-and-go methodology in citing Scripture. (Because the more reformed would probably not even pick up a book by a Jesus Culture pastor in the first place!) As I reflect on what this main lines of propositions Banning attempted to convey, I am reminded of James Bryan Smith's Good and Beautiful trilogy. This book (Rooted) would serve as a superb appetitiser (should a small group or church leader decide to ease the flock to journey together with the Good and Beautiful series).
I received this book from Crown Publishing Group's Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.
March 19, 2016
I have had the great honor and privilege to have Banning as my youth pastor and overseer in my 2nd and 3rd of School of Ministry, now I have the honor to review his book Rooted. He truly is walking example of his book. Rooted really ministered and encouraged me in the season I am in right now in my growth and ministry. To be honest it really gave me courage. It was such a reminder to me to keep steady, stay on course, and remember what is truly important. It’s not what usually man looks at. I’m going to be real this isn’t a light read, it’s real. It’s about what it truly means to follow Jesus. What it looks like and how it feels.
As for Banning’s writing style it’s is crisp and to the point, but what kicks it out of the park is his revelation of scripture and illustrations. They bring to life Biblical truths in a way you take to heart and apply to your life. He opens with several chapters that bring you into 3 sections; Soil 1: Intimacy, Soil 2: Serving, Soil 3: Community. He makes it clear that we need to cultivate those 3 soils in our life if we want to be rooted and have fruit that will last.
Overall an incredible book that I would recommend to any believer. Thank you for writing it Banning!
I received an advance reading copy for my honest review.
November 24, 2016
I'm giving this three stars, but a very positive three. The book is really easy to read and has lots of great insights into living a thriving Christian life. I like that there is a strong call to action, with simple, practical steps. From my perspective, there appears to be a lot of truth in here. It's a light read, so as a literary piece, it feels more like a relaxed sermon than one that would go down as a classic or a must-read. It's very personable, so I would recommend for Christians wanting some accessible, practical wisdom on how to build a solid foundation for years to come.
April 27, 2019
Must Read
This was the first Christian book I’ve read and I feel like I have honestly been sleeping on this genre. I’ve never heard of the author before this book which was a gift, but the timing of receiving this book couldn’t have been better. It’s definitely a book that should take you a while to read as you apply the principles and go through the Scriptures he mentions and it is definitely a book I will pick up again.
This was the first Christian book I’ve read and I feel like I have honestly been sleeping on this genre. I’ve never heard of the author before this book which was a gift, but the timing of receiving this book couldn’t have been better. It’s definitely a book that should take you a while to read as you apply the principles and go through the Scriptures he mentions and it is definitely a book I will pick up again.
February 8, 2020
This book came to me at just the perfect moment in my life. Everything around me was planting seeds to lead me to the point I’m at in my life now, and I love how this book was a confirmation of the words God was already speaking to me! 🌱
November 2, 2025
Nov 2025: love love love
Feb 2017: This book honestly changed my life.
Feb 2017: This book honestly changed my life.
October 5, 2020
Sem palavras pro quão profunda essa leitura foi
May 29, 2017
Intimacy. Service. Community. These are the three soils in which Banning Liebscher says that we are planted in order to grow root systems in God that lead to last fruit. He used the life of David, a man who had a firm and solid relationship with God and also bore fruit that still lasts to this day, as his primary example throughout the book.
He did a great job of conveying the importance of each of these soils as well as supporting each of his point with Scripture, which is so helpful and important for me as I grow up in Christ. Because of this book, I am better able to understand how and why each of these three soils is vital to my growth and essential if I want to fulfill the calling that God has placed on my life. As someone that is planted in the soil of intimacy at the moment, I'm excited to move into the soils of service and community in His time.
I would definitely recommend this book to anybody that wants insight into God's development process in their lives.
He did a great job of conveying the importance of each of these soils as well as supporting each of his point with Scripture, which is so helpful and important for me as I grow up in Christ. Because of this book, I am better able to understand how and why each of these three soils is vital to my growth and essential if I want to fulfill the calling that God has placed on my life. As someone that is planted in the soil of intimacy at the moment, I'm excited to move into the soils of service and community in His time.
I would definitely recommend this book to anybody that wants insight into God's development process in their lives.
July 13, 2021
Rooted is a book to read and absorb more than once. It is rich with wisdom, new ideas, and scripture to back up those thoughts. Liebscher’s stories and immediate applications of the scripture to life’s challenges are unforgettable, and I found myself thinking about the book throughout the day (one sign of an excellent read). I especially find Liebscher’s connections to agriculture and nature to be effective and relevant in regards to the title and overall theme.
Liebscher’s willingness to be honest and share his own life experiences allows readers to analyze their own. The author’s voice is reflective, humorous, and sincere.
As a teacher, I understand the separation of church and state. I also have students every year who wish to read The Bible as their “choice book” or who plan to follow a career path within their religion. Rooted is a well-written and unique approach to Christianity.
An exceptional read for all age groups.
Liebscher’s willingness to be honest and share his own life experiences allows readers to analyze their own. The author’s voice is reflective, humorous, and sincere.
As a teacher, I understand the separation of church and state. I also have students every year who wish to read The Bible as their “choice book” or who plan to follow a career path within their religion. Rooted is a well-written and unique approach to Christianity.
An exceptional read for all age groups.
March 13, 2019
My takeaways from this book are:
1. Staying rooted and planted deeply in God is the absolute most important thing and I must put my focus on deepening my relationship with God;
2. Community – being in community is God’s design for humanity to flourish. This is far more important than I’d ever considered before. I think this is going to take more studying and pondering for me to fully get this;
3. Being faithful in the small stuff, knowing that God is growing us all in the process. I’ve known this for a long time but it was good to read Banning’s take on it and be reminded that with God everything counts.
1. Staying rooted and planted deeply in God is the absolute most important thing and I must put my focus on deepening my relationship with God;
2. Community – being in community is God’s design for humanity to flourish. This is far more important than I’d ever considered before. I think this is going to take more studying and pondering for me to fully get this;
3. Being faithful in the small stuff, knowing that God is growing us all in the process. I’ve known this for a long time but it was good to read Banning’s take on it and be reminded that with God everything counts.
May 18, 2023
Really hits home to me
My only regret is that I didn't read this sooner. I have been "hidden" for the last 14 years. Feeling frustrated that I have not reached the destiny God has called me to. My life is great, but it isn't my destiny and thus I struggle to stay submitted. This book helped me to see that what God has been teaching me in this time, is what He is speaking through others like Banning- that in due time you will step into the fullness of what He has called you to, but don't reject the growing process and journey to get there. Which means embracing the soils of intimacy, serving, and community.
My only regret is that I didn't read this sooner. I have been "hidden" for the last 14 years. Feeling frustrated that I have not reached the destiny God has called me to. My life is great, but it isn't my destiny and thus I struggle to stay submitted. This book helped me to see that what God has been teaching me in this time, is what He is speaking through others like Banning- that in due time you will step into the fullness of what He has called you to, but don't reject the growing process and journey to get there. Which means embracing the soils of intimacy, serving, and community.
May 29, 2017
Wow this book is SO GOOD. Like straight preachin most of the time. I'm a college student and I highly recommend this to any college students who are eagerly trying to follow God's will for their lives. I often find it hard to be patient in this process, and this book describes the situation I'm in and really describes the value of seasons of preparation before we can see the fruit that God wants us to bear. It also tells HOW we should establish our roots. It was well scripturally based. Thank you Banning, you truly have a gift, and this book is such an encouragement to me!!!
May 2, 2018
YASS.
I waited two years to read this and tried to start it about ten times. This time, it was the right time. Man, to hear his confirmations of the stirrings I kept feeling and the importance of community are exactly what I wanted to hear about TODAY, not two years ago.
This book is simple and straightforward, gentle but firm. It's so good. Stop trying to be your own hero; your scriptural grounding will take you further and higher than you could ever go on your own. The roots must go much deeper and wider than you think.
It's up to you!
Read this book!
I waited two years to read this and tried to start it about ten times. This time, it was the right time. Man, to hear his confirmations of the stirrings I kept feeling and the importance of community are exactly what I wanted to hear about TODAY, not two years ago.
This book is simple and straightforward, gentle but firm. It's so good. Stop trying to be your own hero; your scriptural grounding will take you further and higher than you could ever go on your own. The roots must go much deeper and wider than you think.
It's up to you!
Read this book!
August 31, 2023
I loved this book. It was well thought out, biblically profound, and truly worth taking notes! I tend to underline parts that really speak to me and I could have easily underlined this book from start to end. Every word was good, every thought was beautifully explained, every concept was relatable and Banning included the right amount of personal with the right amount of biblical. He’s a wonderful writer, genuine storyteller, thorough minister, and makes scripture the central piece to all of his thoughts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews