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Messy Truth: How to Foster Community Without Sacrificing Conviction
From the author of Messy Grace, a former pastor raised by gay parents, comes a compassionate playbook to help Christians, church staff, and ministry leaders create a culture of belonging without sacrificing theological convictions.
What should we do? This is a question many Christians are asking as they face shifting societal norms, conflicting opinions, and often inaccurate scriptural interpretations regarding those who identify as LGBTQ+.
Caleb Kaltenbach believes there’s a more helpful What am I willing to do to keep and build influence with ______________?
Caleb knows our love for others is best measured by the lengths we’ll go to help them. He also recognizes that people find and follow Jesus better in community than in isolation. As a child raised by three activist gay parents, Caleb experienced firsthand the outrage of some Christians. That’s why he is committed to creating a sense of belonging for all people.
True community can happen only when Christians are intentional in infusing their attitudes, systems, and values with grace and truth. This hopeful, practical book offers tools for encouraging church involvement, strengthening personal relationships, increasing empathy, and engaging in pivotal conversations about grace and truth with our whole community.
Fostering a culture of belonging is a messy process, but it holds a massive possibility for everyone a growing relationship with Jesus.
What should we do? This is a question many Christians are asking as they face shifting societal norms, conflicting opinions, and often inaccurate scriptural interpretations regarding those who identify as LGBTQ+.
Caleb Kaltenbach believes there’s a more helpful What am I willing to do to keep and build influence with ______________?
Caleb knows our love for others is best measured by the lengths we’ll go to help them. He also recognizes that people find and follow Jesus better in community than in isolation. As a child raised by three activist gay parents, Caleb experienced firsthand the outrage of some Christians. That’s why he is committed to creating a sense of belonging for all people.
True community can happen only when Christians are intentional in infusing their attitudes, systems, and values with grace and truth. This hopeful, practical book offers tools for encouraging church involvement, strengthening personal relationships, increasing empathy, and engaging in pivotal conversations about grace and truth with our whole community.
Fostering a culture of belonging is a messy process, but it holds a massive possibility for everyone a growing relationship with Jesus.
256 pages, Paperback
Published August 10, 2021
About the author
Caleb Kaltenbach
4 books30 followersCaleb Kalenbach is the Lead Pastor at Discovery Church in Simi Valley, CA.Raised in the LGBT community, he was exposed to how some Christians treated the LGBT community, and grew to hate Christians. In high school, he joined a Bible study to disprove the Bible, but ended up following Jesus instead. Later, his parents followed Jesus too. This is the subject of his first book, "Messy Grace" --holding on to the truth of God's Word while being filled with grace.Caleb is a graduate of Ozark Christian College, Talbot School of Theology (Biola University), and is finishing his doctorate at Dallas Theological Seminary. He speaks widely on the subjects of reconciliation, faith, diversity, and grace/truth. Caleb and his wife, Amy, reside in Southern California with their two kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 27, 2024
Caleb Kaltenbach is a Protestant minister raised by gay parents who has written a ‘playbook to help Christians, church staff, and ministry leaders create a culture of belonging without sacrificing theological convictions.’ As a cradle Catholic, heterosexual woman, married for 38 years to the same man, a mother and a grandmother, Messy Truth is not only outside my standard reading fare, but also well beyond anything of which I have direct experience.
So, there are more than a few points of contention I could mention in a review of this book, but why? Anyone with the least amount of thinking can easily figure them out and there’s way too much discussion of differences going around today anyway.
Rather, I’d like to mention what I liked about the author and what was positive about this book. First and foremost, Kaltenbach is humble and humility—for me—covers a multitude of other faults. He tells a number of stories which are invariably positive about others and credits them with many of the positive ideas he expounds. And Pastor Caleb uses his own blunders to illustrate what NOT to do. Pure class!
In one case in particular, Kaltenbach told how he hurt a young person in a situation when he had let himself get exhausted and at the end of his rope. Then he dissects the situation bit by bit to show how and why he had gone wrong and how the situation could have played out positively, if he had only done X, Y and Z. Sadly, the individual left the church and never came back, but hopefully, by Kaltenbach’s recounting of his error, many will learn from this experience and not repeat this error.
There are number of other stories which I also found helpful as I saw things from the perspective of those whose lives I knew so little about. That is why I read—to learn and expand my mind—not to close it or reinforce my own limited perspective. At this point I’m not sure how to use this knowledge, but I’m grateful for receiving it even so.
3.5 stars!
So, there are more than a few points of contention I could mention in a review of this book, but why? Anyone with the least amount of thinking can easily figure them out and there’s way too much discussion of differences going around today anyway.
Rather, I’d like to mention what I liked about the author and what was positive about this book. First and foremost, Kaltenbach is humble and humility—for me—covers a multitude of other faults. He tells a number of stories which are invariably positive about others and credits them with many of the positive ideas he expounds. And Pastor Caleb uses his own blunders to illustrate what NOT to do. Pure class!
In one case in particular, Kaltenbach told how he hurt a young person in a situation when he had let himself get exhausted and at the end of his rope. Then he dissects the situation bit by bit to show how and why he had gone wrong and how the situation could have played out positively, if he had only done X, Y and Z. Sadly, the individual left the church and never came back, but hopefully, by Kaltenbach’s recounting of his error, many will learn from this experience and not repeat this error.
There are number of other stories which I also found helpful as I saw things from the perspective of those whose lives I knew so little about. That is why I read—to learn and expand my mind—not to close it or reinforce my own limited perspective. At this point I’m not sure how to use this knowledge, but I’m grateful for receiving it even so.
3.5 stars!
May 26, 2021
Messy Truth
How to Foster Community Without Sacrificing Conviction
by Caleb Kaltenbach
Back of the Book: “From the author of Messy Grace, a former pastor raised by gay parents, comes a compassionate playbook to help Christians, church staff, and ministry leaders create a culture of belonging without sacrificing theological convictions.
What should we do? This is a question many Christians are asking as they face shifting societal norms, conflicting opinions, and often inaccurate scriptural interpretations regarding those who identify as LGBTQ+.
Caleb Kaltenbach believes there’s a more helpful question: What am I willing to do to keep and build influence with ______________?
Caleb knows our love for others is best measured by the lengths we’ll go to help them. He also recognizes that people find and follow Jesus better in community than in isolation. As a child raised by three activist gay parents, Caleb experienced firsthand the outrage of some Christians. That’s why he is committed to creating a sense of belonging for all people.
True community can happen only when Christians are intentional in infusing their attitudes, systems, and values with grace and truth. This hopeful, practical book offers tools for encouraging church involvement, strengthening personal relationships, increasing empathy, and engaging in pivotal conversations about grace and truth with our whole community.
Fostering a culture of belonging is a messy process, but it holds a massive possibility for everyone involved: a growing relationship with Jesus.”
Impressions: Read this book… everyone… seriously… there is no one who can’t work on loving others better. I had previously read and enjoyed Caleb Kaltenbachs Messy Grace. I was looking forward to learning more about how to better converse, share relationships and ultimately express love to those I hold different views with. I feel like this was a plethora of wisdom to use in any and all relationships.
Liked: I feel like there was so much wisdom that I gleaned from this book. Life is messy, relationships are messy and we CAN be prepared for messy situations. Through reading this book I feel like I am better equipped to have uncomfortable conversations, engage in relationships that were scary before, and live out God's love with those I encounter.
Quotes: There is a lot of highlighting going on in this book. This song worked well with the wisdom of this book if you want a snit bit of what you are going to be learning about Revolutionary by Josh Wilson.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.
How to Foster Community Without Sacrificing Conviction
by Caleb Kaltenbach
Back of the Book: “From the author of Messy Grace, a former pastor raised by gay parents, comes a compassionate playbook to help Christians, church staff, and ministry leaders create a culture of belonging without sacrificing theological convictions.
What should we do? This is a question many Christians are asking as they face shifting societal norms, conflicting opinions, and often inaccurate scriptural interpretations regarding those who identify as LGBTQ+.
Caleb Kaltenbach believes there’s a more helpful question: What am I willing to do to keep and build influence with ______________?
Caleb knows our love for others is best measured by the lengths we’ll go to help them. He also recognizes that people find and follow Jesus better in community than in isolation. As a child raised by three activist gay parents, Caleb experienced firsthand the outrage of some Christians. That’s why he is committed to creating a sense of belonging for all people.
True community can happen only when Christians are intentional in infusing their attitudes, systems, and values with grace and truth. This hopeful, practical book offers tools for encouraging church involvement, strengthening personal relationships, increasing empathy, and engaging in pivotal conversations about grace and truth with our whole community.
Fostering a culture of belonging is a messy process, but it holds a massive possibility for everyone involved: a growing relationship with Jesus.”
Impressions: Read this book… everyone… seriously… there is no one who can’t work on loving others better. I had previously read and enjoyed Caleb Kaltenbachs Messy Grace. I was looking forward to learning more about how to better converse, share relationships and ultimately express love to those I hold different views with. I feel like this was a plethora of wisdom to use in any and all relationships.
Liked: I feel like there was so much wisdom that I gleaned from this book. Life is messy, relationships are messy and we CAN be prepared for messy situations. Through reading this book I feel like I am better equipped to have uncomfortable conversations, engage in relationships that were scary before, and live out God's love with those I encounter.
Quotes: There is a lot of highlighting going on in this book. This song worked well with the wisdom of this book if you want a snit bit of what you are going to be learning about Revolutionary by Josh Wilson.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.
August 24, 2022
In his first book, Caleb Kaltenbach shares how grace is messy when it comes to being Gospel people to our LGBTQ+ friends. In this book, he offers practical guidance to create a culture of unity through Christ even with different beliefs and practices. I love how Kaltenbach continues to show honor to those he disagrees with.
The big idea: Here are some ways Christians need to be better.
The big idea: Here are some ways Christians need to be better.
August 31, 2021
This book is an invaluable resource for walking with and ministering to the LGBTQ community. Caleb loves people like Jesus. He gives them space. He does not expect people to agree with him to love them, or to be friends with them, or to be in community with them. In his companion book, "Messy Grace (2015)," Caleb shares his own story. In "Messy Truth," Caleb gives advice to individuals and churches on how to better walk this journey with our friends and family with empathy and patience, outside and inside the church. He teaches us from personal experiences, vulnerably sharing the things he wishes he had done differently as well as sharing the fruit of experiences throughout his ministry. I appreciate his highlighting some of the wonderful relationships he has built along the way. Caleb does not "shout at"; he loves and walks with, and challenges the rest of us to do the same.
September 24, 2023
Excellent follow up to Messy Grace. It helps you navigate conversations and deepen your compassion regarding tough issues. The goal is to be a Christian who helps people take another step closer to Jesus, letting our differences drive us to dialogue, not divide us. I will always remember these questions - Who created them? Who died for them?
The idea that people can’t love each other while disagreeing about what the Bible teaches about relationships and sexuality is not only extreme but nonsensical.
The idea that people can’t love each other while disagreeing about what the Bible teaches about relationships and sexuality is not only extreme but nonsensical.
December 11, 2023
Great read!! Caleb does a phenomenal job in equipping people to have conversations with those within the LGBTQ+ community. Speak truth and love well without sacrificing personal convictions. Caleb has a neat story and if you haven’t read messy truth- it highlights his story!
March 12, 2025
This was an excellent book. I really appreciated how honest the author was with the mistakes he's made, along with a lot of advice on how to do better. It gave me a lot to think on, and I will definitely re-read it at some point.
July 2, 2025
An absolute must read for Christians!!!
June 10, 2025
Not as good as the first one, but still valuable insights in loving people well.
Love this quote: “People who love authentic community always prefer the pain of temporary chaos to the peace of permanent superficiality. Telling people what they want to hear is not love.”
Love this quote: “People who love authentic community always prefer the pain of temporary chaos to the peace of permanent superficiality. Telling people what they want to hear is not love.”
September 7, 2021
Caleb Kaltenbach returns with another challenging yet prevalent book that everyone needs to read!
We are all searching for a place of belonging. Each one of us wants to feel secure and safe in our homes and communities; yet, more often than not, we can be so quick to judge and categorize people that we forget our role as believers is to welcome everyone and spread the Good News — not isolating ourselves to closed circles where only a select few, or like-minded, people are invited! However, in a world that is trying to tempt us away from the Truth, how can Christians/believers represent the love of Christ/Yeshua without compromising their beliefs and convictions? Caleb Kaltenbach, a pastor raised by gay parents, tackles this topic and more in his explosive, thought-provoking new release, Messy Truth!
It’s time we put our faith on the witness stand and ask the hard questions. Are we not called to follow in Yeshua/Jesus’ footsteps? (1 Peter 2:21) Are we not called to minister to the lost? (Luke 19:10) Are we not called to go into the world and share the truth with love and grace? (Colossians 3:12-14; 1 Peter 3:15) Are we not called to treat everyone as God’s creation, seeing them through God’s eyes rather than judging them or categorizing them for their lifestyles? (Genesis 1:27; 1 Samuel 16:7) If you answered yes to these questions, then answer me this, why are we so quick to close our doors on those identifying as LGBTQ?
“Refusing to offer belonging not only robs God of His due glory, it hurts more people than we know.” ~ Caleb KaltenbachAs the world grows darker by the day, we need to shine the light of our Savior more than ever; however, how will the lost get found or the testimony of our God be heard if we refuse to mix with those living lifestyles we disagree with?
(Side note: By writing this, I am not encouraging people to stop mingling with believers and start hanging out with the wrong crowds. We need one another; however, so many believers forget that while we may not live OF this world, we still live IN this world, and we cannot be blind to what’s going on. The age of silence is over! Educate yourselves, read topics from different viewpoints, step out of your comfort zone and mingle with new people — learning about their lives before implementing your opinions and beliefs — and teach the younger generation from a Godly standpoint — if you don’t do, the world will!)
“We cannot acknowledge another person’s view of reality if we’re clueless about who they are and how they interpret reality.” ~ Caleb Kaltenbach[/caption]Diving headfirst into the controversy of LGBTQ vs. the Bible, Caleb Kaltenbach’s approach in Messy Truth is compassionate but firm, using Scriptures throughout to explain the importance of being inclusive and loving without straying from the Word of God — which Caleb explains perfectly in his definition of acceptance vs. approval (hint: they are NOT the same thing)!
All of us are sinners. All of us struggle with temptations. All of us are searching for identity. So, what gives us the right to prevent people from coming and feeling like they belong within our community/circles? (Matthew West’s song Truth be Told comes to mind). Yes, we must address sin and not allow it to fester in our lives or communities; but, first, we must build the foundation on love rather than condemnation; otherwise, the seed will never grow, and only pain and hurt will ensue.
“If the first Christians invited people in who didn’t believe, shouldn’t we? If the early Jesus follower walked alongside individuals struggling with sin — which is all of us — how much more should we?” ~ Caleb KaltenbachWhile I disagreed with a few doctrinal teachings within Messy Truth, I still gleaned a lot of great information and wisdom. Convicting and full of tools to help us communicate with others (not just those within the LGBTQ community but everyone we encounter), this will be a book I will resort to again and again! The LGBTQ community is becoming more inclusive by the day; meanwhile, the church/congregations are becoming more closed in an attempt to prevent their fellowships from being “exposed” to the “agenda” of this world. This reality is heartbreaking and ungodly!
You might disagree with elements of what I have written, but I want to implore you to please read this book and watch UNCANCELED Faith’s interview with Samuel Perez (click here) before coming to a concrete conclusion. Christians/believers need to stop being the haters who hold up damning signs of rebuke and anger and start designing new banners, shining God’s love and glory onto those searching for belonging and identity in a world that's teaching people that they can identify as whatever they want!
“The endgame has never been to make gay people straight, but rather to help everyone primarily identify with Jesus.” ~ Caleb Kaltenbach*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a pre-release copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*
Ages: 13+
September 13, 2021
Kaltenback was raised by two lesbians and a gay man. When he sets out to honor his family by proving the Bible wrong, he ends up giving his life to Jesus and surrenders to the call of pastoral ministry. What a wonderful read! While Messy Grace (his previous book) is all about the WHY, this book is all about the HOW. There are some practical applications as well as poignant questions to marinate on and wrestle with. Whether you, individually, or your church, collectively, are looking how to better engage with the LGBTQ+ community, this is a valuable resource on that journey.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley. I read and reviewed this book voluntarily, and all opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley. I read and reviewed this book voluntarily, and all opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 21, 2022
In his book Messy Truth, Caleb Kaltenbach walks through ways in which Christians and church leaders can build inclusive communities without sacrificing theological convictions. Speaking from experience of years of pastoral work, Kaltenbach acknowledges the difficulties of balancing grace and truth and concludes that it is necessary to build the community and influence we need to reach those that need Christ’s love. We are reminded that more than our stances on the biblical definition of marriage or any other theological convictions, we need to see everything we meet those the lens of value they have as an image-bearer of God that Christ died to redeem, and that knowing their value should dictate how we treat them. We learn that we need to be willing to surrender all of our convictions and personal views to align with Christ, even if we disagree with Him. With these principles as the foundation, we can start using our influence to make our churches into places where the people we disagree with belong by acknowledging their experiences and learning to empathize with them. This will put you in the best position to walk alongside those who may be walking away from sinful choices or to confront them in a God-honoring way. The principles on how to prepare for and facilitate discussions are insightful and practical, regardless of the type of difficult conversation you are facing. This book needs to become a significant part of the conversation on how to unify churches when people disagree, not just about LGBTQ issues, but about any issue that has the potential to divide us. I was encouraged, impacted, and challenged by this book, and I believe you will be too. It's the perfect companion to his first book, Messy Grace. Get your copy today!
August 14, 2021
This book follows the author’s more personal story “Messy Grace.” To me, this book is a guidebook for anyone, but especially church leaders on how to minister to and walk alongside members of the LGBTQ+ community when the church or individual affirms the traditional view of marriage and sexuality- between 1 man/1 woman within marriage. Because of Caleb’s background and current ministry, I believe his words in this book are extremely important to read, listen, and follow as the biblical perspective he presents and shows is the way of Jesus. Personally, I think any church leader (and any church member) needs to read both of these books as it’s not a matter of if you will know someone who is identifying as LGBTQ+, it’s a matter of when. Caleb is solid on Scripture and what the Bible says, but he lays out such practical ways to love and engage with this community. The great thing is, these truths can really be applied to many other areas in current culture, and he really gets to the heart of how God made us as humans with the universal need for community and belonging. I love how he talks through this. I highly, HIGHLY recommend both of his books- and reading “Messy Grace” first, quickly followed by “Messy Truth.”
September 10, 2024
Well, I got through 2 chapters... Here are my takeaways:
His examples follow a "traditional" perspective.
He's trying to walk the thin beam between compassion, and love... he falls off... a lot... but he's trying.
He uses clobber texts. (For someone who "grew up in a gay family"... I just can't.)
He doesn't include any references to liberation, liberal, black, feminist, womanist or progressive theology... or any other theology that isn't conservative white evangelical patriarchal theology for that matter.
Although he does address "wokeness" (I don't know how, I'd had enough of it so I skimmed the notes.) And he references Caitlin Jenner (also found in the notes).
He talks about "subjective truth" being a worldview but doesn't acknowledge that his interpretation of the Bible is also a worldview - which would make it subjective truth.
If you're in a traditional, evangelical church - you'll love it.
While I appreciate his effort - he makes some solid points about valuing people, and loving others - it's mostly just another disguise for homophobia.
His examples follow a "traditional" perspective.
He's trying to walk the thin beam between compassion, and love... he falls off... a lot... but he's trying.
He uses clobber texts. (For someone who "grew up in a gay family"... I just can't.)
He doesn't include any references to liberation, liberal, black, feminist, womanist or progressive theology... or any other theology that isn't conservative white evangelical patriarchal theology for that matter.
Although he does address "wokeness" (I don't know how, I'd had enough of it so I skimmed the notes.) And he references Caitlin Jenner (also found in the notes).
He talks about "subjective truth" being a worldview but doesn't acknowledge that his interpretation of the Bible is also a worldview - which would make it subjective truth.
If you're in a traditional, evangelical church - you'll love it.
While I appreciate his effort - he makes some solid points about valuing people, and loving others - it's mostly just another disguise for homophobia.
November 21, 2021
I found this book helpful on a few levels. While I do not believe that being gay is a sin - I understand that many people read the Bible to support this view and I try to be respectful of those views - even though I don't agree with them. What I liked about this book is that regardless of your personal feelings on homosexuality or even your interpretation of the Bible on the subject, the "rules" of the Bible are clear. We are to love our neighbor. Christ came to save EVERY person in the world and DIED for EVERY person. So whoever is standing in front of you, regardless of their "sin" is a person that you, as a Christian, are required to love. Many Christians (I think) define Christ's love in this situation in a way that only results in the alienation of those who we are supposed to love. If your kid is gay - you don't have to "agree" with it, or even understand it, but you are required to love them. Overall, a worthwhile read for those who may be struggling.
May 13, 2023
Buy the book! That's about the best review I can give it. This book challenged me so much on how I do life. Truth gets messy when it starts involving people because it can be hard to distinguish between truth and our emotional attachments. So we run in fear. That prevents us from having the hard conversations and puts the focus on us. What should we be asking is who will engage if I don't? And what really is at stake? People are at stake and that is sobering.
Two questions Caleb asked that stuck with me. It's easy to drift with those who agree with us and ostracize the rest. Before we do that, we need to ask ourselves these two questions: Who created them? Who died for this person?" It really made me stop and think. about how I treat people.
While this book is geared heavily toward relating to the LGBTQ community and loving them well while standing on your own theological convictions, I was extremely challenged to love the people in my own church better, especially those that I don't see eye to eye with.
I was really blessed and challenged in reading this book and am planning to buy a paperback copy so that I can read it again more easily.
I received this book from Waterbrook via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review.
Two questions Caleb asked that stuck with me. It's easy to drift with those who agree with us and ostracize the rest. Before we do that, we need to ask ourselves these two questions: Who created them? Who died for this person?" It really made me stop and think. about how I treat people.
While this book is geared heavily toward relating to the LGBTQ community and loving them well while standing on your own theological convictions, I was extremely challenged to love the people in my own church better, especially those that I don't see eye to eye with.
I was really blessed and challenged in reading this book and am planning to buy a paperback copy so that I can read it again more easily.
I received this book from Waterbrook via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review.
August 23, 2021
One of Caleb's most powerful illustrations has always been the rubber band tension between grace and truth. They both pull against each other and work together. Messy Truth is like that to Caleb's earlier work, Messy Grace.
You'll find similarities in themes and ideas. A few stories are retold, but they don't feel rehashed. This is a very organic follow-up to the earlier book. They work well together.
What appealed to me most about Messy Truth is that Caleb gives us handles for navigating some messy conversations. He leads us through the questions we should be asking ourselves, others, and our own intentions. There are chapters I hope to continue to use as resources for a long time.
You'll find similarities in themes and ideas. A few stories are retold, but they don't feel rehashed. This is a very organic follow-up to the earlier book. They work well together.
What appealed to me most about Messy Truth is that Caleb gives us handles for navigating some messy conversations. He leads us through the questions we should be asking ourselves, others, and our own intentions. There are chapters I hope to continue to use as resources for a long time.
March 1, 2023
I really enjoyed the sequel to “Messy Grace.” Caleb is an exceptional story teller and is living out what he preaches.
The only reason this wasn’t a 5* is because as a teaching pastor, I was hoping for some incite on how to address this topic from stage. All of Caleb’s examples come from personal conversations, meetings, and in relationships, which is where I lean on addressing this topic. But I’ve been wondering if there is a way to address this topic from stage, and was hoping for some advice or a firm “only handle this in relationship in conversation,” stance so I could gain clarity on this matter.
The only reason this wasn’t a 5* is because as a teaching pastor, I was hoping for some incite on how to address this topic from stage. All of Caleb’s examples come from personal conversations, meetings, and in relationships, which is where I lean on addressing this topic. But I’ve been wondering if there is a way to address this topic from stage, and was hoping for some advice or a firm “only handle this in relationship in conversation,” stance so I could gain clarity on this matter.
July 10, 2024
The author of this book has such a unique perspective. He was raised in unique circumstances by gay parents, and, despite some bad experiences with Christians, came to know and love Jesus. This book is his thoughts, based on Scripture and experience, of how to love people with compassion while holding onto biblical convictions. He had so many practical tips in this book on preparing for conversations and how the church and Christians should be shining lights at Jesus- not at ourselves to highlight us or to shine light on someone else’s sins.
August 14, 2021
I just got to know the work of Caleb Kaltenbach through this book and it's really inspiring me and challenged me to reflect in our part of building Gods kingdom and what it really means loving everybody with the love of Christ. Messy Truth is an excelent book to help churches and their leadership to navigate in our "modern" society where the identity is based in what we do and not in who died for us. This book helps you to see how to love everyone without compromising your conviction.
September 8, 2023
Amazing read. Wish I read it sooner. People are messy, conversations are messy and the truth can sometimes feel messy. Caleb got it right on the dot with the tension we feel between grace and truth. I hate tension but this book has shown me I can't avoid it forever. If I want to be a faithful witness for Christ I need to be willing to enter into these conversations and be a guide to those who don't know Jesus.
October 9, 2021
Lots of great pieces for all conversations.
February 15, 2022
A must read for anyone who loves Jesus!
March 30, 2022
Solid book with great observations, challenging questions, and illuminating stories. Kaltenbach writes as a practitioner with layers of experience. Lots of insight and guidance in this book.
April 8, 2022
Great and quick read. How do you find community or commonality when you are divided spiritually.
July 14, 2022
Kaltenbach is an important pastoral voice in the church, modeling what it looks like to be a shepherd vs a gatekeeper.
October 4, 2022
I liked Messy Grace better, but the latter chapters of this book had some helpful thoughts for interacting and having conversations with people who hold different views.
December 10, 2022
10 years ago this might have been helpful but not so much now.
Don't love the language of being in relationships to maintain "influence."
Don't love the language of being in relationships to maintain "influence."
May 28, 2023
This was a great follow up to his first book Messy Grace!
January 30, 2024
As someone with an immediate family member who is part of the LGBTQ+ community, I felt this book was very well written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews