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Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost: A Story of Church
A meditation and prayer companion for Christians who struggle with depression. The stigma around mental illness in our culture has had a damaging effect on those who suffer from its grip. As a priest and bishop, Hirschfeld has quietly and secretly been in treatment for depression for decades but now shares his own experience publicly. In this book, he offers short meditations, prayers, and suggestions of how one can follow and call upon Jesus for strength and peace during times of emotional upheaval. Christians often feel that their experience of depression or mental illness is a reflection of a deficit in their faith. As a result of seeing depression as a moral shortcoming or spiritual failure, we risk more damage to ourselves and even hurt those around us by denying what is really going on. This book, with its prayers and practical suggestions for spiritual and creative practices and resilience, can be a companion for those who suffer so that they may know more deeply the resilient love of Jesus.
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Published May 17, 2020
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About the author
Traci Rhoades
3 books102 followersPublisher's Weekly review of Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost: https://www.publishersweekly.com/9781...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 30, 2020
I've been reading Traci's blog for awhile and I really appreciate her Twitter conversation, too, so it was great to finally read her whole church story all in one shot in book form. That's what really set this book apart from other blogger books. This book told Traci's story and her heart. I love that she says she is eagerly eating up what's good in all different church traditions because she wants to experience Jesus however she can. That's an inspiring motivating for me to hear since I normally look with skepticism at others who do church differently than me.
May 9, 2020
What do I love best about All Who Wander (Spiritually) are Lost: A Story of Church? Traci Rhoades doesn't attempt to guide the reader to a particular doctrinal viewpoint, nor does she build denominational boundaries. Rather, she works to tear down the walls that divide and distance. Her book is an invitation to explore, a beginning of a long-needed conversation about what really matters on a faith journey. It is a warm welcome to embrace the diversity and beauty of Christianity, to become an advocate for unity, to reflect what it means to be the Church within the church.
April 30, 2020
Traci Rhoades debut book is an easy read and full of love and kindness. I have seldom met anyone who just wants to be ONE with God and doesn't push a denomination down your throat. She explores and points out how alike we all worship, pray, and praise the Lord. She has a gift of bringing people together and if you've ever experienced church hurt in your life this will give you hope. A great book for all Christians who don't judge other directions of faith and all of those who could learn a little extra along the way.
April 29, 2020
I did not know what to experience when I offered to read this book. I wasn't familiar with Traci Rhoades' writing style or her beliefs. I had only recently started following her blog. But, since it was a goal of mine to actually do some reading this year, I was willing to give this book a try. I enjoyed reading this book. Traci shares of her experiences in being a member of many churches throughout the book. Additionally, she shares writings from others from different denominations within the book. It makes for a very interesting read, especially if you are interested in how other denominations worship. Having been a member of many different churches throughout my life, I could identify with much of Traci's findings - particularly in regards to the community of a church. Afterall, the church family becomes an extended part of your family. When you leave a church no matter what the reason, this break is very hard. The bottom line to this book is that the author, through her wanderings to different churches and learning about their beliefs, has one ultimate goal - more of Jesus. And that is something I recognize and understand - it makes her a Sister in Christ.
May 13, 2020
Traci led a Facebook group, and I enjoyed reading about her experiences growing up in one church, then dipped into different churches throughout her adulthood. Traci spoke about how different denominations' influence in deepening your faith in Jesus.
May 11, 2020
Our contemporary Christian church era is one of skepticism, questioning, doubt and wandering. These strains take an emotional and intellectual toll on believers far and wide, and the reactions of individuals vary widely. Some leave the faith altogether, rejecting old ways as useless and false at best and corrupt and harmful at worst. Others are bewildered, and waver between belief and despair. Many churchgoers dig deep, doubling down on their traditions and building walls against anyone outside their own denominations. Anyone who spends a few hours scrolling faith discussions via Social Networks will come away wearied and pained by the spiritual drama of our time.
In Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost (A Story Of Church), Traci Rhoades offers a refreshing outlook that both honors the best things within her own traditions and also encourages the reader to seek answers and joy among their brethren of various faith expressions.
The main storyline is a personal one, and the reader follows Ms. Rhoades from a small country Methodist church in Missouri, where the doors were always unlocked and she learned to pray as a little girl, to a megachurch in a big city and to church plants and everywhere in between. Along the way, she first encounters and then seeks out those traditions she’d been informally catechized to distrust. She finds out those prejudices were wrong, and much of her wandering is a purposeful search to find out how various groups love God.
This comes from a deep recognition that while her own upbringing is rich, she is missing some things that are ancient anchors of belief, that have carried the saints through all ages into greater knowledge and love of God. So she sets out, searching for these great treasures:
“If I’m being completely honest, sometimes I feel cheated by the faith of my childhood. It was life-giving in so many ways, but I didn’t learn anything about church history or ancient traditions…Crossing oneself, ancient prayers, anointing the sick, confessing our sins to another, lamenting…these acts are a part of our heritage too, and can add a richness to one’s faith.”
This book is not, however, a naïve cherry-picking of the happy. It does not keep the sorrow and hurt of life in general or life in church hidden. Rather, Ms. Rhoades makes it clear that she has been wounded, disappointed and disillusioned at times by individuals and collectives of those beside whom she’d lived her faith. Anyone who has been burned will immediately sense her sorrow. Yet, in the closing paragraph of the first chapter, Ms. Rhoades makes clear her position regarding these wounds:
“If you’re in the church long enough, it will disappoint you, I promise. The way I always saw it, that disappointment left me with choices. I could stick it out and try to make a positive change in the church I attended. I could determine the fellowship was broken enough I needed to find a new church home. Or I could ultimately decide God was to blame for the hurt and suffering, causing me to abandon church altogether. This last choice never seemed a viable option to me.”
One of the blessings of this book is that Ms. Rhoades has generously offered the stories of sixteen other wanderers. Most of these individuals have taken similar journeys, but some simply offer the stories of their own tradition, and the deep joy and harbor that they’ve known. Few authors would devote so many of their pages to other writers. Yet, for Ms. Rhoades, this is the story - multi-denominational voices singing in numerous and beautiful ways their hope and love for the divine.
It harkens to the beautiful meaning behind the iconography in some liturgical traditions she explores. By loving our neighbor, venerating their faith and humility, we’ve loved God. This is what Ms. Rhoades does again and again in the pages of this edifying book. The introduction is entitled “Let’s Be Friends”, and that is the spirit of the book and also in the dialogue one can find in Ms. Rhoades’s online discourse as well.
This is a book of hope.
The reader can almost hear the rising intensity of joy and longing in Ms. Rhoades’s voice as she brings the final chapter and epilogue to the joyous conclusion that perhaps we can find a way to love one another, offering and accepting gifts that lead us into great unity in the faith, and love for God.
If you wander, if you have been wounded in church, if you want encouragement in your meandering, and perhaps limping journey of faith, then Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost (A Story Of Church) will be a balm to your soul.
In Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost (A Story Of Church), Traci Rhoades offers a refreshing outlook that both honors the best things within her own traditions and also encourages the reader to seek answers and joy among their brethren of various faith expressions.
The main storyline is a personal one, and the reader follows Ms. Rhoades from a small country Methodist church in Missouri, where the doors were always unlocked and she learned to pray as a little girl, to a megachurch in a big city and to church plants and everywhere in between. Along the way, she first encounters and then seeks out those traditions she’d been informally catechized to distrust. She finds out those prejudices were wrong, and much of her wandering is a purposeful search to find out how various groups love God.
This comes from a deep recognition that while her own upbringing is rich, she is missing some things that are ancient anchors of belief, that have carried the saints through all ages into greater knowledge and love of God. So she sets out, searching for these great treasures:
“If I’m being completely honest, sometimes I feel cheated by the faith of my childhood. It was life-giving in so many ways, but I didn’t learn anything about church history or ancient traditions…Crossing oneself, ancient prayers, anointing the sick, confessing our sins to another, lamenting…these acts are a part of our heritage too, and can add a richness to one’s faith.”
This book is not, however, a naïve cherry-picking of the happy. It does not keep the sorrow and hurt of life in general or life in church hidden. Rather, Ms. Rhoades makes it clear that she has been wounded, disappointed and disillusioned at times by individuals and collectives of those beside whom she’d lived her faith. Anyone who has been burned will immediately sense her sorrow. Yet, in the closing paragraph of the first chapter, Ms. Rhoades makes clear her position regarding these wounds:
“If you’re in the church long enough, it will disappoint you, I promise. The way I always saw it, that disappointment left me with choices. I could stick it out and try to make a positive change in the church I attended. I could determine the fellowship was broken enough I needed to find a new church home. Or I could ultimately decide God was to blame for the hurt and suffering, causing me to abandon church altogether. This last choice never seemed a viable option to me.”
One of the blessings of this book is that Ms. Rhoades has generously offered the stories of sixteen other wanderers. Most of these individuals have taken similar journeys, but some simply offer the stories of their own tradition, and the deep joy and harbor that they’ve known. Few authors would devote so many of their pages to other writers. Yet, for Ms. Rhoades, this is the story - multi-denominational voices singing in numerous and beautiful ways their hope and love for the divine.
It harkens to the beautiful meaning behind the iconography in some liturgical traditions she explores. By loving our neighbor, venerating their faith and humility, we’ve loved God. This is what Ms. Rhoades does again and again in the pages of this edifying book. The introduction is entitled “Let’s Be Friends”, and that is the spirit of the book and also in the dialogue one can find in Ms. Rhoades’s online discourse as well.
This is a book of hope.
The reader can almost hear the rising intensity of joy and longing in Ms. Rhoades’s voice as she brings the final chapter and epilogue to the joyous conclusion that perhaps we can find a way to love one another, offering and accepting gifts that lead us into great unity in the faith, and love for God.
If you wander, if you have been wounded in church, if you want encouragement in your meandering, and perhaps limping journey of faith, then Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost (A Story Of Church) will be a balm to your soul.
May 13, 2020
In Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost: A Story of Church, Traci Rhoades meanders through the highs and lows of her own story as a faithful church woman. Then, inviting the voices of others into the room, she creates a space for holy curiosity in which we discover that there just might be more than one “right way” to gather in celebration of our faith.
According to Ephesians 1:14, we have been created and rescued by God to live “to the praise of his glory.” We do this by participating in what God does, and since he has chosen to do his work on this planet through the church, I appreciate the way Rhoades beckons her readers toward unity– but with this caveat:
You’re not going to find the perfect church experience.” (36)
So, as the old saying goes, if you think you’ve finally found the perfect church, run like crazy before you ruin it. Even in imperfection, there is great hope and ten thousand reasons to “deal with the church”–and to do it “sooner.” Here are three thoughts harvested from Traci’s good work that encourage me to persevere:
1. We have been formed by things that may surprise us.
From the outset, Traci knew that her faith had been influenced as much by her father’s unwillingness to attend church as it was by her mother’s faithful following life. This speaks volumes to me as a mother and also as a woman who shows up in the pews on the regular. My life is different because of that commmitment to gather, and Traci began making observations early on:
I saw firsthand a life lived with God and church (my mom’s) and a life lived without God or church (my dad’s). I have never doubted which one seemed right and true to me.” (xiii)
2. Grace lubricates the relational gears over the long haul.
If you’ve spent any time at all participating in the life of a church family, it goes without saying that you’re carrying some hurt, some regret, or even some downright erroneous teaching. In church, we are thrown in with a group of people we did not necessarily select, and are given the command to love and to serve one another. At times we follow leaders who seem to have lost their compass.
The truth is that if God allowed me to self-select my own “perfect” church family, I’d still be cherishing all sorts of inflated notions about how godly I am, because the conflict or discomfort I’ve experienced in some church settings has been exactly the course of study I’ve needed to lead me to repentance–with the goal of becoming more like Christ.
Watching my own children who have grown up in church, I am trusting for that kind of grace saturated curriculum to form their faith as well. Traci found it to be true:
Overall, when I look back at my early years in the church, I’m more thankful than disillusioned.”
3. We really do need each other.
Fresh out of college, I joined a busy and growing church and was loved well by the people with whom I served. One of these women had grown up in the church. Her grandparents had been founding members, and she and her husband were raising their family in those well-known and beloved pews. I couldn’t begin to picture that kind of rootedness, and it left me longing.
Today, after twenty one years with my present church family (and a grandson in my Sunday school class!), I am beginning to understand what it is to make a deep investment with a body of believers. Even so, I also need the wide open window of other peoples’ worship experiences and thoughts about the nature of God to remind me that being right can easily get in the way of being holy. The church is God’s gift to us, and we need one another with all our rich harmonies of expression in order to sing the beauty of God, which is infinitely more than one of us could ever express with our own small voice.
Many thanks to Church Publishing Incorporated for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which, of course, is offered freely and with honesty.
According to Ephesians 1:14, we have been created and rescued by God to live “to the praise of his glory.” We do this by participating in what God does, and since he has chosen to do his work on this planet through the church, I appreciate the way Rhoades beckons her readers toward unity– but with this caveat:
You’re not going to find the perfect church experience.” (36)
So, as the old saying goes, if you think you’ve finally found the perfect church, run like crazy before you ruin it. Even in imperfection, there is great hope and ten thousand reasons to “deal with the church”–and to do it “sooner.” Here are three thoughts harvested from Traci’s good work that encourage me to persevere:
1. We have been formed by things that may surprise us.
From the outset, Traci knew that her faith had been influenced as much by her father’s unwillingness to attend church as it was by her mother’s faithful following life. This speaks volumes to me as a mother and also as a woman who shows up in the pews on the regular. My life is different because of that commmitment to gather, and Traci began making observations early on:
I saw firsthand a life lived with God and church (my mom’s) and a life lived without God or church (my dad’s). I have never doubted which one seemed right and true to me.” (xiii)
2. Grace lubricates the relational gears over the long haul.
If you’ve spent any time at all participating in the life of a church family, it goes without saying that you’re carrying some hurt, some regret, or even some downright erroneous teaching. In church, we are thrown in with a group of people we did not necessarily select, and are given the command to love and to serve one another. At times we follow leaders who seem to have lost their compass.
The truth is that if God allowed me to self-select my own “perfect” church family, I’d still be cherishing all sorts of inflated notions about how godly I am, because the conflict or discomfort I’ve experienced in some church settings has been exactly the course of study I’ve needed to lead me to repentance–with the goal of becoming more like Christ.
Watching my own children who have grown up in church, I am trusting for that kind of grace saturated curriculum to form their faith as well. Traci found it to be true:
Overall, when I look back at my early years in the church, I’m more thankful than disillusioned.”
3. We really do need each other.
Fresh out of college, I joined a busy and growing church and was loved well by the people with whom I served. One of these women had grown up in the church. Her grandparents had been founding members, and she and her husband were raising their family in those well-known and beloved pews. I couldn’t begin to picture that kind of rootedness, and it left me longing.
Today, after twenty one years with my present church family (and a grandson in my Sunday school class!), I am beginning to understand what it is to make a deep investment with a body of believers. Even so, I also need the wide open window of other peoples’ worship experiences and thoughts about the nature of God to remind me that being right can easily get in the way of being holy. The church is God’s gift to us, and we need one another with all our rich harmonies of expression in order to sing the beauty of God, which is infinitely more than one of us could ever express with our own small voice.
Many thanks to Church Publishing Incorporated for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which, of course, is offered freely and with honesty.
April 29, 2020
I have really enjoyed reading Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost. As a Christian who was raised Lutheran and made her way to Baptist, Assemblies of God, Pentecostal, Four-Square, and non-denominational Christian churches, as well as visiting Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Armenian, and LDS services, I have a deep appreciation for how others practice their faith. Traci Rhoades takes us on a journey of faith and reminds us of how intricately woven our church history is into our lives and our culture. It took back down memory lane to the small church house I attended as a child during my summer visits to South Dakota. I always felt at home. I am grateful that she shares in her stories in this book.
May 12, 2020
I am always drawn to the author’s voice and if I feel like I can trust them as a reader. I can dislike a book but still appreciate the content if I believe the author is genuine. Well, Traci hits both of these out of the ballpark for me. I really enjoyed the style and structure of the book that unfolds her story—going from each of her church experiences, while also including other stories of worship from people of different denominations. Traci intertwines these well, guiding the reader through her personal experience. The idea that people from different denominations can be a part of the body or Christ is one that I love; Traci reminds us of this so so well!
June 4, 2020
This book is a beautifully written look into the ways we worship and approach Christ. Through her own personal experiences and the stories of others, Rhoades invites us to explore the different Christian traditions with the expectation of finding Jesus there. From liturgical worship to speaking in tongues, or the way we approach communion and baptism, this book is a gorgeous glimpse in the Church as a whole. Overall, an insightful and encouraging read that has had me scrambling for a refresh on certain aspects of Church history.
October 15, 2020
This is a delightful little book about a love affair with the church. It is not a rant about losing faith, or only experiencing one small slice of the American church. It is a love note to the various expressions of the American Church, and it has been lovely to read.
July 1, 2020
We are born to worship, but we are not born to bind ourselves to a single denomination all our lives. Traci Rhoades gives us permission to wander over to other churches, traditions and faith practices, receiving a more rounded experience of God all along our sojourn. Traci also shows us that churches are more open to visitors than we would ever imagine. There is no reason to avoid enjoying and seeking a deeper connection with other believers simply because they worship in a different building.
June 10, 2020
Traci’s book is a story of church. Her church. My church. Your church. Each church we call our own adds to the tapestry of life we are weaving with fellow believers. Traci’s looks different than mine and yours, but the differences are what makes each of our stories unique. Traci has attended churches of many denominations and experienced a variety of liturgies, practices and sacraments. She thoughtfully shares this - her life with church - with us. In addition, she shares stories of church from other believers in the faith. I appreciate Traci’s heart and story, which calls for our church differences to unite us and not divide us.
May 21, 2020
I have followed Traci for a while on Twitter and I've always appreciated her kind, open, curious approach to various church traditions. She creates a safe space for dialogue between differing theologies and styles.
Her curiosity is what mad me so anxious to read her new book. Traci shares her church experiences with candidness and grace. She acknowledges the value of various traditions. She also shares essays from those of other backgrounds.
This was a kind, honest book I enjoyed reading.
Her curiosity is what mad me so anxious to read her new book. Traci shares her church experiences with candidness and grace. She acknowledges the value of various traditions. She also shares essays from those of other backgrounds.
This was a kind, honest book I enjoyed reading.
November 30, 2021
I appreciated hearing Traci's experiences. Her husband sounds like her opposite, but I am thankful she shared about him as well.
She includes other people's stories - I just wish the transitions between the two were clear.
Thankful she wrote the book - makes me take in my own church experiences and how they've shaped my love for Jesus and His Church.
She includes other people's stories - I just wish the transitions between the two were clear.
Thankful she wrote the book - makes me take in my own church experiences and how they've shaped my love for Jesus and His Church.
May 17, 2020
In Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost, Traci Rhoades gives us the gift not only of the story of her unique spiritual journey, but a window into viewpoint of an explorer, ready to bring back treasures to her homeland. In her case, her homeland is her home church in Michigan and the Evangelical tradition she was formed in; and her exploration is into the riches of the Christian traditions and all their diversity.
I've been following Traci's blog (tracesoffaith.com) and social media channels for several years now, and I was honored when she asked me to share an essay in the book she was writing. I was even more excited to get my advance copy from Church Publishing (although I have already pre-ordered the book). Just like her thoughtful blog posts, Traci's book is one to savor. I love her observations of the various churches she's visited and their services. Here's how she describes a Catholic church she's visited on Ash Wednesday:
"The service itself offers several moments of complete silence. Not an uncomfortable silence, but a prayer shawl of sorts you could slide over your head, blocking out the noise of our world and aiding the holiness of the moment. This sacred silence brings me to tears that morning."
I'm there with her in that quiet, as I'm there with her when she describes the Methodist church she grew up "playing church" in, and the Southern Baptist Church she attended with her mother. Traci's story is an invitation to join her on her journey as friends. She's not afraid to address difficult issues either, like church politics and disappointments in the church, but she shares all this with a deep, abiding love for the community of believers in all their forms.
Traci uniquely writes not just about different faith traditions, practices and communities, but even about the church buildings themselves. "Sometimes, it was the people If God who loved me well. Other times, it was the church building itself," she says. Reading this book during the COVID-19 lockdown, during which I have not seen the inside of my own church building for two months now, I connected strongly with this sentiment and longing for our holy places where our holy communities gather.
Traci weaves many other Christians' stories into her book. Her journey is not just about her own visits to churches, but also about what she learns from her friendships and conversations with other believers. The stories range from those of other wanderers to those who have stayed within their own faith traditions from their infant baptisms. Traci shares how her own views have evolved over debated topics like infant baptism, while still respecting those who might disagree with her. She also honestly shares those moments on her visits when she feels great discomfort, like the time she and her daughter thought she was attending a Catholic Stations of the Cross service but it turned out it was a Veneration of the Cross service. She quietly assured her equally uncomfortable daughter that she would not have to kiss the cross. "Of course, this was not something we did in my evangelical circles. In my head, I would have been convinced it bordered on idolatry. My heart these days has been much less certain."
Despite this uncertainty, Traci never wavers in her faith in Christ and in her unsated desire to learn more and more of Him. Everyone who loves church in all its forms, anyone who wants to learn more about different faith traditions, and even those who have left the church but feel a draw to return should read this book.
Bookshop affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/a/4623/978164065...
Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3cIJAGC
I've been following Traci's blog (tracesoffaith.com) and social media channels for several years now, and I was honored when she asked me to share an essay in the book she was writing. I was even more excited to get my advance copy from Church Publishing (although I have already pre-ordered the book). Just like her thoughtful blog posts, Traci's book is one to savor. I love her observations of the various churches she's visited and their services. Here's how she describes a Catholic church she's visited on Ash Wednesday:
"The service itself offers several moments of complete silence. Not an uncomfortable silence, but a prayer shawl of sorts you could slide over your head, blocking out the noise of our world and aiding the holiness of the moment. This sacred silence brings me to tears that morning."
I'm there with her in that quiet, as I'm there with her when she describes the Methodist church she grew up "playing church" in, and the Southern Baptist Church she attended with her mother. Traci's story is an invitation to join her on her journey as friends. She's not afraid to address difficult issues either, like church politics and disappointments in the church, but she shares all this with a deep, abiding love for the community of believers in all their forms.
Traci uniquely writes not just about different faith traditions, practices and communities, but even about the church buildings themselves. "Sometimes, it was the people If God who loved me well. Other times, it was the church building itself," she says. Reading this book during the COVID-19 lockdown, during which I have not seen the inside of my own church building for two months now, I connected strongly with this sentiment and longing for our holy places where our holy communities gather.
Traci weaves many other Christians' stories into her book. Her journey is not just about her own visits to churches, but also about what she learns from her friendships and conversations with other believers. The stories range from those of other wanderers to those who have stayed within their own faith traditions from their infant baptisms. Traci shares how her own views have evolved over debated topics like infant baptism, while still respecting those who might disagree with her. She also honestly shares those moments on her visits when she feels great discomfort, like the time she and her daughter thought she was attending a Catholic Stations of the Cross service but it turned out it was a Veneration of the Cross service. She quietly assured her equally uncomfortable daughter that she would not have to kiss the cross. "Of course, this was not something we did in my evangelical circles. In my head, I would have been convinced it bordered on idolatry. My heart these days has been much less certain."
Despite this uncertainty, Traci never wavers in her faith in Christ and in her unsated desire to learn more and more of Him. Everyone who loves church in all its forms, anyone who wants to learn more about different faith traditions, and even those who have left the church but feel a draw to return should read this book.
Bookshop affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/a/4623/978164065...
Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3cIJAGC
July 12, 2022
Rhoades has written a from the heart book on her love for the church. She does an excellent job of describing the various Christian traditions with which she's been exposed and short expositions by friends of other Christian backgrounds. In this short monograph, she presents her faith as a journey to experience more of Jesus and find mystic and spiritual meaning in the theology and worship style of a broadly diverse set of Christian denominations.
At the core, the book is a spiritual memoir. She describes the love and nurture she got from her early church encounters. Then, almost by accident, moving to other communities and seeking a church that resonated with her spiritual needs. Such has led her to be broadly ecumenical.
Her best chapter is her last where she lays out a case for all Christians to value the way other congregations seek to encounter the Holy. In simple terms, she believes Jesus' prayer that his followers can be "one" is through avoiding the binary of judging other traditions as "right" or "wrong." We are at our best when we can learn to value and use elements of other traditions to enhance our own spiritual journey. For example, if I come from a charismatic or preaching tradition, it might be of value to spend some time experiencing the contemplative practice of silence. The same might be true of using elements that would feel alien to may Western Christians.
What I feel is missed in this book is depth. This is not a bad work but it can be a bit boring. It's a kind of white bread with mashed potatoes read. She seems to go into a lot of detail to get to her singular point. Perhaps it will be valuable to others, but much of it left me wanting more.
For an individual who is "church shopping," this might be a worthwhile read in broadening the search field.
At the core, the book is a spiritual memoir. She describes the love and nurture she got from her early church encounters. Then, almost by accident, moving to other communities and seeking a church that resonated with her spiritual needs. Such has led her to be broadly ecumenical.
Her best chapter is her last where she lays out a case for all Christians to value the way other congregations seek to encounter the Holy. In simple terms, she believes Jesus' prayer that his followers can be "one" is through avoiding the binary of judging other traditions as "right" or "wrong." We are at our best when we can learn to value and use elements of other traditions to enhance our own spiritual journey. For example, if I come from a charismatic or preaching tradition, it might be of value to spend some time experiencing the contemplative practice of silence. The same might be true of using elements that would feel alien to may Western Christians.
What I feel is missed in this book is depth. This is not a bad work but it can be a bit boring. It's a kind of white bread with mashed potatoes read. She seems to go into a lot of detail to get to her singular point. Perhaps it will be valuable to others, but much of it left me wanting more.
For an individual who is "church shopping," this might be a worthwhile read in broadening the search field.
May 19, 2020
The church is stronger when unified and not stuck inside mutually exclusive silos – silos that are a construct of our own making.
Rhoades brings readers along with her journey, adding vignettes to reflect experiences of others who can illustrate the depth of religious practice that is not usually a part of a quick observation on a single Sunday morning. For those who only experience other church traditions at the occasional wedding or funeral, the book provides a safe way to take an extended look beyond the door. I found myself stopping reading to reflect on experiences from my past.
My church involvement started young and grew into the technology side at Evangelical Free Churches. Within that silo, I would occasionally branch out on family vacations to a Sunday here or a Sunday there. I share the blind spot of others who study American church history in placing a church in a family tree without looking at the people inside. This volume adds a valuable perspective to my studies.
The book is good for personal, reflective reading as well as for a group study that can help individuals connect to each other.
I found myself wishing I could look at Camilo Vergara How the Other Half Worships (Rutgers University Press, 2005), although there is no overlap of coverage. I look forward to future titles from Traci Rhoades that will help me to grow in my understanding of other faith groups and grow more unified with my brothers and sisters in faith.
Rhoades brings readers along with her journey, adding vignettes to reflect experiences of others who can illustrate the depth of religious practice that is not usually a part of a quick observation on a single Sunday morning. For those who only experience other church traditions at the occasional wedding or funeral, the book provides a safe way to take an extended look beyond the door. I found myself stopping reading to reflect on experiences from my past.
My church involvement started young and grew into the technology side at Evangelical Free Churches. Within that silo, I would occasionally branch out on family vacations to a Sunday here or a Sunday there. I share the blind spot of others who study American church history in placing a church in a family tree without looking at the people inside. This volume adds a valuable perspective to my studies.
The book is good for personal, reflective reading as well as for a group study that can help individuals connect to each other.
I found myself wishing I could look at Camilo Vergara How the Other Half Worships (Rutgers University Press, 2005), although there is no overlap of coverage. I look forward to future titles from Traci Rhoades that will help me to grow in my understanding of other faith groups and grow more unified with my brothers and sisters in faith.
June 8, 2020
When I first heard that my friend Traci was writing a book about her exploration of different Christian traditions, I was excited to read about it more in depth than what she shares on her blog (tracesoffaith.com).
Her faith journey has similarities to my own (growing up in the church, devoted to one denomination for years, seeking Biblical foundation), so I was interested in reading about her experiences. I was not disappointed. Reading this book has opened my eyes to exploring my own faith and what I grew up with and doing deep heart examinations into why I hold onto certain beliefs and asking God to remove that which is not from Him.
This book is about how we, the church, are more alike than different. It includes essays written by those the church has hurt, those who want to share and explain their beautiful traditions, and those who have changed denominations and sometimes come back to where they started. All the essays included have challenged me and caused me to think deeper about my own faith.
Traci ends her final chapter with these honest, wise instructions: "Study the Bible and pray with other Christ-followers. Go expecting to meet brothers and sisters in Christ. Please bring some of what you learn back home to your own church. Most importantly, go fully confident you're about to receive more of Jesus."
That is what I desire. More of Jesus.
Her faith journey has similarities to my own (growing up in the church, devoted to one denomination for years, seeking Biblical foundation), so I was interested in reading about her experiences. I was not disappointed. Reading this book has opened my eyes to exploring my own faith and what I grew up with and doing deep heart examinations into why I hold onto certain beliefs and asking God to remove that which is not from Him.
This book is about how we, the church, are more alike than different. It includes essays written by those the church has hurt, those who want to share and explain their beautiful traditions, and those who have changed denominations and sometimes come back to where they started. All the essays included have challenged me and caused me to think deeper about my own faith.
Traci ends her final chapter with these honest, wise instructions: "Study the Bible and pray with other Christ-followers. Go expecting to meet brothers and sisters in Christ. Please bring some of what you learn back home to your own church. Most importantly, go fully confident you're about to receive more of Jesus."
That is what I desire. More of Jesus.
March 17, 2021
For the Love of the Chuch
I am convinced that despite the things that separate us, there is something greater that holds us together Ben my heart that each of the streams of the Christian faith reveal something great about the River of God. Imagine my joy finding a likeminded person.
This book truly is an expression of deep love for the whole church of God. By sharing her own , the author reflects on the blessings found at the faith communities she’s encountered. The book is also filled with numerous stories of otters who encountered God in different places and different ways.
In the end, this book reveals a larger part of the great tapestry known as the church. This message comes at a very opportune time in history. Much attention is focused on division and separation in the world right now. What a perfect time to celebrate what brings us together.
I believe everyone will benefit from sharing this journey.
I am convinced that despite the things that separate us, there is something greater that holds us together Ben my heart that each of the streams of the Christian faith reveal something great about the River of God. Imagine my joy finding a likeminded person.
This book truly is an expression of deep love for the whole church of God. By sharing her own , the author reflects on the blessings found at the faith communities she’s encountered. The book is also filled with numerous stories of otters who encountered God in different places and different ways.
In the end, this book reveals a larger part of the great tapestry known as the church. This message comes at a very opportune time in history. Much attention is focused on division and separation in the world right now. What a perfect time to celebrate what brings us together.
I believe everyone will benefit from sharing this journey.
May 19, 2020
Traci Rhoades has written a beautiful story about Church. She highlights her journey through various congregations and an ever expanding view of Christianity. She invites us to erase some lines in the sand to see the good in various Christian expressions. She doesn’t gloss over the hard stuff, but I love her dedication to finding the good wherever it may show up.
She invites friends she has met along the way to share their stories. The entire book feels like a conversation amongst friends.
Christian community can be hard, but I’m convinced it is worth it. If we’d approach it like Traci does in this book, I think we’d be a more Christlike Church. And wouldn’t that be lovely?
A fun and personal read, I’d recommend it to anyone who loves the Church or is wondering if they still love her.
She invites friends she has met along the way to share their stories. The entire book feels like a conversation amongst friends.
Christian community can be hard, but I’m convinced it is worth it. If we’d approach it like Traci does in this book, I think we’d be a more Christlike Church. And wouldn’t that be lovely?
A fun and personal read, I’d recommend it to anyone who loves the Church or is wondering if they still love her.
May 19, 2020
“Dear readers, we are missing out if we don’t expand our belief system to learn from Christians who worship in other ways.” – Traci Rhoades, Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost
Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost by Traci Rhoades immediately captured my interest with her friendly and loving style of writing. She passionately walks the reader through her Christian faith journey and love of church, while also sharing the testimonies and perspectives of other Christians, to beautifully illustrate how we have much more to gain by listening and learning from each other’s differences in denominations in order to grow in our own faith journeys. If you are like me and have been hurt by church, or have felt like an outsider inside your own church, Traci offers you encouragement, confidence, and hope that you will find a place that is right for you.
Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost by Traci Rhoades immediately captured my interest with her friendly and loving style of writing. She passionately walks the reader through her Christian faith journey and love of church, while also sharing the testimonies and perspectives of other Christians, to beautifully illustrate how we have much more to gain by listening and learning from each other’s differences in denominations in order to grow in our own faith journeys. If you are like me and have been hurt by church, or have felt like an outsider inside your own church, Traci offers you encouragement, confidence, and hope that you will find a place that is right for you.
May 17, 2020
As someone who has left church and is currently on a personal journey of wandering in the wilderness in search of a new place to call home, Traci’s new book is comforting and insightful. Her loving approach of leaning into the stories of people from many different faith traditions helps all who wander feel a sense of belonging in their pursuit. These stories are a reminder that although our traditions and experiences of church are unique, our love of Jesus is what drives us all to find our way on the spiritual path. Traci’s book is a beautiful invitation to learn more about one another so we can encourage, inspire, and love each other forward.
July 16, 2020
Traci Rhoades shares her story interwoven with the stories of many others, showing us how united we all our in our search for God and for real community. Her debut book is a reflection of the kind and generous presence she has become in social media and in life for many a wanderer, seeking to discover a faith they can feel at home in. The story is simple but profound: we can have healthy conversations with others about faith and our differences. We can question our faith and church origins without losing God in the process. We are all part of one great, beautiful church and we can find unity in our diversity. I highly recommend to anyone who has loved church, left it, or afraid to enter it. You'll find hope and a welcoming friend to walk the journey with you in this book.
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May 20, 2021Author Traci Rhoads has a passion for the church. In this book, she gathers fellow writers of many Christian traditions to discuss their faith journeys. As she recounts her own, she processes what it means to he a Christian and a church member, to see members of other denominations as brothers and sisters.
July 15, 2020
Traci Rhoades (@tracesoffaith on Twitter) authors her first book with an open & kind heart and gives readers a chance to explore and enjoy what is available in various expressions and flavors of the church experience by witnessing how she has personally encountered it. She also invites a variety of other people, some friends and acquaintances, to include their experiences within the pages.
Though many people have been injured by the church, which Rhoades is careful to acknowledge, the author reflects an uncomplicated and sustaining joy and ecumenical curiosity that many will find uplifting and helpful in our polarized times.
Though many people have been injured by the church, which Rhoades is careful to acknowledge, the author reflects an uncomplicated and sustaining joy and ecumenical curiosity that many will find uplifting and helpful in our polarized times.
July 5, 2020
A memoir of seeking for Jesus in many places.
June 26, 2020
What a privilege to be able to be a part of the launch team for this book.
Reading Traci's words is like sitting down and having a conversation with her over a cup of coffee. She loves our Lord and she is not afraid to tell you about it. She also loves to learn all she can about our Lord and she is not afraid to tell us about that either, thankfully.
Reading Traci's words is like sitting down and having a conversation with her over a cup of coffee. She loves our Lord and she is not afraid to tell you about it. She also loves to learn all she can about our Lord and she is not afraid to tell us about that either, thankfully.
May 23, 2020
I've followed Rhoades' blog and Facebook page (Traces of Faith) for some time, so when I found out she was writing a book - and channeling Tolkien on the title - I knew i needed in.
Rhoades writes thoughtfully and engagingly, truly wanting to stimulate open conversation at every turn. Her genuineness and care for all believers, regardless of denomination (or no denomination at all), is remarkable; I do hope that this prompts a trend in interdenominational conversations, at the very least. Each of us could stand to walk across the road, as it were, and learn from others in Christendom.
I came away with a lengthy list of books to pursue (never a bad thing, and in fact, very, very right, in my - no pun intended - book!), and look forward to engaging with them soon. I may not have come to the same conclusions on some fronts in the book, but Rhoades' sheer welcoming-ness (is that a word? Can it be one now?) brought me back for more dialogue, with myself, God, the Bible, and likely soon other believers. Somehow I feel like that's just in line with what she would want. :) God is bigger than I am, and this book encourages me to start plumbing the depths of just how big he is.
I received a copy of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.
Rhoades writes thoughtfully and engagingly, truly wanting to stimulate open conversation at every turn. Her genuineness and care for all believers, regardless of denomination (or no denomination at all), is remarkable; I do hope that this prompts a trend in interdenominational conversations, at the very least. Each of us could stand to walk across the road, as it were, and learn from others in Christendom.
I came away with a lengthy list of books to pursue (never a bad thing, and in fact, very, very right, in my - no pun intended - book!), and look forward to engaging with them soon. I may not have come to the same conclusions on some fronts in the book, but Rhoades' sheer welcoming-ness (is that a word? Can it be one now?) brought me back for more dialogue, with myself, God, the Bible, and likely soon other believers. Somehow I feel like that's just in line with what she would want. :) God is bigger than I am, and this book encourages me to start plumbing the depths of just how big he is.
I received a copy of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.
June 6, 2020
I loved the writing and story behind this book. The idea that spiritual curiosity can be a blessing and help us form a closer relationship with God is so important. I recommend this book to anyone with a love of God and a love a church. Or anyone who is questioning their faith and looking for a new direction to follow.
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