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Searching for Grace: A Weary Leader, a Wise Mentor, and Seven Healing Conversations for a Parched Soul
“ Searching for Grace invites you into the kind of relationship that we all long for deep in our hearts. The relationship between Scotty and Russ is scary, vulnerable, painful, but gorgeously loving and drenched in grace.” ―Paul David Tripp , author of New Morning Mercies
Anxious? Burnt out? Weary? Why is it so hard for our souls to find rest?
In Searching for Grace , Russ and his mentor, Scotty Smith, explore the contours of their lives and why embracing God’s grace unreservedly is so difficult for many of us. Their honest conversations offer priceless lessons for parched souls everywhere.
Many of us feel anxious and unfulfilled by our everyday existence, yet deeply long for a purposeful, meaningful, and peace-filled life. That tension creates a background buzz of profound discontentment behind everything we do. There is a better way. Searching for Grace reveals the conversations between Russ and Scotty that transformed Russ’s life forever, helping him identify the mindsets that contributed to his restlessness. Straight from his little black journal, Russ shares the seven life-giving principles he learned from Scotty that unleashed him to a refreshingly new life, radically built on God’s grace.
Anxious? Burnt out? Weary? Why is it so hard for our souls to find rest?
In Searching for Grace , Russ and his mentor, Scotty Smith, explore the contours of their lives and why embracing God’s grace unreservedly is so difficult for many of us. Their honest conversations offer priceless lessons for parched souls everywhere.
Many of us feel anxious and unfulfilled by our everyday existence, yet deeply long for a purposeful, meaningful, and peace-filled life. That tension creates a background buzz of profound discontentment behind everything we do. There is a better way. Searching for Grace reveals the conversations between Russ and Scotty that transformed Russ’s life forever, helping him identify the mindsets that contributed to his restlessness. Straight from his little black journal, Russ shares the seven life-giving principles he learned from Scotty that unleashed him to a refreshingly new life, radically built on God’s grace.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published May 4, 2021
7 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Scotty Smith
31 books29 followersScotty Smith is founding pastor of Christ Community Church (PCA) in Franklin, Tennessee. He is now teacher in residence at West End Community Church (PCA) in Nashville, a daughter church of CCC. Scotty also serves as an adjunct professor at five seminaries, including Covenant, Westminster, Redeemer, RTS Orlando, and Western Seminary in Portland. He is the author of several books, including Everyday Prayers, as well as Unveiled Hope with Michael Card and Speechless and Restoring Broken Things with Steven Curtis Chapman.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 4, 2025
What stuck out to me - this book illustrates how processing grief & trauma (through therapy, vulnerability, friendship, etc) allows you to heal and fully experience the gospel, vs. living in the ‘orphan’ mentality, knowing the gospel in your head but struggling to live in the safety of being fully known and loved. The authors are deeply vulnerable. Well-written.
April 28, 2022
This book was thoughtful and encouraging. It pointed toward healing and hope. I wish that the author's struggles had been more similar to my own. That disconnect made it harder to engage in some of the book.
February 15, 2022
This book touched my heart in a special way. Reading the 'healing conversations' between Scotty Smith and Russ Masterson feels like sitting at their table, fresh coffee, distractions fading away into the background, and one heart speaking to another.
These conversations are about the things that really matter, the motives and inner broken places that need the healing touch of grace. I found myself even being a little envious of the relationship that Scotty and Russ share, the beauty of knowing and being known by another. The willingness to share with one another in vulnerable moments the struggles of ministry was refreshing.
There were some tears along the way as I listened in to these conversations, revealing how vital and deeply rooted these themes are. I never felt like they were telling me how to think or what to do, just demonstrating the power of friendship, mentoring, and honesty.
I would encourage every minister to read this book. I believe any Christian could gain a lot of insight from it as well. I have a feeling I'll revisit this book and sit at their table again sometime in the future. More, I'll be more intentional about finding my own heart-felt conversations at the table with friends.
These conversations are about the things that really matter, the motives and inner broken places that need the healing touch of grace. I found myself even being a little envious of the relationship that Scotty and Russ share, the beauty of knowing and being known by another. The willingness to share with one another in vulnerable moments the struggles of ministry was refreshing.
There were some tears along the way as I listened in to these conversations, revealing how vital and deeply rooted these themes are. I never felt like they were telling me how to think or what to do, just demonstrating the power of friendship, mentoring, and honesty.
I would encourage every minister to read this book. I believe any Christian could gain a lot of insight from it as well. I have a feeling I'll revisit this book and sit at their table again sometime in the future. More, I'll be more intentional about finding my own heart-felt conversations at the table with friends.
April 26, 2022
'Searching for grace' left me with a lot to think about: what it means to live life primarily as someone loved by God, how to deal with past pain, what true soul-rest looks like, why defining success according to God's standards matters, why friendship is important, what grace is etc. In fact, the chapters titles (or conversation titles) are worth the price of the book alone:
1. The acceptance we crave is free
2. Surrender, not control, is the path to peace
3. Receiving, not achieving, tames our fears and anxieties
4. Suffering is a teacher
5. Vulnerability is essential for healing and connection
6. An unhurried, non-anxious spirit is true success
7. Normal can be extraordinary
Aside from one or two ideas that lacked clarity and some peculiar quotations from authors on a different end of the theological spectrum, this is a very helpful (and hopeful) book for working out the implications of the gospel of grace in life and ministry.
1. The acceptance we crave is free
2. Surrender, not control, is the path to peace
3. Receiving, not achieving, tames our fears and anxieties
4. Suffering is a teacher
5. Vulnerability is essential for healing and connection
6. An unhurried, non-anxious spirit is true success
7. Normal can be extraordinary
Aside from one or two ideas that lacked clarity and some peculiar quotations from authors on a different end of the theological spectrum, this is a very helpful (and hopeful) book for working out the implications of the gospel of grace in life and ministry.
May 26, 2021
I can barely put into words how much this audiobook has impacted me. I’m sitting here just speechless really. I decided to also buy the physical book so I can highlight the parts I want to cement into my mind. So many strangely coincidental moments in the book for me, especially after I had become widowed at 27 and how I’ve lived my life since then, tucked away and avoiding adding anyone else into “my circle” for fear of one day losing them too. So their conversations about losing loved ones really resonated with me. I grew up in Florida and then lived in Denver, so I could even relate to those small details. The conversations, and the lessons learned, were incredibly real, honest, and filled with vulnerability and heart... I’m thankful that they shared them. I also believe that the narrator of the audiobook was absolutely a perfect match and was a pleasure to listen to. I would recommend this audiobook to any Christian, heck to any human for that matter.
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March 10, 2022Summary:
Searching for Grace: A Weary Leader, A Wise Mentor, and Seven Healing Conversations for a Parched Soul is a short, yet poignant book written by Russ Masterson and Scotty Smith following the mentor relationship between these two pastors. This book records the many conversations and lessons from Scotty throughout their mentoring relationship on topics such as grace and acceptance, surrender and peace, suffering and vulnerability, and anxiety. Throughout this book both authors bring insightful applications of Scripture and helpful illuminations from the Holy Spirit from their lives. The authors also provide direct encouragements to readers through challenging questions at the end of every chapter.
Analysis:
I found this book to be extremely helpful. While written by pastors the book is not solely an encouragement to other pastors. The stories and applications in this book would benefit all readers. Perhaps the most striking and helpful aspect of this book were the transparent and vulnerable stories the authors shared that let readers in on how they drew near to God in various life circumstances. For me, the book was relatable, easy to follow, and rich in biblical insight. In my life I have often struggled to put into words ideas and thoughts that I’ve had regarding the tension between every day real life and the truth of God’s Word. Sometimes, for me, they almost seem disconnected. In reading this book I was encouraged that I am not the only one feeling that way! It was as if Russ and Scotty reached inside my head and pulled out the thoughts I have often wrestled with. I was blessed by their articulation of issues and insight into how God uses those thoughts to reveal more of Himself to His kids.
Recommendation:
I recommend this book to anyone who has ever battled seeing God’s grace in their lives or the lives of others. It’s great for the person who struggles to accept grace for themselves, and just as beneficial for those who struggle to give grace to others. While not simply a book about grace, that is one major take away, God LOVES to give grace to those who follow Him, and this book helps you process that truth.
Searching for Grace: A Weary Leader, A Wise Mentor, and Seven Healing Conversations for a Parched Soul is a short, yet poignant book written by Russ Masterson and Scotty Smith following the mentor relationship between these two pastors. This book records the many conversations and lessons from Scotty throughout their mentoring relationship on topics such as grace and acceptance, surrender and peace, suffering and vulnerability, and anxiety. Throughout this book both authors bring insightful applications of Scripture and helpful illuminations from the Holy Spirit from their lives. The authors also provide direct encouragements to readers through challenging questions at the end of every chapter.
Analysis:
I found this book to be extremely helpful. While written by pastors the book is not solely an encouragement to other pastors. The stories and applications in this book would benefit all readers. Perhaps the most striking and helpful aspect of this book were the transparent and vulnerable stories the authors shared that let readers in on how they drew near to God in various life circumstances. For me, the book was relatable, easy to follow, and rich in biblical insight. In my life I have often struggled to put into words ideas and thoughts that I’ve had regarding the tension between every day real life and the truth of God’s Word. Sometimes, for me, they almost seem disconnected. In reading this book I was encouraged that I am not the only one feeling that way! It was as if Russ and Scotty reached inside my head and pulled out the thoughts I have often wrestled with. I was blessed by their articulation of issues and insight into how God uses those thoughts to reveal more of Himself to His kids.
Recommendation:
I recommend this book to anyone who has ever battled seeing God’s grace in their lives or the lives of others. It’s great for the person who struggles to accept grace for themselves, and just as beneficial for those who struggle to give grace to others. While not simply a book about grace, that is one major take away, God LOVES to give grace to those who follow Him, and this book helps you process that truth.
November 26, 2024
I think your traction with this book is going to range widely, depending on vocation, season of life, history with the church and leadership, etc......but that said, it really, really spoke to some vulnerable areas of my heart and soul. I read it slowly (as a devotional) and humbly, not looking to pick apart the viewpoints of the co-authors, but merely to listen to the heartfelt and honest writing. I found it gracious and healing (and I say that, knowing I probably would have turned my nose up to it if I picked it up 10 years ago). If you are a pastor or ministry leader, a bit jaded or just tired, then I do recommend picking this up and reading it slowly. If you are just starting out, fresh out of seminary, full of piss and vinegar and certain you know how to "fix the church," then maybe wait 10-15 years.....then grab this and read it.
April 30, 2021
Russ Masterson was a 35-year-old pastor who had just planted a church, and was attempting to keep his life under control. He was asking “How did I get here? and “How does this get better?” He attended a retreat and heard Scotty Smith speak, and Scotty’s words pierced his soul.
As his church grew, Russ’s questions and anxiety continued to grow as well. A year and a half after that retreat, Russ wrote Scotty and asked if he would mentor him, which Scotty agreed to. Russ tells us that Scotty came into his life at the intersection of head knowledge of the gospel and his anxious heart. As they met, Russ would take notes in his journal about what Scotty told him. During their monthly conversations, Russ would ask questions, and as Scotty and Russ talked, it was like time stood still. These were holy moments for Russ.
Russ wanted others to hear what he was hearing from Scotty so that they could live more peaceful lives. Learning how to live in the peace of God, through these seven conversations, is what this book is all about.
Throughout the book, Russ and Scotty tell their stories. Russ writes of performing and Scotty of hiding. Russ takes us through the pain and anxiety of leading his new church and suffering after the suicides of two friends. Scotty story is shaped by chapters of loss and by the fear of abandonment. Those that have read Scotty’s books, particularly Objects of His Affection: Coming Alive to the Compelling Love of God, one of my favorite books, will be familiar with some of the aspects of his story that he shares in this book.
This is a unique book that grew out of the mentoring relationship and conversations between Scotty and Russ. Having enjoyed Scotty’s books, daily prayers and two classes at Covenant Seminary, I have some idea of what it might be like to be mentored by Scotty. The book is primarily written in Russ’s voice, with Scotty contributing his own narratives throughout. All writing by Scotty is entitled “From Scotty”, including helpful “Prayerful Contemplation” questions at the end of each chapter.
The book features both authors being open and transparent about their stories. As such, it can at times be difficult to read about their pain. Among the subjects addressed in the book are vulnerability, marriage, friendship, ministry burnout, pain, abuse, healing, suffering, peace, prayer, success, work, contentment, relationships, death, stress, anxiety and busyness.
There is a corresponding Searching for Grace podcast about the seven conversations in the book, featuring Paul Tripp, Scott Sauls, Andrew Peterson, Dan Allender, Sandra McCracken and others.
Below are 20 of my favorite quotes from this excellent book:
• Who we are matters to God more than what we do. Our calling is to be worshipers, not workers; present, not impressive. Our truest identity is found in being God’s beloved sons and daughters.
• When you work hard to build a pain-free life, you never succeed. The pain will get repackaged and show up in other ways.
• Seek to live with gospel astonishment wherever God places you.
• The goal of the Christian life isn’t to get over stuff but to grow through it. Jesus’ promise of an abundant life doesn’t just include an abundance of things we enjoy but also an abundance of things that will make us more like him.
• The way of grace is a healing path, breaking the power of shame and offering the hope of resurrection.
• Biblical hope is an expectation of something to happen in the certainty of God. Our hope can be certain because it isn’t attached to a particular outcome but to God himself.
• We need presence in pain; we need the constant God who comforts those who have been broken, just as he was broken. God never promises explanation, but he does promise his presence.
• Sovereignty is comforting not because it gives me answers, but because it gives me God.
• No matter what we achieve, no matter what people think of us, we are always the same souls needing God’s tenacious grace to carry us along.
• Ministry-generated burnout is deceptive. We spin it as though we’re “sacrificing for God.” But in reality, with few boundaries and little accountability, vocational idolatry is a genuine threat.
• You perform, and I hide, but it’s really the same thing. It’s just a different strategy. We avoid our shame, fear, and pain while at the same time ignoring our beauty and worth. We say to our world, ‘Come close, but not too close. Notice me, but don’t know me.’”
• I have learned the hard way that trying to strong-arm God with our concerns only leaves us tired. But when we surrender our concerns to God, we find ourselves on a path of freedom and peace.
• Shame’s unrelenting declaration is: You aren’t enough. You aren’t welcome. You aren’t loved.
• Prayer is any time the heart and the mind are moving toward surrender with God.
• Prayer is relationship, not transaction.
• Suffering comes not just in the original event but also in the reaction to the event.
• The acceptance we long for is not self-acceptance, or even others - acceptance; it’s divine acceptance - a welcome and delight freely given to us by the one who created us.
• Of all the enemies of peace, shame is at the top. Only the grace of God can possibly begin to rewrite our shame.
• Any religion based on rule keeping sabotages the notion of a loving relationship. I believe this is the primary perversion of the gospel.
• If we assume that our deepest fulfillment and satisfaction can be found in work, romance, kids, possessions, or anything else other than the love of God, we’ll put expectations on those things that they can’t deliver. And we’ll never find the peace God made us to experience.
As his church grew, Russ’s questions and anxiety continued to grow as well. A year and a half after that retreat, Russ wrote Scotty and asked if he would mentor him, which Scotty agreed to. Russ tells us that Scotty came into his life at the intersection of head knowledge of the gospel and his anxious heart. As they met, Russ would take notes in his journal about what Scotty told him. During their monthly conversations, Russ would ask questions, and as Scotty and Russ talked, it was like time stood still. These were holy moments for Russ.
Russ wanted others to hear what he was hearing from Scotty so that they could live more peaceful lives. Learning how to live in the peace of God, through these seven conversations, is what this book is all about.
Throughout the book, Russ and Scotty tell their stories. Russ writes of performing and Scotty of hiding. Russ takes us through the pain and anxiety of leading his new church and suffering after the suicides of two friends. Scotty story is shaped by chapters of loss and by the fear of abandonment. Those that have read Scotty’s books, particularly Objects of His Affection: Coming Alive to the Compelling Love of God, one of my favorite books, will be familiar with some of the aspects of his story that he shares in this book.
This is a unique book that grew out of the mentoring relationship and conversations between Scotty and Russ. Having enjoyed Scotty’s books, daily prayers and two classes at Covenant Seminary, I have some idea of what it might be like to be mentored by Scotty. The book is primarily written in Russ’s voice, with Scotty contributing his own narratives throughout. All writing by Scotty is entitled “From Scotty”, including helpful “Prayerful Contemplation” questions at the end of each chapter.
The book features both authors being open and transparent about their stories. As such, it can at times be difficult to read about their pain. Among the subjects addressed in the book are vulnerability, marriage, friendship, ministry burnout, pain, abuse, healing, suffering, peace, prayer, success, work, contentment, relationships, death, stress, anxiety and busyness.
There is a corresponding Searching for Grace podcast about the seven conversations in the book, featuring Paul Tripp, Scott Sauls, Andrew Peterson, Dan Allender, Sandra McCracken and others.
Below are 20 of my favorite quotes from this excellent book:
• Who we are matters to God more than what we do. Our calling is to be worshipers, not workers; present, not impressive. Our truest identity is found in being God’s beloved sons and daughters.
• When you work hard to build a pain-free life, you never succeed. The pain will get repackaged and show up in other ways.
• Seek to live with gospel astonishment wherever God places you.
• The goal of the Christian life isn’t to get over stuff but to grow through it. Jesus’ promise of an abundant life doesn’t just include an abundance of things we enjoy but also an abundance of things that will make us more like him.
• The way of grace is a healing path, breaking the power of shame and offering the hope of resurrection.
• Biblical hope is an expectation of something to happen in the certainty of God. Our hope can be certain because it isn’t attached to a particular outcome but to God himself.
• We need presence in pain; we need the constant God who comforts those who have been broken, just as he was broken. God never promises explanation, but he does promise his presence.
• Sovereignty is comforting not because it gives me answers, but because it gives me God.
• No matter what we achieve, no matter what people think of us, we are always the same souls needing God’s tenacious grace to carry us along.
• Ministry-generated burnout is deceptive. We spin it as though we’re “sacrificing for God.” But in reality, with few boundaries and little accountability, vocational idolatry is a genuine threat.
• You perform, and I hide, but it’s really the same thing. It’s just a different strategy. We avoid our shame, fear, and pain while at the same time ignoring our beauty and worth. We say to our world, ‘Come close, but not too close. Notice me, but don’t know me.’”
• I have learned the hard way that trying to strong-arm God with our concerns only leaves us tired. But when we surrender our concerns to God, we find ourselves on a path of freedom and peace.
• Shame’s unrelenting declaration is: You aren’t enough. You aren’t welcome. You aren’t loved.
• Prayer is any time the heart and the mind are moving toward surrender with God.
• Prayer is relationship, not transaction.
• Suffering comes not just in the original event but also in the reaction to the event.
• The acceptance we long for is not self-acceptance, or even others - acceptance; it’s divine acceptance - a welcome and delight freely given to us by the one who created us.
• Of all the enemies of peace, shame is at the top. Only the grace of God can possibly begin to rewrite our shame.
• Any religion based on rule keeping sabotages the notion of a loving relationship. I believe this is the primary perversion of the gospel.
• If we assume that our deepest fulfillment and satisfaction can be found in work, romance, kids, possessions, or anything else other than the love of God, we’ll put expectations on those things that they can’t deliver. And we’ll never find the peace God made us to experience.
January 26, 2022
This book was a meandering journey through life's difficult questions, and a helpful model for how to have honest conversations about our fears and failures: how to diagnose and then face our brokenness out of our acceptance in the gospel. The narrative form was also encouraging for me because it shows actual, real-life examples of people finding healing through facing their brokenness. The main reason I didn't give it a 5 was that I sometimes had a hard time following along or making connections between the stories and the lessons behind them (I did the audiobook though so maybe the actual book would be easier to follow along). Still, definitely a good book that lived up to the title: healing conversations for the parched and weary.
April 8, 2021
Masterson and Smith do a great job of taking concepts that are vital to facing and avoiding pastoral burnout, ideas that therapists of various kinds have brought up in discussions about how to recuperate after hitting rock bottom (books about pastors dealing with alcoholism, etc.). There have been less discussions about how to follow these principles before burnout result in crisis, and that makes this book special. Well worth reading.
October 19, 2021
Russ and Scotty put together a phenomenal treasure. It may just be where I am at in my walk with Jesus and working through past trauma but this book felt like 2 guys sitting with me at a table rejoicing over God’s great love. The stories they both tell made me feel known. This truly was a gift and I will return to it many times.
“You can know the lyric of the gospel but not hear the music. God wants us more than what we can do for him.” -Scotty Smith
“You can know the lyric of the gospel but not hear the music. God wants us more than what we can do for him.” -Scotty Smith
May 16, 2021
A raw and real look into the authors’ stories, struggles, and hearts naturally turns a reader to examine their own as well. This book gave me pause, insight, and freedom in unexpected and needed ways. Many gospel concepts are fleshed out and explained with depth and real-life examples. This book will challenge but ultimately refresh and release your heart.
June 9, 2021
This book is such a helpful reminder of our settled place by the work of Jesus. His grace really does rule all it shapes our lives and keeps us in the midst of difficulty. The Helpful Journey though the mentorship of these two men provides an example for others that are doing Ministry and life with the hopes of being entrusted the preaching of the grace we receive.
February 12, 2022
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June 24, 2021
Not for pastors only! Both Russ Masterson and Scotty Smith make themselves vulnerable about the dangers of burnout in ministry, but their conversations are easily applied to every person who longs to live for the glory of God but struggles with the dailiness of their sin. Russ and Scotty transparently share their stories as they invite us to consider ours, especially in terms of topics like acceptance and belonging, vulnerability, suffering, surrender, anxiety, etc. The reflection questions at the end of each section are worth the price of the book.
May 16, 2021
Absolutely incredible. Thankful to be serving under the leadership of Russ!
May 31, 2021
Easy narrative, with deep truths about daily grace
June 8, 2021
An honest journey by Russ and Scotty, where each of them faces life’s challenges and arrives at a place of peace and God’s limitless grace.
March 11, 2022
A timely read for me. I puttered out on the book because eventually it just felt like it wasn't really going anywhere. But I appreciated what I read and would recommend, especially if you're feeling burnt out and overburdened.
December 15, 2021
One of my favorite books of the year. Read it slowly to savor its honest and grace filled stories of two men at very different stages of their lives and ministries sharing with one another of their respective journeys. Beautiful, honest reflections on the implications of the gospel for all believers, not just those in ministry leadership. This book provided wonderful reminders of God’s grave and mercy as well as His healing power and never ending redemptive power and love.
January 3, 2022
The authors met and then established a relationship that went beyond mentoring to friendship. The lessons shared and life experiences felt not only made them each grow as persons but touched me as well.
This was my second time listening to this audio book and the narrator did an excellent job of getting the tone of the relationship across that the two authors had.
I join the authors in searching for Grace and enjoying it at the same time.
This was my second time listening to this audio book and the narrator did an excellent job of getting the tone of the relationship across that the two authors had.
I join the authors in searching for Grace and enjoying it at the same time.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews