Chasing Wisdom: Choosing Stability in a Rootless Age

by Daniel Grothe

Acclaimed teaching pastor Daniel Grothe speaks to the sense of loneliness that many feel in today's age of hypermobility and noncommittal wandering, reminding us of the ancient vow of stability and teaching us how we can lead a richer life of friendship, community, and purpose.

Unlike previous generations that had to stay put, many people today have unprecedented access to a lifestyle of mobility. We can explore and bounce from place to place, never settling down or making anywhere home. And while it feels freeing to be able to try something new whenever we want--whether it's a new job, a new city, a new group of friends, or even a new church--somewhere along the way, we discover we're missing something. We may be paying our bills and have a roof over our heads, but we're lonely and unfulfilled, disconnected and unsatisfied. What's that all about? What is the missing piece?

In The Power of Place, pastor Daniel Grothe speaks to the human ache for home and makes a countercultural case for staying put. He calls us to reject the myth of Christian individuality and instead embrace the richness of commitment and community, arguing that we must stay in one place as long as we can, plant our lives, and let roots take hold. Because only then can we experience the deep fulfillment, friendship, and fruitfulness God created us for.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Spirituality, Theology, Christianity, Sociology

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2021

Reviews

[Elena Forsythe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really important book about our need as humans and as Christians to put down roots. The upward trajectory the world promises and the mobility required to get there are pretty deceptive about what is really meaningful and fulfilling. Embracing our limits is what leads to ultimate flourishing, if we can have the courage and vulnerability to do it!

[Carson Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. I believe in this message wholeheartedly and have experienced the fruit of intentionally growing deeper roots in a community. I’ve always enjoyed Daniel’s warm, inviting tone and this book is no exception.

“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” - Jeremiah 29:7

[John Ayena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super relevant topic in an age where commitment has become the exception rather than the norm. The overall message was less of sticking it out in your situation no matter what, and more about being present and treating every moment and place as sacred.

Although I enjoyed the topic, I found that the value I got from each chapter varied wildly - some were just snapshots of people Grothe admired for their commitment to their relationships/community/place, while others gave deeper Biblical insights. Regardless, I feel encouraged to dig deep and be more present in my existing relationships, places and commitments rather than walk when it feels tough. 3 stars.

"We have come to value the personal self over the collective self. Our society has jettisoned obligatory friendships and memberships for duty-free ones. Should we be surprised then that much of our society fails to work toward collective shalom?" (30)

“To the degree that you build others up in your local place is the degree that your roots go down. To the degree that you create stability for others is the degree to which you will experience stability yourself.” (197)

[Kayti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biblically-grounded, beautifully written, and deeply though-provoking.

[Jamie Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are definitely better writers on this topic, whom the author rightly pulls from or references to throughout, but though the writing underwhelmed me I still found myself ending each chapter with a sense of conviction or a principle that shaped how viewed my role in my place, with my people, that week. A fairly simple read with profound truths, and a book that I think would be particularly beneficial for a community of friends or families to read and discuss together.

[Juliana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book. I agree wholeheartedly with the message of the power of place and had hoped for a deeper theological underpinning of why place matters in the Christian life. I found a book filled with beautiful stories from the authors family and his own experience. Those are particularly powerful, but not what I was hoping to get out of the book. I was hoping for Rich theology and biblical understanding for the power of place and roots

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard “Power of Place” referenced on a podcast and not by the author. But it piqued my interest and I downloaded it on Audible.

“Power of Place: Choosing Stability on a Rootless Age” by Daniel Grothe is a message that’s been on my heart and mind as I’ve put “Created for Communion” out into the world, studied Genesis with dear friends, and navigated ordinary small-town life. He puts into words similar ideas and thoughts that encouraged and challenged me.

And the tenth chapter — Stability in Friendship — is basically a summary of my book. I hadn’t even heard of this book or its author when I wrote my own in the past year. But the messages echo each other and intertwined. I talk about the power of people and he talks about the power of place. People are what make places feel like home. Places are what give people a chance to grown up as roots grow down.

I love when God uses different books and messages to continue His teaching in my life. I’m going to buy this book for some friends and a paper copy for myself so I can go back and reference some points.

[Arthur Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful manifesto for putting down roots, looking at the long game and choosing to invest in a community for the long run!
This book has spoken into something I have felt God calling me to for the last 6 months and has provided language, inspiration and a framework for this commitment to a place. A book I would wholeheartedly recommend, especially for 20 somethings who are figuring out where to be placed and what to give their life to!

[Cameron Barham]

“In fact, sometimes the most significant thing you can do is stay in a place-stay for the long haul, stay and give your life away for the good of these people in this place.”, p. 11

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This is the book I needed to read. Place is important. Staying, although not always possible, is really important. I will definitely be listening again. I think I would recommend it to anyone- especially people who aren't sure they are "home".

[Sam Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book. The topic (focusing on the stability that comes from putting down roots) was good with implications to your home, family, friends, church and community. But beyond that I found the teaching and writing to be phenomenal: ripe with stories, quotes, personal experiences and Scripture.

[Liz Dobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful read and gave me lots to ponder. It took me a long time to finish, but that was entirely because I got out of a routine!

The book did feel like it was a bunch of mini sermons in a series turned into a book. It wasn’t bad, but perhaps is why I’ve chosen to give it 4 stars. Otherwise, it’s a great addition to anyone’s daily quiet time!

[Emily Trotter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Power of Place was even better than I had expected! I listened to this book, and I loved that the author read it.
It was a great reminder of the benefits of investing in those around you. God’s people should never undermine the value of caring for community. This book is more than a simple charge to stay in one location for life. Instead, it is an encouragement to be present wherever you may find yourself.
The author demonstrated that our God is a God who chose to move into our neighborhood. He took on flesh to be with us forever. In the same way, God’s people should intentionally make an effort to share life with others, to enter into true community. As more of an introverted person, this is a challenge to me, but I am grateful for it.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated this read, especially at this time in my life--when I've finally started taking steps to put down more long-term roots of my own (after #apartmentlife since college) ... and the pandemic, heh. Grothe has a very approachable, down-to-earth writing style and challenged me in multiple ways on how I can deepen said roots in my faith and in my community, as I continue to wait on housing markets and other doors to open.

The introduction to authors I'm familiar with in name only was particularly appreciated--such as Wendell Berry and Thomas Merton. Annie Dillard also makes an appearance here (in full disclosure, as I know folks who love her and others who aren't the biggest fans!). I haven't read anything by her so can't speak to that; Grothe's own take was insightful, if a bit fanboyish at times. :) (I've done my fair share of that with other authors, haha.)

It was interesting to note he pastors at the same church as Rich Villodas, whose book "The Deeply Formed Life" I read earlier this year (with mixed feelings, due to an overly heavy hand, in my humble opinion, on social justice and CRT). I was thankful that didn't really come into play here.

A book I'd happily reread, and frankly, I found the idea of living on acreage with loved ones incredibly inspiring! What a cool idea.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could easily reread this book right now. I think I may make it an annual read. While Daniel Grothe is a pastor, this book does not read like a formulaic pastors book. He is writer. He puts his words together with thought and craftsmanship. I love the way he helps his readers to abandon the wanderlust of today's culture and to dig in to where we are. Because of this book, I'm learning to not look so quickly to next thing or place but to behold the beauty where I am and to contribute my gifts where I live. This is such a good book.

[Brandon Rathbun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never heard of Daniel Grothe before reading this book.
This book is the best book on theology of place since ‘staying is the new going’ by Alan Briggs.

Both Alan and Daniel understand the importance of roots in a culture of rootlessness.

Short chapters, very readable, and gives good examples.

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of America has been one of dynamic change and movement. Almost everyone who is here has ancestors who moved here within the past few generations. And plenty of people have moved some distance from where they were born. This kind of rootlessness seems a core part of the American story: if you need a change of fortunes, pack up and move somewhere else.

Yet in so doing one loses many things. Daniel Grothe would rather make the opposite case for people: there can be great value and power in staying and being rooted in a place, as he demonstrated in The Power of Place: Choosing Stability in a Rootless Age (galley received as part of early review program).

After a not-exactly-necessary humblebrag about how he was interviewed to become a major leader at a very large church, the author introduced the conundrum thus involved: the opportunity seemed great, but he and his family had established significant roots where they were and were enjoying a form of communal living on a ranch. He set forth the American story, but also its challenges, and what gets lost when one picks up and moves.

Throughout the author tries hard to maintain a recognition that some will be compelled to move: military families, for instance. Plenty of people are compelled by significant economic reasons to move elsewhere: it is one thing when there’s the nice hope of a promotion or something of the sort, but if all the jobs have left a given area, people do generally have to go. Ironically the one group that often moves which is not addressed very much is the one of which the author is a part: church leadership. Rarely does the preacher/pastor get to enjoy the benefits and luxury of staying in place which the other members of the congregation can enjoy.

The author made appeals to the wisdom of other authors and authorities: Wendell Berry, Jimmy Carter, the author’s grandmother Louise "Weezy" Wilson, and others, questioning the value of constantly moving or always seeking better pastures, and to appreciate the wisdom and value of appreciating a given place, getting to know it as one is known.

The author’s final section involves the practices one needs to enjoy stability in a given place: to have stability in the home, family, friendship, church, and community, and to live in these contexts in dignity and honor if one will enjoy the fruit which can attend to them.

The subject is important and the author is engaging; the book is written for a very broad, non-specialist audience, and especially for those who would profess Jesus.

There is great power in place; where I am in Los Angeles would seem to be the antithesis to this, but it is in what LA often lacks which one can discern the power of place. When everyone is uprooted, people start looking for community and connection, but it often proves transactional and volatile. Those outside want to think the big issue here is immorality; it’s certainly there, but no more or less than anywhere else. The real challenge in Los Angeles is loneliness and isolation, and all the more so because odds are you have come from somewhere else, and statistically you’re quite likely to move on as well.

Yes, we do well to honor the importance of place and encourage people to develop and cultivate roots in a given place: a geographic community, in a church, in their families, etc. But we also need to recognize such is a gift which not everyone is able to enjoy, and, unfortunately, it is not a very appealing gift for the many for whom family, church, community, etc. were traumatic and places of pain. In the end, it is not good to be alone, and it is not good to always be on the move. We need to well root ourselves in the Lord Jesus Christ and His people and find ways to honor the place(s) in which we find ourselves.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

1. I think God works through coincidences. Daniel Grothe just so happened to speak at our church as we were beginning to search for a new place to live, and so this book entered my life as we began the process of moving to our new home in Lake Stevens.
2. The main theme of this book details the importance of digging your roots in to where you live. God has tasked us with investing in our neighborhoods, communities, schools, neighbors, friends, churches, and local governments through the process of digging in.
3. I haven’t lived in the same place for longer than four years for almost ten years now. I’m finding as I get older this desire to not move and settle in to “my neck of the woods” grows deeper with each move. (No, kids are not on the horizon for us just YET. That’s not what I’m implying.) I crave community, knowing my neighbors, helping those who live on my street, and giving back to my church more than ever before. This book argues that desire is spiritual and is part of the way God intended creation to be: in harmony, living in close proximity, helping one another.
4. What I found interesting was how Groethe shared how unusual it is that humans have become estranged from each other in the 21st century. In most places I’ve moved to I haven’t known my neighbors, nor have I had neighbors who have genuinely wanted to know me. Throughout history, humanity has lived in community to survive and help one another and it’s safe to say that social media and COVID certainly haven’t helped that. We can do better.
5. “A good gardener tends and waters what is working. Shine light on the beauty of a place and help others recognize it as beautiful.”

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author raises some good points on conflict resolution and not bailing on a community just because things are hard.

However, I don't think he spends enough time thinking through how his theory applies to the current age. I don't contest there are many advantages to committing your life to a specific place and community. Where I part ways is seeing this commitment as the ideal.

I think it can be ideal for some. But I think the author wants to have it both ways. He constantly romanticizes the virtues of staying put, while acknowledging that not everyone can do that. He doesn't want to shame anyone, but he undercuts his thesis in the process.

He makes allowances for those in the military or those who have no choice but to move around, but it's framed in a way of how to make the best of a less than ideal situation. I would argue it's just a different situation.

It's great that the author lives in a farm compound with his family. But that's not everyone's ideal. People's have different lives and just because they don't commit to a specific place for 50 years doesn't mean they lack stability or community.

There were some good discussion points, but overall I don't think he makes a solid case for his theory.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am typically not a fan of books published by modern pastors at large churches. That being said, I was completely taken by surprise with this one. Within the first few chapters he had already quoted from Eugene Peterson and done an entire write up of Wendell Berry, he had me hooked.

This book is the ode to agrarianism that Nick Offermans book “Where the Deer and the Antelope Play” was striving to be. Where Offerman’s book never quite found its spiritual center, Grothe found it easily in the pages of the Bible. There are times where it gets borderline cheesy like most books by modern pastors do, but there is much spiritual depth here. As someone who has often struggled to find my place I appreciate the authors insight into the power of committing to your location in a vocational way. I do this poorly but hope to grow. I also appreciate the author introducing me to Thomas Merton with whom I was previously ignorant.

[Philip Guzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pastor Grothe has some interesting insights on the advantages of putting down roots and "staying put" in a "global" society where change and moving is often encouraged.

Putting down roots and being entrenched in a community causes one to reach out and become active in a community that you care about and have invested in. . . often NOT the case in a community in which you are simply passing through.

Often, we have no choice in where we wish to live as career and other of life's circumstances pull us in other directions. Grothe makes the reader take a look at the possibilities and effects on one's life (and living perspectives) if you live in a place where you know most people and are, thus, more willing to help, learn, and discuss with neighbors and the community as a whole. . . Easy read with much food for thought on lifestyle decisions as to how to map out one's destinations in life.

[Jake Mouliert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work from Daniel Grothe was not only excellently written but a message communicated to a culture that desperately needs it. In starting a new job and really beginning my career this past year, I have felt this impulse inside of me to search “indeed” and other sites for a new position as I feel my current job is a bit too difficult and not what I expected. Similarly, I’ve felt compelled to pursue new friendships instead of putting in the labor to restore old ones that may have fallen off for one reason or another. Intrinsically, I thought this may not best, but it was the easiest and most simple path forward. Daniel Grothe’s book put words to the impulse I had going on inside me and not only diagnosed it, but helped me find a way forward to the good life through the pursuit of stability in place, people and family.

[Eliza Weigelt · Rating 3 out of 5]

At one point towards the end of this book, Grothe claims he’s not trying to romanticize staying in one place forever, but that’s exactly what the entire book felt like to me. As a military-connected person, it’s hard to not take some of his conclusions about the consequences of moving frequently as criticism. I could write a lot more about this book, but I’ll summarize my thoughts in a few brief points: 1) stability doesn’t have to be tied to one physical place, 2) perhaps a better way to frame the mindset this book proposes is the idea of how to invest in where you are right in this moment, and 3) people who have lives characterized by geographical stability & all the other kinds of stability that follow need to be welcoming and inclusive to those who cross their path who don’t have geographical stability. The writing was easy to follow, and I did enjoy the use of quotes and examples from other authors, though they were sometimes a little over-used. Some of the more theological discussion towards the end was good, but the work overall felt lacking in depth theologically. A good read, but I’m wary to believe everything this author says.

[Matt Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” John‬ ‭1:14‬ ‭MSG. Daniel Grothe’s coffee shop conversation writing style brings to life personal & historical stories and a modern day analysis of how you can practically embody Jesus in our neighborhoods.

While I loved the personal/historical anecdotes, I personally would have appreciated more specific research and emphasis on our cultures rootlessness since the books subtitle is “Choosing Stability in a rootless age.” Regardless, the Power of Place touches on the pulse of the cultural pull towards YOLO individualism. Christians are called to live differently and this book is an excellent catalyst to answer how. Definitely recommend!

[Nancy DeValve · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's interesting that the last two books I've read are about pacemaking! The author develops the thought that staying in one place for a long time is beneficial to us as individuals, as families, and for our communities. He speaks against running to the next big thing, trying to calm our restlessness or running from problems or difficult relationships. He does acknowledge that in some professions, such as the military or for missionaries or seasonal workers, one can't stay in place for long. But he encourages the reader that even if you're only in a place for a few months, put up some pictures, attend a church regularly , and talk to your neighbors.

The book is interesting and he has an engaging way of writing.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always have mixed feelings when a book starts recommending and relying on lots of other sources and authors. On the one hand, it's nice that someone introduced me to the best of what they have filtered and sorted through. On the other, it can be distracting to put down the book to learn more about other books and people discussed. That happened a bit here. I was ready to settle in for a cozy read, but kept picking up my phone to learn about who the author was discussing.

There are some good ideas in here, I had a few ah-ha! moments, but not enough to keep the book for rereading. Better to pass it on and let it spread to others.

[Stephanie Sheaffer]

Full commentary and star rating in private notes.

* "Brother sun and Sister Moon..." p44
* "...I'm sure [Jesus] kissed them on the cheek..." p47
* References to "Saint" p120 Annie Dillard "a modern day mystic, a perceiver, a re-enchanter" p114; "can help nurture the inner mystic within you" p120; "argued for the renewal of mysticism consciousness..." p120)
* Refers to Wendell Berry "patron saint of place" p150
* Describes Jesus a "a happily unmarried man" (p164) who worked with "a salty assortment of tradesmen and day laborers" (165)
* "Jesus couldn't even go to a wedding as an anonymous spectator. The wedding coordinator saw a need..." p180

[Paige Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel is a great communicator and so far I've really enjoyed all of his books. This one didn't hit me quite as hard as some of his others but it is still a message that is unbelievably relevant to our time and something that all of us need reminding of. If you need encouragement to focus on your place in the world and know that doing so truly does make a difference, this is the book you should read!

Favorite Quote: "Garvin McCarrell, has told me for decades that 'the shortest distance between two people is the truth.' "

[Ariel Lovewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful entreaty to the value of stability - investing in your specific, peculiar place and its people. Grothe bolstered his case with his trustworthy and heartfelt tone, painting portraits of saints like Wendell Berry, Thomas Merton, and Jimmy Carter, sharing how they were champions of their place and what we can learn from them. Fruitful maturity is nurtured in loving our small, particular worlds, specifically. There are some compound riches that only can be found in fidelity to place. This resounds with my heart of hearts and encourages me in the simple beauty of staying.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve ever read. A paradigm shifter. A book that will stay with me a long time, and has already affected the way I see the world around me. Also - it’s beautifully written. I must’ve read out a sentence or paragraph to my wife in almost every chapter just because of how well said they were. The walls of withholding vs. the walls of wonder was brilliant. And the part about it you're not inconvenienced by church then you’re probably doing it wrong was exactly what I needed to hear.