If you’ve worked with me for any amount of time, I’ve likely brought up the imagery of a river. We float down that river, on our way through and to something new. Sometimes, though, we catch a whirlpool which drags us backward. This sense of moving back can often be distracting, disorienting, and defeating. But what I’ve come to know as facts is this: God will take us back to places when we’re ready and needing to tend to things we didn’t catch the first time in an effort to help us grow beyond those stories and catch a glimpse of something new.
One of the reasons The Critical Journey has resonated so deeply with so many is the way it brings a sense of steadiness to experiences that often feel unsettling. Seasons marked by doubt, dryness, or disorientation are opened up, explored, and offered different kind of attention. Here, the reader is invited to name meaningful movements within their life of faith rather than see it as something to fix or solve or move past.
Many find a sense of relief in recognizing their experience within a larger story, which very often reduces the weight of shame and the sense of being alone in it. They begin to see life as a real journey, not just a metaphorical one, allowing faith to become less about holding tightly to certainty and more about living in trust, surrender, and a growing awareness of God’s presence. The book also creates space to look back over one’s life with fresh eyes, noticing how God has been at work not only in moments of absolute clarity, but in confusing and undiscovered places as well. Along the way, the reader tends to cultivate a deeper compassion—both toward themself and toward others—as there is a growing understanding that each person is moving through their own process of growth and formation.
One thing I know we could all use a lot more of is compassion.
The Critical Journey | A Summer Book Club
This summer, come journey with me and some friends as we discover the stages of faith together. We’ll gain a sense of where we are, where we’ve been, and how God continues to meet us along the way. Here’s what might be helpful to know:
What to Expect
Over the course of 7 weeks, we’ll gather on Fridays for about an hour to:
- The cost is free (except your purchase of your book)
- We’ll discuss key themes from the reading
- Reflect on our own stories and spiritual journeys
- Notice where God may be inviting deeper trust, surrender, or growth
- Engage in gentle, guided questions (no pressure to share beyond what feels comfortable)
This won’t be a teaching-heavy space, but rather a relational, reflective environment—a place to slow down, listen, and be present to both your story and God’s work within it.
Details
Duration: 7 weeks (intro, plus 6 weeks facilitated conversation on the book)
Day: Fridays starting June 5th
Time: 1PM CST
Format: Online / Zoom (sign up to get access to the link!)
Book: The Critical Journey (purchase your own copy!)
This group is for those who are:
- Curious about their spiritual growth and development
- Feeling stuck, disoriented, or in transition in their faith
- Longing to understand their story in light of God’s ongoing work
- Open to reflecting in a small, supportive group setting
A Few Notes
This is not formal counseling, but it is shaped by the same care, thoughtfulness, and Christ-centered perspective you experience in our work together. You may want to use a designated journal to process your reflections, thoughts and feelings as you work through this book. I’ve linked one of my favorites below.
You are always free to share at your own pace—listening is just as welcome as sharing. Space will be limited to allow for meaningful conversation
If this feels like an invitation you’d like to step into, I’d love to have you join us. Drop your name below to reserve your spot!
