The Deepest Belonging: A Story about Discovering Where God Meets Us

The Deepest Belonging: A Story of Discovering Where God Meets Us is an invitation to root Christian faith in joy, freedom, and trust in God's presence in our everyday lives. Kara Root draws from three compelling stories to illustrate this journey: Marty, a congregation member, learns he is dying; Root herself faces a crisis of faith; and their congregation commissions Marty to a "ministry of dying." Through this process, they collectively embrace vulnerability and bravery, discovering a profound, unguarded faith and shared experiences of God's presence.

Root's narrative invites readers to walk through surprising doorways—weakness, vulnerability, smallness, rest, and honesty—offering a new perspective on the Christian life and the role of the pastor. The congregation's counterintuitive approach to Marty's impending death infuses them with life, as they learn to be vulnerable and brave together. This is a book for pastors, church leaders, and those disillusioned with Christianity, exploring deep questions about where God meets us, the purpose of the church, and the true meaning of being human.

The Deepest Belonging is praised for generating humble and realistic confidence in the gospel, offering readers a well-written, insightful narrative that reawakens the 'old old story' into a 'new new song.' Root's exquisite attention to detail and storytelling reveals the sacrament in our shared experiences, making this book a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper, more honest exploration of faith. Renowned theologians and authors, including Rowan Williams, Walter Brueggemann, and Nadia Bolz-Weber, commend Root's work for its integrity, wisdom, and transformative impact.