Dr. Christy Berghoef

”I sat down thinking I would start reading your manuscript today and then pick it up again tomorrow morning. But I just kept on reading. Because I could not put it down. Your voice takes on the form of a lot of rapid-fire, short, but very compelling and deep thoughts, all of which connect and flow together beautifully. It's very Rob Bell-esque in that way. For readers who are increasingly unable to hang on to long paragraphs and unending chapters this is a powerful punch!

SO many people will resonate with what you have said here. SO many have experienced similar things, and many are looking for permission to step away from the trappings of the Trumist Christianity they're in.”

Stacey Graham

“I absolutely loved it. I started crying on page 40; I sobbed on page 65,

and then laughed and cried till the end.”

Doug Brouwer, author, Chasing the Wind: A Pastor’s Life

“Keith Mannes has a unique and compelling voice. It's real, authentic, honest, and captivating. And the story he tells is compelling, heart-breaking, painful and, sadly, widely shared. Mannes takes a hard look at his faith and finds God not in church but in the faces and stories of the people he works with. In the end, he discovers a richer, more robust faith, letting go of "church-ianity" and embracing something more authentic, closer to what Jesus taught (and embodied).”

Brian D. McClaren, author of Life After Doom

“Keith Mannes was a beloved Evangelical pastor . . . until he spoke to a reporter and told the truth. That act of courageous truth-telling changed his career and his life. If you dare to listen to his passionate and well-told story, it might change your life as well. Especially this year!”

Doug Pagitt, Vote Common Good

Keith Mannes is a truth-teller.  He communicates in love, and with urgency. 

Keith’s story is at once personal and intense, and it is also universal dealing with the question, “how does a leader change their conviction and priorities?” Many of us have been told that “holding the line;” “never giving in;” “being strong and steadfast” is the sign of true conviction. 

Keith shows us the kind of path we may need to walk when the Spirit of God begins to move. This is a story reminiscent of the great transformations of the Biblical text and the history of faith. 

This book is a field-guide for those who know they must stay open and change in order the stay true to their faith.