The Wayward Way: A Book Review

The Wayward Way: The Power in Wilderness Journeys

New Hope Publishers

By Taylor Field

My friend Taylor Field, director of Graffiti Church and Community Ministries, sent me a copy of his latest book, The Wayward Way.  I was glad to receive it, having enjoyed his previous books including Mercy Streets, and Upside Down Devotion.  I am also glad to offer a brief review of Taylor’s latest book.

The New Hope Publishers promotional site for the book states:

Written primarily for pastors and ministry leaders in seasons of transition, The Wayward Way is the thirst-quenching encouragement needed for those longing to find their way back to purpose in the ministry. The relevant examples of wandering aimlessly in ministry, coupled with biblical principles and personal insights, offer inspiration to view the transitional seasons of ministry as opportunities for exploration. It’s time to find your way out of the wilderness and embrace the purposes God has for those called to ministry.

For my part, I found Taylor Field’s latest publication to be a helpful book for anyone who has experienced some rough patches along their life journey. “Wilderness” is a biblical term that harks back to Moses and the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It also evokes the time when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness.  The term has often been used down through the years to describe those dry periods in our lives, those times when the energy and excitement are gone and we seem to be plodding through a barren wasteland.

Field offers insight into navigating those “wilderness journeys,” that are sometimes chosen, but more often are thrust upon us when life takes an unexpected turn.  He draws from over 30 years of ministry on the streets of New York City for insights on how to find spiritual strength, courage and guidance from our personal wilderness encounters.   

Each chapter is grounded in a biblical story that speaks to some plight that is all too familiar in our own lives. Rejection, fear, humiliation, neglect, betrayal, and loss are all things that can put us into a tailspin, or send us on a wilderness journey where we can emerge with a new outlook on life. In addition to scripture, the author draws from the wisdom of poets, philosophers, artists, psychologists, and other writers.

With a down-to-earth writing style and presented in  a very accessible format, Taylor Field has given us a guide in The Wayward Way that will be useful for anyone seeking advice for authentic living. His writing is refreshingly honest as he presents a real-world spirituality. Since he speaks from years of ministry on the streets of New York, rather than simply offering nice platitudes, he demonstrates a lived wisdom that only comes by trial and grace.

“Takeaways” listed at the end of each chapter and a section with discussion questions given at the end of the book will make this a useful volume for group study as well as for any individual who is interested in discerning God’s guidance in their personal journey.

Details:  

The Wayward Way

New Hope Publishers, 2018

ISBN: 978-1-62591-538-2

Format: Paperback

Language: English

Size: 6 x 9 Inches

Page Count: 176

Publisher’s purchasing information at https://www.newhopepublishers.com/shop/the-wayward-way/ 

Also available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Wayward-Way-Power-Wilderness-Journeys/dp/1625915381

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