A Pilgrimage Into Letting Go: Helping Parents and Pastors Embrace the Uncontrollable

How parents and pastors can trade anxiety for authentic relationships

What do pastors and parents have in common? They often feel pressure to be in control.

If you’re an anxious parent watching your teens navigate an unpredictable world or a ministry leader overwhelmed by the pressure to ＂save＂ the church in today’s challenging landscape, Andy and Kara Root understand your struggle--and they’ve discovered a transformative path forward. They learned that releasing control actually helps us regain genuine connection.

When control-focused approaches to Christian parenting and church leadership left them exhausted, this ministry couple followed the ancient way of Saint Cuthbert and embarked on an extraordinary sixty-three-mile walking pilgrimage across England and Scotland with their two kids. In this book, they offer

● strategies for parents to move from anxiety-driven control to faith-based guidance that strengthens family relationships,
● insights for pastors and ministry leaders on embracing uncertainty as a pathway to authentic spiritual leadership amid declining church attendance,
● biblical wisdom for modern parenting challenges to help you navigate raising teenagers in today’s tumultuous world, and
● wisdom for church leaders struggling with the pressure to single-handedly revitalize their ministries.

Through honest storytelling, spiritual reflection, and practical wisdom gained from their pilgrimage journey, Andy and Kara offer parents and pastors a refreshing alternative to the exhausting cycle of trying to control outcomes. Instead of paving the way for your children or congregation, learn how to walk alongside them with confidence and trust in God’s transformative grace.

Stop trying to control everything. Start experiencing the freedom and connection that comes from truly letting go.

Andrew Root (PhD, Princeton Seminary) is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary. He has written more than 25 books, including the Ministry in a Secular Age series.

Kara K. Root is senior pastor of Lake Nokomis Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis and is a spiritual director and certified educator in the PCUSA. Her books include The Deepest Belonging and Receiving This Life.

Andrew and Kara live in St. Paul, Minnesota, with their two kids.