The Search Committee by Tim Owens

From the Back of the Book:

A mismatched team of seven hit the road in an Econoline church van on a mission to find a new pastor. They don't agree on much other than the stops at Hardee's for coffee and a biscuit. But they stick to the call, trying to slip undetected into worship services across the Southeast—all in hopes of stealing a preacher for their congregation.

Each member is wrestling to balance their own busy life and personal struggles. And they're trying to keep their issues to themselves. Forced to spend countless hours together, these very different personalities from different generations begin to bond. And their lives are profoundly changed as they love and support each other through the difficulties in each of their lives.

My Thoughts:

This is one of those books that takes you by surprise.  I was prepared to read about a denominational church looking for a new pastor.  What I found was a Mitford-like cast of unlikely characters, banded together in an old church van traveling the countryside in search of...

...themselves in Christ.  From Travis who can't seem to conquer lust and fear of being a father, to Dot...a woman who has 'let herself go' and fears losing her husband to a woman more kept together, you'll be likely to find someone to identify with.

After a few chapters I began skipping the opening excerpts from a Presbyterian guide book/hand book...for me, that took away from the novel.  Popping into a variety of churches and looking over the shoulders of the search committee...now, that was worth digging in and reading!

Tim Owens is a deserving winner of "Operation First Novel", and has written an engaging story of believers working out their relationships with God and with one another...all while searching for the ideal shepherd to guide their flock.

I received an advance copy via NetGalley from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for an honest review.  Honestly...don't miss this one!  Highly recommended.
Happy Reading!





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