This journey book invites the reader to go with the author on her travels to dozens of congregations all over the United States, discovering their assets and strengths as well as their struggles and fears. She was not critic, nor teacher, nor consultant, but visitor. Guest. She learned from the people of God she met, appreciated them, and gave thanks. The book was written for enjoyment; it quite possibly also will challenge. The purpose of the book is to help congregations claim their identity in the body of Christ and be strengthened for their vocation in God’s public world. The key to unlocking the book is to use the questions for reflection and discussion. Stories beget stories. By focusing on issues in other contexts congregations are sometimes able to talk more easily about important questions they face in our own settings.