by Rich Stratton, Assistant Director of Public Relations
It wasn鈥檛 over coffee or during a conference that the idea for Rooted in Truth was born 鈥 it grew slowly, quietly, over years of shared ministry. Drs. Jon Wood and Trent Rogers have been walking alongside college students for a long time, answering the same honest, heartfelt questions about faith, life, and purpose.
After hearing 鈥淲hat should I do with my life?鈥 and 鈥淐an I really trust the Bible?鈥 for what seemed like the hundredth time, they both realized that maybe it was time to write a book.
So, they did.
On the , the two men 鈥 friends, colleagues, and fellow shepherds 鈥 talked about the journey of writing Rooted in Truth, which was released on July 8. With a dose of humor (and some playful teasing), they shared how the project took shape. Rogers joked that he only wanted to co-write with someone smarter, which led him straight to Wood. In turn, Wood credited Rogers for bringing structure and depth to the project.
But beneath the laughs was a serious and heartfelt purpose: helping young adults become spiritually grounded.
The book tackles 20 of the most common questions they hear from students about identity, relationships, vocation, and why truth still matters. Drawing on Psalm 1, they use the imagery of a tree planted by water to show what happens when a life is rooted deeply in God鈥檚 Word. Whether it鈥檚 used as a devotional, a small group guide, or a resource for a high school senior on the edge of adulthood, Rooted in Truth was written to steady the hearts of young believers in a world that often feels unsteady.
What sets this book apart? It鈥檚 clear, concise, and full of Gospel hope. It鈥檚 not lofty theology for scholars 鈥 it鈥檚 real answers for real students written by two men who first spent years listening.
鈥淲e want them to know they鈥檙e not just the future of the Church,鈥 Dr. Wood said. 鈥淭hey are the Church.鈥
And with Rooted in Truth, Jon and Trent are handing them the tools 鈥 and the truth 鈥 to live like it.