Book Review: “Daring to Be: Living a Life of Becoming” by Tim W. Whipple

If we went for a coffee today, maybe we could talk about this book I read recently.

How did I get this book?

In 2022, for ten months, I did “pulpit supply” for Azalea Baptist Church while they discerned what to do next as a church. After I finished, Tim Whipple came in behind me for a dozen weeks picking up where I had left off.

We met for the first time in his office in downtown St. Pete a couple of weeks before he completed his time at Azalea. We wanted to compare notes and see how we could bless this church as they faced big decisions. At the close of our conversation, he gave me a copy of his book to read, saying: “I’d love to know what you think!”

What is it about?

It’s the story of Tim’s life with commentary.

His opening story was breathtaking. He talks about his rebellious youth and how his mother was at her wits end. From that story, the rest of the book winds through the major turning points of his life, what he learned and what that says about God and us and our relationship with Him.

The book closes with Tim resigning from the church he founded that had grown to six thousand members. His whole life reverberates with what can be best described as his life message: God isn’t concerned as much about what you do as who you are. God wants us to become who we were meant to be. Being is greater than doing.

It’s a story of transformation. It’s a journey. It’s got twists and turns. It’s relatable. It’s honest. It’s human.

What did I think?

Well, that was Tim’s question when he handed it to me! So, here we are. I’ll have to send him a copy of this.

I appreciated reading his story. I’m always fascinated by pastors and churches and how things went and what they learned along the way. At first, I struggled with his insistence on being over doing, but as I continued to read, it opened up to me. I could see how his concept was found in the Scriptures. And, then, when he had the epiphany in the Llama church it crystallized for me. I appreciated how it was worked out into the message that Bridgepoint Church carried.

There were certain aspects to his story that really blessed me. I had to push through the first third of the book, but it really picked up speed. By the closing chapters, it became precious to see how the Lord was knitting together the various strands as only He can do.

His chapter on “I am you.” was powerful. I loved reading about the genesis of Bridgepoint church. There was much that I was able to identify with.

I didn’t like the type and layout of the book. I found it laborious.

Conclusion:

Tim’s a walking miracle. And, he’s not done. He’s a gifted communicator. He’s got quite a bit of gas in the tank too.

I always applaud a pastor writing his story. I think we benefit tremendously from these. Tim’s is well written. It’s very encouraging. He clearly has a message to share with all kinds of people, not just Christians.

soon!

andy