Terrible Beauty

In Terrible Beauty, Bryan Halferty invites readers into a raw and deeply personal journey of calling, breaking, and the unmaking that ultimately made him. This book is incredibly written, and incredible to read.

This isn’t a church planting manual—it’s a memoir. It’s the story behind the founding of Anchor Church in Tacoma, WA, but more than that, it’s the story of Halferty’s sanctification.

Halferty is honest—sometimes uncomfortably so. But that’s part of what makes this book so compelling. His vulnerability is real, and through it, you can’t help but marvel at the relentless grace of God in his life. I don’t say this as a slight—in fact, I think Bryan himself would gladly agree.

How God Shapes a Soul

The “terrible beauty” he writes of is the fierce, sometimes painful, yet ultimately redemptive work of God in shaping a soul.

One of the most striking parts of the book is a chapter written by his wife, Kandice Halferty. It feels unfair how talented they both are. With incredible honesty and beauty, they each reflect on how church planting nearly tore their marriage apart—and how, by God’s grace, it also brought them closer than ever.

This book is a page-turner. I read it in one sitting while on vacation—and I’m still thinking about it. From planter to pastor, from man to husband, from a people-pleaser to a person resting in the truth that he is fully loved by God. This book is the story of how God changed Bryan Halferty—and after reading it, I can honestly say God has changed me as well.

I received a media copy of Terrible Beauty and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.