The Listening Road (One Man's Ride Across America to Start Conversations About God)

In today’s contentious social climate, is it possible to talk to people—whether strangers or friends—about life’s deepest and most sensitive topics?

The true story of one man's remarkable thirty-three-day journey cycling across the United States on a mission to engage with people from all walks of life in real conversations about things that matter most.

As a pastor, Neil Tomba noticed a disturbing trend among people in church: they were finding it increasingly difficult to talk about God to those outside of the church. Neil wanted to practice what he preached, so he set out to bike across the United States, talking—and, more importantly, listening—to strangers from all walks of life about faith, their stories, and matters of the heart.

The Listening Road takes us on Neil’s remarkable journey across the country and straight into its soul—from Route 66 motels to state parks, a lake house, and a railway car; from conversations with Amish farmers to chats with truckers, cowboys, mechanics, and a descendant of Daniel Boone. From one city, farm, and highway to the next, we discover

• practical ways to change our posture toward others to foster conversation,
• why curiosity, kindness, and respect open up communication about God, and
• how even in a culture of division and antagonism, real connection is possible.

In our polarizing time, Neil models with compassion and curiosity that genuine connection happens if only we are willing to listen in love.