The Christian world is a funny place. On the one hand we’re hearing about a so-called ‘silent revival’ (I have many thoughts on this but they go beyond the scope of this post!). But on the other hand people are also loosing interest in church and Christianity. People are leaving the church feeling disillusioned and struggling. However you look at it, there is no doubt that some people are feeling unsatisfied in the answers that the world offers. Many people are asking “surely there is more?!”
So I’m glad that Joe Barnard offers what he calls a “roadmap” for men who find themselves restless in the modern world—materialistic, distracted, spiritually numb—and yet yearning for something more. The Road Back to God invites the reader on a ten-stage journey from darkness to light, from existential confusion to authentic discipleship.
Barnard writes with the clarity and care of a local church pastor and the conviction of a disciple of Jesus. He does not apologise for speaking about sin, holiness, and the cross. But, he addresses the “unique challenges modern men face—from intellectual scepticism to moral uncertainty” and guides them toward faith rooted in the Scriptures.
One of the strengths of this book is its accessibility. It meets men where they may find themselves—dissatisfied, distracted, often distracted by work, technology, or living without meaning—and then gently but firmly calls them toward “what it means to be fully human in a fragmented world.”
I think this book could actually be used as a helpful evangelistic or discipleship tool: it’s not weighty or intense theology, but feels just right for someone who needs a trusted conversation starter about faith.
Joe Barnard gives a short, faithful, and pastorally-sensitive call to the lost and restless, while offering the church a resource for outreach to men (and by extension to anyone who feels dislocated from faith).
Here’s how you might consider using this book:
- For individual readers: If you or a man in your life feels bored with the status quo, disconnected from church, or simply wondering whether faith still matters in the 21st century, Joe’s book is a conversation starter. Its tone is approachable, its structure clear.
- For church small groups or men’s ministry: This book lends itself to group reflection. Pastors might consider pairing each chapter with discussion questions: What is the “darkness” I am in? What does the “light” look like in my context? How does the cross speak into that? Because Joe writes not just for seekers but men “dissatisfied by the modern world,” the group could have discussions about contemporary pressures they face—work, identity, distraction and others.
- For pastoral use: You might keep it as a bridging tool—hand it to someone exploring faith, or use it in one-to-one discipleship. Because the book is short, it’s not overwhelming, but it is rooted in the fundamentals of the Christian faith.
- For women or mixed groups: Although Joe targets men explicitly with this book, the broader themes—restlessness, purpose, the drawn-out journey to God—are transferable. You may want to adapt some of the illustrations but it can certainly help a mixed group as well.
So, if you’re looking for a timely, pastorally-sensitive, gospel-centred resource that addresses the specific pressures of modern life and invites men (and others) back to God, this is a strong candidate. I recommend you buy and read the book, then use it in your context—whether for outreach, discipleship, or encouragement.
*** I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not change the way I rate the book. My views are my own. ***
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