January 27, 2026 with Quoir Publishing
The Congruent Life is a guide for anyone seeking a faith that is whole, liberating, and deeply aligned with the heart, mind, and spirit. It meets readers in the tension of religious dissonance—the inner conflict that arises when inherited doctrines, rigid traditions, or harmful teachings clash with lived experience and personal integrity.
Through reflection, contemplative practices, and intentional spiritual rhythms, this book shows how to transform that dissonance into liberating peace. Drawing on the wisdom of spiritual thinkers, progressive theology, and the richness of the contemplative Christian tradition, it offers concrete tools for living a congruent life—where belief, action, and heart are in harmony.
More than a critique of religion, The Congruent Life is a roadmap for renewal. It invites readers to unlearn what harms, cultivate practices that heal, and embrace a faith that is courageous, inclusive, and future-facing. This is a book for those ready to reclaim a spirituality that liberates rather than confines, and to step boldly into a faith that truly resonates with who they are called to be.
“The Congruent Life is a compassionate, courageous invitation to a faith rooted in justice, healing, and wholeness. C.E. Jarnagin writes with clarity and care, naming the harm caused by exclusion—especially to LGBTQ+ folks—and offering a more loving, spacious way forward. This book is a must-read for anyone trying to hold onto faith without losing themselves.”
“An alternative name for Spiritual Direction is Spiritual Accompaniment. In “The Congruent Life,” Fr. Jarnagin invites us to accompany him through the rhythms and postures of his own healing as he accompanies the reader in our own. It offers an experience of togetherness with self, others, and God—free from fear or the illusion of control. It is not just a book to be read, but a kind of practical catechism for contemplative Christian orthopraxy.”
“This book is as honest as it is hopeful. My friend tells the truth about shame, longing, and desire, while always pointing us toward the deeper invitation: to live in congruence with our truest self. Both practical and soulful, it offers wisdom and practices that meet us where we are and gently calls us deeper. I will return to its pages again and again.”
“A book written by a priest should be not so much read as prayed. It should lead us not into casual conversation about abstract ideas but toward the confession of sin, to seek out the company of the saints, to meditate on the Scriptures. It should turn the eyes of our heart to Christ and him crucified, reminding us that he is our freedom, healing, and peace. This is such a book, thankfully, and that is its gift.”
Praise for Learning to Be
“This book is a treasure calling us into stillness, awareness and a deeper communion with our God and with our fellow pilgrims on this spiritual quest. Fr. Chad introduces us to practices that will still our hearts, increase our wonder and draw us into the presence of the living God—the I AM. It calls us forward by inviting us to discover the ancient traditions of faith and to make them our own.”
Karen Pascal, Executive Director, Henri Nouwen Society
“Chad Jarnagin is making a meaningful contribution to the growing importance and awareness of spiritual health. Learning to Be is a wise, essential, and helpful book. There is a level of self-awareness and care revealed in Fr. Chad’s messaging. The contemplative pace and insight of Learning to Be may be just what you need.”
Ian Morgan Cron, Author of The Road Back to You
“Chad’s experience and heart help to illuminate the insightful pages of Learning to Be. He identifies some of the spiritual toxins in our culture and curates some healthy ways forward. We so need this today. Fr. Chad offers some wise soul-care. I’m excited for you to read this work.”
Jeremy Cowart, Photographer and Founder of The Purpose Hotel
“Learning to Beis an important read on the path to spiritual health, and Chad is a trusted guide. He not only helps us to courageously name what no longer brings life, but he wisely and graciously points us toward a way forward. If you are looking to reconstruct after the deconstruction, I recommend this book.”
Aaron Niequist, Author of The Eternal Current
“So grateful to see someone voicing some of the tensions with embracing wonder and mystery in a culture obsessed with certainty. Fr. Chad lovingly walks us through Learning to Be with care and wisdom. He voices how we are human beings, not human doings, something I’m still learning. Thankfully, Chad raises awareness that knowledge and formation leads us toward practice and transformation. I am resonating with this book on my path of learning to be.”
Harris, III, Illusionist & Storyteller