Life rarely unfolds the way we hoped. Prayers go unanswered, dreams unravel, and faith grows heavier than we expected. We wait for clarity, for relief, for “normal” to return—but what if this is the normal? What if the wilderness isn’t an interruption to faith, but the very terrain where it’s formed?
If books like Practicing the Way (John Mark Comer) are about habits that shape you, The Deeply Formed Life (Rich Villodas) about integration that grounds you, and Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (Pete Scazzero) about awareness that matures you—then The Wilderness Way is about the tension that refines you. It explores how God forms endurance, honesty, and trust when life stops making sense.
This isn’t a fix-it guide or a formula. It’s an honest companion for those caught between the promises they believed and the reality they’re living—where platitudes fall flat and pretending is impossible. Here the wilderness becomes sacred ground: not punishment, but preparation; not abandonment, but formation.
You don’t have to wait for the desert to end to experience God’s presence. You don’t need to be whole to be used. You just need to be honest.
You are not forgotten. You are not disqualified. You are not alone.
WHAT IF THE WILDERNESS ISN'T SOMETHING TO ESCAPE BUT THE VERY PLACE WHERE AUTHENTIC FAITH GROWS?
Hi, I’m Dustin Kleinschmidt. I’m a writer and church consultant who helps people and leaders follow Jesus with honesty, courage, and hope—especially in the messy, in-between parts of life.
After more than twenty years serving in church leadership, I’ve learned that faith isn’t about performing or arriving somewhere—it’s about learning to walk with God in the wilderness of real life.
This space is where I share what I’m learning along the way: reflections, resources, and conversations to help you live with presence and freedom, right where you are.
I’m glad you’re here. Let’s keep walking together.
TEACHING
I’ve been teaching for over two decades—first as a worship leader who couldn’t stay out of the Scriptures, and eventually as a primary communicator in the churches we planted and pastored. Whether preaching week to week or shaping a teaching team, I’ve always loved helping people encounter the truth of Scripture in ways that are honest, clear, and rooted in real life.
TEACHING CLIPS
OTHER WRITINGS
OUR FAMILY
My wife Stacy and I met in our church college group in California and have been married for 24 years. We have three children, Riley (22), Keegan (18), and Caylee (13).