Rusty Williams: Author Reflects on Faith and Action in The Peasant's Scroll

In 1975, Tom McGarvey, a dying pastor, uncovers an ancient manuscript that could challenge the understanding of Christianity’s foundations. The Peasant’s Scroll mirrors the transformative journey of Rusty Williams, a former police detective, minister, and now prolific author, who reflects on his own faith and shortcomings in this groundbreaking work.

A Life of Service: From Detective to Author

Rusty Williams' story is not one of overnight fame but one marked by years of service, dedication, and a commitment to helping others. As a former paramedic, police officer, and ordained minister, Williams’ life has been a testament to his singular mission: serving those often overlooked by society. For over 25 years, he worked as a detective, balancing the high-stakes demands of law enforcement with his deep-seated faith.

In 2008, Williams was ordained into the Christian ministry. It was during this time that he became increasingly aware of how much the Church had changed over the years. "I had been focusing on my relationship with Christ more than following the teachings of Jesus," Williams reflects. This realization would later shape his 11 books, including his latest release, The Peasant’s Scroll, set to debut on February 2, 2026.

Williams’ writing is deeply personal, often drawing from his own experiences as a minister and his thoughtful approach to understanding scripture. With a Master of Divinity in pastoral counseling and a Doctor of Ministry in Church development, he views Christianity not just from a spiritual perspective but through a historical and reflective lens.

The Evolution of Faith in The Peasant’s Scroll

The Peasant’s Scroll is not just another historical Christian fiction novel; it invites both believers and non-believers alike to reconsider the deeper implications of Christianity. Set in two timelines, 1975 and the early days of the Jesus movement, the novel follows Tom McGarvey as he grapples with the manuscript's secrets and a decision that could have a lasting impact on the Church. The manuscript suggests that Christianity, as it has evolved, may have shifted in focus from the early, action-oriented faith of its followers.

The book encourages readers to reflect on how early Christians were often more focused on action than on rituals or doctrine. Drawing from Acts 17:6, where early Christians were accused of "turning the world upside down" through acts of love and justice, Williams challenges his readers to explore how the Church’s message has developed over time and to consider the original mission of Jesus.

"The earliest followers of Jesus devoted their lives to action, not just prayer. Over time, the focus of the Church seems to have shifted more toward beliefs and prayer," Williams explains. His hope is that readers will explore the possibility of re-embracing action as the truest form of worship, rather than simply focusing on belief systems.

Through McGarvey’s journey, readers are invited to examine their own faith and the role they play in their communities. "I wrote this book to reflect on my own journey in following Jesus, not just worshiping Christ," Williams notes. It is an invitation to consider how action can be the truest expression of faith.

A Conversation, Not a Sermon

What distinguishes Williams from other Christian authors is his ability to write in a way that speaks to both believers and non-believers. His approach is not about instructing readers on how to think or live but encouraging them to explore a more active version of Christianity, one rooted in deeds rather than doctrine. "I don’t 'preach' in my weekly sermons; instead, I focus on life and how ALL of us, believers, non-believers, and everyone in between, can work together for the betterment of all," Williams says.

This conversational tone and genuine reflection is what draws readers to his work. As he prepares to release The Peasant’s Scroll, Williams is hopeful that it will inspire others to look at their faith and actions through a different lens. "Love should be a verb, not just a feeling," he explains. The novel encourages readers to consider how radically things could change if they focused less on what they believe and more on what they do.

A Legacy of Service and Reflection

Williams’ writing is shaped by years of service in various roles. Whether as a volunteer EMT, a police officer, or now a minister, his perspective on life is deeply rooted in a desire to help others. His ministry, The Barefoot Ministries, focuses on outreach to marginalized communities, offering support to those often overlooked. This heart for the lost, the last, the least, and the lonely is a central theme in The Peasant’s Scroll.

His previous works, including Moral Fractures, have gained recognition, with many of his books becoming Amazon #1 Best Sellers. Yet, with The Peasant’s Scroll, Williams has crafted something deeply personal, a reflection of his own faith journey, written not as non-fiction, but as a compelling, transformative novel.

"I had to acknowledge that I had been focusing on my relationship with Christ more than following the teachings of Jesus," Williams says. The Peasant’s Scroll serves as his call to action, not just for himself, but for anyone who might feel disconnected from the radical mission of Jesus and the early Church.

Read, Reflect, Act

As readers dive into The Peasant’s Scroll, Williams hopes that they will not just consume the story but engage with it. The novel is meant to spark reflection on how each person, regardless of their faith, can make a meaningful difference in their world. With its dual timelines and its deep spiritual questions, The Peasant’s Scroll invites readers to think critically about their faith and to take action, just as the early Christians once did.

If you’re ready to confront your understanding of Christianity and how you can act in your community, The Peasant’s Scroll might just be the book you’ve been waiting for.

Learn more about Rusty Williams and his work at rustywilliams-author.com, follow him on Facebook, and explore his books on his Amazon profile.