Final Rating:
Date of Completion: 07/11/2025
Published by: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: B0CL5D9SSJ
‘Welcome to the Basement’ delivers a powerful, practical guide to achieving true greatness God’s way.
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Narration & Audio:
If you have an outward religious practice or symbol, but no real connection with Jesus and no real love for His Word, what’s the point?
This quick and easy read turns conventional thinking upside down, challenging us to see that in God’s Kingdom, the way up is actually down. It begins with the vision behind Tim Ross’ The Basement podcast and this book, then dives into the concept of “basement living”. Ross nicely combines biblical insight, personal stories, and his trademark humour and authenticity to provide content that is both meaningful and practical.
forced change, like a forced grin, doesn’t stick.
Listening to the audiobook, narrated by Ross himself, made this book even more engaging, as his passion and sincerity shine through every word. While the content felt disjointed in parts, this may be a result of the audiobook format.
Discussion Questions (Contains spoilers!):
Q: Do you have any similar book recommendations?
The only similar book I’ve read is Do the New You by Steven Furtick. It focuses on the lifelong journey of walking in our God-given identity and, like this book, encourages self-reflection and embracing God’s way.
Q: What stood out most to you in this book?
The emphasis on letting go of empty religious practices stood out most to me. Although this isn’t a new concept to me, it challenged me to reflect on my own habits and whether I’m doing things with the right heart. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of checking off religious boxes, but a genuine relationship with God comes from inviting Him into every part of our lives. Tim Ross also does a great job highlighting how human-made rules can actually distance us from God.
Q: Would you describe yourself as bold?
Not really—I’m not naturally assertive and tend to be quieter in larger groups. However, I can connect easily one-on-one with people who seem approachable. I also try to stay true to myself and my beliefs, and I’m not afraid to ask for what I need when it’s important.
Q: What are your thoughts on Tim’s vision of the penthouse and the call to “the basement”?
Q: Have you ever received a vision from God?
Q: Have you ever been in a luxurious penthouse?
Q: Do you feel more drawn to status and recognition than to serving and loving others?
Q: Do you have a testimony of how Jesus upset your life?
Q: In what ways could your life better reflect the upside-down Kingdom of God?
Q: Why do you think Jesus’ life upset people, especially the religious leaders, so much?
Q: Have you ever participated in religious practices that were just for appearances?
Q: Why do you think loving people who are different from us can be so challenging?
Q: In what ways does the Holy Spirit make a noticeable difference in your life?
Q: Do you think people would describe you as nice and Christ-like?
Q: Do you have an example of a time you picked a place, person, and piece to disrupt and show God’s love?
Q: What’s one takeaway from this book that you can start applying to your life right away?
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Do you agree or disagree with anything mentioned above? Let us know in the comments below.
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