For a Gen X’er who has seen so many people from my generation walk away from God, my heart is so very, very thankful for this book. This story paints such a riveting, gut-wrenching, yet hopeful picture of the reality of church hurt and how to stay in the Body even when everything in you wants to run away forever. Natalie shares some hard truths but in such a compassionate way — I found myself in tears so many, many times because I either was resonating with or repenting from what she was conveying. Simply beautiful and redemptive and encouraging. I hope those who have been hurt by the church (so, basically everyone) will grab a copy and read it with an open heart and mind. I pray that as they finish the book they will feel seen, known and loved by the Father and will be encouraged to dig in one more time. An absolute treasure. This book will be one of my top rec’s for sure. Thank you Natalie. Thank you so much.
This book is very impactful for those that have truly experienced church hurt. Natalie Runion does a great job at bluntly addressing issues within the church’s walls and what our roles are in them, and how to overcome that hurt without taking the easy out of leaving. Although this is targeted at those currently working in the church, I found it incredibly beneficial as someone who has been hurt by and is closely tied to the church. This book gives its readers some tough food for thought. I highly recommend it.
This book couldn't have come at a better time for me. After leaving the church that I spent my whole life at, the church my dad has worked at for 26 years, I felt angry and hurt at the circumstances. This book helped me to process those feelings and heal within myself without making it everyone else's problem. Can't wait for the next!!!
Her thoughts are not laid out in very linear fashion so I found it hard to follow sometimes. Her exegesis of the Scripture she used was pretty shallow. But her authenticity came through in her writing and it was an overall encouraging read. A timely word for those wrestling with the idea of walking away from ministry.
I’d say this books is both a sweet sound and battle horn. Sweet to find Jesus is still next to me, still calling me. And a horn blasting, calling us to battle for the great commission and a reconciled church.
Only critique: while handling scripture well, some language was a bit elusive/detached from specific implications.
Raised to stay is a call to healing for those who have experienced church hurt. If you are in a season of wondering if you are where God wants you or it's time to move on, this is the book for you!
It started out great, dragged a little bit through the middle, but ended on a high note. I grew up Pentecostal as well and this really resonated with me in parts.