Raised to Stay: Persevering in Ministry When You Have a Million Reasons to Walk Away

by Natalie Runion

[0830784608] [978-0830784608] A Book Raised to Persevering in Ministry When You Have a Million Reasons to Walk Away Runion Paperback 2023

238 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Olivia Godwin]

Too many of us have felt the impact of what we call “church hurt,” myself included. A wise woman once told me that in order to move past the hurt I experienced I had to “accept an apology I would never get.” The bitterness and mistrust that can become rooted in our hearts isn’t worth our role in the kingdom or the peace that comes from God. With the power of the Spirit each of us can learn to forgive and move forward. This book addresses this idea, it may be helpful for those that have been left scarred by church leadership.

Listed as an audiobook.

[Mary Hess]

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.

[Morgan Galluccio]

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.

[Keaton Reeder]

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!!!

[Melia Jesch]

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.

[Kaitlyn Baker]

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.

[Tiffany Wilson]

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!

[Evy Chapman]

Read this Defo

[Arianna DeWitt💞]

This book is SO similar to what’s happened in my life.
Such a good book😭🙌🏻

[Ally Rossmango]

DNF

[Danna Damron]

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.