Hope after Church Hurt: How to Heal, Reengage, and Rediscover God's Heart for You

by Joe Dobbins, Samuel Rodríguez (Foreword)

"Church hurt" is a cultural crisis that headlines news stories, fuels documentaries, and trends on social media. Millions of people have endured this unique pain, have disengaged to some measure, and are searching for a way to heal.

Written for any believer wounded in a place of worship, and unsure how to move forward in their faith, this powerful book is an insightful and honest guide into the 9 unique types of church hurt and how to heal from them. Having helped thousands move from anger, distrust, apathy, and heartache to safely re-engaging in their faith--and local church--Pastor Joe Dobbins offers compassion, wisdom, and practical advice to help you

- understand why church hurt is so potent and hard to address.
- break free from bad beliefs, self-defeating patterns and cycles of pain.
- discover the way to inner healing and find hope to move forward.
- release your pain and reframe your story.
- re-engage in a faith community and protect yourself in the future.

Even though the people of God hurt you, the heart of God is to heal you--and that healing can begin today!

240 pages, Paperback

Published June 18, 2024

Reviews

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible for those hurt by the church. But also anyone that’s been hurt in general, which I’m sure is all of us! God isn’t done with our story and He knows how it ends!

[JD Ussery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know that my pain had a name.

I thought I was the only one. Thank you for opening my eyes. This has allowed me to get up, dust myself off, and get back to work.

[Eric Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good stuff, if you've only scratched the surface of actually engaging with those who have deconstructed. Full of assumptions and good intentions, but as with most books written from pastoral point of views, the focus is to get you back in the system.

[Barbara Beebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was full of insight for those who have been emotionally or spiritually hurt from church members or leadership. There are suggestions for healing. The compassion really comes through in the topics within this read.

[Jillian Wu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great, refreshing, easy read on hard truths about Church hurt, rejection, and isolation. I got to meet the author at a church book event and he’s incredible in person and through pages—highly recommend!

[Vannah F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very general view but very good take. Very good closure book for someone with some hurt as a believer and how not leave the Universal church and to pray and think of what to do where you are at your church right now.

[Stephanie Erby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. I feel like I need to read it again soon!