Church Girl: A Gospel Vision to Encourage and Challenge Black Christian Women

by Sarita T. Lyons

Reignite your purpose in Christ, restore your dignity, heal your pain, transform your rest, and learn how to flourish in today’s secular world as a Black Christian woman—from Bible teacher, speaker, and psychotherapist Dr. Sarita Lyons.

Black women are the hidden figures in the church. Despite at times being rendered invisible, uninvited, and unprotected in a racist and sexist world, they are valued image-bearers and influential instruments in God’s redemptive plan.

Church Girl invites you, as a Black woman, on a journey from the garden to the present day. Your unique story as a Black woman lies within the grand narrative of Scripture, and the message of the gospel is the light, lens, and love you need to help you see and live as God intends.

Church Girl helps answer some of your most internal pressing

• How do I understand my identity in light of Scripture?
• How should I think about my purpose?
• How can I thrive despite the opposition from racism and sexism?
• How are Black women hurt in the church and how can I heal?
• Why am I always exhausted from working and where can I find real peace and rest?
• How can I flourish in a secular world and live out my faith with conviction and integrity?

With compassion and wisdom, Dr. Sarita Lyons invites Black women to tackle the unique issues they face in the church with prophetic boldness, priestly compassion, a church leader’s wisdom, a counselor's insight, and a sister's relatability and love.

Genres: Christian, Audiobook, Spirituality

273 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2024

Reviews

[Brandi Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I write this book from a place of love, empathy, and urgency for Black women. The devil doesn’t want you to see Jesus correctly, divide the Word rightly, and embrace yourself fully as a daughter of the Most High God. There is an attack on Black women’s identity, purpose, rest, hearts, and commitment to Christ.”

This is the heart behind this beautiful book by Dr. Sarita Lyons and as a Black Church girl, I’m so grateful for her courage and wisdom to share it with us.

I heard Dr. Sarita say on the With the Perrys podcast that Church Girl was her effort to contextualize the gospel message for Black women. Our experiences within the church body are often different, so to have a ministry leader devote an entire book to helping Black women see clearly how the gospel message applies to our circumstances is sorely needed.

In seven chapters, the book addresses a gospel vision for Black women’s—

🖤 identity
🖤 purpose
🖤 healing
🖤 resting
🖤 flourishing, and
🖤 rescuing

My favorite chapter was the one of rescuing—finding the missing Black women in the Church. As someone trying to find my place in the local church after a season of disorientation and disillusionment, I agreed with so much of what she shared.

While this book is written to Black women, it’s something that the church as a whole can benefit from reading. Grateful to have read it and gleaned some wisdom from it!

Thank you to Dr. Sarita and Waterbrook for providing me an eARC to read and review as a member of her launch team! All opinions are my own.

[Sonya Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I’ve heard from Dr. Sarita Lyons up until this point has been nothing but biblical truth that is spoken in love. So, when I heard that Dr. Sarita Lyons was writing a book, it was a no-brainer. In my mind, the book was already ordered.

I expected for Church Girl to be a continuation of Dr. Lyons speaking God’s truth in love. This book exceeded my expectations.
This book reminds the reader that a gospel vision is necessary for Black Christian women.
We can appreciate who and how God has made us without compromising the Gospel vision. Jesus is still at the center of all, and syncretism is not an option.
I don’t have to walk around spiritually blind. I must be intentional and know what filter I’m viewing the world through. A biblical worldview is the only option for a true church girl!

This book also encourages biblical sisterhood. The undertone is one that frowns upon gatekeeping and brings to mind the phrase, “each one, teach one.” When I understand what it means to be a church girl, I can encourage other sisters in Christ to do the same. Remembering that “church girl” is not just a name to bear, but it’s a description of Who He’s made us to be. The city on a hill that can’t be hidden, salt and light, carriers of His glory, and proclaimers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This book would make a great resource for women at various stages in their spiritual journey. Dr Lyons has stated that there is a target audience, and that she is obeying the assignment to speak to Black Christian women and the unique situations that come with being a part of this demographic.
At the same time, this book is full of biblical truth that can apply to anyone, and it also could serve as a great resource for those wanting to learn some of the issues, concerns, and attacks their African-American sisters might be experiencing.
Dr. Lyons allows for further introspection and discussion in every chapter. This allows the reader an opportunity to process what they ‘ve read and even apply the truth to their lives.
Well done, Dr. Lyons. Thanks for being obedient to God and thanks for your ministry.

[Nia Peeps · Rating 4 out of 5]

deep + thought provoking 🤞🏾 interesting read for me because I don’t feel like I grew up in the black church. Growing up Roman Catholic I experienced a variety of cultures raging from Anglo-Saxon, Caribbean, African and Hispanic/Latinx. Especially growing up on a military base there was definitely a conglomeration of cultures and I’ve been to many Catholic churches where the majority varied. So getting insight growing up in a black church was intriguing.

[Ade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was profound, educational, helpful and most importantly enlightening- I think every Christian regardless of Gender or Ethnicity should read this book because even though it does focus on the Black woman in the church it really encourages great approaches that everyone should adopt and how they can better love and serve their Christian Brothers and sisters especially their Black sisters

[Cathy Demming · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW: I totally enjoyed this book. I was actually hypnotized by the cover. So can we all PLEASE, take one minute to appreciate this beautiful cover?

Ok so, this gem helps black women to realise how the gospel of Jesus Christ applies to us black church girls. Because I've had a " not so good" experience within the church years ago, I firmly believe that a book like this is totally needed.

The stories told of the christian women in the past, gives examples to the way our spiritual walk with Christ should be. It challenged me to do a thorough self-inspection of my faith. And like it did me, it will encourage you to reach for a standard of holiness that is pleasing to our God.

Even though the book is directed to black church women, I believe the entire church can benefit from its information.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this eArk in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Jillian Scharf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard from Dr. Sarita on the With The Perry’s podcast and knew I wanted to hear more from her. Though I’m certainly not the target audience for this book, I loved listening to the audiobook (read by the author) and learned more from Dr. Sarita as she spoke so much truth in so much love.

[Tara Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really well written.

[Tomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very important book and message. To anyone who serves in ministry that’s dealt with church hurt, burnout & always being expected to be “superwoman”, this one is for you.

[Joli · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all this cover is stunning

Second, there are some good psychological and spiritual guidance gems in here.

[Nae · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!!!!!!

This is a book you reread. Again and again.

This is the type of book you read while you’re focusing because I guarantee you’ll highlight everything!

Dr. Sarita talks about church hurt in a way that I’ve never seen it be talked about, she unpacks what it looks like to truly rest as a Christian, and one of my favorite aspects of this book was the importance of biblical sisterhood and what being a Church Girl really means!

Ever since I finished reading this book and discussing it with a friend over a week ago, I have not stopped thinking about it and the charge that comes with it! This book is challenging, it’s transformative, it’s encouraging, it’s convicting— 😮‍💨, it’s so necessary in today’s culture! It’s a book to challenge the Black Christian Women but I would definitely say it’s the type of book that can be beneficial to the entire church!

[Audrey Moreland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book!!

[Tyran Laws · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Review by Tyran T. Laws, Ph.D.
Of Church Girl: A Gospel Vision to Encourage and Challenge Black Christian Women, by Sarita T. Lyons. Colorado Springs: Waterbrook, and imprint of Random House. 2024


“Church Girl,” endearingly used by the author, apparently as a vocative (p. 51) to address her audience and to incite the intended audience's internalization of their godly identity in Christ is a very brilliant move on the part of the author. This is the case, particularly because Dr. Lyons contextualizes her appeal within her own journey of searching for Black female dignity from her prior engagement with Pan-African religious orientations in which male adherents of those Pan-African religions refer to the black woman as “god.” A contextual and comparative reading of her usage of Church Girl intimates, then, that the nomenclature is intended to be both apologetic (defense against erroneous doctrine) and legitimating the socio-theological imagination of the Black Christian Woman (BCW) or even those who may aspire to be a BCW.
In fact, this ironic reversal is a literary feature of which the author appears to be quite fond. Another example of this is how she uses the term “Sankofa.” Sankofa is a Twi word from the Akan people of Ghana that means “to go back and get it.” In Pan-African studies, it has been contextualized to affirm the ongoing formation of history in the present. In short, we learn from the past to inform the future. Religious Pan-African groups that are inimical to the Christian religion tend to criticize Christianity and Black people’s purported appropriation of it. Sankofa, then, for those groups, usually means something like retrieving more “indigenous” African Religions that precede Christianity to inform a more beatific vision for Black folks in the future. Christianity, they purport, has failed Black people, and we must look back in order to secure and inform our future. Lyons, however, uses Sankofa in a stroke of ironic reversal to retrieve an identity that goes back to the “beginning”—(even before Indigenous African religions)—the beginning as chronicled by the Hebrew scriptures. Much of her identity-retrieval hermeneutics hinges on using Eve as an archetype for Black Female Christian identity (at least much of chapters 1–2 hinges on this).
In Chapter 2, after having laid the groundwork in her Introduction for engendered tropes that, on the surface seem to be compliments, but, in reality, have pernicious effects on the Black Woman’s psyche (e.g., strong black woman trope), she engages the “pushy” Black woman trope in Chapter 2. Again, Lyons finds inspiration from the archetypal orientation of Eve, this time from etymology derived from the name of “Eve,” the “life-giver.” The author asserts that there is a correlation between Eve’s name, its connotative function of “life giver” and the Black female’s (and presumably all women’s) proclivity to influence. While some Biblical scholars may, perhaps, blush at the type of hermeneutics employed to arrive at that conclusion, for others, the archetypal portfolio of Eve, gives Lyons the license she needs to make her point. Whichever side one may land, however, Lyons’ conclusion is clear; what others pejoratively denigrate as “pushy” is a negative reaction to an innate desire for women to live out their God-ordained purpose of life-giving influence. As such, Church Girl, then is a clarion call for Black Christian women to steward their innate proclivity of influence in God-influenced wisdom. Lyons will return to some of these tropes later in the book.
Although Dr. Lyons is a minister of the gospel, her terminal formal training mostly resides in psychology. For that reason, the reader will love, chapters 3–5. Themes of “Church-Hurt��� and specific ways (and perhaps unique) that Black women have experienced church hurt (not just in the Black church but in the Church-universal. Lyons delves into the arena of socio-psychology, evaluating areas of concern for Black women’s psyche, but some of the socio-cultural factors that have contributed to Black women’s church hurt. Some of her assessments cause the church to evaluate how the church may have inadvertently adopted culturally specific gendered norms of discipleship and projected that upon the Black woman (pg. 77–80). Her insight, to say the least, is intriguing and is nothing short of provocative. But more to my point, Lyons’ training in Christian psychology is what, in my estimation, accounts for some of her theological insights. For example, In the chapter entitled, “I’m not Your Super Woman,” (a nod to 80s R&B singer Karyn White) she speaks about Christ-centered self-care. She asserts, that this type of self-care is “not about what we delete, but we what we add.” While empathizing and sounding the alarm against how Black Christian women’s gifts and contributions are exploited and overworked, she also cautions the Church Girl not to “retreat from Church community and Church commitments.” Rest, she argues, from the standpoint of psychology is variated. She builds on this knowledge to find some integration with her theology about Christ as a provider of rest.
But Church Girl is more than the exegetical and psychological musings of a Christian clergy psychologist. The reader will get history lessons as Lyons highlights key Black and African Christian women in antiquity and in modern history. Additionally, the reader will encounter contemporary social, and, perhaps briefly, the ethnographic assessments of the institutional disparities around missing Black girls. They will, concomitantly, encounter how Lyons utilizes that dark reality as an analogy for her prophetic call to the church. Moreover, the reader will appreciate her transparency throughout, regarding the Black church’s failures. However, please do not read that without reading the author’s love letter to the Black church at the end of the book (epilogue). Lyons’ work has the potential of bringing a generation of church girls back to the church.
Books that are written by women “for women,” often can be trivialized among male-readership. But, this book is not just for women; it’s for anyone who has a Gospel Vision to Encourage and Challenge Black Christian Women. To that end, Lyons has made this book very accessible. Many sections are carefully organized around three areas of reflection: "light," "lens," and "love." Her “light” sections are intended to help her readers to recenter around Christ (the Light of the World) and gospel-centered orientation. The "Lens" is a means by which she seeks to guide the reader’s worldview and hermeneutic to faithful Christian thinking. And, the "Love" sections tend to focus on seeing God’s love for women in the scripture, even difficult scriptures or the believer's call to love in some way. In my estimation, though, it is not always altogether clear where the line of demarcation between each category is (e.g., the “Lens” and “Love” sections on 20, 109, 136). At some points, it seems as if “Love,” the theme of love, is the hermeneutic; it is the lens through which Lyons wants her readers to read certain passages and data, viz., finding a love ethic in the verse or in the story. However, these are but mere small things that do not, in any way, retract from Lyons’ indelible contribution and intended purpose. I can’t wait to see more from Dr. Sarita Lyons. Get a copy.

[Tanisha Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

God was in this book!!

This book appealed to me because I admire the author. She has a powerful voice and everything I have heard her say, I resonated with. When I saw that she was coming out with a book, I began looking out for when the announcement would come that it was ready. When the announcement came, I jumped right on it, joining the ARC team to help promote its release.

I didn't really have any expectations when I first started reading, except that I knew whatever I read was going to be good. From the opening lines in the Foreword, I knew I was in for a treat. Jackie Hill Perry set the stage for what was to come.

When I got to chapter one, I was floored and in awe of how I directly related to much of what Dr. Lyons described. My jaw was on the floor when she described a prayer that she prayed that was word for word what I have been praying since I encountered and accepted Christ.

I absolutely loved how this book was structured and written from beginning to end. It flowed seamlessly and Dr. Lyons targeted issues with expert and balanced precision. If a person was biased on one side or the other of said issue, she would "get you all the way together".

I believe that God put this book on her heart and I can't wait until I see the effects of it sweep across the nation. It is time for "Church Girls" near and far to recognize who God is and who He called them to be from an accurate standpoint rather than by relying on popular opinion and other options, which often fall short or are wholly inaccurate.

I think this book will appeal to both men and women of faith, including "Church Girls" from all backgrounds. I say this as a "Church Girl" who was not born and raised in Christ, but I still deeply resonated with many aspects of the book after coming to Christ in my 20's.

May God richly bless this author and all those whose eyes and ears are exposed to this read.

Amen.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I learned Dr. Sarita Lyons was developing this book, I was beyond ready for its arrival. We have needed this, longed for this, and been praying for this — for our stories to be heard and for someone to examine our faith with our everyday realities in mind.

One such example in Church Girl that I have never seen addressed in such a thoughtful and careful way is Black women’s propensity to idealize and embrace the superwoman trope to our detriment— leading us into burnout. Most white women authors cannot or do not speak to this experience because they have the benefit of their privilege. This is not to condemn them, but point out how we need resources like this with the cultural framework that informs how we share our faith and how we can be sympathetic and sensitive to the needs of a specific demographic.
For those who might argue that such a message is exclusionary, I would counter that it’s an act of inclusion to invite others into the space Black women inhabit, to essentially sit-in on a conversation to listen intently, to learn how to meet needs, and how to effectively draw women closer to Jesus.

This book offered many instances of challenge and reflection. I was invited to consider women other than myself and instead find Church Girls to encourage and stand in the gap for. I felt called up to a standard of holiness and faithful living that doesn’t cut corners or shirk the level of integrity I am called to.

The chapter on missing Church Girls deeply touched me. Dr. Sarita shared a story of how her heart, once hardened by the disappointment of a member leaving the church, was softened by an unexpected source, causing her to reach out to that woman. The heartfelt vulnerability she shared in this story sparked a hopefulness in me that I too could help rescue women, bringing them back into the fold and back into community when they go missing.

There are countless other examples in Church Girl where the author asks the reader to look inward, but not in a self-deterministic way. Instead we are asked to follow the Holy Spirit’s guiding in us to be faithful in our walk, as so many Black women before us did. I will save the specific examples she gives for those who will read this after me, but the breadth of study that went into identifying and calling the names of these little-known Black women of the faith was quite remarkable.

This book delivered. It’s clear Dr. Sarita “understood the assignment,” and was more than qualified for it. I recommend this work to ministry leaders, clergy, unchurched women and men, men and women in the church, and anyone seeking to identify and comprehend the various concerns Black women carry, in order to better come along side them to serve them and help bolster their faith.
I can only hope there will be more books to come that carry on this Church Girl movement to the glory of God.

Thank you Net Galley and the publisher for providing the ARC for this book!

[Michelle Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Church girl is a gaze into the life, an ode, and memoir to church girls. Those who grew up in the church and those who may not have joined until later will all be laughing, crying, shouting amen, exclaiming "I KNOW THATS RIGHT", having bouts of introspection, and thanking God for his faithfulness to church girls. Each chapter builds into what is a literary masterpiece.

Church Girl is a powerful and transformative exploration of the struggles and triumphs of Black women within the Black church. Dr. Sarita sheds light on the critical need for rescue and renewal within the body of Christ, focusing on the experiences of women who have often been overlooked, silenced, or marginalized in spaces that should serve as their sanctuary. Church Girl offers an empathetic portrayal of the challenges faced by Black church women, drawing on personal testimonies, historical accounts, and theological analysis. Dr. Sarita masterfully connects the dots between the historical roots of these struggles and the present-day realities of Black women in the church. She provides hope through a gospel message to tie the message up with a big beautiful bow!

One of the book's most compelling aspects is its call to action. The call to rescuing our sisters, it is not just a critique but a blueprint for change. We are challenged as the church to take an active role in the redemption and restoration of other Church Girls. The book advocates for a supportive environment where Black church Girls can thrive, both in their faith and in their personal lives.
The narratives shared in the book are both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The resilience and strength of Black women shine through every story, illustrating their unwavering faith despite the obstacles they face. The author honors these women by giving them the platform they deserve, allowing their voices to be heard in all their authenticity and power.
The book stands out for its honest portrayal of the Black Church. Dr
Sarita does not shy away from the uncomfortable truths, making this work both a mirror and a balm for those who read and resonate with the book.

Dr. Sarita provides a thoughtful analysis of being a Church Girl. The book challenges the reader to recognizes the deep faith and spirituality that sustain many Black women, even in the face of profound hurt.
This is a book for EVERYONE!!!

[Shonny Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Church Girl" by Dr. Sarita Lyons exceeded my high expectations. Having previously enjoyed her contribution to "Urban Apologetics," I eagerly anticipated a book focusing on the unique experiences of Black women within both the world and the church. Dr. Lyons masterfully weaves scriptural insights, showcasing how the Gospel offers a roadmap for navigating life as God intended.

The book's strength lies in its compassionate and insightful exploration of identity, purpose, trauma, rest, and the challenges of being a Christian Black woman in today's society. Each chapter addresses specific issues, offering hope and guidance through Scripture. Dr. Lyons strikes a beautiful balance between scholarly depth and relatable, conversational language, making the reader feel as if she's engaging in a heartfelt conversation with a close friend.

"Church Girl" serves as a powerful reminder of God's love, offering encouragement, rebuke, and edification. It gives voice to the unspoken questions, pain, and concerns many Black women face, resonating with a diverse audience – from faithful churchgoers to those who have drifted or left the church entirely.

I was deeply inspired by the book's message. It ignited a renewed sense of my identity in Christ, underscored the importance of rest, and ignited a passion to reach out to women who have strayed from the church. It also empowered me to boldly share the Gospel in our post-modern world.

"Church Girl" is a must-read for everyone, regardless of race, gender, or background. It should be a mandatory addition to seminary curricula and utilized in Bible studies and discipleship programs across churches. This book will undoubtedly leave you feeling loved, challenged to prioritize what truly matters, and empowered to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

[Shanay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book appealed to me on many levels. I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, however the young Black girl in front of the stained glass pulled me in. I saw myself on the cover. I have followed Dr. Lyons for a few years, so I am familiar with her worldview and her story. Knowing she had a book releasing about a shared experience made it easy to pick it up and start reading.

If you’re looking for a book to challenge and convict you, this is it! Dr. Lyons has crafted a work that is relatable, without watering down the Gospel message. It causes you to reflect not only on your past choices, but what you can do moving forward to walk in God’s purpose for your life.

The information between the covers of this book is applicable to everyone, especially Black Christian women. No matter where you are in your Christian journey, the lessons in this book are invaluable. This book is best used as a resource to help you find out how you can be a help to others, inside and outside of the children of God. Every chapter touches on a different aspect of what it means to be a Church Girl. From the introduction to the epilogue, you will laugh, cry, and amen. After each chapter there are questions for further reflection and discussion, it’s not a passive read, there are actions to be made!

[Jasmine Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Church Girl felt like a warm, beautiful hug to every Black girl who has ever struggled to reconcile her faith, her wounds, and her identity. Through her vulnerability, wisdom, and unwavering love for Jesus, Dr. Sarita T. Lyons speaks directly to the heart of the church girl the one who shows up, serves faithfully, but might still be silently carrying pain, shame, or unanswered questions.

Reading this book felt like Sarita was saying, “I see you, I love you, God loves you too much to leave you in an unhealthy place.” It’s not a surface-level encouragement, it’s a soul-deep invitation to healing, growth, and surrender. She challenges you with grace, tells the truth with tenderness, and holds up a mirror with mercy.

One of the most moving chapters for me was about missing Black women. It deeply convicted me. Her reflections, paired with the personal story she shared, had me in tears. I found myself nodding, praising, and whispering “yes, Lord” more times than I could count. It stirred something in me, a call to pay closer attention to the women around me and within me.

This book is for the church girl who’s tired of pretending, who’s ready to heal, and who wants to walk in the fullness of who God created her to be. I wholeheartedly recommend it to every Black woman who loves Jesus and wants to be seen, challenged, and comforted by truth and grace.

[Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Sarita Lyons’ Church Girl is a deeply insightful and compassionate work that speaks directly to the unique struggles of Black women navigating their place in the Church and the world. For the Black woman seeking healing, understanding, and empowerment, this book offers a lifeline.

Can I Read This As A Non-Black Woman? YES!
• For true allies, it is an essential guide to better understanding, loving, and supporting their neighbors with Christ-like compassion.

Drawing from her expertise in clinical psychology and her faith in Jesus, Lyons addresses wounds often ignored: such as neglect, over-demanding expectations, and a lack of protection within society and the Church. She provides biblically grounded, practical counsel to equip readers for both personal healing and collective transformation. This book is more than Christian counseling for Black women; it’s a clarion call to the Church to better reflect the love and justice of Christ. A must-read for anyone invested in the flourishing of the body of Christ.

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

*"Church Girl"** by Dr. Sarita Lyons is a profound exploration of the unique challenges and spiritual journey of Black Christian women in today’s world. Dr. Lyons, a seasoned Bible teacher and psychotherapist, masterfully intertwines biblical narratives with the lived experiences of Black women, offering them a roadmap to rediscover their purpose, dignity, and peace in Christ.

The journey this book invites us on is beautifully captured in the final prayer of the book, where Dr. Lyons prays for every woman to know God more intimately, to walk in the purpose He has placed within her, and to find rest and healing in Him. It’s a powerful conclusion that encapsulates the heart of the book—guiding women to root their identity in Christ and flourish despite the challenges they face.

Reading this, I felt seen, understood, and inspired to live out my faith with renewed confidence and purpose.
Shay Monroe”

[She · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a wide range of books each year, and I make a point to include works by Black women that address the shared struggles of life. However, it’s rare to find one that speaks directly to me from a strong biblical perspective. This book, however, did just that—it challenged me and inspired me to seek healing through the teachings of Jesus Christ.

I’m not sure where to begin—whether to highlight the vital importance of the message or the transparency and deep love that radiates from every page. It’s hard to capture in words, and I know I won’t do it justice. But I felt seen. I felt challenged. And in the end, I felt profoundly loved. Dr. Sarita, may the Lord bless the work of your hands and your heart. Thank you.

[Dr. T. Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is well written and the context is needed. As a church girl myself, I did find that it was riddled with a sense of glorified traditionalism and some judgement. There was chastisement with very little resolve on how to do better. The messages of doing something different were less concrete than admonishments. It was apparent what the author feels is wrong, but it was not clear of tangible ways to do it write.
It was a little repetitive. Nonetheless, it was a good read and addressed topics that needed to be addressed.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grew up in the black church, and until recently, agreed to everything that was said. More in recent years, I've been in deconstruction, and looking at the title, I had thought this would be another book that would help me, but that was not the case once I started reading. Now, surprisingly, the author did talk alot about how women are treated in the church, which really surprised me, because that's something that is rarely discussed, especially in regards to the black church. I do wish the racism black women face with church folks would have been addressed more.

[Nikki Bramwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read!

Deeply respect Dr. Sarita Lyons. This book holds epic reminders about seeing black young women during their spiritually formative years and not forgetting them. As a millennial who grew up in church and was deeply invested in discipleship, leadership, and church planting, I was affirmed of the value of being mission-focused with the gospel and looking out for God's sheep. I would've appreciated more discussion about what disappoints, discourages, and detracts church girls from their faith / faith communities/ purpose. Nevertheless, a good read.

[Katie Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights with us and your prayers. Please let’s keep this conversation going and continue to support our Church girls and share your stories. I felt so alone so many years ago and I was in my church and I joined the women ministry and I thought why is everyone so happy and I miserable. I finally burst out crying and shared what was happening to me and my life. Finally the women shared but why are we not sharing upfront so many are in a bad place I just want people to share.

[Jilkiah Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a powerful resource for Black women seeking to discover their identity in Christ and navigate any church hurt they may have experienced. More than just raising awareness or drawing attention, it serves as a compelling call to action—an urgent invitation to engage with the gospel in a meaningful way.

At the heart of the gospel is a divine rescue mission, where Jesus came to earth to save us. Reading this book was a profound revelation, offering scriptural and biblical evidence that illuminates how God sees women and who we were originally created to be. I enjoyed it!❤️

[Christina Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Most Christian books are pretty cheesy with the same types of generalizations & hardly any depth, OR, they aren’t written specifically for us. But this one was refreshing. I could relate immensely to a lot of the things she spoke about in the book. Although it too me a while to get into, I plan to read it again more closely, and take notes. This is a gem I think all Black girls who grew up in church, or have spent any significant amount of time in church culture, could benefit from. 🩷

[Tiffany Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read a book quite like this before. It felt like a powerful call to action for us Black Church Girls—a call to rise, to reflect, and to step into our purpose. It didn’t hold back; it was convicting, yes, but in love. I felt seen and understood. It was raw and honest, transparent in a way that made me confront myself and my walk with God. This wasn’t just a book; it was a mirror, a call for healing , and a call to move forward all at once.

[Mariha Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book. Whether you are in ministry or not. This book is a must read for all black Christian women. So many relatable stories. Her book is filled with biblical truths and fun stories. She challenges her readers and I left feeling loved and seen.

I loved the discussion questions at the end as well.

[Dalynn Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I expected. A book to challenge our thoughts about others and remind us as Black Christian women that we are not alone in our church hurt. Excellent read. Even if you feel like stopping, keep reading.