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The House That Jesus Built: Leading Our Churches Back to God’s Original Blueprint
At a time when churches seem far from God’s design, bestselling author Natalie Runion challenges us as Christians to follow the Bible’s blueprint for building holy, healthy churches that disciple holy, healthy followers of Christ.
In recent years, we’ve seen the “great resignation” in Church leadership and attendance, the devastation of spiritual abuse, and the breakdown of faith within our culture. In The House That Jesus Built, Natalie encourages all of us to recognize our role as Jesus’ disciples in rebuilding our churches, brick by brick. With personal stories and practical ideas, she guides us
Be honest about past disappointments while still engaging with our church communities Ask how we as Christ followers have contributed to pain in our churches and how we can help heal one another Use the book of Acts as the blueprint for empowering the family of God to be the family of God Understand how even the apostles wrestled with their places in the early Church but remained committed to love God, love people, and make disciples Be unified on the foundation of Jesus Christ The House That Jesus Built will stir your heart to see God’s churches realigned with the Great Commission and the Great Command. As Natalie reminds us, we are the Church. We are the ones who can partner with Jesus to build something beautiful out of the rubble—and back on the Rock.
In recent years, we’ve seen the “great resignation” in Church leadership and attendance, the devastation of spiritual abuse, and the breakdown of faith within our culture. In The House That Jesus Built, Natalie encourages all of us to recognize our role as Jesus’ disciples in rebuilding our churches, brick by brick. With personal stories and practical ideas, she guides us
Be honest about past disappointments while still engaging with our church communities Ask how we as Christ followers have contributed to pain in our churches and how we can help heal one another Use the book of Acts as the blueprint for empowering the family of God to be the family of God Understand how even the apostles wrestled with their places in the early Church but remained committed to love God, love people, and make disciples Be unified on the foundation of Jesus Christ The House That Jesus Built will stir your heart to see God’s churches realigned with the Great Commission and the Great Command. As Natalie reminds us, we are the Church. We are the ones who can partner with Jesus to build something beautiful out of the rubble—and back on the Rock.
240 pages, Paperback
Published September 3, 2024
50 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 19, 2024
3.5 stars rounded down.
I wanted to love this, and there were moments I did. There were passages I annotated with a star or heart next to it, but I also found myself asking questions in the margins. My main questions had to do with audience. I found myself wondering if this was intended for those hurt by church experiences (who hasn’t been?), those in vocational ministry, or those who have deconstructed their faith and are attempting to rebuild. I think the book could have benefited from a clear introduction stating who this book is for and defining some of the terms the author uses throughout. When she says, “leaders,” who does she mean? She seems to have a broad definition and makes a statement later that all believers are shepherds in some way (I agree with a priesthood of all believers), but it sometimes seemed like she was speaking directly to church leaders and other times not. The chapters felt a little scattered and didn’t always directly relate to the chapter or part title, in my opinion.
What is clear to me is that Natalie has a deep desire for the church to be built on the right foundation, the only proper foundation, Jesus Christ. Her heart breaks for those who have been wounded. Her vision for the Church is that it would be a safe and healthy home for God’s followers. Admiring her passion and agreeing with nearly all of the book’s contents, I want to give this a higher rating. I feel conflicted, as I did after reading Natalie’s first book, Raised to Stay, last year. I have been following/been part of the Raised to Stay community on Instagram for some time and appreciate her candor, her willingness to tackle tough topics, and her firm, but gracious responses to people who disagree with her.
Overall, I think this suffers from too many ideas in one compact book. Natalie probably has a dozen ideas, sermons, and books in her, and I wonder if this one and Raised to Stay could each have been more narrowly focused and better edited resulting in stronger execution. Stylistically, it felt a bit punchy and bold, slightly poetic and clever, but lacked a guiding structure to tie it all together for me as a reader.
Thank you to David C Cook Publishing for the advance reader copy. All thoughts are genuine reactions to my reading experience.
I wanted to love this, and there were moments I did. There were passages I annotated with a star or heart next to it, but I also found myself asking questions in the margins. My main questions had to do with audience. I found myself wondering if this was intended for those hurt by church experiences (who hasn’t been?), those in vocational ministry, or those who have deconstructed their faith and are attempting to rebuild. I think the book could have benefited from a clear introduction stating who this book is for and defining some of the terms the author uses throughout. When she says, “leaders,” who does she mean? She seems to have a broad definition and makes a statement later that all believers are shepherds in some way (I agree with a priesthood of all believers), but it sometimes seemed like she was speaking directly to church leaders and other times not. The chapters felt a little scattered and didn’t always directly relate to the chapter or part title, in my opinion.
What is clear to me is that Natalie has a deep desire for the church to be built on the right foundation, the only proper foundation, Jesus Christ. Her heart breaks for those who have been wounded. Her vision for the Church is that it would be a safe and healthy home for God’s followers. Admiring her passion and agreeing with nearly all of the book’s contents, I want to give this a higher rating. I feel conflicted, as I did after reading Natalie’s first book, Raised to Stay, last year. I have been following/been part of the Raised to Stay community on Instagram for some time and appreciate her candor, her willingness to tackle tough topics, and her firm, but gracious responses to people who disagree with her.
Overall, I think this suffers from too many ideas in one compact book. Natalie probably has a dozen ideas, sermons, and books in her, and I wonder if this one and Raised to Stay could each have been more narrowly focused and better edited resulting in stronger execution. Stylistically, it felt a bit punchy and bold, slightly poetic and clever, but lacked a guiding structure to tie it all together for me as a reader.
Thank you to David C Cook Publishing for the advance reader copy. All thoughts are genuine reactions to my reading experience.
July 4, 2024
Advice. Experience. Hurt. Reconciliation. Discernment. Forgiveness. Rubble. Rebuilding. This book is not just for church ministry leaders or staff, although I feel that’s probably where most would relate. This is for church congregants as well, and it’s not just about “church hurt.” It’s about focusing on the blueprint for the Church and building on that when many of today’s churches have other focuses. I felt “seen” in some ways, convicted in others, and encouraged.
October 30, 2024
Wow! This book was both convicting and comforting. A reminder again that we as people are so incredibly flawed, even those in church leadership, but God can still use us and wants to use us in His plan for the modern church.
September 29, 2025
Audiobook. I love the hope that Natalie brings to this conversation.
May 8, 2025
Wow wow wow.
This book in so many ways completely blew me away. The Church is so simple, yet we’ve made it so complicated.
This is definitely a good read for the leaders and pastors in the Church, but also for the congregants. This book is a voice for everyone.
Thank you, Natalie for your vulnerability & mature perspective. This book is one that will be held close to my heart for a long time.
This book in so many ways completely blew me away. The Church is so simple, yet we’ve made it so complicated.
This is definitely a good read for the leaders and pastors in the Church, but also for the congregants. This book is a voice for everyone.
Thank you, Natalie for your vulnerability & mature perspective. This book is one that will be held close to my heart for a long time.
August 18, 2024
“This world doesn’t need a pretty Church. It needs a holy Church.”
This book was both comforting and convicting. Natalie recognizes and empathizes with those of us still in the process of healing while encouraging us not to give up on the Church altogether. Highly recommend!
This book was both comforting and convicting. Natalie recognizes and empathizes with those of us still in the process of healing while encouraging us not to give up on the Church altogether. Highly recommend!
May 25, 2025
This was a wonderful book, and anyone who loves God and the church and has been praying for unity should read.
I love how she addresses hard reality but also shares honest keys to move forward and grow together as the church, built on the cornerstone of love, our Lord and Savior, Jesus!
I love how she addresses hard reality but also shares honest keys to move forward and grow together as the church, built on the cornerstone of love, our Lord and Savior, Jesus!
October 7, 2024
I’ll be working on a full review for my blog, but here are my “just finished reading” thoughts.
I’ve been following Natalie’s IG account for a while now. And while I’ve seen some encouraging content, I’ll admit that I’ve also side-eyed quite a bit of her content and much of her reactions when people don’t completely agree with her.
She hasn’t fully processed what she’s writing a book about— that much is clear. She gives a lot of good “bumper sticker” one liners— many that she uses on her IG account. But there isn’t depth and there aren’t honest answers. Some obvious questions (like why would a church even have an HR department?) she never asks. Her experience and her vision applies to very few churches. (59% of churches in the US have 60 members or less!) To the pastors of the majority of churches— she isn’t talking to you or thinking about you. She doesn’t go deep in her search for answers.
She often uses Scripture out of context and clearly hunts for the translation that best proves her bumper sticker point. She seems to really like The Message, but it isn’t the sole translation used in the book.
While she does point to legitimate concerns and raise some legitimate questions— her answers rarely conform to the Bible and rarely get to the heart of the issue. Some of the concerns are for churches with dozens of members on staff and not for the average American church.
There were entire sections where she just says a lot of pretty words with no substance. It isn’t just that the book isn’t scholarly— it didn’t claim to be, I didn’t expect it to be. It is is shallow and back patting and offers no real hope for the change that might be needed when someone picks up this book.
I know what I needed when I preordered this book. It failed to deliver spectacularly. Although, I will say that in its massive failure it did make me think through the questions raised and dig deeper for those not raised. So, I did end up diving in deeper but not because the answers or even a good discussion could be found in this book. God does indeed use us in our weakness and He used this book, as weak as it was.
I’ve been following Natalie’s IG account for a while now. And while I’ve seen some encouraging content, I’ll admit that I’ve also side-eyed quite a bit of her content and much of her reactions when people don’t completely agree with her.
She hasn’t fully processed what she’s writing a book about— that much is clear. She gives a lot of good “bumper sticker” one liners— many that she uses on her IG account. But there isn’t depth and there aren’t honest answers. Some obvious questions (like why would a church even have an HR department?) she never asks. Her experience and her vision applies to very few churches. (59% of churches in the US have 60 members or less!) To the pastors of the majority of churches— she isn’t talking to you or thinking about you. She doesn’t go deep in her search for answers.
She often uses Scripture out of context and clearly hunts for the translation that best proves her bumper sticker point. She seems to really like The Message, but it isn’t the sole translation used in the book.
While she does point to legitimate concerns and raise some legitimate questions— her answers rarely conform to the Bible and rarely get to the heart of the issue. Some of the concerns are for churches with dozens of members on staff and not for the average American church.
There were entire sections where she just says a lot of pretty words with no substance. It isn’t just that the book isn’t scholarly— it didn’t claim to be, I didn’t expect it to be. It is is shallow and back patting and offers no real hope for the change that might be needed when someone picks up this book.
I know what I needed when I preordered this book. It failed to deliver spectacularly. Although, I will say that in its massive failure it did make me think through the questions raised and dig deeper for those not raised. So, I did end up diving in deeper but not because the answers or even a good discussion could be found in this book. God does indeed use us in our weakness and He used this book, as weak as it was.
September 6, 2024
Natalie has done it once again! Writing truths that needed to be safe and giving tools to carry out the challenge given to us in this book. The picture above is pretty much what my copy looks like, practically every page is highlighted, it’s that good!
The first 5 chapters like she said are hard to swallow and read, it’s not a pretty place of the state Church is in. But it is true and something I even felt myself see 8 years ago in HS and headed into college. I resonated so deeply when she said that God would clean house (paraphrased). And I have resonated with that so deeply. I’ve seen it in the natural and with my spiritual eyes as well. I can’t put my finger on it, but I have discerned that knowing the Church needs a cleaning up and purification and turning back to Presence over a filled up sanctuary without Him being the midst.
The second half of the book is a deep dive lesson of how to rebuild after the purification and tearing down of the toxic patterns that were in the Church. We need to look at our own garments and purify ourselves before we can come together as a Body and build goodness and a sanctuary He longs to dwell and rest upon us in. There are things Jesus is doing currently with His Church, that she talks about the book and shines a light on it’s our personal walk and daily relationship with Jesus that shines through and is a Witness to Him.
I cannot encourage you enough to get this book!!! It is a great companion to her first book in my opinion, it continues the message of Raised To Stay- by giving us steps to walk out after we have come to God and sought out healing from the hurt and now get to start the journey of cultivating healthy framework for the Church Jesus Built.
The first 5 chapters like she said are hard to swallow and read, it’s not a pretty place of the state Church is in. But it is true and something I even felt myself see 8 years ago in HS and headed into college. I resonated so deeply when she said that God would clean house (paraphrased). And I have resonated with that so deeply. I’ve seen it in the natural and with my spiritual eyes as well. I can’t put my finger on it, but I have discerned that knowing the Church needs a cleaning up and purification and turning back to Presence over a filled up sanctuary without Him being the midst.
The second half of the book is a deep dive lesson of how to rebuild after the purification and tearing down of the toxic patterns that were in the Church. We need to look at our own garments and purify ourselves before we can come together as a Body and build goodness and a sanctuary He longs to dwell and rest upon us in. There are things Jesus is doing currently with His Church, that she talks about the book and shines a light on it’s our personal walk and daily relationship with Jesus that shines through and is a Witness to Him.
I cannot encourage you enough to get this book!!! It is a great companion to her first book in my opinion, it continues the message of Raised To Stay- by giving us steps to walk out after we have come to God and sought out healing from the hurt and now get to start the journey of cultivating healthy framework for the Church Jesus Built.
September 10, 2024
After reading her first book, I was eager for this one. I ended up ordering multiple copies and the audiobook because I believe these words are ones that stake a spiritual claim in many of our healing processes. I've been wounded and burnt in church as a leader. I've also hurt others in my own hurt, not intentionally, but no less. I faced much of that after reading Natalie's first book, Raise To Stay. However, I'm in ministry still, at a new-to-me place, around healthy leaders, and I felt ready to move forward as God leads. Let me say this book, like the last, is perfectly timed. Its speaks not just to my own place, but to the place many of us have found ourselves while trying to rebuild process after the deconstruction. I'm not talking just our ministries, but our relationships with God, others, and ourselves too. Heck, even our families. WE ARE NOT ALONE, and God is making all things new. I could quote the whole book for you, but instead, just borrow or purchased a copy and read it. In my case, I'm now listening to the audio after reading the paper. I'm not a fan-girl, but Natalie is rooted in Christ and it's evident in her writings and how she lives. This book breathed a fresh zeal and Holy Spirit hunger within me. It's contagious because God is the focus and fuel in this place many of us are standing with eager anticipation in.
August 30, 2024
Natalie does an impeccable job of capturing the flaws and the victories of the Church, the complexities of humanity and communities of faith, and details how messy the intersection of humanity and the Church in today’s society really is. The crucible of the book however points to hope out of brokenness; points to love over judgement; and leads us all right back to the main thing, following the Way of Jesus, together. I appreciate Natalie’s willingness to talk about hard things, bring things that are normally pushed aside to the forefront, and address not just one faction or population of the church.
This book is for everyone and gives an inside look at leadership in the Church, and how unhealthy it can be. It also provides a picture of the multi-layered and far reaching effects of that unhealthiness. Therefore, also addressing and bringing compassion upon those who have been hurt or traumatized by the Church. Lastly, it pertains to unbelievers, in that Natalie is proclaiming loud and clear that the Church needs to change, needs to find its way back to serving God and the people who don’t yet know Him and the people who do and are floundering. A call for the Church to begin recentering itself and realigning itself with God and His Word.
This book is for everyone and gives an inside look at leadership in the Church, and how unhealthy it can be. It also provides a picture of the multi-layered and far reaching effects of that unhealthiness. Therefore, also addressing and bringing compassion upon those who have been hurt or traumatized by the Church. Lastly, it pertains to unbelievers, in that Natalie is proclaiming loud and clear that the Church needs to change, needs to find its way back to serving God and the people who don’t yet know Him and the people who do and are floundering. A call for the Church to begin recentering itself and realigning itself with God and His Word.
September 3, 2024
The House That Jesus built is truly a Spirit inspired follow up to Natalie’s first book, Raised to Stay, in which she acknowledges church hurt and the depths to which the enemy can carry us IF we allow ourselves to get stuck. In The House That Jesus Built, Natalie paints a beautiful picture of what can happen when those who have deconstructed their faith and returned to God’s word start rebuilding from the rubble. Inside these pages is a beautiful blueprint of what church communities will resemble when we get past habits, hurts, offense and failings to become a united body solely focused on building God’s kingdom here on earth as He always intended it to be. Free from the fear of man, able to discern wolves wearing wool, willing to call out sin and lovingly restore the repentant, we can become a global church that Jesus would not only recognize but also be thrilled to call his own. An incredible amount of healing occurred for me inside these precious pages and I believe the Lord will use Natalie’s humble words of personal experience to bind wounds and heal hearts en masse. Highly recommend.
September 3, 2024
THE CHURCH THAT JESUS BUILT is a whole package of challenge for those unsure, AND those who believe they are sure about church… the church, Church people, doing church, church leadership… of the advanced reading copy this has stayed with me the longest:
“When the orphan spirit partners with castle-building Christians, we build an orphanage filled with those desperate for a name rather than churches safe for the true Fatherless.”
- Natalie Runion
This is a book for church leadership (board, elders, trustees, advisory committees included) and staff, discipleship classes, small groups, Bible studies whatever you call your faith community groups. If you aren’t questioning and holding accountable the narrative your church is putting out to the world, ensuring it is doing what it is saying it is, and all for God’s glory, you might be part of why so many have left the church… this book will give you some things to think about! It is a great start to a bigger discussion!
“When the orphan spirit partners with castle-building Christians, we build an orphanage filled with those desperate for a name rather than churches safe for the true Fatherless.”
- Natalie Runion
This is a book for church leadership (board, elders, trustees, advisory committees included) and staff, discipleship classes, small groups, Bible studies whatever you call your faith community groups. If you aren’t questioning and holding accountable the narrative your church is putting out to the world, ensuring it is doing what it is saying it is, and all for God’s glory, you might be part of why so many have left the church… this book will give you some things to think about! It is a great start to a bigger discussion!
September 3, 2024
Natalie Runion's voice brings healing and conviction to the Church. No matter what we have each walked through individually, she challenges us to be part of building a beautiful, healthy Church to usher in revival. Her previous book, Raised to Stay, addressed church hurt and other obstacles that believers have faced and championed us all to stay with Jesus and believe in His Church. This book invites each of us to look in the mirror, rather than point fingers at others, and partner with God in moving in His Church.
Tackling tough topics in a tone that is both nurturing and challenging, Natalie admonishes us to leave our excuses behind and be about our Father's business. There are people to serve and a gospel to preach -- let's embrace our healing and bring the gospel of Jesus to all the places we visit in our busy lives. There's a race to run -- and we are in it to finish!
Tackling tough topics in a tone that is both nurturing and challenging, Natalie admonishes us to leave our excuses behind and be about our Father's business. There are people to serve and a gospel to preach -- let's embrace our healing and bring the gospel of Jesus to all the places we visit in our busy lives. There's a race to run -- and we are in it to finish!
September 3, 2024
The Church experience is a vastly varied one from person to person. Personally, I wish this book was around during my teen years when I made the vow— “God I will be a Christian, but don’t let me be one like THAT” referring to some teens in youth group who would throw a bible verse at people to show them how big their sin was.
This book is a beautiful continuation of describing one experience of hurt and healing in the church “Raised to Stay” and what a healed and effective and PRESENT church can look like “The House that Jesus Built”
It is healing for my inner teen, thought provoking and convicting in the most loving big sister way. It is full of wisdom I know was hard fought, and precious, this is not a know it all excerpt- this is a “here are my scars, I know you have them too, let’s go bring the kingdom anyway” kind of book. Thank you Natalie, please keep writing
This book is a beautiful continuation of describing one experience of hurt and healing in the church “Raised to Stay” and what a healed and effective and PRESENT church can look like “The House that Jesus Built”
It is healing for my inner teen, thought provoking and convicting in the most loving big sister way. It is full of wisdom I know was hard fought, and precious, this is not a know it all excerpt- this is a “here are my scars, I know you have them too, let’s go bring the kingdom anyway” kind of book. Thank you Natalie, please keep writing
January 18, 2025
I was excited about this book, as Natalie’s @raisedtostay ministry has really spoken to my heart as I heal from deep church hurt. Unfortunately, this book didn’t bring the depth and wisdom I expected. It honestly felt like a bunch of Instagram one-liners strung together…while it had some good points and encouraging reminders, I had a hard time finishing the book.
In addition, one of my pet peeves is when Christian writers use MANY different versions of the Bible in the same book (ESV, NKJV, NLT, NIV, etc). I want to feel like the writer is emphasizing the words of God, not cherry picking versions based on how exactly they want each of their points to be supported. And don’t even get me started on the excessive use of The Message in this book….
All in all, I don’t regret reading this book. However, I’m left disappointed as it didn’t quite meet my expectations.
In addition, one of my pet peeves is when Christian writers use MANY different versions of the Bible in the same book (ESV, NKJV, NLT, NIV, etc). I want to feel like the writer is emphasizing the words of God, not cherry picking versions based on how exactly they want each of their points to be supported. And don’t even get me started on the excessive use of The Message in this book….
All in all, I don’t regret reading this book. However, I’m left disappointed as it didn’t quite meet my expectations.
July 20, 2024
Too many people are leaving the church right now. Why? Because we’ve been hurt and have no where to take and process that pain.
In this beautiful, restorative page-turner, Natalie sits us down at her table and gives us a cup of coffee and gives it to us straight: we are called to stay and be the change we needed when we were hurt.
This book was balm to my hurting soul. To anyone who has gone through or is processing church hurt, this book gives you the tools, no matter your role in the church, of how to move forward and keep on building the house of the Lord.
You will be encouraged, blessed, and feel a renewing of your calling even before you finish the end of the book. We are raised to stay. Called to renew the foundations of the church that Jesus built. For such a time as this.
In this beautiful, restorative page-turner, Natalie sits us down at her table and gives us a cup of coffee and gives it to us straight: we are called to stay and be the change we needed when we were hurt.
This book was balm to my hurting soul. To anyone who has gone through or is processing church hurt, this book gives you the tools, no matter your role in the church, of how to move forward and keep on building the house of the Lord.
You will be encouraged, blessed, and feel a renewing of your calling even before you finish the end of the book. We are raised to stay. Called to renew the foundations of the church that Jesus built. For such a time as this.
September 3, 2024
I got an advanced copy of this book and I really enjoyed it. Coming one year after her book Raised to Stay, Natalie helps those of us that have deconstructed our faith build the church back up Jesus’ way.
The first few chapters of the book I found myself putting it down, not because it was bad, but because of the conviction I felt by her words.
She follows the blueprint shared in Acts to help us build our churches back on Jesus. Not one to mince words, she calls out green rooms and the celebrity culture and points us back to the one who is seated on the throne as our focal point of worship.
This book reminded me that going to church isn’t about me, it’s an offering to God, bringing him a sacrifice of praise on Sundays and Wednesdays.
The first few chapters of the book I found myself putting it down, not because it was bad, but because of the conviction I felt by her words.
She follows the blueprint shared in Acts to help us build our churches back on Jesus. Not one to mince words, she calls out green rooms and the celebrity culture and points us back to the one who is seated on the throne as our focal point of worship.
This book reminded me that going to church isn’t about me, it’s an offering to God, bringing him a sacrifice of praise on Sundays and Wednesdays.
September 3, 2024
"The House that Jesus Built" is a transformative read that profoundly impacted my journey from full-time ministry to retired life. This book offers an honest exploration of church hurt, addressing the pain and challenges that many of us face but seldom speak about. What I appreciated most was its unwavering commitment to guiding readers through these difficulties in a way that aligns with God’s word. Natalie doesn’t shy away from the hard truths, but rather, provides a compassionate roadmap for healing and moving forward in faith. It's a must-read for anyone who has experienced church hurt and seeks a path forward groundedoo in God's grace and wisdom. To love God’s people is a delight! He is NOT done with me yet!
September 9, 2024
I’m a Rock Ram!
Natalie Runion’s first book helped me heal, her second book has empowered me to rebuild! The Lord has used her voice to affirm and encourage me and also challenge & grow me. I’m ever so thankful! This book isn’t just for church staff or even those in high level serving/leadership roles. It’s for anyone who has found themselves hurt and disappointed by the “big C Church.” I truly feel God has anointed Natalie for such a time as this. I knew I didn’t want to become bitter, but better from my church hurt. Natalie’s voice has helped me to do just this. If you’re curious to know what a “rock ram” is, I highly encourage you to get the book and find out. ☺️ I’ve allowed God to replace the name of “trouble maker” put on me, to Rock Ram. Yes & Amen!
Natalie Runion’s first book helped me heal, her second book has empowered me to rebuild! The Lord has used her voice to affirm and encourage me and also challenge & grow me. I’m ever so thankful! This book isn’t just for church staff or even those in high level serving/leadership roles. It’s for anyone who has found themselves hurt and disappointed by the “big C Church.” I truly feel God has anointed Natalie for such a time as this. I knew I didn’t want to become bitter, but better from my church hurt. Natalie’s voice has helped me to do just this. If you’re curious to know what a “rock ram” is, I highly encourage you to get the book and find out. ☺️ I’ve allowed God to replace the name of “trouble maker” put on me, to Rock Ram. Yes & Amen!
July 20, 2024
Natalie truly understands what the church was MEANT to be, and how far sideways the western church has gone. In this book she gently shows us where we (the church) may have been wrong or misunderstood how we are to be loving people and leading them back to community in a church that embraces and accepts anyone. She does so biblically, not based on her opinion. Natalie has experienced church hurt and is now on a mission to make sure the church doesn’t continue to repeat it and gives us a biblical blueprint on how to bring us back to Gods original plan.
July 20, 2024
This book is the next step for believers who see that foundations have been shaken, and know that the pieces must be put back together correctly. We are the living stones who make up the house. We must be put back together to take our place with a proper fit. We have to allow it. We have ownership in how this process works, and Natalie's book takes it step by step while acknowledging that wounds have been given and wrongs have been done.
What we do next will determine the strength of the house.
Read it. Be inspired to stay and rebuild.
What we do next will determine the strength of the house.
Read it. Be inspired to stay and rebuild.
September 4, 2024
“Let’s write a new narrative. Let’s build something beautiful.” In The House That Jesus Built, Pastor Natalie graciously leads us out of pain and into healing. This isn’t a book about church hurt, deconstruction, or shedding light on what goes on behind the scenes every Sunday. This book is written to the Church, using Acts as our guide for staying connected to the Vine while rebuilding through pain. Through Pastor Natalie’s writings, I’ve felt seen, heard, challenged, and encouraged to press on, in faith, with fellow believers. This is a must read, again and again.
September 21, 2024
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who read the authors first book, Raised to Stay, that this book also touched on hard and holy topics. If you don’t feel part vindicated and part convicted by reading this book - you might be doing it wrong. Natalie Runion has a way of seeing the hurt that has been caused and hold space for the hope of what can be that allows us, the other Stayers, to heal and hope alongside her. This book makes me hopeful that the church can go back to being The House that Jesus Built.
July 20, 2024
If you have been hurting and you are confused at how God's people often treat one another then this book is for you!
I have laughed, cried and felt such encouragement in these pages. It caused me to really take a look at myself and to want to reach out to others who are experiencing this same thing. We don't have long here, this book fueled a fire and reminded me that I need to get back at it for the Kingdom!
I have laughed, cried and felt such encouragement in these pages. It caused me to really take a look at myself and to want to reach out to others who are experiencing this same thing. We don't have long here, this book fueled a fire and reminded me that I need to get back at it for the Kingdom!
August 14, 2024
Though it wasn’t truly written as a follow up to her debut, “Raised to Stay”, it certainly shouldn’t be counted out as such.
Raised to Stay addressed division and breakdown of the church. The House that Jesus Built guides us through the rubble to get us back to Jesus’ original blueprint for the church.
Recovering from the hurt we can face from those inside our church homes is possible. This new book by Natalie Runion lays it all out for us in very practical biblical ways.
Raised to Stay addressed division and breakdown of the church. The House that Jesus Built guides us through the rubble to get us back to Jesus’ original blueprint for the church.
Recovering from the hurt we can face from those inside our church homes is possible. This new book by Natalie Runion lays it all out for us in very practical biblical ways.
September 3, 2024
I've been following Natalie for almost two years now and have read her previous book Raised to Stay and now The House That Jesus Built. This book is such an encouragement to all who believe in King Jesus and His mission on earth. We can be the church, a body of loving faithful followers of Christ who love God and love people. We can be the church that forgives repents and rebuilds. We need to be that church, a dying world is waiting. Go get this book and then go be the church.
September 8, 2024
The House that Jesus built is a book for all that are in or want to be in ministry or church. This book is packed with scripture, biblical knowledge and wisdom from years of personal experience within the church. As a leader in full time ministry it has both encouraged me and challenged me to be a better leader. Natalie has a way with words that makes you feel that you are in the story that she is telling. I recommend this book to anyone that wants to see their church healthy and holy.
July 30, 2024
If you love Jesus and you love His church-this book is for you! Natalie walks us through how to rebuild the Church to reflect God’s design using the book of Acts as our guide! “We are the Church. We are the ones who can partner with Jesus to build something beautiful out of the rubble-and back on the Rock.”
This book is set to release September 3rd. Preorder it today!
https://a.co/d/aszPAEN
This book is set to release September 3rd. Preorder it today!
https://a.co/d/aszPAEN
September 3, 2024
I believe this is such an important topic that needs to be tackled in the current state of the western church. Though there has been much deconstruction it can’t be without the intention of reconstruction. Natalie gives great insight on how to build healthy healing whole communities in Christ. I recommend every pastor and leader give this a read.
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