The House That Jesus Built: Leading Our Churches Back to God's Original Blueprint

by Natalie Runion

From the bestselling author of Raised to Stay comes a hope-filled, practical path forward for our churches to rebuild from the rubble of deconstruction and the discouragement of recent years and become the world-changing family of God again.
 
God’s Word provides us the foundation, floor plan, and framework for a holy, healthy, and safe Church. Yet in recent years, our culture’s deconstruction of faith, the “great resignation” in Church leadership and attendance, and the devastation of spiritual abuse have broken down God’s beautiful design.
 
In The House that Jesus Built, bestselling author Natalie Runion gives insight and encouragement to all the “stayers” who want to be a part of rebuilding our churches, brick by brick. With personal stories and practical ideas, she shows us how we
  Reengage our church communities while acknowledging past hurt and disappointment Reflect and pray as we ask how we as leaders and Christ followers have contributed to pain in our churches today 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 role in the early Church but remained committed to love God, love people, and make disciples Be unified on the one foundation of Jesus Christ  
The House That Jesus Built will stir your heart to see God’s churches become healthy, whole, and back on mission with the Great Commission and Great Command. As Natalie reminds us, we are the Church. We are the ones who can partner with Jesus to rebuild something beautiful out of the rubble—and back on the Rock.
 
 

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2024

Reviews

[Mary Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie's first book -- Raised To Stay -- really set the tone for this book. She wrote about her life story and encouraged readers to 'stay' in Church, even if you've been hurt (not abused -- totally different thing). She shared that in her next book (this one!!) that she would approach this from the Church perspective and share how the Church has veered off course and what we can do to right the ship.

If you've been a Christian for very long, chances are you've been hurt and/or you've hurt someone. If you've been a Christian for very long, and been faithful to attend a local church and be involved, chances are you've been hurt and/or you've hurt someone.

Church hurt is real. Natalie does a beautiful job in The House That Jesus Built of being very real about the hurt the Church has caused, calling us up to own it, repent from it, and change our ways. She encourages the reader to be bold, brave, and to stand up for what you know is right.

I wish this book had been around 30 years ago when I had no clue how to navigate Church hurt. I let it define me and wore it like a badge of honor. It wasn't until years later that I even realized it was something I could heal from.

Natalie's book will give you the jumpstart to that healing . . .you really should grab a copy today. You won't regret it.

[Sara Vandenbos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. As someone who grew up in the church, watched leaders fall, abuse happen, and lives be changed (for the good and bad); this book resonated with me. Now that I’m in full time ministry, it hit at an entirely different level. I was challenged, convicted, and encouraged through Natalie’s words. Now I want to read her other book!

[Dr V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resonant

[Elizabeth Woolworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

opened my eyes

This book is honestly just what I needed. It has opened my eyes and heart and will definitely be reading this again.