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How to Get Hurt by the Church and Still Love Jesus
If you're looking at this book, it’s likely because you’ve been hurt by a place and a people who were supposed to reflect God’s love.
You're not alone.
In this honest, unflinching, and deeply personal account, Seth invites readers into the raw journey of healing from “church hurt.” Through stories drawn from real experiences of betrayal, rejection, and disillusionment he offers a voice of empathy, a call to hope, and a reminder that while God’s people may fail us, God Himself never will.
This book is a companion for those walking through the wilderness, struggling to reconcile their wounds with their faith.
Whether you're freshly wounded or decades removed from the moment that broke you, this book is for you.
Because healing is possible. Hope is real. And yes, by the grace of God, you can still love Jesus and even find your way back to His Church.
You're not alone.
In this honest, unflinching, and deeply personal account, Seth invites readers into the raw journey of healing from “church hurt.” Through stories drawn from real experiences of betrayal, rejection, and disillusionment he offers a voice of empathy, a call to hope, and a reminder that while God’s people may fail us, God Himself never will.
This book is a companion for those walking through the wilderness, struggling to reconcile their wounds with their faith.
Whether you're freshly wounded or decades removed from the moment that broke you, this book is for you.
Because healing is possible. Hope is real. And yes, by the grace of God, you can still love Jesus and even find your way back to His Church.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 26, 2025
First thing I want to say about this book is: I need a hard copy!
There were many things Seth Johnson wrote in this book that reveal his love for the healing Word of God in the face of pain.
His steadfast love for Jesus is exposed in this easy read about hard truths and experiences,
He shares his own journey of finding that it is possible to love those who hurt you and still protect yourself trusting that God brings justice that man cannot produce on his own through the love of Jesus.. This is an insightful and compassionate guide to help the hurting people in church, in life, and the world.
If you have experienced hurt of any kind the wisdom in this work will be a healing balm on the pain you have felt no matter what the circumstance and the time that has passed.
The gentle lessons Johnson demonstrates from his own life are guidepost for healing offences that occur naturally on this side of heaven when people bump up against people and idols replace God.
Thank you,
Patty Wicker
Fort Worth, Texas
There were many things Seth Johnson wrote in this book that reveal his love for the healing Word of God in the face of pain.
His steadfast love for Jesus is exposed in this easy read about hard truths and experiences,
He shares his own journey of finding that it is possible to love those who hurt you and still protect yourself trusting that God brings justice that man cannot produce on his own through the love of Jesus.. This is an insightful and compassionate guide to help the hurting people in church, in life, and the world.
If you have experienced hurt of any kind the wisdom in this work will be a healing balm on the pain you have felt no matter what the circumstance and the time that has passed.
The gentle lessons Johnson demonstrates from his own life are guidepost for healing offences that occur naturally on this side of heaven when people bump up against people and idols replace God.
Thank you,
Patty Wicker
Fort Worth, Texas
January 7, 2026
The message of this book is needed, especially in 2026. Like many others, I have experienced several church splits, and Seth takes a thoughtful approach to walking through that trauma. Many of his points led me to revisit past wounds and realize that, rather than fully dealing and healing, I had just buried them.
I know and love Seth as a friend, but I know that trust is hard to come by these days. You might be in a season where you are skeptical of the messenger, whoever that may be. In the book, Seth uses a metaphor to remind us that we are simply carriers of God's message, donkeys. And let’s be honest, Seth is a donkey.
The point stands that he is just the carrier. I encourage you not to let the messenger prevent you from receiving a good word. The message, both in this book and in your church, is bigger than the man.
I know and love Seth as a friend, but I know that trust is hard to come by these days. You might be in a season where you are skeptical of the messenger, whoever that may be. In the book, Seth uses a metaphor to remind us that we are simply carriers of God's message, donkeys. And let’s be honest, Seth is a donkey.
The point stands that he is just the carrier. I encourage you not to let the messenger prevent you from receiving a good word. The message, both in this book and in your church, is bigger than the man.
January 11, 2026
If you’ve ever experienced pain in the church and wondered how to move forward, this book speaks directly to that journey. How to Get Hurt by the Church and Still Love Jesus blends biblical truth with humor and vulnerability while emphasizing the urgency and beauty of forgiveness. It offers a refreshing, joyful, and deeply relevant presentation of the gospel. This will be one I read again and share with others!
January 21, 2026
Must read for every Christian
This book is for the shepherds! This is a testimony for those that have been hurt by people and still choose to love Jesus thru the pain.
This book is for the shepherds! This is a testimony for those that have been hurt by people and still choose to love Jesus thru the pain.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It’s the book I needed when I went through my own church drama
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews