Renewed: A 40-Day Devotional for Healing from Church Hurt and for Loving Well in Ministry

by Leigh Powers

Renewed is a devotional providing healing for those in ministry who have been hurt in the church. Ministry is a privilege, but it can also be a painful experience. Unrealistic expectations, church conflict, forced resignations, and our own struggles with burnout, loneliness, and insecurity can make church feel more like a place of wounding than a place of healing. How can wounded leaders find the courage to reject bitterness and keep loving the church?Renewed is a forty-day devotional for women in ministry, ministry wives, and lay leaders who have been wounded by their congregations. You are not alone. God sees your pain. He knows your hurts. And he is waiting to bind up your broken heart. This forty-day journey into the healing love of Jesus will help you find the courage to stop hiding and start loving the church again.

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2017

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book aimed primarily at wives of ministers. Powers is a pastor's wife and she laments in the first ten devotionals as she shares examples of the hurts she has experienced. She is honest in her feelings. “God, I don't like you right now.” (6) She suggests we don't hide from God when we are angry at him. She wants us to pour our feelings, like she does. Then be silent and wait, she says.

The next ten devotionals are ones to help readers deal with the hurt. Powers writes about forgiveness, even when she doesn't feel like forgiving. “Choose blessing over bitterness.” (72) Then follows ten devotions on reorienting one's self toward God, with good teaching on worship, prayer, and hope. “You are the God who fights for me.” (107) The last ten devotionals encourage readers to love again, trusting God to heal the heart. “Don't give up on the church.” (138)

Powers uses her own experiences and passages from Scripture for her teaching. Each devotion has a personal story, Scripture example and teaching for reflection, a written prayer, and thoughts for further contemplation.

This book is for wives of ministers who have been hurt by people in the congregation. I had hoped the book would also be for those who volunteer in ministry but the text relates by far to paid staff, ministers and their wives. Laypeople and volunteers in ministry who have been hurt in a church experience may have difficulty relating to the specific slant of the devotions.

I do recommend this book to pastors' wives. You'll find honest expression of hurt and sincere and encouraging writing about healing, restoration, and continued ministry.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Renee Knoblauch · Rating 5 out of 5]

re you involved in ministry? It sure can be a roller coaster ride at times. You are dealing with people and not to mention a lot of different personalities coming at you. At times you wonder if this is even worth it. In ministry you get a lot personal attacks, unrealistic expectations, burnout, heartaches and the list could go on.

My husband has served in varying aspects in the ministry for some 25 years as a youth pastor, elder, assistant pastor, and other roles. It puts you in the position to see the side of people that is ugly. We are human and at times it makes you angry, weary, and burnt out, and so many other emotions. Don’t get me wrong ministry is wonderful in so many ways and I have been blessed beyond measure serving other by my husband’s side.

A few years ago my husband and I went through a horrific ordeal with a congregation. It was plain and simple ugly. I still struggle with the situation several years later. I cared deeply for the people involved and I think that is why it still affects me so. It left a huge scar in my heart. We’ve been through lots of situations throughout the years but, this one wounded me deeply to the point of not wanting to be involved in ministry anymore. God is good and knows all our hurts and heals despite everything. Praise God that we are still being used in ministry to serve His people.

Renewed is a 40-Day Devotional for the women who are involved in ministry. It’s broken up in four parts.

Part I: Lament

Part II: Letting Go

Part III: Looking Up

Part IV: Loving Again

In each part there is a story, For Reflection, A Prayer for Today, and A Future Contemplation.

Each part starts out with a story of a women dealing with a situation. It’s her intimate thoughts that she doesn’t share with others openly. The stories are honest, raw, and heartfelt stories that you can relate too. Some of them I had to chuckle at not because it was funny because it was something I’ve thought or maybe experience before. Laughter is good medicine to the heart.

Each devotion flows beautifully in order starting out with being in a place of hurt to anger, to questioning God. Then it gracefully weaves itself to seeking God and having grace and love towards others. With titles like “Lord, How Do I Move From This”, “Lord, Help Me Dream Again”, and “Why Can’t I Let This Go.”

I took out of this book many points. One is that ministry is a privilege despite all the difficulties. We all make mistakes and I’m sure I’ve stuck my foot in my mouth when I shouldn’t have. Congregations are full of people and all their personalities and luggage. It’s bound to have issues, opinions, and impossible people to please no matter what you do. We are not alone. Millions of other women are dealing with issues just like we are.

This would make a wonderful and inspirational gift for any women serving in ministry. Don’t let people steal your joy and make you bitter. A wonderful devotions.

I received a free copy of this product

[Joycesarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leigh Powers has written a book that every Christian should read and especially those in ministry. The church is a place of hope, worship, friendship and freedom, yes, but it can also be a place of weariness, worry, strife and anxiety. As a pastor’s wife of over eighteen years I consider myself a veteran. We’ve served in tiny little places and large places. My husband has spoken in front of ten and in front of two thousand and through it all there has been triumph and tension, peace and pain, and we’ve felt the sting of rejection and the deep wounding that can come from those you are trying to lead, love, and serve.

When I started this devotional my heart was very much in a place of grief. We had just left the church where we’d spent the last seven years. I’d developed friendships within our church family and was deeply invested in many relationships and as with too many fellow pastors and their wives we became a target. My husband was slow to leave until we knew the Lord was releasing us and when He did it came with great relief and also a lot of hurt.

Opening the pages of Renewed I knew immediately that this was written by someone who had walked this same rocky journey. A fellow warrior on the front lines of ministry that had experienced deep wounding. Through her words I found myself feeling less alone and was relieved to know that I was not the only person who ever wrestled with feelings of doubt, sadness, disappointment and disillusionment. But the best part, and the part I needed so badly, was the truth in scripture that pushed past the pain and into healing.

I’ve heard it said over and over that any situation can make us better or bitter and I felt that this author opened the door to allow me to see that better is right around the corner.

Leigh said it and we know it, “Church people can be mean.” (Leigh Powers, Renewed, Page 21) This from chapter eleven also resonated deep within me, “…my pain seems like a safer place than the risky journey of forgiveness.” And some clarity and freedom came as I read on page 77, “…remember love and honor are free. Trust and respect are earned. There may be people in our lives whom we grant love and forgiveness and honor as God’s creation but can’t trust with our lives and hearts…”

This is a forty-day devotional that can be heart healing. If you’ve ever felt the hurt handed you by fellow Christians I urge you to read this work.

Thank you Leigh for your willingness to be transparent and allowing the Lord to use your pain to reach out to others in our Fishbowl sisterhood.

I was blessed to have been given an advanced copy of this book and to be asked to review it and after reading it I bought copies to give to a couple of friends. This book has touched a sore spot within me and I am grateful to know I am not a sole traveler on this journey to healing.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonder how many in ministry have been hurt by the church? I know that there are many that have been judged, felt shamed and unloved as they struggled in their ministry. This devotional would have been a great tool for me several years ago as my husband and I were deeply hurt while serving in a ministry at church. It was hard to feel rejected by a pastor and to know you were not welcomed back at the church. We had many friends in the church and suddenly they all turned their back on us.

I was so angry at God, that I couldn't imagine myself ever stepping in another church. The feelings of unworthiness overwhelmed me. My husband was able to pray and forgive those who hurt us. I on the other hand ,held on to my anger and saw my life spinning out of control.The funny thing is, we did nothing wrong. It was someone wanting to be in charge and their jealousy of us took over. I loved the part in the book where the author talks about wanting friends. It is like isolation when the church members start to ignore you. It is true that maybe we need to look for friends outside of our church. I found comfort at the library where I worked at. The people there were supportive but never once judged us for what we were going through.

Rejection is one of the hardest things to get through. When you are in ministry sometimes others don't feel comfortable asking you to join them in activities away from church. It is a hard place to be for church leaders, but the book reminds us that God is always there for us. The enemy would love to divide a church and if we aren't careful he will win. I love the prayers the author has at the end of every chapter. It really helps to speak encouraging words over ourselves and begin to heal from the pain.

One of the best chapters I read in the book was about forgiveness. I loved how the author shared how difficult it was to forgive the person who " spread lies , betrayed us, threatened us, and accused us." I also understand how it feels when the people you think have your back start questioning you or say nothing at all. " Sometimes being willing to be willing is the place we must start." It was so hard for me to let go of the pain and I struggled for a long time. I have found this devotional to be a great tool for me as I realize I still have some work to do to get past what the people in the church did to me. It seems like this book came to me at the right time in my life. I'm more open to looking at the situation with forgiveness and letting go of the past. The book is a 40-day devotional that I will use over and over again.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Kelly Harrel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading Renewed by Leigh Powers. The first sentence of the description caught my attention because yes, I’ve been in ministry in the church for years, and yes, I’ve been hurt. Badly. Not once but twice. It was painful enough that when we started attending our current church, I made excuses for over a year as to why I couldn’t serve. But I knew the bottom line—I didn’t want to be hurt yet again.

One of the characteristics I appreciate the most about Leigh is her godly honesty. She doesn’t water down the pain she endured. She doesn’t slander people in the church. She shares her hurt, disappointments, and fears in the light of God’s characteristics and grace. Those of us who serve KNOW the right answers. We can quote the scriptures. But when the people we love on and serve seem to turn on us, the pain paralyzes us. It can leave us hurt and unable to trust our brothers and sisters in Christ who we are supposed to do life with. Yet the truth is the church is filled with sinners saved by grace. Christ calls us not only to forgive but to love and continue to serve.

The book is broken down into four parts: Lament, Letting Go, Looking Up, Loving Again. Since I am not a pastor’s wife, I found some of the stories in the Lament section hard to relate to yet the scripture was applicable. And since my hurt was in the past, the first two sections were a strong reminder of the process I went through while the last two were more instructional to me. That is another benefit of this book. Regardless of where you are at in your journey through the pain, Renewed will meet you where you’re at. My first ministry hurt happened twenty-four years ago, yet I was ministered to through the Looking Up section of who I am in Christ and what He does for me. The Loving Again section gives the believer the courage to move forward and trust God as he/she continues in the ministry.

I would hesitate to say this book is for everyone, however, if you are a woman in ministry or someone who was in the ministry and hurt, it is a great resource.

Thank you, Leigh, for your honesty and for your godly example to continue to serve despite the hurt and your desire to help others along in the process.

Disclaimer: I received this ebook complimentary of the author and Celebrate Lit, and was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renewed: A 40-Day Devotional for Healing from Church Hurt and for Loving Well in Ministry by Leigh Powers is a fantastic devotional for those who have a desire to heal from church hurt. This is a book that has the potential to guide serious readers on a journey with God from hurt to healed.

It’s refreshing to announce that this is not another run of the mill devotional. You won’t find a short Scripture passage, a couple paragraph blurb and a quick prayer in this book. This devotional is truly focused on helping readers heal.

There is no denying that Leigh wrote this book from experience and with a specific mission in mind. She opens up about her experiences related to each days topic, encourages readers to engage in personal reflection, shares a targeted prayer and several questions for further contemplation…everyday!

This devotional gets to the heart of what it takes to truly heal from church hurt. Leigh writes honestly and shares experiences that many readers can relate too. She doesn’t shy away from expressing the feelings that many are afraid to admit they have when they’re hurt. In all honesty, this is one of the realest and most transparent devotionals I’ve read to date.

I enjoyed this devotional so much! It’s a quick, but very impactful read. If readers have a sincere desire to heal from church hurt and are willing to put in the work necessary to go through the healing process, this book will be a great companion along with God’s help!

I received this book free from the publisher through their book review bloggers program and I was not required to write a positive review.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renewed: A 40-Day Devotional For Healing From Church Hurt And For Loving Well In Ministry by Leigh Powers is a 40-day journey through the hurts and aches of ministry, including anger, failure, resentment, selfishness and more. Containing personal stories both from her own experiences and that of others, Leigh candidly discusses the setbacks and bumps along the road to being a pastor's wife. Each day has a main focal story, scripture, a Biblical account for similar struggles, and a prayer to help you push in closer to God through your hardships and pain.

Reminding all women that they are not alone in their trials, this book (though intended for women in ministry leadership roles) is a powerful asset for all women who have dealt with hurts or heartache at the hand of others within the Christ body.

Laid out with beautiful progression to help you work your way from pain and anger into a place of gratitude and grace, I would highly recommend working your way through this devotional one day at a time, in the order set forth. However, after reading through its powerful messages, this is one you'll definitely want to keep on the shelf to be able to read a day here and there as new situations arise to bring up past or present sorrows that need addressing. With each day given appropriately clear titles, such as "Lord, I Feel Betrayed", it is easy to find help for so many common issues within your daily relationships with God, others, and yourself. 5/5 stars.

*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary print copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are my own.*

[Jessie Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah! Have you ever read a book and thought, this was written just for me? You can totally connect with the author and what they're saying. It resonates on a deep level. She put words where you didn't have any. This book was like that for me. Growing up as a pastors kid, being the wife of a worship leader, and being on church staff myself means I experienced many of the same things the author writes about in this book. She speaks truth with love and grace. She doesn't sugar coat it. It comes out raw and ugly at times and many of us are afraid to say such things... we think them but who can we trust to hear our hearts? So we don't dare say anything out loud! I love that Powers sends the reader to scripture and prayer. She encourages reflection and further contemplation through scripture. It's not a self-help book. It's based in the Bible; where all answers can be found! It doesn't belittle or demean those who think or experience the things written in the book but it encourages full dependence on the Lord to grow and develop as a follower of Christ. It doesn't encourage one to wallow in the hurt but to see victory through the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This is a book I will read and reread. I love the detailed table of contents for the times when I need to read something specific. I can easily find the devotional for that particular thing and go right to it. I'm thankful for the author's willingness to go there. This book is a blessing. 

I received a copy of this book as a participant in the Celebrate Lit blogger team. This has in no way influenced my review. All thoughts are my own.

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked how the chapters were set up in this book. Powers starts the chapter with her own personal experiences and thoughts. She is raw, honest, and encouraging in these portions. Sometimes it's hard to connect with an author in a devotional, but I found Powers to be like a great friend in the ministry. She made me feel comfortable and open for whatever was next.

The next part of the chapter was for the bible. She included a verse or two, and discussed how that story relates to the topic of the chapter. I would recommend even taking that further by reading other commentaries, and looking up references verses. It's a time to really reflect on what you've read and allow God to speak to your heart. 

Powers ends each chapter with a prayer and questions for further contemplation. The questions were really thought provoking. For example, one question asks how you respond when you feel disrespected or dishonored. Well obviously none of us probably respond with a smile and thank the person for treating us that way. But Powers brings a great point in the follow up questions to this, and it really makes you take a step back and think about how you should respond in the future.

While the description of the book says this is for those who have been wounded by the congregation, I really think many parts of it are applicable for everyday life. I really enjoyed reading it and know that I'll probably read through it again in the future. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really resonated with my heart. I have some tender wounds that have been caused by those in the church and, because we expect Christians to be kinder, the hurts inflicted by them seem to hurt worse than from others.

I love how the author is so real and honest about situations in her life. She doesn't try to soften her words but is totally open. I also love that she points us to the Word of God as a balm to our souls and also for wisdom for all situations. This is where our truth is found.

This book is written from a Pastor's wife point of view, but if you have been in any kind of leadership in the church, you are going to really relate to this lovely devotional. I found so much healing through her words and especially the questions for contemplation at the end of each day. There is also a table of contents that speaks specifically to situations that you may have need of wisdom about. I found this especially helpful because we all have things that are bothers us more than others and it was so nice to go right to that specific subject matter.

I love this book and I know that I will re-read it over and over again. It's the first book I've read that truly helped me in the area of hurts from the church people. If you've had the same experience, I hope that you will get your own copy. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me by Celebrate Lit. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leigh Powers provides an insightful and realistic view into what is like to be a preacher’s wife. Roughly twenty-six years ago, my husband became an ordained Primitive Baptist Elder (preacher), and I became a preacher’s wife. As I read through this 40-day devotional, I found myself nodding my head in agreement with what she says. Even though we have been away from our home church since 2008, I still consider myself to be a preacher’s wife because the calling on my husband did not stop just because he went full-time in the Army Reserves.

Her complete title, Renewed: A 40-Day Devotional for Healing from Church Hurt and for Loving Well in Ministry resonated with my soul. She captures the challenges and difficulties pastors and their wives face in the church. I found the opening line for day 11 to be truthful, “Loving your enemies seems easy until you have one. And now, God – this? I’m supposed to forgive this!” As a Christian, these words come across as both honest and heartfelt. Forgiving is much easier said than done. We know it is the right thing to do, but that does not make it easy.

This book suits both pastor wives, those in ministry roles and those who have been hurt by the church. While serving is typically a calling, something someone feels led to do, it often winds up being an experience of unrealistic expectations, judgemental church members and more make ministry hard. Leigh Powers captures all those facts in a truthful and insightful view. As a preacher’s wife, I definitely recommend this book.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

To all my sisters in ministry roles of any type (pastor's wives, women's ministry directors, children's directors, etc.): if you are tired, burned out, or just dealing with a lot of emotion that is not Christ-like toward the church members you serve, you NEED to read and meditate on the Word with our author in this devotional. This book was set up in a raw, core of the issue way dealing with acknowledging your pain, asking God to help you navigate it, and finding your love for the church again regardless of circumstances. Each day is very down to earth & relatable, and each one contains Scripture & questions for further contemplation. It takes us through a cycle of how to take our hurt & fear to the Lord & allow Him to work in us and through us in the midst of it. It reminds us that the calling is of the Lord, and we are living for the audience of the One, Jesus Christ. It reminds us who we are in Christ, and that He is our Living Hope! Blessings to you sweet sisters, and thank you for being faithful to the One who called you! Let the Word of Christ & the wisdom of a fellow sister in ministry (the author), guide you through healing to obtain renewal in Christ!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Renewed" is a breath of fresh air when it comes to devotionals. It isn't the average devotional you see on the shelf and you won't find a quick paragraph with some scripture passages to read, a writing reflections but instead you will find real healing from the church that has wounded you.
Powers makes no qualms about writing from her personal experience with regards to ministry. She writes honesty, with transparency and with this rawness that I can relate to. She isn't willing to shy away from topics, but she Goes there! Which, I LOVE! We need more people who are willing to be brave!
If we want to the church to heal, we need to be brave. She encourages readers to have personal reflection through contemplative questions that will help you dig deep, every single day for 40-days! This is probably one of the hardest and best devotionals I have worked through in a long-time because it isn't a feel good devotional. In fact, I loved every minute of it. It is very impactful, if you have a desire to grow, heal and are willing to do the heavy lifting to become more whole.
I really enjoyed this devotional. A favorable review was not required. I give this book 5/5 stars.

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This nonfiction devotional book is aimed toward pastors’ wives and should say on the cover that it’s for women. It deals with hurts caused by the church and problems those in ministry face. The author sounds like she has experienced multiple devastating situations. I hope most pastors don’t have to deal with so much pain. Written honestly in first person, the author shares stories from her own life and from other ministers’ wives. She expresses her anger and her grief, along with Scripture, a prayer, and lessons learned, plus material for reflection and further contemplation each day. The book is divided into four sections: Lament, Letting Go, Looking Up, and Loving Again, with ten devotions in each. Others who feel rejected or betrayed—wounded by the congregation that should love and support them—will find help and hope in this short book. Even though I am not in ministry I could identify with many of the universal emotions and experiences included in this devotional. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Renewed" by Leigh Powers is a forty-day devotional for women in ministry, ministry wives, and lay leaders who have been wounded by their congregations. Even though the book is for ladies in ministry, I think the suggestions could be used by all ladies that has been hurt in and by the church congregation. Each day has a Biblical scripture and A Prayer For The Day and a For Further Contemplation suggestion.

I recommend this book to all Christian ladies because we have all been hurt in some form and the forgiveness chapter really is good for all of us.

I especially liked the devotion of looking for hurting sheep when you see a grumpy old man.

This book is not fake but it is an honest look at the real feelings that women in ministry have and I think that is why I like the book so well, it tells woman that it is okay to be honest and tell Jesus how they really feel. It is an easy book to follow and read by that I mean it isn't written like a text book.

I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinion are my own.

[Jennifer J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written, thoughtful, thorough and very practical devotional written by a woman of the church for women in the church. This is one to keep available for sharing and reviewing – not just for one 40-day cycle. The inclusion of sections for specific daily prayer and further contemplation questions take each selection to a level of meditation that provides a deeper experience than a simple devotional. Especially noteworthy is the progression of chapters from Lament to Loving Again - ending on a positive note of hope. Thank you, Leigh Powers, for creating an especially honest, deep and truly loving work. Highly recommended!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I am involved in ministry at our church and I have been wounded many times. So I thought this might be a good book to pray about those wounds.

Each chapter starts with a real-life experience that the author has experienced. Heartbreaking really and so cruel that way we can often treat people in leadership.

Although, I did find some of the devotions applicable I could see this being more focused on a pastor’s wife. There is a lot about feeling isolated and assumptions being made, which I do see happens a lot with pastor’s wives.

So, even though this book didn’t speak to me personally I can see it touching deeply those with Leigh’s same life experiences.

A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renewed is an outstanding devotional book that has given me inspiration every time I pick it up. Dr. Powers had spouses and people who serve in other capacities in the church family when she wrote it, but I haven’t read a single entry that couldn’t apply to the workplace, the PTA, to the soccer field, wherever. I cherish for my own turmoil as I plow through life. There are Biblical references, questions to ponder, humorous anecdotes, deep thoughts, all rolled up into three to five pages of a lesson or so. Leigh Powers is not only a brilliant Bible scholar, but she is an astute people person with a tender heart, an aptitude for reading people’s needs, and just enough sass to make her a lot of fun. This is a book to keep on your night table.

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this devotional, even though my life is not that of a wife in ministry. I was able to apply this devotional however, to how it is to be a member of a church with a congregation that isn’t what it seems. It was easy to follow the chapters and devotions, creating moments of thinking for me and seeking deeper into the God’s word.

I think that even as I am not any leader in church as a member and one that continues to seek guidance this book was healing in many ways. I truly think it should be gifted to leaders and wives of the leaders to help ease some of the conflicting feelings they may have at times with their church.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Renewed

This is a book meant to be read once a day for 40 days. It slowly goes through getting renewed in your faith. Covers forgiveness, letting go, moving on from something that happened in your life. Has Bible verses to match up with devotional for each day and a prayer for each day.

The author also talks about being a pastor wife. Definitely sounds like it can be hard at times. It was interesting hearing about different things that went on. How she dealt with with hurt feelings.

I received an complementary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.

[Susan Shipe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great healing tool for those hurt IN the church and IN ministry.

Unfortunately, these hurts happen and they are ever-so-hard to heal from. Powers offers a 40-day devotional to help walk through the hurt and the heartache of it. It is unfortunate but Christians do hurt Christians at times.

RENEWED is written to women but I believe anyone who has suffered from the Church-Hurt Condition will benefit. Some of the topics: Lament, Letting Go, Looking Up, and Loving Again.

I recommend this book to all in ministry and all who are a part of a body of believers we call church!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, it’s a good book, just not exactly what I expected. It is definitely geared to those who work within the church and less the church members itself. Having gone through a recent divide within my own church I was hoping for insight on how to deal with what I was feeling , and how to cope with that loss, and this is more her personal journey of being a pastors wife.
I would definitely recommend this book for those that are directly involved with the running of the church

I’d like to thank Netgalley for a copy of this book. The opinions are my own. .

[Hope Wiseman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meant for pastors & ministry wives who have experienced hardships in the church; It's a poignant book, nicely organized, and has content that uniquely expresses the particular grievances ministry spouses experience. Excellent book to help on your journey of healing and have hope again for the pastors wife as well useful to those in churches to understand the ministry life of their leaders.

[Sandra Lovelace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leigh Powers scores big in this 40-Day devotional. Her willingness to open up about the real struggles in ministry make her insights priceless. The solid biblical foundation of the encouragement she offers to move forward will not only motivate but sustain her readers into the future God has planned.

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a devotional based around church ministry and the hurt that members can do to one another. It was interesting. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[Katherine R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Devotionals are good, but felt very specific to pastors or pastor’s wives. Didn’t have many examples from more of a lay ministry type of position.

[Christina Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely helpful for anyone who's going through or has been through pain in ministry or church trauma in some way.

[Becca Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renewed is a 40 day devotional that digs down deep into some of the more painful and difficult heart issues that arise through not only church ministry, but life in general. Each day, the author shares a bit about a personal situation she’s faced that has led her to have emotional and/or spiritual hurts, and then attempts to process them by sharing a verse or passage followed by a devotional that deals with the specific topic. The content of the devotionals is broad enough to see through your own personal situation, but also specific enough to see how God is able to help us process and approach what’s before us. There was also a prayer and finally some thoughts for further reflection. There were many instances that I couldn’t relate specifically to the situations the author was describing, but I was still able to relate to the heart issues from my own personal experiences. The thoughts for further reflection actually helped with this because of the way they were worded. They led me to look within at my heart instead of the circumstances around me. They asked about how I react in my heart to situations that cause pain, anger, frustration, fear, etc instead of calling on specific events. It really personalized my experience in how I processed and gained from reading this book.
One of the things Satan likes to do is to isolate us and make us feel like we are the only ones going through something. We are afraid to talk about what hurts us and that we struggle. The truth is, we aren’t meant to suffer alone. God gave us a wonderful gift of fellowship with Himself and other believers. We don’t have to be going through the same exact situations in order to understand and relate based on what is going on in our hearts. We can struggle to be forgiving for a number of reasons. We can feel unworthy or unloved, left-out, angry, wronged, etc. The emotions are the same, but what leads us to them may not be. This book is helpful for so many reasons because it aims to get us to think on a deeper level than simply what is happening before us.
While this book is technically geared towards people who are wrestling with hurt from church, it is useful on a much broader spectrum. The hurt doesn’t necessarily have to come from church, but it could come from a family member, friend, or even co-worker. The aim of the book is to get the reader to start thinking about their situation on a more spiritual level and consider how God would want them to proceed as well as what comfort God would have for them. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the things of this world and the things that hurt us. It’s often hard to look up when we are struggling, but that’s what God is calling us to do. When we have the right focus, we are better able to handle what’s going on around us.
Life is messy. Relationships are messy. If you’re an active member of your church, chances are you know that sometimes the phrase “church family” involves feelings and battles that are often seen in a regular family. We are all sinners and imperfect people. Showing love isn’t always the easiest, but it’s what we are called to give. This was a very thought-provoking, encouraging and convicting book. I would recommend it to a broader audience than people who have felt hurt by the church. It’s also useful for equipping people for dealing properly with conflict and hurt, and that’s a much wider audience than a specific ministry. It’s well worth the time to read and think on all that it reveals and heals in our hearts.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to give a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

[MaryAnn Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis: RENEWED is a devotional providing healing for those in ministry who have been hurt in the church.

Ministry is a privilege, but it can also be a painful experience. Unrealistic expectations, church conflict, forced resignations, and our own struggles with burnout, loneliness, and insecurity can make church feel more like a place of wounding than a place of healing. How can wounded leaders find the courage to reject bitterness and keep loving the church?

RENEWED is a forty-day devotional for women in ministry, ministry wives, and lay leaders who have been wounded by their congregations. You are not alone. God sees your pain. He knows your hurts. And he is waiting to bind up your broken heart. This forty-day journey into the healing love of Jesus will help you find the courage to stop hiding and start loving the church again.

My Review: Working in ministry can be hard, complex and difficult at times. Leigh has done an impressive job of putting in perspective what happens in ministry. Churches are built up of people and personalities; so there will be times of conflicts, difficult people and those who wish to oppose ideas in your ministry.

This book of devotions will help those in ministry learn to turn to God and His word for comfort and understanding. There are topics of lamenting, forgiveness, learning to lean on Him in rough times and just giving it all to Him.
This is a must-have book for anyone in ministry, especially for pastor's wives so they will know what they are going to be facing when they take on the role of Pastor's Wife and knowing that they aren't the only one experiencing those certain situations; it's comforting knowing that you aren't the only one.

This would make a lovely gift for any women in ministry, I have truly enjoyed this book and found it very useful in my life.









received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.