Raised to Stay: Persevering in Ministry When You Have a Million Reasons to Walk Away

I recently left full-time ministry due to some serious hurt and am wrestling with the greater theme of what it would look like to leave the church. I don't want to leave, but at the same time I feel too jaded to stay - at least in any form of ministry. Natalie's book "Raised to Stay" will give words to your pain, validate and honor where you've been, while still calling you to the relationship with Jesus (and his church) that you fell in love with in the first place. If you've ever been hurt by the church, or have ever wrestled with thoughts of just not going back, let this be your gentle nudge to PLEASE get this book. There is healing. There is hope. It's just kind of hard to see sometimes. This book is like the pair of glasses you've been searching for all along.

If you or anyone you know has ever experience “church hurt” you need to buy this book. It is well written, and Natalie shares her own story and guides you though, all while pointing g the way to God. He didn’t hurt you, people did. Raised to Stay is powerful and eye opening. You won’t regret a second of it.

As a Pastors wife, I so resonate with every word on every page of this book! This book provides perspective, understanding and grace for those who have been hurt but it doesn’t end there. That perspective, understanding and grace is met with the truth of God‘s word, and the reason why we truly stay!

It’s always beautiful when a book comes along right when you need it. I pre-ordered this book as soon as it was available for pre-order and anxiously awaited its arrival. I had just gone through some hard with a church and had decided to stay in THE church. Natalie Runion’s words on Instagram had helped nudge me along the path of hurt and heartbreak and I knew this book would have even more encouragement and understanding. And I was not disappointed! Everyone’s season of “going” looks different, but our reason for staying should always be the same. Jesus. This book does a great job of touching on so much of all of that. Amazing work from author Natalie Runion.

I’m not a book worm at all and reading books is not one of my hobbies. I came across this book in a season of struggle in the church and this helped me heal in so many ways I can’t even express. I know that God led me to this book and it was a huge part of my healing journey. This book has a true anointing and a story of conviction attached to it. This book doesn’t scratch your ear nor does it let you stay in a place of bitterness or unforgiveness. The understanding that we can’t use every excuse to leave the church but there are times when it is necessary to excuse yourself to save your family. It has given me the understanding that I’m not leaving I’m going. To continue to run the race and go forward for Christ and encourage those to stay when you have a million reasons to walk away.

Okay, so here’s the deal. I’m a pastor’s kid & I grew up in church. The amount of betrayal & dishonesty I have seen from “Christians” has been insane. I came to Raised to Stay because I needed to find healing.I love the church & I have always loved the church. This book helped me understand how to love the church even better. Even after I’ve been hurt. Even on days when I don’t know how to love the church.If you want a book to bash the church, move along. But if you want to find forgiveness, healing, love, & peace, READ THIS BOOK!

Raised To Stay is a powerful, gut wrenching, honest look at ministry in the Church. It will encourage the reader to view past hurts in a different light, and to find the courage to keep moving forward in their walk with God and His Church.

Raised to Stay is a well written book challenging the believers to stay with God and his purpose for our lives. Natalie is very transparent in her experience and doesn’t give excuses to walk away but the very reason why we should stick and stay! Before you throw in the towel give this book a try!

Loved thus book if you have been hurt by church, discouraged, felt your plan has not come to fruition as you expected. Feel like giving up on God.... Or already have. Read this book. A clear, open and honest reflection on how to resolve church hurt issues.

Natalie’s transparency & humility is incredibly refreshing as she takes us on her journey. She makes you feel like you are taking a walk with an old trusted friend. The beautiful revelations she shares will heal, equip & reposition your heart.

Natalie writes this book as if she’s having a conversation with you directly. It’s easy and relatable to read, yet it comes with deep and challenging content to make you think and reconsider “staying”. Highly recommend if you’re in or out and anywhere in between!

Highly recommended

Each have own idiosyncrasies when it comes to experiences, so can relate to some parts more than others, but good to bring into the open so value perspective.