Natalie Runion

An honest exploration of disappointment with the Church, Raised to Stay is for anyone weary of God’s people but longing to keep their faith in God.

God might seem silent right now. God’s people might seem not worth the wounds. But hold on as Natalie Runion embarks on a journey for all who are wandering, wondering, and wrestling. Together, we will move toward trusting God again, knowing that even though Christian community may fail us, the love of God never fails.

When we say yes to God, we don’t say yes to church politics, ladder climbing, or burnout. We say yes to Jesus. We say yes to hope. We say yes to much that we can still embrace. Through honest words and deeply personal story, Runion challenges us to be part of a generation known for the passionate pursuit of Christ. To be remembered for loving one another, forgiving one another, and persevering with one another in our hunger for God. We aren’t quitters. We are the stayers.

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 can:

• 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 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.

Collaborator or competition? Trusted friend or backstabbing rival? Bestselling author Natalie Runion flips the script on narratives that keep us from enjoying God’s design for female friendships.

Even women in the Church often find it hard to trust—or like—other women. But when we see one another as a refuge, rather than an enemy, we can delight in God’s life-giving design for sacred sisterhood. In I Don’t Even Like Women, Natalie Runion shows us how meaningful female friendships not only foster spiritual growth, they equip women to live out their calling with boldness and joy. You’ll find yourself in these pages as Natalie:

• Breaks down the lies that distance us from other women
• Validates the reality of past trauma and equips us to find healing
• Shares stories (with a good dose of humor!) that help us move beyond insecurities, fear of rejection, and the comparison game
• Offers practical help for strengthening current relationships and building new ones

When we take apart our own false narratives and assumptions, we see that spiritually enriching, healthy friendships are essential to the Body of Christ. A refreshing recognition of how God made each of us in His image—and not only likes us but cherishes us—I Don’t Even Like Women focuses on how the unique experiences of women can unify us rather than divide us—for the good of God’s Kingdom.