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About the Book
Author: Ray Beeson & Chris Hayward
Release date: March 14, 2017
Genre: Non-fiction
Church should be a safe place, right? Then why do so many get hurt there? Ray Beeson and Chris Hayward combine their years of ministry experience to address head-on the elephant in the room: church members and church leaders hurt Christians. All the time. And the long-lasting effects—rejection, shame, despair, loneliness, fear—can be devastating. The authors have witnessed the rise of the “dones,” those who are just done with God thanks to scars from church.
With first-person stories of hurt and loss, this book is a wake-up call for any who deny woundedness in the church but is also a redemptive message for any who hurt from church wounds. Leaders and laypeople alike will learn how to grieve over abuse, to leave unhealthy attitudes and patterns that cause pain, and to trust in God’s real, delivering work through churches that build up, not tear down. Thanks to the grace of God, there is always hope beyond the pain.
My Thoughts
Christians wound their own, and most of us probably know someone who has been hurt or even turned away from God and the church because of this. I don’t understand why we can’t forgive as we’ve been forgiven and freely offer the same grace that we’ve received. Many Christians do, but not all – and it’s those who don’t that seem to get the most attention.Wounded in the Church, a book that explores this topic in great depth, would be great for personal use and also as a resource for pastors and church leaders. The authors divide this topic into two parts – “The Pain” and “The Hope.” It’s well written, incorporates a lot of real-life examples, and is solidly Scripture based. I loved the meditative ending of each chapter, which includes a proverb and “Psalms for the Wounded” section.
This book is not only helpful to those who have been hurt by other Christians, but eye opening in showing how we could unintentionally be the actual ones wounding others at times. I would like for it to have had more of a personal focus rather than on the established church, but this book still has many strong points. Wounded in the Church is well worth the read.
Recommended.
I was provided a free copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
About the Authors
Ray Beeson is the director of Overcomers Ministries, a teaching ministry with a special emphasis on spiritual warfare and prayer. Ray teaches seminars on spiritual warfare, prayer, and Christlike living and is the author of numerous books including Signed in His Blood (Charisma House, 2014) and The Hidden Price of Greatness (Overcomers, 2000). Ray and his wife, Linda, live in Ventura, CA.Chris Hayward has had over thirty-six years of pastoral ministry and is currently serving as president of Cleansing Stream Ministries, a discipleship ministry that works with the local church around the world. He is also the author of God’s Cleansing Stream (Chosen Books, 2004) and The End of Rejection (Chosen Books, 2007). Chris and his wife, Karen, live in Castaic, CA.
Guest Post from Ray Beeson & Chris Hayward
When we tell people we’ve written a book entitled “Wounded in the Church,” many nod knowingly. Sadly, the pain and heartache that happens in churches is all too common. Collectively, the two of us have spent more than 70 years in ministry. During that time we have seen neglect, tactlessness, and blatant insensitivity fostered by some leaders and congregations resulting in the wounding of others. We realize it is not prolific in every church, but the wounding is significant and it needs to be exposed.That is why we wrote this book – we share real stories of real people who were wounded in church, a place that should be a shelter of God’s love and peace. Sometimes people are abused by leaders or church members. There are also times when leaders are abused by people within the congregation. As you read, perhaps you’ll identify with some of the situations described. If so, be assured you are not alone. If you have been wounded, it is our hope and prayer God uses this book to facilitate healing. Because of Jesus Christ, there is hope beyond the pain.
Giveaway
To celebrate this tour, Whitaker House is giving away
- Grand Prize: Kindle Fire and Wounded in the Church by Ray Beeson and Chris Hayward
- First Place Prize: Walking by Faith mug with matching pen OR Bouquet of Blessings mug and Wounded in the Church - Second Place Prize: Walking By Faith pen and Wounded in the Church
Book sounds very interesting. I have known people who have turned away from their religion after members of their church wouldn't accept a member of their family.
ReplyDeleteI hate it when the church acts this way, Dianne, but I'm afraid it happens more than we realize. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteThis book sounds like it is much needed in the church/Christian community. Wounding happens more than we realize.
ReplyDeleteThis book is needed in the church community. Glad to see someone has.
ReplyDeleteNice review for Wounded in the Church. I've known so many that has been hurt as others (including ministers)( would insist they had to do as they said instead of letting God lead and convict them of changes needed in their own lives. Thank you sharing.
ReplyDeleteToo many times we unknowingly hurt others.
ReplyDeleteThank you Carole: Your kind words make it worth writing a most difficult book. Although we have had so many wonderful comments we do run across some who don't understand the immensity of the problem. Our personal comfort in writing the book came from our belief that the church still belongs to Jesus. He sees the tears of the wounded but still asks that we become a part of the comforting process. And of course kind words like yours further help us to realize it worth the effort. Ray Beeson
ReplyDeleteI agree - this is a very needed and well-written book! Thank you for sharing it!
ReplyDelete