Book Review: After Church Hurt by Timothy St. John
Counselor Timothy St. John offers compassion and hope to individuals who have experienced hurt in emotionally and spiritually damaging church cultures.
The local church is meant to function as a healing and helping community that cares for God’s people. But what if, instead of grace and care, someone experienced harm and hurt? When the church becomes a place of abuse and silence, the pain leaves people spiritually disoriented and alone. These individuals may wonder if they will ever feel safe around God’s people again. Instead of running to God and his people, they run as far away as possible.
St. John defines church hurt as any unrepentant sin that is minimized, normalized, or promoted by a church culture and its leadership. In After Church Hurt, he invites sufferers into the gentle care of their Good Shepherd, offering hope, clarity, and guidance for healing in his grace. Through real-life stories, biblical insights, and practical tools, this book provides a path to understanding church hurt, embracing grace, and courageously moving toward a healthy community.
- Helps sufferers process their emotions and reflect on their painful experiences through the lens of Scripture.
- Provides practical advice for finding a new church, assessing its culture, and rebuilding trust in relationships.
- Equips counselors and helpers for walking alongside those who have been wounded by their churches.
Julie’s Review:
I was intrigued to see this book addresses church hurt from a counselor’s perspective. Church hurt is real, and more wounded believers are seeking answers and help outside the church walls.
Timothy St. John’s Church Hurt is a great resource for understanding and hope for healing after church hurt. It not only offers help for the victims, but for counselors who will come across this topic. The end also has valuable appendices, including processing feelings, and an assessment to consider if looking for a new church. All of it is Biblical and relatable.
If anything, I wished there had been more for those going through hurt and seeking healing instead of also addressing fellow counselors. There isn’t much on this topic, and those going through church hurt are hungry for as much information as possible. Perhaps the author will see the need and write a subsequent book.
For now, enjoy Church Hurt: Healing in the Care of the Good Shepherd. It’s got great information and encouragement to get you started on a path toward Godly healing and moving forward.
I received a copy from the publisher, but all opinions are my own.
