Ep. 218 Natalie Runion - Reconstruction After Deconstruction: Going Back to the Original Blueprint
Sep 6, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, Natalie Runion, a bestselling author and founder of Raised to Stay, shares her transformative vision for the church's future. She emphasizes returning to the biblical principles found in the book of Acts, cultivating a Spirit-led community. Natalie dives into rebuilding faith after deconstruction, the essence of true discipleship, and the healing power of unity and prayer. With insights on authentic worship and the need for genuine accountability, she inspires listeners to root their identity firmly in Christ.
Rebuilding the church must be rooted in Jesus, emphasizing love for God and others, while addressing past hurts through authentic community.
Discipleship should prioritize active engagement with scripture, encouraging personal spiritual growth and aligning identity with Christ over performance.
Establishing a culture of prayer as a joyful communion with God strengthens communal ties and fosters authentic spiritual relationships.
Deep dives
Building on a Christ-Centered Foundation
Rebuilding the church on a solid foundation rooted in Jesus is vital for true growth and health. A church should reflect the core values of loving God and loving people while actively making disciples. This foundation is not solely about deconstruction and addressing past hurts; it is about creating an environment where hope is given and lived out through authentic community and service. Focusing on the blueprint found in the book of Acts, the church can be spirit-led and missional, ensuring that all activities are aligned with its core mission.
The Importance of Discipleship
Discipleship must be at the forefront of the church's mission to build healthy spiritual lives. The church should facilitate environments where individuals engage deeply with scripture and grow in their faith collectively. This approach counters cultural comfort and highlights the necessity of active participation in church life, encouraging everyone to take ownership of their spiritual growth. Authentic discipleship aligns personal identity with Christ instead of performance or social validation, fostering a robust community that supports and nurtures one another.
Creating a Culture of Prayer
Prayer should be positioned as a foundational practice within the church, transforming from an obligation into a joyful invitation to commune with God. Establishing a culture where prayer is prioritized allows individuals to learn how to pray and intercede for one another, strengthening communal ties and spiritual growth. Churches should encourage participation in prayer without the pressure of performance, allowing members to express their authentic relationship with God. By consistently emphasizing prayer as a first fruit, the church invites divine intervention and aligns members' hearts with God’s mission.
True Leadership in the Church
The role of shepherds in the church is crucial, as true leaders prioritize the care and growth of their congregations over administrative tasks. This involves hiring and developing leaders who genuinely care for the spiritual health of the community rather than focusing solely on the bottom line. Effective shepherding includes guiding individuals toward spiritual maturity, creating a safe environment for growth, and addressing issues of accountability. This establishes a robust support system, enabling congregants to feel valued, known, and nurtured as part of a cohesive body.
Unity Amidst Diversity
Unity within the church is paramount, especially when navigating various perspectives and experiences. The collective mission of making disciples must take precedence, driving individuals to focus on shared goals rather than disagreements. By fostering a culture of acceptance and grace, the church can encourage members to engage in difficult conversations calmly and respectfully. Ultimately, a focus on unity enables the church to maintain its strength and fulfill its calling to expand God’s Kingdom while loving one another actively.
In this episode, Natalie Runion shares her vision for rebuilding the church on the solid foundation of Jesus, moving past the deconstruction and hurt many have experienced. We discuss the blueprint found in the book of Acts for a Spirit-led, missional, and unified church that loves God and loves people. Natalie provides practical insights on cultivating a culture of prayer, developing true shepherds, and keeping our identity rooted in Christ rather than performance or platform. This is a hopeful and challenging conversation about the future of the church. Join us as we make sure the bones of our church screams Jesus.
Natalie Runion is the USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and ECPA bestselling author of Raised to Stay: Persevering in Ministry When You Have a Million Reasons to Walk Away and The House That Jesus Built: Leading Our Churches Back to God’s Original Blueprint (September 2024). She is also the founder of Raised to Stay, an online community of over 161,000 “Stayers” who are honest in their wrestling about their relationship with Jesus and His Church. A pastor’s daughter from Cincinnati, Ohio, Natalie graduated from Miami University with a degree in education and has served as a pastor in the local church for over twenty years. She is a songwriter, worship leader, podcaster, and sought-after speaker at churches and conferences around the world. Natalie lives in Kentucky with her husband, Tony, and their two daughters. Natalie and Tony work together to provide training and education to pastors and leaders in pursuit of a healthy and reconciled Church.