In this powerful episode of Priorities on Purpose, I sit down with Natalie Runion from Raised to Stay to dive deep into the realities of church hurt, healing, and staying connected to God through challenging seasons. Natalie shares her journey of growing up in the church, witnessing her parents' pain, and how God called her back to ministry with a profound message to 'stay' when walking away felt easier.

If you've ever felt disillusioned by the church or felt unseen, this episode will encourage you to lean into God's calling without fear. We unpack topics like recognizing healthy vs. unhealthy church environments, stepping into service even when you're not 'officially' on staff, and trusting God's timing for your role in the body of Christ.

Natalie's authenticity and vulnerability shine through as she speaks about the beauty of obedience, why the church still matters, and how God uses our willingness to show up, even when we feel unqualified. Whether you're wrestling with church culture or questioning your place, this episode will speak to your heart.

Key Takeaways:

[00:02] - Welcome & Introduction to Natalie Runion

[01:13] - How God Connected Our Messages: Obedience and Alignment

[04:18] - Natalie's Early Ministry Journey and the Call to 'Stay'

[06:42] - Church Hurt and Wrestling with Imperfect People

[10:01] - How to Discern a Healthy vs. Unhealthy Church

[12:39] - The Difference Between Being Critical and Being a Fruit Inspector

[16:12] - Navigating Leadership That Plays Church Instead of Being the Church

[22:14] - The Purpose of Membership and What Really Matters

[25:09] - Why Churches Focus More on Programs Than Jesus

[28:37] - Embracing the Misfits: Why the Church Needs Diverse Testimonies

[33:30] - Serving and Being Jesus' Hands and Feet, Even When You're Not on Staff

Resources Mentioned:

Raised to Stay by Natalie Runion

The House that Jesus Built by Natalie Runion

Follow Natalie on Instagram: @raisedtostay

Call to Action:

Connect with Melissa:

Website: melissabatt.com

Instagram: @melissabattofficial

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