How People Grow: What the Bible Reveals About Personal Growth

I bought this book under the pretense that it would tell me how to grow people! Like in garden. Think of the advantages of having a people crop. The amount of work you could get done while still enjoying your leisure time.Overall, you cannot go wrong with this book. Very insightful, if your expectations meet what the book was actually written about. Hint, you will to learn how to grow people by reading this book. Unless, your intention is to grow spiritually, if that is your reason, then buy it. Great book.

First of all, this is a very long book. Nearly 400 pages. Each chapter, however, is filled or rather replete with knowledge and information and guidance regarding spiritual growth in the Bible according to God’s plan. Townsend and Cloud have a very practical and interesting way of pointing out in scripture things that I did not see before. This is interesting because I have been a student of the Bible for over 40 years. This book will find its way into my permanent library and will be referenced often for decades to come.

For my entire life, I've been struggling with the concepts of "trying hard to grow" and "letting the Holy Spirit do the work". I always end up trying very hard to grow and end up extremely exhausted and at the same time thinking that I'm not really letting the Holy Spirit do the work here... But if I don't work hard and "let the Holy Spirit work" then I will just stay lazy and not grow. I was sooooo frustrated and did not know what to do.I was also very frustrated at people who just stay stagnant and do not grow! I mean, why won't they try harder!!! Discipline themselves and grow! Seriously!!! Here I am, trying so hard to grow, but they are just so lazy and do nothing much.But boy, after reading this book, I felt soooooooo relieved and full of hope for my (and other people's) future! This book really revealed to me how God designed us to grow!!! It is through the Body of Christ! Ephesians 4:16—“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”Now I have much less stress on myself and also when I care about others, because I know that grace and truth in the Body of Christ is so important for one's growth. I used to just use guilt to drive myself (and sometimes others) to growth, which doesn't really work, and in the end you feel exhausted. Also, it's not God's intention to make us feel condemned anyway! Jesus came to save us from condemnation!! We are now under Grace, not Law anymore!I am just so thankful for God bringing to me this book... I have a whole new perspective on growth both for myself and others!! Thank you Dr. Cloud and Townsend!

Wonderful read! Not to be missed.

The content of the book is very good, helpful and I believe consistent with scripture. The first part of the book isn't as useful as later sections, and the writing isn't the greatest. But it isn't bad either. I would recommend getting a hardback copy since the printing in the margins of the paperback is hidden in the crevice between the pages. Very poor printing - actually it is very unprofessional. I am surprised that any publisher would let it be distributed.

Such a wonderful work, everyone should read this book. Did not disappoint on bit. God has definitely blessed these two for our lives.

This book, especially the material/chapter on processing emotional pain, is the best I have ever read. The Christian Church is in major trouble in its refusal to obey the book they profess so loudly and passionately to follow, but don't. They talk a lot, but do little walking of that talk....and they are always way to anxious to ask you ( the victim...of abuse from your parent or spouse, etc etc) "have you forgiven them?" before you have even had a chance to deal with the pain. There's a big story behind this huge problem of insisting on "leap frogging" over the pain piece after you have been hurt by someone....and the church really needs to read what this book has to say about that problem, in a really big way. I cannot recommend this book too highly. I've read many many psych books over the years and this is one of the very best. Now....if only the Christians would read it and practice it...it only "points up" what the "good book" has said for the last 2000 years and the church has arogantly refused to obey. Is that what they call hypocrisy?????

This is not an easy read. While it is written in everyday language, it covers deep topics about God, the Bible, and personal growth. It is immensely practical. And, the principles work for all people, not just orthodox Christians. Be aware, many Bible verses are included. Great for Christian’s who want to grow as people. Also, for those working with Christians to have a framework of growth to help them grow and address problems in their journey.