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Whether you're hoping to achieve personal and spiritual growth or are looking for guidance to help others, you'll find practical and proven wisdom in Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend's How People Grow: What the Bible Reveals About Personal Growth. Starting with the premise that all growth is spiritual growth, the authors then expound on the concept. Cloud postulates that we spend too much time focusing on problems, rather than on root issues. "We are not just to help others 'feel better' or relate better or perform better," writes Cloud. Rather, he says, people must get back into a relationship with God. With this in mind, there's a brief lesson in theology ("the 'Big Picture'"), then a look at topics such as acceptance, forgiveness, obedience, and suffering. The authors have impressive credentials: they are cofounders of Cloud-Townsend Clinic, cohosts of the nationally broadcast New Life Live radio program, and Gold Medallion winners for the bestselling Boundaries. Boxed summaries of important concepts for growth facilitators, charts, counseling anecdotes, and lots of bullet-pointed text make the content accessible. Professional and lay readers will both find biblically based tools here for personal growth and guiding others. --Cindy Crosby

From the Back Cover
Understanding the Biblical Process of Growth to Help People Move into Christ-like Maturity

Biblical insight and practical tools for resolving issues of relationships, maturity, emotional problems, and overall spiritual growth

Does Christianity really work? Why do many sincere Christians fail to make progress in some area of their lives even though they work hard to apply the spiritual solutions they have been taught? They learn about God’s love, yet continue to feel depressed. They understand the crucified life, but still struggle with problems in their relationships. They focus on their security in Christ, but continue to overeat. “Spiritual interventions” are not working for them.

To solve this dilemma, authors Henry Cloud and John Townsend examined the processes and paths that actually help people grow and made a discovery. They went to the Bible and found that the true processes that make people grow are all there. Not only is the Bible true, but what is true is in the Bible. The problem, they contend, is that many systems of growth leave out much of what the Bible teaches.

In this foundational work, Cloud and Townsend describe the principles they use in their private practice, in their teaching and seminars, and in their writing of books like Boundaries, Changes That Heal, and Safe People. Their practical approach to helping people grow really works and has such transforming power in people’s lives because their principles are grounded in both orthodox Christian faith and a keen understanding of human nature. This book will be useful both to those who are helping people grow spiritually, as well as to those who are seeking growth themselves.

About the Author
Dr. Henry Cloud is a popular speaker, licensed psychologist, cohost of the nationally broadcast "New Life Live!" radio program, and cofounder of Cloud-Townsend Clinic and Cloud-Townsend Resources. He graduated with a doctorate in clinical psychology from Rosemead Graduate School of Psychology at Biola University, and maintains a private practice in Newport Beach, California. He is the best-selling co-author of several books, including "How People Grow", "Boundaries in Dating", "Boundaries with Kids", and the Gold Medallion Award-winning "Boundaries" and "Boundaries in Marriage".;Dr. John Townsend is a popular speaker, licensed psychologist, cohost of the nationally broadcast "New Life Live!" radio program, cofounder of Cloud-Townsend Clinic and cloud-Townsend Resources. Both graduated with doctorates in clinical psychology from Rosemead Graduate School of Psychology at Biola University, and both maintain private practices in Newport Beach, California. He is the best-selling coauthor of several books, including "How People Grow", "Boundaries in Dating", "Boundaries with Kids", and the Gold Medallion Award-winning "Boundaries" and "Boundaries in Marriage".

Keywords: How People Grow, Books, Henry Cloud, John Townsend, Self-actualization (Psychology, Religious aspects, Christianity, Christian life, Biblical teaching, Religion - Christian Living, Religion, Christianity - Christian Life - General, Bible - Topical Studies, Inspirational - Protestant Self Help