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How People Grow: What the Bible Reveals About Personal Growth

henry cloud john townsend

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How People Grow reveals why all growth is spiritual growth and how you can grow in ways you never thought possible. Our desire to grow runs deep. Yet the issues in our lives and relationships that we wish would change often stay the same, even with our best efforts at spiritual growth. What does it take to experience increasing strength and depth in our spiritual walk, our marriages and family lives and friendships, our personal development--in everything life is about? And how can we help others move into growth that is profound and lasting? Unpacking the practical and passionate theology that forms the backbone of their counseling, Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend shatter popular misconceptions about how God operates to reveal how growth really happens. You'll Shining focused light on the great doctrines and themes of Christianity, How People Grow helps you understand the Bible in a way that will help you head with confidence down the high road of growth in Christ. Workbook also available.

368 pages, Paperback

First published October 16,2001

This edition

Format
368 pages, Paperback
Published
May 10, 2004 by Zondervan
ISBN
9780310257370
ASIN
0310257379
Language
English

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About the author

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henry cloud

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Dr. Cloud has written or co-written twenty-five books, including the two million-seller Boundaries. His most recent books are Boundaries for Leaders and Necessary Endings. He has earned three Gold Medallion awards, and was awarded the distinguished Retailers Choice award for God Will Make A Way.

As president of Cloud-Townsend Resources, Dr. Cloud has produced and conducted hundreds of public seminars around the country. He speaks on relationships—marriage, parenting, dating, personal growth, and spirituality. His seminars are often broadcast live to over two thousand venues at a time.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
41(41%)
4 stars
25(25%)
3 stars
34(34%)
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100 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
caboose510
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I'm not saying this is a horrible book.

In fact, I'm not saying that at all. What I am saying is that it is definitely not the kind of book that I take pleasure in or would typically read of my own free will.

I am well aware that there are individuals out there who can and ought to gain something from reading this. However, for me, it simply wasn't to my taste.

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to books. Some people might love the style, the subject matter, or the way the story is told in this particular book. But for me, it didn't click.

Maybe it was the writing style that didn't appeal to me, or perhaps the plot didn't hold my interest. Whatever the reason, it just wasn't the right fit for my reading preferences.

That doesn't mean it's a bad book. It just means that it wasn't the book for me. And that's okay. There are so many other wonderful books out there waiting for me to discover.
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Iamhereatlast
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Cloud & Townsend are perhaps most widely recognized for their numerous co-authored books under the name "Boundaries". However, this less-known book offers a very powerful and highly practical perspective on how all individuals experience spiritual growth.

It is extremely comprehensive, yet remarkably easy to read. While not everyone will find every chapter equally beneficial, I would contend that there is something within this book for everyone. I was especially drawn to the chapters concerning God's grace, the growth in forgiveness, and the pain of guilt.

Since Cloud and Townsend are both practicing psychologists, the work is filled with impactful stories of real people, which is one of its most valuable aspects. Additionally, there are useful, practical questions at the end of each chapter, specifically designed for those who are seeking personal growth and for those who are in a position to guide others in their growth.

I would highly recommend this book for those in ministry, counseling, or mentoring roles.
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Nil_uwu
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is the third book of Dr. Cloud and Townsend that I have completed.

Each book, including this one, has provided me with a new perspective on the areas where I can grow and heal. It's truly amazing how their work has the power to open up new possibilities for personal development.

I am really looking forward to reading more of their books, such as The Mom Factor and Safe People. I firmly believe that all of these books are essential tools in my pursuit of a degree in biblical counseling and psychology.

Not only do they offer valuable insights and knowledge, but they are also extremely helpful in my own journey of healing and growth. I can't wait to see what else I will learn from their future works.

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Terasis
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A dry read but he is absolutely right - God does use other people around us to help us grow.


It's often overlooked that those we interact with on a daily basis can have a profound impact on our personal development. They may offer advice, support, or even challenge us in ways that push us to become better versions of ourselves.


Also, his take on the reasons for grief is refreshing. Grief is not always just about loss; it can also be a catalyst for growth and self-discovery. When we experience grief, we are forced to confront our emotions and face the reality of our situation. This can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.


Overall, while the read may have been dry, the message is one that is worth considering. We should be more aware of the role that others play in our lives and be open to the lessons that grief can teach us.

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honeeeey_pie
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The Basics in Spiritual Growth

I had the opportunity to listen to the abridged version of this book from my local library. Regrettably, this meant that I didn't get the full experience of all the examples present in the complete book. However, I still found it to be quite foundational. If you have a good knowledge of the Bible, then this book serves as a useful review of how we should anticipate going through trials and tribulations as we are refined. Just as a good parent disciplines their children when necessary to help them understand what is right and wrong and how they should conduct themselves, the same principle applies to how God disciplines us as adults. We may not enjoy going through these difficult times, but we undoubtedly benefit and grow from the experience. Nevertheless, if you are already highly knowledgeable and well-versed in these concepts, then you might not gain anything truly new from this book.

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KaminaKai
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I recently had the opportunity to read through "How People Grow" as part of a leadership class.

This book is quite lengthy and extremely dense, yet I firmly believe that every single part of it is essential. The authors, drawing on their profound expertise in both Christian theology and psychology, do an outstanding job of exploring the topics at hand from both these perspectives.

The book commences with a comprehensive overview of theological concepts such as sin and each member of the Trinity. It then delves into more general themes like the significance of community, the importance of discipline, the role of suffering and the necessity of grief, and the concept of spiritual poverty (being poor in spirit).

I cannot stress enough how much I gained from reading this book. I am certain that I will be revisiting it in the future.

Given its density, I highly recommend allocating sufficient time for reading it. I read it over the span of a month, yet still felt that I didn't have as much time as I would have liked to thoroughly ponder over some of its contents.
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PiperFox
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This book was recommended to me by a family friend.

He has a strong Christian belief system and values, and he is someone I really look up to.

I usually have a dislike for self-help books. I find them to be obvious and dense.

However, this book is by far the best self-help book I have ever read when it comes to growing spiritually, emotionally, and personally.

Although some parts of the book are dense, if you are seeking to deepen your relationship with God, others, and yourself, then this is the perfect book for you.

It does an excellent job of connecting Christian teachings and providing modern-day examples in real-life situations and problems.

I found the authors to be honest and real about false Christian teachings. They are also vulnerable about their own struggles throughout life, which is thought-provoking.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a way to become more connected with God, themselves, and others.
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AdamHandler
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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We can't grow unless we are sure that we are both known and loved.

Some people like us because they don't know us. They may have a superficial perception or an initial impression that leads them to like us. However, this kind of liking may not be based on a true understanding of who we really are.

On the other hand, some people know us, and therefore don't like us. They have seen our flaws, our weaknesses, and our true selves. This knowledge may cause them to have a different opinion or to distance themselves from us.

Relationship can't occur unless both knowledge and love are present. True relationship is built on a foundation of knowing and accepting each other for who we are. It requires both the willingness to be known and the ability to love unconditionally. Only when we are both known and loved can we truly grow and develop in our relationships.

As we strive to build meaningful relationships, we must remember the importance of being known and loved. We should be open and honest with others, allowing them to see our true selves. At the same time, we should also learn to love others for who they are, accepting their flaws and weaknesses. By doing so, we can create relationships that are based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.

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