"This is more than an important and redemptive book; it is a labor that could open the field of counseling, soul care, and pastoral work to a vital reformation that comes when one has cut open a path that has laid dormant for too long."Dan B. Allender, PhD, Professor of Counseling Psychology and Founding President The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology; author of The Wounded Heart: Help for Adult Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse"As someone who has had a long struggle with the demeaning, paralyzing, idol-fueling power of shame, I am so thankful for Ed Welch's newest book, Shame Interrupted. Ed shows us how the gospel of God's grace not only cancels the legal guilt of sin, but also how it breaks the lingering power of shame. As Jesus works in our hearts, to heal and free us from shame, we don't become proud triumphalists, but 'boasters in weakness' men and women, gladdened and gentled by the irrepressible love of our grace-full Bridegroom, Jesus, set free to serve him and love others. This is such a practical and encouraging read!"Scotty Smith, Founding pastor of Christ Community Church in Franklin, Tennessee; author of Everyday Prayers: 365 Days to a Gospel-Centered Faith"This book proclaims a message of hope and healing. Ed Welch calls us to identify with Jesus because he identified with us, and shows that the answer is to turn to Christ for relief from shame, not inward. Ed's book is a robustly biblical, deeply personal, and powerfully high-octane gospel answer to the universal human experience of shame."Justin Holcomb, Adjunct Professor of Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; coauthor, Rid of My Disgrace: Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Assault"Ed's book has immediate application into my own spiritual journey and the women I journey with who are seeking freedom from the shame of their own relational and sexual brokenness. Shame Interrupted encouraged and nurtured me in the sweet truths of the gospel that come when we face shame through Jesus Christ and the lens of God's Word."Ellen Dykas, Women's Ministry Coordinator, Harvest USA; editor of Sexual Sanity for Women"Ed Welch has given the family of God a tremendous treasure in his book, Shame Interrupted. Serving for many years as a pastor and shepherd of people, I know firsthand how this issue plagues many in the body of Christ. As always, Dr. Welch has written with loving concern for those who are hurting and with biblical accuracy. That combination makes his handling of this topic a resource that will help people address shame properly and will help those who seek to equip others in this process."Bryan Hughes, DMin, Senior Pastor of Grace Bible Church in Bozeman, MT"Welch has given us a profound and comprehensive work on the often neglected topic of shame, addressing the issue with pastoral sensitivity, biblical acuity, and practical advice. In our world, people are asking less about guilt and more about how to deal with shame in their lives and in their past. This is a great resource for pastors, counselors, and for anyone interested."Rankin Wilbourne, Lead Pastor, Pacific Crossroads Church, Los Angeles, CA"With the skill and care of a farmer turning over his soil in spring, Ed manages to unearth the shame buried within the human heart. The title will cause some to shy away with a degree of self-denial saying, "I don't have this problem." If you came from the line of Adam, you have this problem. Having taught the Word for many years, I am not ashamed to admit how much I learned about my own heart and the redemptive power of the gospel to set me free."D. Michael Minter, Senior Pastor of Reston Bible Church in Virginia"Ed Welch creates a safe place to deal with shame. Whether your shame is worn as a scarlet letter for all to see, or invisibly written on your heart, he turns shame on its head, showing us how to move away from shame and proudly wear the robes of honor that God himself bestows on us. Whether you are trying to deal with shame yourself or ministering to others, I would encourage you to read this book to guide you in the process of restoring hope and joy to those who hang their heads in shame."Janet Nygren, Coauthor in the Bringing the Bible to Life Series; Director of Assimilation at Princeton Presbyterian Church"Many today are stained by a crushing sense of being not good enough worthy only of rejection. Ed Welch understands the shame-based person so fluently that it is easy to forget that he is a professional counselor and theologian. He writes more like a friend and fellow sufferer, so his counsel is richly biblical and practical. This book filled me with confidence in the cleansing, adopting, and sanctifying work of the cross."Tara Barthel, Author of Living the Gospel in Relationships and coauthor of Peacemaking Women and Redeeming Church Conflicts"Ed Welch finds us hiding in our shame and draws us out to be re-clothed by Christ. He surprises us again with the deep relevance of God's Word even Leviticus to the secret fears that dominate our daily lives. This brutally honest book is for every one."Mike Wilkerson, Pastor and Director of Biblical Counseling at Mars Hill Church; author, Redemption: Freed by Jesus from the Idols We Worship and the Wounds We Carry"Shame is everywhere. It is obvious on the faces of those who have been abused. But because of sin, it lies in the depths of every human heart. Ed Welch shines the light of the gospel of Christ into the dynamics of shame, and explains how it is overcome in the honor Christ obtained for us through his identification with our shame on the cross."Eric Johnson, Lawrence and Charlotte Hoover Professor of Pastoral Care, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Director of the Society for Christian Psychology"This side of heaven, we all struggle with shame and guilt. Ed Welch has served the church well by writing a thorough, practical, Christ-centered treatment of this difficult subject. Your love for Jesus will be greatly increased as you reflect on the way His work on the cross has freed you from the paralyzing effects of sin."Steve Viars, Senior Pastor, Faith Church; Faith Biblical Counseling"In Shame Interrupted, Ed Welch reminds us that the gospel really is good news. He provides a candid perspective on the suffocating reality of human shame with an honest courage that is only possible because of Christ's healing love. Dr. Welch brings the wisdom of an experienced counselor and the resilient hope of a Christ-follower into this compassionate book."Mark R. McMinn, PhD, Author of Sin and Grace in Christian Counseling"Dr. Welch seems to know what the reader needs long before he or she knows and recognizes that shamed people are often hopeless people. Shame Interrupted is not just a remedy for persons caught in paralyzing shame; it gives them hope that it is possible to live a life that feels clean and holy. That is a gift."Jeffrey S. Black, PhD, Chair and Professor Graduate Program in Counseling, Cairn University; Licensed Psychologist
