Natalie Runion is the founder of Raised to Stay, an online community for Christ followers who have wrestled with their relationship with the Church yet remain committed to Jesus and to pursuing healing and restoration. What began in 2019 as personal reflections on her own experiences in ministry has grown into a vibrant community of nearly 200,000 individuals who engage in honest, courageous conversations about faith, forgiveness, and the future of the Church.

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Natalie is both a pastor’s kid and a longtime ministry leader. Although she once explored paths outside of vocational ministry, including acting and teaching physical education, her calling to serve the Church remained constant. Over the course of more than twenty years on church staff, she has served in various roles, including worship pastor and women’s pastor. Through each season of leadership, she developed a deep conviction to address not only why many were leaving the church, but why some were walking away from Jesus altogether.

In 2023, after 44 years of life and ministry within the local church context, Natalie stepped into a broader evangelistic calling, dedicating herself to sharing the message of Raised to Stay with churches and church leaders around the world. Her work centers on themes of corporate repentance, restoration, reconciliation, and revival. She is the author of Raised to Stay and The House That Jesus Built, both of which call the Church toward healing while encouraging believers to contend for authentic community and enduring faith.

Natalie is also a worship leader, songwriter, teacher, and mentor. She and her husband live in Kentucky with their two teenage daughters, where they continue to serve and volunteer in their local church and community. Passionate about faith, family, and the local church, Natalie remains committed to walking alongside others as they pursue wholeness in Christ and longevity in their spiritual journey.