Actors in the ancient Greek theater wore masks to indicate the roles they were playing. The most easily recognizable of these are the masks of tragedy and comedy—the Melpomene and the Thalia. In Restore Me! Privately Please, Dr. Susan Agbenoto brings another category of masks to our attention: the masks worn by Christian leaders in the ecclesial context. Unlike the Greek theater where everyone—actors and audience alike—were in on the deception for the sake of its entertainment value, the masks we encounter in the Church portray public faces that hide private problems.
Dr. Agbenoto’s intention in writing this book is not to accuse, demean, or demoralize Christian leaders. Rather, with genuine compassion she reminds us of our humanity— wondrous and fragile as it is—and our need to stay close to the Lord. If we stay connected to God and are honest with Him and with ourselves, we can walk in wholeness and integrity before the ekklesia. Recently I shared with my Introduction to Pastoral Caregiving class some of the startling statistics associated with pastoral ministry in the American context: 80% of seminary graduates who enter ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years; 50% of pastors’ marriages end in divorce; 70% of pastors continually battle depression; 70% of pastors have had an extra-marital affair since entering the ministry…and so on. These statistics, and others like them, convince me that the book you hold in your hands is sorely needed in the Body of Christ today.
In an age that has become overwhelmed with marketing gimmicks, polished presentations, and “ten easy steps” to growth, success, and spirituality, I appreciate Dr. Agbenoto’s sagely wisdom that calls us back to prayer, fasting, the Bible, and Christ-like humility. Don’t let this book sit on your coffee table. Pick it up and read it. Apply its lessons and you will find your soul renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Dr. Reggie Abraham
Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy
United Theological Seminary
Restore Me, But Privately Please! is a must read for everyone who has been broken. If you have been broken, and desire God to restore you back to wholeness, this is the book for you. Restore Me oh Lord, is the cry of all of us; though we do not desire it to be published worldwide.
In this book we encounter the Lord’s tremendous love which leads us away from shame, and into restoration in the privacy of time spent in his presence. Dr. Agbenoto spoke from the heart in this book. Her supportive scriptures remind us throughout the reading that God is still good, and God is still willing to “Restore us.”
Dr. Jacqueline Lynch
Pastor, Salem A.M.E. Church
As I move through the chapters of this book, I can only say thank you. What a great message to the people of the church. Apparently, you have put words together that reminds us we need to turn back to God. Dr. Susan Agbenoto you have put a great deal of time and energy in relating our need for a revival. I pray every reader of this work be inspired to have a desire to know God better. Yes, there is a need for a revival. Lord God, please help us repent of our wickedness and commit ourselves totally you and for your Kingdom. Thank you for the history of those who preached fire and truth of repentance through Jesus Christ. As I read this book I pray for the same calling. The pouring out of the Holy Spirit for this last day harvest. I pray for workers, witnesses and those who will invite those who are perishing. I really miss the old time religion, where Spirit of God would rule the hearts of man. Thank you for this work.
Rev. Dr. Drorester Alexander
Senior Pastor, United Methodist Church.
Official OnlineBookClub.org review of “Restore Me!”
5 out of 5 stars
Restore Me! by Dr. Susan Agbenoto takes the readers on a spiritual journey toward finding rest, liberation, and restoration. Most times, pastors and spiritual leaders find it extremely difficult to cry out for help when they are in dire need of help because, according to societal norms, they are supposed to help others and not be in need of help, but this book makes it abundantly clear that regardless of our position, it is okay to seek help when in need, to lay our burdens at the feet of Jesus, and according to the psalmist, there’s always an opportunity to cry out, “O Lord, restore my soul.”
Very often, we are so engrossed in looking out for others that we begin to forget ourselves. Who looks out for people who constantly look out for us? It’s important we take a break from being the people’s Messiah and take an inward look at our lives. When we don’t pay adequate attention to our spiritual lives, bad seeds germinate and become strongholds, which makes us stray farther and farther away from the light. We need to know Jesus for ourselves and not for societal validation.
This book was a very inspiring and uplifting read. The author shed light on the different challenges people are likely to encounter in the race of Christianity and proffered step-by-step solutions to tackle those challenges. I loved how intentional the author was about the words of encouragement, and they were very effective and personal to me. I also loved how the author was able to strike a balance between medical help and spiritual help, making the readers understand that both are complementary and not substitutes.
I read through this book, and I couldn’t find anything to dislike. The author’s tone was very warm, friendly, and non-judgmental, which made it an absolutely amazing read. I also loved the Bible quotations, the prayer points, and the words of meditation. This book offers practical guidance and insights to make your spiritual journey more fulfilling.
I rate this book five out of five stars because of its amazing and inspiring content. I didn’t find any grammatical or spelling errors while reading, which made my reading experience smooth. To those seeking rest, liberation, and restoration, this is an amazing book, and I absolutely recommend it.
