Here is a review by a reader. You can find more reviews here.Multiple studies have shown that over 80% of all teens that are active in evangelical American churches have completely abandoned Christianity by their 2nd year of college.
What's the problem? How do we solve it?
Voddie Baucham has a simple and Bible-based answer:
Our children are falling away because we are asking the church to do what God designed the family to accomplish.
What does he mean by that statement? At one time Christian worship, teaching, & ministry was primarily a function of the family. It was considered normal for families to sing hymns together daily, for the father to systematically teach the Bible daily, to pray daily, for the family to look for ways to minister and reach out to others. The family as a unit was the cornerstone, the basic building block of Christ's Kingdom here on earth.
Today, however, it is far different. The center of most children's religious interaction, worship and learning is the church, from nursery to teen youth group. Although well intentioned, it is a poor substitute for family driven faith.
This book is a well-written introduction to the concept of family driven faith. It has chapters on the importance of the marriage bond, family worship, family teaching and education, and what a family centered, family integrated church can look like compared to the ordinary evangelical church of today. Voddie is passionate but humble, vocal but not argumentative about his vision for families and for churches. If you have children, this book is must reading if you desire to see your children (and your grandchildren) walking faithfully with God all their lives.
What's the problem? How do we solve it?
Voddie Baucham has a simple and Bible-based answer:
Our children are falling away because we are asking the church to do what God designed the family to accomplish.
What does he mean by that statement? At one time Christian worship, teaching, & ministry was primarily a function of the family. It was considered normal for families to sing hymns together daily, for the father to systematically teach the Bible daily, to pray daily, for the family to look for ways to minister and reach out to others. The family as a unit was the cornerstone, the basic building block of Christ's Kingdom here on earth.
Today, however, it is far different. The center of most children's religious interaction, worship and learning is the church, from nursery to teen youth group. Although well intentioned, it is a poor substitute for family driven faith.
This book is a well-written introduction to the concept of family driven faith. It has chapters on the importance of the marriage bond, family worship, family teaching and education, and what a family centered, family integrated church can look like compared to the ordinary evangelical church of today. Voddie is passionate but humble, vocal but not argumentative about his vision for families and for churches. If you have children, this book is must reading if you desire to see your children (and your grandchildren) walking faithfully with God all their lives.
Motherhood. What comes to mind when you here this word. Is it a picture of a woman bound many years of her life caring for children who are oblivious to her sacrifice of time, energy and emotion? Or is it demonstrated by the woman with the impeccably clean home and children with perfect manners who would impress the toughest of Marine Drill Sargents with their disciplined behavior? While I do think we should keep our homes clean and teach our children good manners, I don't think that these things epitomise Motherhood. Motherhood carries with it something deeper than just "taking care of children". It implies a sense of obligation, not only to God, but to the child(ren) as well. We are obligated as mothers to raise our children in such a way that when they are old they will not depart from it. I think this type of raising requires more of us than just taking them to church and teaching them some Bible stories. I think we have to be, and when I say be I mean live, the way we want them to go. Jesus demonstrated this when He told His disciples, "I am the way...." (John 14:6). Mothers are one of the first Bibles children will ever read. What "words" are they reading? I am realizing more everyday how much being a mother requires of me, and how short I fall. But His grace is sufficient for me, and His strength is made perfect in my weakness. The greater thing is to know that children are invaluable, and that there are few greater undertakings then to train a child. I believe that God will honor my attitude, and give me the light I need for this awesome journey. For His Glory Alone. Take some sips with me and share your thoughts.
