Customer Reviews

Family Driven Faith: Doing What It Takes to Raise Sons and Daughters Who Walk with God

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If you are a Christian parent, there are three books I'd highly recommend you read:

1) Revolutionary Parenting: What the Research Shows Really Works by George Barna
2) Family Driven Faith (this book)
3) Premeditated Parenting - Foundational Christian Parenting [Toddlers-Preteens] by Steve Nelson

Kids are growing up in Christian homes and then leaving the faith or at best being 'lukewarm'. Barna's book gives a high level view of the problem and some of the practices of parents who aren't allowing this to happen. Steve Nelson's book gives very practical parenting advice for parents of pre-teen kids.

This book fits right in the middle. The author gives compelling arguments for family devotional times, for home education, and for a different view of the church's role in the lives of our kids. Instead of segregating our families by age, he strongly advocates an integrated model.

It has become the accepted model in our society to pawn off the raising of our kids onto school teachers, coaches, Sunday school teachers, and youth group leaders. This book (along with the others) is a strong call for Christian parents to take that responsibility back!

Something is missing in evangelical circles and that something is our children. Statistics show that children raised in evangelical (and I use that term as loosely as the statistical studies do) families are leaving the church at an alarming rate. In his book, Family Driven Faith, Voddie Baucham addresses this issue head on, placing the blame for these departures squarely at the feet of the parents. He begins by bringing the problem into focus by presenting the above mentioned statistics and illustrations from his own experience as a father, pastor and speaker. In today's society, parents have failed to instruct their children what the Bible teaches, but have instead abdicated this responsibility to the church, the Sunday School, and the youth group.

Basing his book primarily on Deut.6:4-9, Baucham encourages Christian families to accept the responsibility that is theirs in raising children. We shouldn't be satisfied in teaching our children how to accomplish things in school, sports, society, etc, but rather to instill the faith of the gospel in them through active, purposeful parenting and biblical discipleship. The responsibility of discipleship rests with the parents and should include instruction in such things as maintaining a biblical worldview. As Baucham states, "Teaching our children to think biblically in these five basic areas [our view of God, man, truth, knowledge and ethics] will go a long way toward establishing a foundation for biblical thinking in their lives" (pp.76-77).

While overall the book has many good, insightful things to say, the chapters focusing more on the family unit as a family (as opposed to the family unit as a part of a church) were quite good. The chapter on creating and maintaining a family worship time in the home is especially good and perhaps worth the price of the book by itself. In it, he discusses the need for a family worship time and gives the following seven very practical and sound steps to establishing this worship time (pp.139-142):

* Family worship must be born of conviction.
* Family worship begins with the head of the household.
* Family worship must be scheduled.
* Family worship must be simple.
* Family worship must be natural.
* Family worship must be mandatory.
* Family worship must be participatory.

He follows these seven steps with seven blessings that are a result of family worship (pp.142-148):

* Family worship honors God.
* Family worship will draw your family closer to God.
* Family worship will draw your family closer to one another.
* Family worship will lay a foundation for multigenerational faithfulness.
* Family worship will expose spiritual weaknesses in your home.
* Family worship will serve as a training ground for smaller children.
* Family worship will make corporate worship more meaningful.

There were a couple of things I especially appreciated in this chapter. The first was his pointing out that family worship serves as a training ground for little children. It took my wife and I a little while to realize this. We would be trying to train our son to sit still in church, but weren't requiring the same thing when we had our family prayer time. As a result, Sunday mornings were rather difficult to say the least. Once we started training him to sit and listen during our family prayer time, we found that his "sitting still" abilities were improving in church also.

The second thing I appreciated in this chapter was what he said about family worship laying a foundation for faithfulness in future generations. His statement that "Children who grow up in homes that had daily family worship will see it as the norm" (p.144) rung true for me. I can still very distinctly remember our family devotions we had while I was growing up. As each child was able, we would take turns reading the Bible, reading a little Bible story geared towards children, and praying for missionaries. The impact of this family tradition will perhaps never be fully known, but I am forever grateful for my parents teaching me the importance of family devotions.

Beyond this chapter, the author had some good things to say regarding the interactions within the family, the importance of the father leading in the home, and the vast importance of teaching children the Bible. Unfortunately, I found much of the book to be long on illustrations & sage platitudes but short on Biblical explanations or defense. For example, on pages 159-161, he discusses the need for men to prioritize our families, but he fills almost the entire two-page section with his illustration, devoting only one single, small paragraph to basically saying "Don't sacrifice your family on the altar of prosperity." He encourages men to ask the tough questions, but doesn't give guidance as to what those questions are. Much of the book follows this style of being wide in its scope of topic, but quite narrow in defending the author's stance.

Further, I found much of the book echoing the style of many an evangelist I've heard that would use illustration after illustration to back up his point or soapbox issue, but not going into Scripture to defend it. Even when he states, for instance on p.161 regarding the question, "Should Mom work outside of the home?" that we should first "seek to understand what the Bible teaches on the matter," nowhere in the following 5-page section does he even bring what the Bible says into the equation. The one time he does quote Scripture, it is seemingly in support of women doing what they must do to be a Proverbs 31 woman, even working outside the home.

Perhaps the area where he misses the mark on a greater level is when he discusses the family in the context of the church, mainly in the last two chapters. He is very correct when he states his case that the current situation in American churches is incredibly bleak when it comes to what our children are learning. His question, "What role does the church play in the process [of discipling children]" is exactly the question we must ask ourselves. He focuses much of his effort in arguing against the current approach to family ministry and specifically youth ministry. However, in arguing against the current approach, he throws the baby out with the bath water, so to speak, in rejecting the segregated approach entirely. The three problems of the current approach he lists aren't very well argued from Scripture, if at all. In discussing the first problem, that there is no clear biblical mandate for the current [i.e., segregated] approach, he doesn't present an argument at all, but rather spends the section seemingly excusing those who do follow the segregated approach. In fact, as he correctly points out, Scripture doesn't mention anything one way or the other on the topic. (Arguments for or against the regulatory principle is a whole other topic entirely!)

The second problem as he sees it, that the current approach may actually work against the biblical model, is a good argument. But here again, this same problem could be applied to any approach used. Any approach may work against the biblical model, but that doesn't mean that it will. His argument from Titus 2 regarding older women teaching the younger assumes that this teaching is done in the context of a Sunday School class. His question, "How can the older women instruct the younger women if everyone is in a Sunday School class with people within nine months of their own age?" is a bit of a straw man argument. Further, the same question can be reworded "How can older women teach the younger women if they are not meeting together in a setting conducive specifically for this purpose?" Here again, he fails to draw upon Scriptural support to argue against the segregated approach.

Ironically, in the last chapter and perhaps without meaning to, he twice contradicts everything he said about the segregated approach being wrong. Up to this point, he has made statements such as "We do not divide families into component parts....We see the church as a family of families" (p.191); or "Another distinctive of the family-integrated church is its insistence on the integration of all ages in virtually all of its activities." (p.193) But then on page 197, he begins an illustration of something that happened at a Father's Council meeting, a monthly meeting just for men! The purposes of these meetings are for "fellowship, prayer, vision casting, church business, etc." How can a church who supposedly includes the entire family in everything justify such meetings? Perhaps it is because they see the importance of a "segregated" time for men to learn how to lead. But this then begs the question, "If a segregated approach is unbiblical, where do they get the biblical support for such meetings?" and secondly, "Why are these types of meetings deemed wise, but yet meetings of older and younger women are not, or even youth meetings?" The second contradictory example is found on p.209 where, in discussing the fact that many homeschool families are not evangelical, he recommends that a church start a Sunday School specifically geared toward homeschoolers. This does not line up with what he espoused earlier regarding the segregated approach.

Overall, there are many things in the book that need to be said and said repeatedly and loudly. Unless we as Christians in general wake up to the reality that our children are not learning of God through either our direct teaching nor by indirect example through our lives, what hope do we have of their continuing in the Christian faith? I would recommend this book (with some reservation) since there are several things that can be learned from the book, especially in the area of family worship, which I thought was the best chapter in the book. However, unless our teaching and beliefs are lined up solidly with Scriptural support, we are simply following another fad or method, no matter how great it sounds.

I bought the book, met the author, had it signed, and read this book cover2cover n less than 24 hours. This book is a wake up call to the believer and the church to reclaim our young people. As parents we cannot continue to pass the buck on our children's very souls. We have been taught to let others educate and entertain our children. This is unfortunately the attitude when it comes to our children's spiritual lives....let the church do it. The author does a brilliant job of showing from scripture and stats that this is the duty and privilege of parents to disciple their children and when this does not happen our children suffer for it, our communities suffer for it, and the very life of our country suffers for it. This book was used of God to show my family where we have failed our own children and how that it is never 2 late to change. One will not be disappointed with this book, there is no sugar coating on this message, and only read this if you are prepared to take an honest look at your home life and church life and ready 2 make changes. BLESSINGS!!!

Baucham does a great job of thinking outside the box.

He points out that the "box" we have been using (Youth ministries and Sunday Schools) while not inherently bad, are not biblically chartered. The bible clearly directs parents to teach God's word to their kids. With kids leaving the faith in droves upon High School graduation, we should probably invest in doing what the bible tells us to do before we try to find a different way to get the job done.

After reading this book, I am inspired to step up as a dad and lead my family in Bible study, worship and devotions.

It is frustrating to think of the resistance that this teaching is bound to get. People are very attached to "the box". Voddie's prescription requires an massive shift in mindset.

I think all Christian parents and church leaders ought to give this book an honest read, then reconcile their resistance with scripture.

Interesting a reviewer said Baucham teaches "Beating kids=good! Evolution=Bad!" ...it tells you right there that reviewer has succumbed to the culture that Baucham ironically warns people against (the culture says spanking=beating kids and macroevolution=fact). For everyone else, this book shows Christians how our practices have been influenced by the culture (rather than the other way around) and how those practices are unbiblical. I myself have been sounding that call as well, but Baucham sheds light on some additional issues that I hadn't considered. It is eye-opening and revolutionary.

By the way, a couple reviewers expressed their concerns about Vision Forum Ministries...but what about their philosophy is unbiblical? If everything should be scrutinized by the light of His Word, then make sure your criticism of Vision Forum is based on Scripture and not just "It makes me uncomfortable." When Jesus preached, most of what He said made people uncomfortable. "Lack of comfort" is not a sufficient excuse to criticize a ministry or philosophy unless you can also back up your criticism with Scripture (taken in context, of course).

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.

I don't believe I have ever read a more Christ-Centered book in all my days. As a parent of two boys, I found this book encouraging, motivating, convicting, and far beyond what I'd anticipated. Dr. Baucham shows so clearly God's mandate on parents to be responsible for the discipleship of their children. It's totally changed the face of my home!! We now have daily family devotion and I've seen such an awesome change in my boys!!! If you are truly serious about the success of your family and about raising children that will impact their world for Christ, then this book is a must read.

Attention Christian father: You are deceiving yourself if you think you are doing your best by faithfully dropping your kids off to youth group every week. You won't know how far off the mark you are until you read this thoughtful, passionate and biblically-supported work. This book will tell you why we are losing 8 out of 10 of our "church kids" by the time they finish their sophomore year of college. But thankfully, Pastor Baucham shows us how to reverse this alarming trend. This book, along with his podcast message, "The Centrality of the Home", will jolt you into action. Don't wait; your children's eternity is at stake.

We read this book in our men's group. I wish I had this book when I was raising kids. The author does a great job of encouraging parents to be intentional in training their children in righteousness in a Godly home. He focuses on resisting the culture and doing what right for the children from a biblical perspective. I may not agree with all his conclusions and his attitude is irritating at times, but he did challenge me to think about how to raise kids biblically. One of the things that irritates me is that he writes that he has no kids out of college and yet, he comes off very authoritative at times. I keep wanting to quote 1 Kings 20:11 at him. However, he has very strong encouragement for young parents to take charge of the spiritual growth of their children. He suggestions are good: he tries to be practical and biblically based. He does encourage the reader to be discerning and search the scriptures for one's self. The author has some ideas how a church should be organized around families as well.

The writing for the most part is very clear. My only criticisms are that he is too simplistic at times and his attitude comes off smug. However, the value of the book far outweighs these criticisms.

Jeremiah 6:10
To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the LORD is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it.

First things first, if you find this book "offensive" ask yourself "why" I respectfully disagree with the critics, specifically the one comparing this to a "cult". That is a strong and hateful statement and it is the FURTHEST from the truth. I recommend to read the book along with the scriptures that Dr. Baucham's uses to back it up and let the Holy Spirit convict you (or not).

I actually met Dr. Baucham's son Trey - what a pleasure to meet this young man. The fruit is there!! Unless you've met this man and seen the fruit that he is producing, I strongly suggest you reserve your harsh judgement of him. Pluck the plank out of your on eye first.

Take the time to read what Dr. Baucham has to say and to spiritually discern the message that is being given. Let God speak to you in how this message is applicable to your family and/or what principles you need to apply. It won't be the same for everyone.

Scripture says:

2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

Make sure you're not letting your "itching ears" be your guide, rather let God convict you in areas that you need to be convicted in. This book IS a wake up call. RISE UP and take the challenge!