Faith Begins at Home (Paperback)

~ (Author) "On October 31, 1995, at 12:13 A.M., my life changed forever..." (more)
Key Phrases: Search Institute, Jesus Christ, Sunday School (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In the past, faith was a central part of the family s home life, yet the reality for many families today is that faith is no more than one-hour, drop off Christianity. To become the strong, healthy, joy-filled families God intended begins with parents establishing their homes as the primary place where faith is nurtured. Faith Begins at Home combines inspirational stories and practical ideas with biblical truth to help families rediscover how to bring the basics of faith back into their home.

About the Author

MARK A. HOLMEN has worked with families for over 15 years serving as a youth and family pastor in three congregations. He has been a national consultant, speaker, trainer and author and currently serves as the senior pastor of Ventura Missionary Church in Ventura, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Regal Books (March 21, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830738134
• ISBN-13: 978-0830738137
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #161,777 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Willow Creek Association Children's Blog, February 7, 2008

By	K. Van Peursem - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

December 03, 2007
Thoughts from Lou Ann
From The Willow Creek Association Children's Blog

I just read a great book by Mark Holmen.

Building Faith at Home is one of those rare books that not only challenges the way we do ministry, but actually suggests some practical steps to change our church culture - one family at a time.

We know the statistics. We've read Barna; we've been to conferences; we've seen the results of drop-off children's ministry. We're all praying, thinking and dialoging about how to make our ministries more effective and turn the statistics around, and yet - change is painfully slow. Parents still seem apathetic when it comes to assuming responsibility for the faith of their children. In the minds of Christian parents, they're leaving the process of their children's spiritual formation to the professionals - after all, it works with piano lessons, soccer and calculus!

I am determined that things will be different for the kids in my church. I am determined that my kids will have every opportunity to accept Jesus as Savior; I am determined that my kids will become fully devoted followers of Jesus; I am determined that my kids will not walk away from their faith and church when they leave home for college.

That's why I'm so excited about Holmen's book. Holmen advocates taking a different avenue to family ministry. Just as many churches have adopted the phrase, "a church OF small groups" rather than "a church WITH small groups," we must become a church OF family ministry. We must "focus on the home as the primary place for nurturing faith." Everything we do at church - small groups, men's ministry, Bible studies - even sermons - must equip the family to live out their faith at home. And here's where the book gets practical. Already having child dedication Sundays? Meet with the parents of these young children and teach them how to pray over their babies. Already honoring your high school graduates? Use this as an opportunity to equip their parents to prepare their kids for the test of faith called "college."

Holmen suggests having annual "Take It Home" events for every age group - and these events are held on Sunday when families are already at church! Why didn't I think of that? Once a year, parents join their child's small group for a "Take It Home" event. And here's another good idea - with every event, you send home a tool to reinforce your topic.

Strategic curriculum, family productions, family newsletters, making children's ministry the best hour of a kid's week, and now Take It Home - we might just have an impact that can change lives!

[...]

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Speak it brother..., October 28, 2007

By	Paul V. Verlangieri - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am a children's Pastor, and "Faith begins a home" is what's it's all about. This has been an amazing tool to share with my leadership as well as with parents.