Based on its unassuming title and cover, Family Driven Faith appears to be a generic, feel-good read about the importance of family and God. Within its pages however, lies a profound, thought-provoking book. Family Driven Faith challenges many of the widely-held, societal attitudes that have slowly but surely infiltrated the church and wreaked havoc in Christian families.
Dr. Voddie Baucham, author of Family Driven Faith serves as Pastor of Preaching at Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, TX and is also widely known as a conference speaker, professor, and church planter. Dr. Baucham was recently appointed as President of the African Christian University Seminary in Zambia, Africa. [ http://www.gracefamilybaptist.net/voddie-baucham-ministries/]
Family Driven Faith opens by identifying some of the negative societal attitudes towards marriage, children, and family that have significantly influenced the attitudes of Christian parents. Dr. Baucham discusses how Christian parents have inadvertently elevated academics, sports, and careers as a priority while deemphasizing biblical values, biblical literacy, and a relationship with God. He uses real-life examples to illustrate his point and further discusses how our children are being drawn away from the faith, based on the priorities we as parents have set.
Having established the critical need for families to recommit to God and renew within the family unit a passion for Christ, Dr. Baucham goes through chapter by chapter laying out the process by which families can realign themselves to God and disciple children in a Christ-centered household. He also encourages a reexamination of how we “do” church, how we manage our time, and how we educate our children.
Family Driven Faith thoroughly and eloquently articulates the importance of worldview and the necessity to raise our kids from a biblical perspective. Dr. Baucham lays out an excellent biblical basis for discipleship, discipline, and training of our children in the faith. I was most impressed with his emphasis on family worship and devotional time. As a family who does Bible study and devotions daily, I can testify to the spiritual growth my own family has experienced as a result.
In light of all that Christian families face today, especially our youth, Family Driven Faith presents a timely and much-needed discourse on why Christ must be at the center of all we do and how we raise our children. As a homeschooling parent, this book is a reaffirmation of our decision to disciple our children in the faith. This book is a trumpet blast for Christians reminding us that we stand to lose the hearts and minds of our children to an anti-Christ society if we continue to cultivate the same values and priorities as the mainstream. Academics, career, and the pursuit of happiness are all important—but these things alone cannot save us or redeem us.
Family Driven Faith is a powerful, book that practically outlines how we as parents can facilitate a recommitment of our families to Christ. Dr. Baucham’s insights are not quick-fix or formulaic, but they are practical and transformational.
