Making Home Work in a Broken Society: Bible Principles for Raising Children and Building Families

by Paul Chappell

Raising kids and building families is tough these days. We live in a broken society that celebrates sin and minimizes family relationships.

Is it possible for Christian parents in today’s society to raise emotionally healthy kids who love God and are equipped to do God’s will for their lives?

Yes. Emphatically, yes.

God has entrusted you, as a parent, to care for and raise your children for Him, and He has given you the resources you need for the job. Specifically, He has given you His Word to guide and His grace to enable.

That doesn’t mean it will be easy or that it will happen on autopilot. It isn’t, and it won’t. The truths presented in these pages are not parenting hacks—tricks to have well-behaved kids. They are principles studied from God’s Word, tested in the laboratory of the author’s home, and applied to the challenging topics and multifaceted responsibilities today’s parents face.

In these pages, discover what it means to invest in your children and how you can bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Genres: Christian, Parenting

320 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2015

About the author

Dr. Paul Chappell is the senior pastor of the Lancaster Baptist Church and president of West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster, California. His biblical vision has led the church to become one of the most dynamic independent Baptist churches in the nation. He has been married to his wife for over thirty-six years and is the father of four married children all serving in Christian ministry. His books can be found at http://www.strivingtogether.com.

Reviews

[Christina DeVane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very practical book on the home giving keys to success in raising children according to Scripture. I appreciated the variety of sections including teaching them to save money, be healthy, use technology wisely, the teen years, college years and beyond. He had great insight on raising children in ministry and the special challenge those families face. And yet he brought it all back to listening to the Holy Spirit and let Him guide your parenting. “The best way to fight for your children is on your knees!” #challenging

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great biblically based book with principles on how to raise children with a heart for God.

[Jennifer Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This needs to be in your home library of you have children. I cannot recommend this one enough.

[Joshua Yount · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of a handful of books I consider must-read for parents. Each chapter ends with a question/answer section that helps mom and dad discuss the issues addressed in the chapter and come to some conclusions and concrete adjustments in the home. It concisely navigates several areas that parents should be mindful of, and gives a clear break down of how to address each one. Very helpful, clear, and well written.

[Evan Steele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chappel presents us with a mixed bag here. At times his book is frustratingly unpractical and other times very practical (advice on paranting teenagers and cultivating healthy electronic/online habits.)

This book is written into people from a certain narrow slice of the world that Chappell caters too, so that will be either comforting or infuriating. Most disappointing though is that there are times where he forces things into his particular perspective that are not theologically or logically correct to fit his tradition.

[Philip Rabon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate Pastor Chappell’s approach to biblical parenting in this book. I appreciate his honesty as he shared times they did the best thing and times when the decision could have been better. For me personally, the best chapter was on balancing ministry and my family. Again, his transparency was helpful and his counsel was challenging. I highly recommend this book and have given it to many parents as well.

[Nathan Saint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, practical advice for parents. I highly recommend this. He starts with Bible principles and then shows how he applied those principles in his life. He also makes it clear that not every Christian family has to do everything he did, so he doesn't try to beat you down his path, but he presents some very good advice that is worth hearing and implementing.

[Joshua Swieringa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book has many practical suggestions and offers guidance for ways to raise your children for the Lord. I appreciate that while he often shared what he did with his kids, he didn’t say that was the only way to raise kids. The goal isn’t to raise worldly successful kids, but godly ones.

[Noah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited to go through this as an adult Sunday school curriculum! Very practical from someone whose “been there”!

[alwayss.rejoice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be best parent book I have read! So much scripture to back up everything and just full of encouragement. Definitely one I will be coming back to reference

[Joy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Heart wrenching read about love and loss. Excellent read!

[Joel Rockey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid book on parenting. Helpful and practical instruction throughout. I enjoyed it. (Thanks Lancaster Baptist Church for the free copy!)