What Actually Makes A Home Christian?
What Actually Makes a Home “Christian”?
A note to EBC parents
“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it:”
Psalm 127:1
We hear a lot in churches about having a Christian home. Every parent wants to raise their children in a godly environment — a place where faith is lived, not just spoken. But that brings us to an important question:
What is a Christian home?
Many assume that if Christians live in a house, that automatically makes it a Christian home. But Scripture shows us something deeper.
❌ A home is not Christian simply because a parent is a Christian.
❌ A home is not Christian merely because Christians live there.
A Christian home is not a label — it is a lifestyle.
It is not accidental — it is intentional.
A Christian home is built.
Scripture says if God doesn’t build it, we build in vain.
So how do we build one?
Five Essential Components of a Christian Home
Just like a physical house protects us from storms and weather, the spiritual home you build should protect your child’s heart, faith, and future. Picture each piece like elements of a house structure:
1. Foundation of Scriptural Truth
Truth is not established by culture, media, or personal opinion — but by God’s Word.
A home grounded in Scripture stands when pressure comes.
2. Foundation of Loving Acceptance
Your child must know they are loved for who they are, not just for how they behave.
Acceptance builds security. Security builds trust.
3. Pillar of Time and Nurture
You can’t influence who you don’t invest in.
Children spell LOVE → T-I-M-E.
Studies show the average parent spends less than 36 minutes a day with their child.
We can do better — and they need us to.
4. Pillar of Loving Admonition
Admonition simply means instruction given with love.
Correction without love breaks a child’s spirit.
Love without instruction leaves them directionless.
5. Rooftop of Biblical Authority
Every home needs boundaries — and those boundaries must come from Scripture.
Rules without relationship breeds resentment.
Rules with love builds respect.
Rules without reason produce rebellion.
So what can we do this week?
Here are three commitments every parent can make:
1. Commit to Scripture in your home.
Read it. Study it. Share it with your children.
2. Commit to love expressed, not just felt.
Encourage them. Nurture them. Teach them gently.
3. Commit to giving them your time.
Set aside moments daily — even small ones count.
Your home doesn’t become Christian by accident.
It becomes Christian by intention, by Scripture, and by the presence of God within its walls.
These thoughts come from Paul Chappell’s book, Making Home Work, which I highly recommend for every family.
If you’d like to read it alongside this email series, you can find it here:
🔗 strivingtogether.com