Households of Faith - Print

Households of Faith:
Practicing Family in the Kingdom of God

By Emily Hunter McGowin

Discover a transformative vision of family life that aligns with the teachings of Jesus and the values of God's kingdom.

This book will help you to:

• Reimagine family structures beyond traditional models.
• Understand the biblical foundations of diverse household configurations.
• Address the impact of sin and trauma on families and communities.
• Cultivate practices that foster love and faithfulness within your household.
• Integrate single and married individuals into a cohesive family unit.
• Navigate the challenges of modern family life with theological insights.
• Align your family's purpose with the mission of the church and the kingdom of God.
  

Features

• Explores multigenerational and inclusive household models.
• Provides practical guidance for practicing family as apprentices to love.
• Addresses the realities of sin and trauma in familial contexts.
• Offers a holistic vision of family life rooted in biblical teachings.
• Written by a theologian with expertise in family and ecclesial studies.

Soft cover 256pp
21.6 cm H x 14.0 cm W x 1.7 cm D (0.34 kg)
ISBN 9781514000069
IVP (2025)

[Allow 4 weeks]

Description

Theologian Emily Hunter McGowin presents a compelling and holistic vision for reimagining family life through the lens of God's kingdom.

Challenging the often idealized and sometimes idolized models of the "traditional family," McGowin invites readers to explore alternative understandings that are neither rigid nor revisionist.

Drawing from biblical portraits, she emphasizes that households of faith are not confined to the nuclear family but can encompass multigenerational groups of both married and single individuals, with or without children. This inclusive perspective acknowledges the diverse realities of modern life and the various forms that families can take.

McGowin does not shy away from addressing the ways in which sin and trauma can damage families and communities.

She provides thoughtful reflections on these challenges and offers guidance on how Christians can navigate them.

Central to her approach is the concept of practicing family as "apprentices to love," encouraging believers to discern their times and improvise faithfulness together.

Throughout the book, McGowin integrates theological insights with practical applications, making it a valuable resource for church ministers, worship leaders, church members, and spiritually minded individuals seeking to align their family practices with the teachings of Jesus and the mission of the church.

Households of Faith is a timely and thought-provoking guide for those desiring to cultivate families that reflect the inclusive and transformative nature of God's kingdom.

By embracing this holistic vision, readers are invited to participate in a dynamic and faithful expression of family life that transcends conventional boundaries and resonates with the core values of Christian discipleship.

About the Author

Emily Hunter McGowin (PhD, University of Dayton) is an associate professor of theology at Wheaton College. She is the author of "Quivering Families" and "Christmas," and coeditor of "God and Wonder." Her articles have appeared in publications such as Christianity Today and The Week. McGowin is also a priest and canon theologian in the Anglican diocese of Churches for the Sake of Others. Her academic and ecclesial work focuses on the intersection of theology, family, and church practices, providing her with deep expertise in the subject matter of this book.

Contents

• Introduction
• Rethinking Family in Light of the Kingdom
• Biblical Foundations for Households of Faith
• Historical Perspectives on Christian Families
• The Impact of Sin and Trauma on Families
• Practicing Family as Apprentices to Love
• Multigenerational and Inclusive Household Models
• Integrating Singles into Family Life
• Navigating Modern Challenges in Family Practices
• Aligning Family with Church and Kingdom Mission
• Practical Applications for Faithful Family Living
• Conclusion: Embracing a Holistic Vision of Family