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The Most Important Place on Earth: What a Christian Home Looks Like and How to Build One
It all starts at home.
Newly revised and updated, The Most Important Place on Earth is Robert Wolgemuth’s inspiring and practical book for those looking for a strong foundation for their home. So what’s so great about a Christian home? There you will find redemption, forgiveness, hope, laughter, and genuine happiness. There you will also find discipline, purpose, and grace. Lots of grace.
Many people did not grow up in a Christian home, and many more do not consider their childhood experience a good model. The Most Important Place on Earth covers eight answers to the question, “What does a Christian home look like?” It is filled with stories and useful ideas that will convince any reader that a Christian home is not an elusive stereotype. It is something that really can be achieved. And it is something worth having. You’ll see.
Newly revised and updated, The Most Important Place on Earth is Robert Wolgemuth’s inspiring and practical book for those looking for a strong foundation for their home. So what’s so great about a Christian home? There you will find redemption, forgiveness, hope, laughter, and genuine happiness. There you will also find discipline, purpose, and grace. Lots of grace.
Many people did not grow up in a Christian home, and many more do not consider their childhood experience a good model. The Most Important Place on Earth covers eight answers to the question, “What does a Christian home look like?” It is filled with stories and useful ideas that will convince any reader that a Christian home is not an elusive stereotype. It is something that really can be achieved. And it is something worth having. You’ll see.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2004
About the author
Robert Wolgemuth
70 books27 followersROBERT WOLGEMUTH has been in the media business for thirty-nine years. He is former president of Thomas Nelson Publishers and the owner of Wolgemuth & Associates, Inc., a literary agency exclusively representing the writing work of more than one hundred authors. Dr. Wolgemuth is a speaker and best-selling author of over twenty books, including She Calls Me Daddy, the notes to the Dad's Devotional Bible, The Most Important Place on Earth, and What's in the Bible: The Story of God Through Time and Eternity, co-written with R. C. Sproul. He is a 1969 graduate of Taylor University, where he received an honorary doctorate in May 2005. Dr. Wolgemuth is married to Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth and has two grown daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 9, 2019
Fantastic read on the Christian family! I will definitely read it again.
January 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. So much great material here. I’m giving it 4 stars simply because the writing style was not my favorite. Content and message were excellent. Gave me a lot to ponder on and some great tools to implement in our family. Good convicting on some areas that I tend to overlook. Definitely recommend!
May 5, 2024
Spot on with Scripture. He outlines practical tips that some may instinctively do while others may need it written out.
May 12, 2024
Overall: 3.5 stars! I thoroughly enjoyed the premise of this book, but have also read others that are similar. Thus, my perspective may be comparative in nature. The book does a great job at simply laying out the foundations of why a home environment is the most important place for kids. Additionally, the author gives some practical ideas of how to implement some of his key points.
Where the book falls short is the part about spanking, which I did not agree with. Perhaps, the specific part about spanking could have been left out, or the author could have provided additional approaches to enforcing discipline. Date I say his spanking suggestions are outdated? Maybe it’s just me, but we don’t use spanking or punishments in our house. Natural consequences, boundaries, and guidance is how we try to approach disciplining our daughter.
I liked the idea of a prayer road! And, the author’s description of how important a grace-filled home is really resonated with me! Although I did not agree with the spanking recommendation in the discipline section, the author made a great point about how important it is to teach kids, from a young g age, to forego their own temptations and immediate gratifications. In a world of quick-fixes and instant gratification, teaching kids how to act in ways that achieve long-term rewards/goals rather than immediate impulses can be a very meaningful gift to the future generation!
Where the book falls short is the part about spanking, which I did not agree with. Perhaps, the specific part about spanking could have been left out, or the author could have provided additional approaches to enforcing discipline. Date I say his spanking suggestions are outdated? Maybe it’s just me, but we don’t use spanking or punishments in our house. Natural consequences, boundaries, and guidance is how we try to approach disciplining our daughter.
I liked the idea of a prayer road! And, the author’s description of how important a grace-filled home is really resonated with me! Although I did not agree with the spanking recommendation in the discipline section, the author made a great point about how important it is to teach kids, from a young g age, to forego their own temptations and immediate gratifications. In a world of quick-fixes and instant gratification, teaching kids how to act in ways that achieve long-term rewards/goals rather than immediate impulses can be a very meaningful gift to the future generation!
March 7, 2019
What a fantastic book! This is one of the most enjoyable & important books I've ever read. Every family should read it...whether you have kids or not, or if you you have an empty nest like we do. I was thrilled that many of the things recommended in this book our family already did/does. There are many more ideas that I plan to implement with future grandchildren, with my husband & with friends.
I picked it up just to see what it was all about, and a few short hours later, I was halfway done. It was conversational, touching, funny, serious & wonderful. I laughed. I cried. Sometimes I laughed till I cried. I'm going to buy copies for all the people I love.
I picked it up just to see what it was all about, and a few short hours later, I was halfway done. It was conversational, touching, funny, serious & wonderful. I laughed. I cried. Sometimes I laughed till I cried. I'm going to buy copies for all the people I love.
November 8, 2017
The author describes this book as a cafeteria line. He encourages the reader to pick and choose what works for his/her family at their stage of life. There were many things I could see us implementing in the future, as well as many things that were applicable to where we are now. As with most books on family and parenting, I didn't agree with him 100%, but overall, I felt like this was a pretty grounded approach to creating a Christian home that is a blessing to our families and others around us.
November 21, 2021
This book has excellent tips for how to make a Christian home, a topic that we have to figure out using Biblical principles but not specific guidance. One memorable takeaway is the five "vitamins" that you need to say (including I'm sorry and I love you) daily to everyone in your family. I recommend this for moms and dads looking to put Christ first in your home, but I did feel like a poor parent after reading some sections that imply your kids don't have special needs or challenges.
June 20, 2022
I highly recommend this book to any and all parents, parents-to-be, and really anyone who is looking to have a Christian home, even if you aren't blessed with kids! This is going to be one that I keep and return to time and again whenever my husband and I are having problems and in raising (hopefully) our own children. It has a permanent place in my library. It's simple, straight forward, and filled with good advice for living closer to the Lord!
January 29, 2023
This was an outstanding book with so many practical ideas! A little overwhelming to consider all of them, but great options to pull out the best pieces for my family. Highly recommend for any parents who desire to create and maintain a Christian home.
“There is hope, laughter, and genuine happiness. Discipline and purpose are there. There is redemption. There is forgiveness. And there is grace…lots of grace.” ❤️🙌🏻
“There is hope, laughter, and genuine happiness. Discipline and purpose are there. There is redemption. There is forgiveness. And there is grace…lots of grace.” ❤️🙌🏻
April 9, 2024
Good points and insight. I came away with some good family tips and pointers. Obvious this is a heavily Christian book and it is definitely very cheesy. The book has added flair and stories that do not really need to be there. I understand that there needs to be length to the book but towards the end of the book I started to skim.
September 1, 2017
This was OK- I felt it was a bit surface level for families who have already been intentional in setting up a God-centered home. If you are struggling to keep your family diligent in faith matters, this may be helpful.
July 26, 2018
There aren’t many books that provide practical advice for parenting. This one does. You won’t implement all of these ideas (some were not for us), but learning about words and parental discipline are jewels I won’t soon forget. I only wish I would have read it sooner.
December 7, 2018
Highly recommended!
I recommend this book to every believer. It breaks down every day life and how to welcome grace in 100% of the time in a real way. Its not just for families with children, I have found many suggestions to implement into my family of 2.
I recommend this book to every believer. It breaks down every day life and how to welcome grace in 100% of the time in a real way. Its not just for families with children, I have found many suggestions to implement into my family of 2.
October 15, 2020
A must read in every Christian home!
This is a resource I will be constantly referring to as I seek to be a more godly mother and I’m encouraging my husband to read it. I love the author’s straightforward and unapologetic tone.
This is a resource I will be constantly referring to as I seek to be a more godly mother and I’m encouraging my husband to read it. I love the author’s straightforward and unapologetic tone.
December 29, 2017
an all around good book on what a Christian home can look like. I really admire the heart that went into this book, a "must read" for any Christian family.
May 1, 2018
This book took me ages to read as it could be a little slow at times. However it was enjoyable and consisted me on several issues. Would recommend for Christian parents with kids of any age.
December 28, 2019
Remarkable book on the Christian home! So many practical applications and thoughts on developing your view of home.
January 30, 2020
Brother Wolgemuth's winsome writing makes this book a joy to read. Many good nuggets of wisdom scattered throughout.
September 1, 2020
Highly recommended
I will definitely come back to this book on my shelf regularly. Great insights, easy to read, highly recommended to all who hand influence with kids
I will definitely come back to this book on my shelf regularly. Great insights, easy to read, highly recommended to all who hand influence with kids
May 1, 2022
Excellent how to book on creating a Christ honoring atmosphere in one’s home
August 25, 2022
This is the best parenting book I’ve ever read so far. A must read for every Christian parent.
February 8, 2023
It was ok.
June 7, 2023
Couldn't finish. It felt cheesy and superficial.
July 16, 2023
It is a beautiful book that shows you the importance of having a Christian home and what that means for you and your children. A must need for any Christian's bookshelf.
December 31, 2023
2/5
there are some good tactics and points in here but i struggled with the writing style. felt really long winded and like the author was trying to fit an autobiography into this. i don’t mind real life connections but it overshadowed the application points a bit too much for my liking. also, felt dated.
there are some good tactics and points in here but i struggled with the writing style. felt really long winded and like the author was trying to fit an autobiography into this. i don’t mind real life connections but it overshadowed the application points a bit too much for my liking. also, felt dated.
February 16, 2011
Fantastic book, loved it, definitely recommend it to all parents.
It was humorous, insightful and packed with lots of solid biblical advice given in a casual manner-he said take it or leave as you wish. He told lots of stories (a little too many intro ones in my opinions) but it made it a quick read.
I have several friends who don't like reading parenting books, but I find I need to read them frequently, it helps ground me and remind me of good things to do in my 'job'. I got really mad at the four year old the other day, the next day I read about the importance of laughter as a family (did I not know that? of course I did, I had a wonderfully laughing home growing up) but reading it helped me remember to do it, so I've lightened up and we've had some laughy days!
I took notes for myself:
Incorporate 'God-talk'
Ask at dinner-what did God say to you today?
Prayer:
Make a specific road (on the way to church, school, trips, etc) one that you always pray at.
Laundry room-Col 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
Put up reminders around the home.
The Home:
Joyful greetings, respect Dad, love Mom, nurture kids, GRACE, forgiveness & repentance, Thank you, tenderness, generosity
WORDS:
Never say, "you are.." followed by something bad, always rephrase to be polite and not personally insulting
Speak good 'endorsements' where your children can overhear them
Be a family team
On a birthday, go around and speak words as a gift, I love you because...
Need for moderation in electronic devices
Family Vitamins:
1. I love you
2. verbalize your love needs
3. I'm sorry I was wrong, will you forgive me?
4. May I help?
5. Thank you
Discipline, must be:
direct, painful, swift, participatory
Happy Secret-identify (problems) validate (feelings) share
*Practice saying NO to yourself (like eating too much, gossip, etc) make it a game and report back to the family*
Work gives children a strong sense of self-respect
Moderation & modesty
Make your Home a Safe Place:
to tell the truth (p 184 -they didn't punish their kids if they told the truth the first time, they may have to deal with the consequences (apologize or replace...) but if the answer to who did it? was an immediate I did, then no punishment. also no punishment for accidents or honest mistakes (being kids)
Be on their side
to make mistakes (a mistake means you are trying and I want you to try)
to ask anything
Think the best of them-My daughter is a truth teller, when she lies say, that's not like you
Calmness, no need to panic, God is in control
A Christian Home-Mom & Dad Priest-Worship Daily
Job description for home priests:
confession, thanksgiving, generosity of our own free will, Obey God
Bringing our kids to Him is our job, not to produce perfect behavior.
Honor his Name in prayer, Music
God, then spouse, then kids
Live out what we expect from our kids-Parents go first-be consistent in living what we ask of them.
It was humorous, insightful and packed with lots of solid biblical advice given in a casual manner-he said take it or leave as you wish. He told lots of stories (a little too many intro ones in my opinions) but it made it a quick read.
I have several friends who don't like reading parenting books, but I find I need to read them frequently, it helps ground me and remind me of good things to do in my 'job'. I got really mad at the four year old the other day, the next day I read about the importance of laughter as a family (did I not know that? of course I did, I had a wonderfully laughing home growing up) but reading it helped me remember to do it, so I've lightened up and we've had some laughy days!
I took notes for myself:
Incorporate 'God-talk'
Ask at dinner-what did God say to you today?
Prayer:
Make a specific road (on the way to church, school, trips, etc) one that you always pray at.
Laundry room-Col 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
Put up reminders around the home.
The Home:
Joyful greetings, respect Dad, love Mom, nurture kids, GRACE, forgiveness & repentance, Thank you, tenderness, generosity
WORDS:
Never say, "you are.." followed by something bad, always rephrase to be polite and not personally insulting
Speak good 'endorsements' where your children can overhear them
Be a family team
On a birthday, go around and speak words as a gift, I love you because...
Need for moderation in electronic devices
Family Vitamins:
1. I love you
2. verbalize your love needs
3. I'm sorry I was wrong, will you forgive me?
4. May I help?
5. Thank you
Discipline, must be:
direct, painful, swift, participatory
Happy Secret-identify (problems) validate (feelings) share
*Practice saying NO to yourself (like eating too much, gossip, etc) make it a game and report back to the family*
Work gives children a strong sense of self-respect
Moderation & modesty
Make your Home a Safe Place:
to tell the truth (p 184 -they didn't punish their kids if they told the truth the first time, they may have to deal with the consequences (apologize or replace...) but if the answer to who did it? was an immediate I did, then no punishment. also no punishment for accidents or honest mistakes (being kids)
Be on their side
to make mistakes (a mistake means you are trying and I want you to try)
to ask anything
Think the best of them-My daughter is a truth teller, when she lies say, that's not like you
Calmness, no need to panic, God is in control
A Christian Home-Mom & Dad Priest-Worship Daily
Job description for home priests:
confession, thanksgiving, generosity of our own free will, Obey God
Bringing our kids to Him is our job, not to produce perfect behavior.
Honor his Name in prayer, Music
God, then spouse, then kids
Live out what we expect from our kids-Parents go first-be consistent in living what we ask of them.
August 9, 2010
I do not typically read parenting books, but my brother-in-law and sister-in-law recently gave me this book and I ended up reading it straight through in two days. It has really good, concrete ideas for creating a positive, emotionally safe home for your family and how to live your faith in your family. Not everything was something I needed to read about to know - I already tell my husband and son that I love them multiple times a day- but all the information was necessary because I know not everyone is already doing that. I did love the chapter on making everyone who walks through the door of your home feel welcome. Of course, I'm not going to use every tip or bit of advice from the book; the author's method of discipline for his children of taking them into another room, talking about the problem, spanking them, then giving them a hug seemed too contrived and didn't even seem to go with his own concept of swift discipline. But the author did add great information on the importance of teaching your children to learn self-discipline. As a whole, the book is really helpful guide and reminder of what a Christian home and Christian family should look like.
December 4, 2009
I read through this book with a discussion group this summer... and then summer ended and I just finished the last three chapters. This book has made a huge impact on my life and in our home this year- it's full of encouraging and practical ideas on how to have a Christian home that is warm, loving and points others to Christ. The author gives so many great ideas he warns in the introduction you must pick a few at a time to implement and then come back for more.
I will not go into details because I want you to read this book for yourself and be encouraged that you can have a home that is a peaceful oasis in this turbulent world, full of grace and gratitude, where uplifting words are spoken, fun and laughter are part of every day, discipline is not a dirty word, and God is glorified. After reading this book, I feel all of these things are attainable, and I'm excited about making our home a more beautiful place.
I will not go into details because I want you to read this book for yourself and be encouraged that you can have a home that is a peaceful oasis in this turbulent world, full of grace and gratitude, where uplifting words are spoken, fun and laughter are part of every day, discipline is not a dirty word, and God is glorified. After reading this book, I feel all of these things are attainable, and I'm excited about making our home a more beautiful place.
March 19, 2010
Loved this book. Felt like I knew him since so much of the book happens in Wheaton and Nashville. Hopefully my life trajectory will also include Orlando. :)
In any case, I liked this book because it seemed so common sense - kind of like what it is - an older Christian just presenting some advice. I want my home to be "a kingdom outpost." I grew up in a home with many spoken and unspoken rules for behavior and it was not a place any of us wanted to bring our friends. I practically grew up in my best friends' home - a home much less Christian than my own but open to all kinds of kids. I want that but find I will have to be intentional about it - I am more like my mom than I'd like to think. So, enjoyed his challenge to have a welcoming home. Lots of other practical suggestions too . . . I'm just writing this too late to write any more!
In any case, I liked this book because it seemed so common sense - kind of like what it is - an older Christian just presenting some advice. I want my home to be "a kingdom outpost." I grew up in a home with many spoken and unspoken rules for behavior and it was not a place any of us wanted to bring our friends. I practically grew up in my best friends' home - a home much less Christian than my own but open to all kinds of kids. I want that but find I will have to be intentional about it - I am more like my mom than I'd like to think. So, enjoyed his challenge to have a welcoming home. Lots of other practical suggestions too . . . I'm just writing this too late to write any more!
July 28, 2010
Lots of good ideas and advice about how to have a Christian home. Very practical and biblical.
My main draw-back: I could tell the author was a 60-year-old man speaking to 30-year-old women, particularly by his examples, which felt a bit outdated or unrealistic. (i.e. I wish I'd been his editor.) At the same time, there was something comforting about reading an older father's perspective on creating a Christian home.
In the end, I'm not sure I would have finished it on my own, but it was a good conversation started and source of ideas for our summer book discussion group (which met each week to discuss a chapter).
My main draw-back: I could tell the author was a 60-year-old man speaking to 30-year-old women, particularly by his examples, which felt a bit outdated or unrealistic. (i.e. I wish I'd been his editor.) At the same time, there was something comforting about reading an older father's perspective on creating a Christian home.
In the end, I'm not sure I would have finished it on my own, but it was a good conversation started and source of ideas for our summer book discussion group (which met each week to discuss a chapter).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews