FAQ
Ministry Philosophy
Why the name, “Home In Him”?
We want homes to experience the joy of the gospel and of living as new creations in Christ. This is especially important because our homes are where disciples are first made. The influence of the home for good (and for bad) is still unparalleled. Children need to grow up understanding that the gospel message is about our union with Christ through whom we find all joy and power for godly living.
What is the gospel?
The gospel is the good news of complete redemption in Jesus Christ to those who by faith alone reach out and receive the gift of redemption.
Not only is the penalty of our sin paid for by Jesus’s death (John 3:16, 2 Cor. 5:21), but God gives us a new identity as new creations in Christ (Rom. 6:4, 2 Cor. 5:17). We are ushered into a new relationship with God as his adopted children in whom he delights (Eph. 1:5, Zeph. 3:17).
Through the gospel, we are given every spiritual blessing in Christ so that we have the freedom to live joyfully, obediently for God (Eph. 1:3, Gal. 5:1, Rom. 6:14). The Holy Spirit empowers our faith to believe what is true about us because of what Jesus has done so that we can bring our thoughts, words, and deeds into line with who we already are in Jesus Christ (John 15:26, 1 Cor. 1:2).
Repentance from sin and striving to live obediently are fueled not by duty or an attempt to force God to do something for us, but out of joy in who he is and gratitude for what he has done for us (John 14:15, Rom. 6:14, Heb. 12:2).
Why are so many homes struggling today?
In a word, sin.
Sin is the cause of our relational struggles (Luke 6:43-35, James 4:1-4). It is a practical problem that is rooted in a sinful spiritual condition. Jesus’ death and resurrection not only removed the penalty of our sin (death), but it also defeated the power of sin in our lives (Rom. 6:1-4, 14, Eph. 2:1-3).
Why do you place such an emphasis on the gospel?
Homes need help. The gospel is the good news that makes our homes thrive.
Paul says in Romans 1:15-16 that “…the gospel is the power of God unto salvation.” The word, “salvation” here in the Greek means more than just our justification. It includes the whole of our salvation from beginning to end, including our sanctification. Our work of bringing our lives into line with who we already are in Christ, commonly known as progressive sanctification is as much a work of faith in the gospel as is our justification (Rom. 6:11, 2 Cor. 5:7).
Why do you focus on joy?
We believe that authentic Christian discipleship in our homes should focus on joy for the following reasons:
God wants us to have joy.
Psalm 16:11 – You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forever.
John 16:24 – Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may about in hope.
Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
God himself is the only dependable source of joy in a life full of trials that range from mere disappointment to devastating tragedies.
Galatians 5:22 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy…
1 Peter 1:3-7 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Note: The joy of the Lord is not an aloof or forced, fake smile that denies mental, physical, or emotional suffering but what enables us to endure in the strength of Christ.
The joy God gives provides us strength in trials.
Nehemiah 8:10 – …for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Hebrews 12:1b-2 – …and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
James 1:2-3 – Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
Joy involves knowing that God is using all of our circumstances to help us become more like him.
Romans 8:28-29 – And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.
James 1:2-3 – Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
1 Peter 1:3-7 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Lack of joy in Christian experience can lead those from Christian homes to grow lukewarm or cold to Jesus. Without joy, it is easy to misunderstand that Christianity is all about rules. Do’s and Don’ts. Our performance. Little is known about the grace, mercy, and love of the LORD God for his children which is the key to glorifying God in our obedience.
How can we benefit from Home In Him?
Lord willing, you will see:
– An increase in joy in your life—and the lives of those in your home—that does not ebb and flow with your circumstances.
– Enduring motivation to engage in the spiritual disciplines of reading the word of God, prayer, scripture memory and spiritual conversations.
– More love, grace, and mercy in relationships.
– Increased victory over areas of sin in your life and relationships.
– Confidence that God is able to use your struggling, imperfect efforts to be his tools for good in the life of your spouse, children, extended family, church members and others.
– Greater purpose in family life that is others-centered rather than self-centered.
What is unique about Home In Him?
– We highly leverage the gospel, particularly its emphasis on our identity in Jesus Christ, as the source of health in relationships.
– We believe a robust application of the indicative (who God is and what God has already done for us) and imperative (how we are to live to glorify him) principle helps keep truth balanced, avoiding the dangerous errors of legalism (all law and no grace) and antinomianism (no law and all [cheap] grace).
– We are a small ministry and as such we have the ability to work more personally with you.
– This ministry was born and is developed in the trenches of home and church life. We come to you not as THE experts but humbly as beggars who have found bread and want to share it.
Why should I trust Home In Him?
We believe that the Bible, the Word of God is not only our authority, but that it is fully sufficient to direct us in matters of life and godliness (2 Tim. 3:16-17, 1 Peter 1:25). We strive to the best of our ability to honor God’s Word as our source of Truth.
We confidently encourage all to follow the example of the Bereans of Acts 17:11 who eagerly examined the Word of God to see if these things were true.
Why is Home In Him so theologically focused?
We were created by God in his image (Gen. 1:26-27). He defines our purpose and how we are to live as his creatures. He also is The One in position to know how to restore broken people to himself and to each other.
Our fundamental problem is that our relationship with him has been broken by sin (Rom. 3:23). Our individual sin against God is at the root of our relational sins with each other. But God provides the solution to sin through the perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection of his son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
Eternal life is not merely a destination after we die, but it is a relationship with God that we begin to enjoy now, by faith, and will be perfected when we die (John 17:3, 1 John 5:11).
While we are justified in one sovereign act (Rom. 5:1, 1 Pet. 2:24), the working out of that truth through progressive sanctification takes a lifetime (Phil. 1:6, Rom. 12:1-2).
God has given us the tools for sanctification in his word, his Holy Spirit, and our relationships with each other in our homes and most especially in his Church (Heb. 12:24-25, Eph. 4:15-16). The answers to our relational problems start with this theological understanding. Right actions proceed from right belief.
Today, we are more conditioned than ever to believe that there are formulas “out there” to solve any number of problems including the relational problems we experience in our homes. Certainly, addressing most problems requires a plan, even if it is only one step. But tragically, what often happens is we focus on finding a formula and conclude that if we do it, then we will get the result we expect. YouTube videos provide quick solutions to a clogged sink, or computer problem, but they are not able to create immediate change in people. People don’t change overnight. Relationships don’t normally work that way because we all have hearts with indwelling sin(Rom. 7:18-20). How do we deal with sin in our relationships?
It begins with dealing with sin in ourselves and then helping others (particularly those living in our homes) with the divine means God has given us: The gospel. This is a theological approach to these problems that is usually slow-working, it requires tenacious faith—but it is effective when we stick with it. We give the Holy Spirit the gospel tools he needs by dwelling faithfully on the gospel.
We want to help foster resilient growth in faithful application of the gospel that over time produces lasting fruit.
How can I get the most out of Home In Him?
First, make a commitment. Is joy in Jesus in your home a real priority? We might say so but do our daily decisions reflect that? If not, then let today be the day you agree to start to turn the ship around! This takes focus and we are here to encourage and support that.
Second, set your expectations by realizing that what we’re helping you do is a process not an event. While we believe you can enjoy some immediate benefits, our goal is to encourage and equip you for the long haul.
Third, sign up to receive announcements about podcasts, articles, videos, resources, and other opportunities.
Fourth, start with step one and work your way through all four steps.
Other Questions
How can I support Home In Him?
Prayer. We are in this spiritual battle together. Just like you, we need prayer! We all have huge prayer lists and we greatly appreciate your prayers for Home In Him. Please pray for:
- God to be glorified and for homes to be transformed by the joy of the gospel.
- Guidance by the Holy Spirit in all we do.
- Spiritual protection for the ministry and the families represented by our board and staff.
We would like to pray for you, too! Please tell us your prayer requests, contact us here.
Cash donations. You can donate on-line with your credit card. Please visit our support page to learn more. Or, you can send your check made out to Home In Him to: 4013 Echo Ridge Place, Midlothian, VA 23112.
Is Eric available to speak to my group?
Yes! Eric loves to speak to groups. He speaks at men’s ministry meetings, churches (sermons and Sunday school), home schooling conventions (plenary and workshops), denominational conferences (plenary and workshops), couple’s retreats (Leslee joins Eric for these), family camps, and church retreats.
If you would like more information about having Eric come speak to your group, please email us.
What is Home In Him's legal standing?
Where did Uniting Church and Home go?
Home In Him was originally founded in 2001 as the Institute for Uniting Church and Home, or simply Uniting Church and Home (UCH). After 20 years of ministry service, we realized that God refined our message to the point where a rebrand and strategy update was needed. As of May 2022, the refined work of UCH continues under our new name, Home In Him. To read more about this transition, click here.