The Faith of Chip & Joanna Gaines

When I was a boy in Oklahoma, my father would often attempt home repair projects. Whether it was a leaky pipe or a loose floorboard, he was determined to fix it himself—and he often enlisted my help. I remember countless Saturdays spent holding tools and making long drives to the hardware store. But I can’t remember us ever completing a successful repair … in the end we always called a plumber or carpenter to get the job done! Being “handy” is not a Morris family trait!

And that’s part of the reason why I’m so enamored by Chip and Joanna Gaines. Their ability to take an old house—sometimes on the verge of collapse—and seamlessly work together to transform it into a beautiful home is nothing short of astonishing. No wonder their cable TV show, Fixer Upper, is such a hit!

But above all else, this couple calls Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior. God works in surprising ways to bring us to Himself, and He makes no exception when it comes to these stars of a hit HGTV show in Waco, Texas, a stone’s throw from the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

When interviewing with “I Am Second,” Chip and Joanna give insight into how God works in and through their love for each other.

 

 

Joanna was lonely and fearful about the future but learned how to find satisfaction and security in God’s love. In this next video, we catch a deeper glimpse into how Joanna’s relationship with Christ led her to glorify God in all things, including her parenting, The Magnolia Market, and what would later become Fixer Upper.

 

 

Chip thought he had it all together, but was led into a relationship with Jesus by the testimony of aid workers held captive by the Taliban in Afghanistan. In the midst of his many jokes and shenanigans, this next video offers insight into a man who humbly submits himself to the Lord.

 

 

On Fixer Upper (which I admit is one of Janet’s and my favorite shows) Chip and Joanna transform run-down eyesores to become beautiful homes, but they don’t stop there. They also model a healthy marriage, care for their children, and love for their neighbors. I find that deeply encouraging as I watch with the knowledge that their faith in Christ is the foundation for everything they do. And I pray this is an encouragement to you, as well.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As the leader of the Haven Ministries, Charles Morris is always thinking of ways to lead Christians and non-Christians to Christ—hence the familiar slogan, “Telling the great story … it’s all about Jesus.” A former secular journalist, Charles has worked for United Press International, and as a press secretary for two former U.S. senators. He and his wife, Janet, have authored several books, including Missing Jesus. Charles’ latest book is Fleeing ISIS, Finding Jesus: The Real Story of God At Work.
Most of the thoughts above are taken from broadcasts of Haven Today. Corum Hughes serves as the editor of this blog and coordinator for Haven’s social media content. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Corum lives in Boise, ID with his wife Molly.

 

9 Comments

  • Mona says:

    My husband and I have enjoyed watching Chip and Joanna on TV also…however, we are sorry we will no longer be able to support and enjoy them due to their participation with Target. We are not questioning their Christianity, but we certainly don’t understand how they can put business before standing against Target’s support of the liberal agenda…namely, for one, choosing to open bathrooms to either sex. How in this world can any Christian support Target and their liberal views? My husband and I used to go to Target and liked some of their items, but no matter what the Gains have for sale in that store, or probably elsewhere, we are done with both Target and the Gains, unless they break ties with Target and the liberal agenda. Anyone of the Gain’s stature can write a book…and it may be interesting, but their true life story is written by what they do that Christ and God’s principles can shine through. I am concerned and disappointed that Haven Today is promoting Target by promoting the Gains. I am sorry to say, I do not have the high regard and trust for Haven Today that I have had in the past. Would you please explain how you can support the Gains and in doing so, Target. Will the Gains be okay to allow their adorable children, and themselves to share bathrooms with anyone of either sex. What story are they, and you, now writing? What one does is more important than what they say. I certainly am writing my own story, and I often fail, too. May God have mercy on all of us, give us wisdom and understanding of His desires, and help us to reject what is not right in His sight.

    • Corum Hughes says:

      Thanks so much for your comment, Mona. Here is a message from Charles in response to Chip and Joanna’s partnership with Target:
      Dear Mona …
      Had we known.
      Had we known sooner that Chip and Joanna Gaines would launch a furniture line with Target, we would have paused to consider the series and offering their book, The Magnolia Story. But with copies in our warehouse and programs mostly recorded, we were in a dilemma. We’ve moved forward with this series because Chip and Joanna don’t shy away from their testimony as Christians, even under intense pressure. They don’t like to travel because it takes them away from their homeschooled children. They are active in their evangelical church in Waco.
      I understand the perspective of Christians who are critical of their relationship with Target. Boycotts are a slippery slope when it comes to protest. Where one draws the line is becoming less easy. For example, I like Starbucks coffee but they have taken stands in the past against my Christian moral standards. One of the radio groups we serve led a boycott some years back for Procter and Gamble and we faced the issue in our home of whether to keep buying Tide. The world keeps getting more chaotic and some choices seem to be between the the lesser of two evils. I’m certain if we examined some of the corporate stances of our current laundry detergent, we would find concerns.
      So when we learned of the relationship with Target, we paused and reflected. We then concluded that we could stand behind what we were saying and using on the air as leading people to Jesus. And The Magnolia Story is a wholesome book that we could endorse and offer.
      That’s the background. I want to thank you for making contact. Please join us in prayer that this radio program in its 84th year will honor our Savior and keep leading people every day to the Great Story that’s all about Jesus.
      Still hiding under the Lamb,
      Charles Morris

    • Bob says:

      Our duty as Christians is not to judge for there is only one Judge and that is God. Our duty is to love just like our Father, let’s let the Holy Spirit to convict people of their sins. If the Gaines are sinning against God by partnering with Target then let the Holy Spirit convict them, besides, everyone is accountable to God & not to people. God bless you as you continue to grow in Him.

  • Jessica Martin says:

    We are from Melbourne Australia, every Wednesday and Sunday my 7 years old son and I get ready to watch our favorite program fixer upper, we both wish them the best, when we learned about their faith and how our Lord Jesus have blessed them to have each other, we admired them even more, David my son said that’s great their will go to heaven too. Great show .
    God Blessings
    Gareth, Jessica and David Martin

  • Mel says:

    Great family, love their show. I know they’re moving on to another show and just had a baby, many blessings. P.s I’m a Christian and continue shopping at Target, great store and family.

  • Ruth Olson says:

    The type of phrasing used above sounds like the writer is wanting control over Chip and Joanna’s business decisions. “Unless someone does something the way I believe they should” shows desire for control on the other people. They have a right to their opinion, but I’m sure that the Gaines would not knuckle under to the people’s opinion.
    “Unless the Gaines do this, I will not…..” is manipulative and sounds like someone in Seventh Grade and not an adult.
    We all have our likes, dislikes, opinions and desires. It is not in our control to cause everyone else to think and act like we do. We are individuals. We have a choice where we shop. Getting controlling and manipulative in mannerisms is none of our business. Just go and do what you think and keep your need to be controlling and manipulative on others to yourselves.

  • Glenda Montgomery says:

    From the first time I watched FIXER UPPER. I knew they were Christians. It is a wonderful testimony to watch. I have been catching up with various YouTube recordings and also recommended others to watch. I love how they are in the,world but not of the world. Love their family life and so pleased about their fifth baby. Please pass on my blessings and would love to hear from them.
    All Gods blessings to them all.
    Love

    • Corum Hughes says:

      Thanks so much for your comment! We’re not currently in contact with the Gaines family, but I’m sure they’d appreciate your kind words of blessing and love.

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