Gospel Mom: How to Make Biblical Decisions and Discover the Mom God Created You to Be

by Emily A. Jensen, Laura Wifler

If there's one thing moms love, it's a formula. Give us the three-step process, the instruction manual, the straightforward solution for how to mother with excellence and we'll give it our best shot.

But we all know motherhood isn't that simple. Each decision seems to present a thousand overwhelming options, or our circumstances suddenly change and we can't keep up with "the plan," or we see another mom making different choices and begin to doubt our own.

All of this leaves us questioning our decision-making in motherhood.

So how can we find a secure identity in motherhood and know we're "good" before the throne of God? By understanding the gospel story and how all of scripture applies to our lives. We need more than just to know what to do. We need to know who to be.

Join Emily and Laura as together you explore what it truly means to be a gospel mom, a woman who is renewed by Christ's righteousness, knows her mission and purpose, and lives free from guilt and unhealthy comparison.

As friends, fellow moms, and expert guides, Emily and Laura walk you step-by-step through the practices and thinking of how to rest in the grace of Christ, gaining peace and assurance in your motherhood.

Genres: Parenting, Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Audiobook, Personal Growth, Theology

224 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2024

About the author

Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler are in the trenches of motherhood, right alongside their readers. With a combination of accessibility, relatability, and solid Biblical knowledge, Emily and Laura have a knack for simplifying complex Biblical truths, revealing how they relate and apply to everyday life. As the co-founders of the Risen Motherhood ministry, and co-hosts of the chart-topping podcast, God has consistently and powerfully used the voices of these two moms as a vehicle to captivate women around the world with the gospel. As sister-in-laws, Emily and Laura both live in central Iowa with their families.

Reviews

[Rachael Murley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything Emily & Laura write but this book is maybe their best work. This book has profoundly shaped me and offers a great framework for making decisions
and raising a family in light of the Gospel. As someone who is more prone to anxiety in making decisions and is often overwhelmed with the thought of how I directly am shaping/molding my kids, this book was very freeing to read.

[Blessing Bloodworth (naptimereaders) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is beautiful! It’s exquisitely designed and has high-quality production. From the cover to the sketched florals on the pages, it was an aesthetically pleasing book to read.
I appreciated its overarching “fly-by” of what it looks like to live the Christian life as a mom. Though it is written by and for moms, the gospel worldview framework they teach isn’t specific to only moms; which is appropriate because the richness of the Gospel is for all who call upon His name.
I really liked their “plow and trowel” illustration of how we read the Bible: it’s important to both “plow” through the entire Bible consistently so we continue to build an underground of the whole counsel of scripture. But it’s also important to take time to “trowel” down deep into sections of scripture to allow our understanding of that passage to take root and flourish.

I could see this book as a helpful supplement for one-on-one mentoring. Especially with a brand-new believer or a very young mom. Or to launch biblical discussions within a mom’s group.
But I would hesitate to recommend this as a singular resource because I felt that it lacked depth. They communicated truth and stood upon scripture, but I found myself wishing they would dig a little deeper. I also prefer authors to quote straight scripture as they write, instead of paraphrasing and listing the reference in the footnotes.

Thank you to Harvest House Publishers for the complimentary book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Emily Waits (emilylovesreading_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review-at-a-Glance

Solid overview of the gospel and the metanarrative of Scripture!
This might be an excellent resource for a mom who is a new believer.
The introduction and the final section (“The Thinking”) were my favorite parts.
This book offers helpful reminders, especially when it comes to making different choices from other “gospel moms” around us. Freedom in Christ. Freedom from comparison.
I think that this book would be ideally read in community–think buddy read or book club.
I did wish that there would have been more depth to this book. I really, really wanted more depth.
I wished that Scripture would have been used a bit differently–more wholly and less partially quoted or paraphrased with a footnote.
This book was very similar to Risen Motherhood.

All in all, some mixed thoughts on this one, but overall I enjoyed and appreciated it! Also, how could you not just love this cover? Truly one of the most beautiful covers!

[Jenny Laird · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A number of years ago Emily and Laura wrote Risen Motherhood, and it was amazing. I was so excited to hear they had written another book together. This one specifically was about finding your identity in motherhood. Instead of knowing WHAT to do, it’s about who you ARE.

The book itself is gorgeous. Super thick pages, great layout, impactful quotes pulled out on gorgeous floral paper.

However- I felt a lot of this information was repetitive from their first book Risen Motherhood. I found the most helpful sections were the introduction and the last section Part 3.
I think the first 2 parts (the bulk of the book) would be useful for moms new to the Christian faith, but not necessarily applicable to me/ what I thought I was getting.
I found everything was very generalized and lacked the depth I was hoping for.

I will always recommend Risen Motherhood- but this one I’m not jumping up and down about

[Lillie Wynstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love Emily and Laura, and this book is such a sweet picture of their maturity in motherhood. As I read I found myself tempted to skim or skip to next parts because, “I’ve heard this before, and I’ve mastered it,” but that in itself has been such a good reminder for me that I can never outgrow the gospel. I appreciate their honestly and willingness to be vulnerable with their own shortcomings. It’s clear they use their journeys to love and help others instead of shame and guilt moms into making certain choices. Motherhood looks different for all moms, but what really matters is a life lived and loved for the glory of God.

[Alaina Gangestad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I gave it three stars because I felt bad giving it only two. It’s not a bad book or anything…it just felt…too fluffy? Too surface level? And overall I did not really enjoy it and was not challenged by it.

It was one of those books where I could read the chapter and paragraph headings and understand the point. And that’s exactly what I did for part three of the book because there’s a world of good books out there and many many books on my “to-read” list this year and I was done devoting time to a book that just wasn’t drawing me in.

[Laura and Literature · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What kind of mom’s are we going to be? Gospel Moms!”

[Mackenzie Donegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a calm to my heart and a breath of fresh air. The antidote to “mommy wars” and the exact correction/encouragement I needed as we start expanding our family.

[Ry]

I AM NOT PREGNANT. THIS JUST LOOKS GOOD.

[Family Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid 4-star motherhood book that I think many Christian women will enjoy and learn from, especially those newer to the faith or looking for guidance on blending gospel truths with the everyday moments of motherhood.

While I personally didn’t connect with "Gospel Mom" as much as Laura and Emily's previous book, "Risen Motherhood," I still recommend it. "Risen Motherhood" felt more like having a cup of coffee with mom friends who offer encouragement and insight. "Gospel Moms" seemed more focused on teaching and guiding. I appreciated the clear gospel-centered approach, but it did feel a bit more instructive and less conversational.

My favorite section of the book was this sort of "manifesto" for gospel moms:

A Gospel Mom…

- Gains a new heart and a new nature with Christ's righteousness.
- Knows her mission and purpose.
- Lives free from the punishment of sin yet still wrestles with its power.
- Understands the realities of a broken Earth and the hardship of life east of Eden.
- Lives free from mom guilt.
- Rejoices because nothing can separate her from the love of God.
- Recognizes the battle is against the world, the flesh, and the devil - not other moms.
- Walks in freedom from fear.
- Trusts God to continue to grow and change her.
- Sets her sight on eternity and the glory that awaits.

I plan to print this list out and put it where I will see it every day.

If you’re a new believer or looking to ground your parenting in biblical truths, this book offers some solid direction.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings anout this one! It’s a visually beautiful book, and the authors provide a solid overview of how to apply the gospel framework (creation, fall, redemption, consummation) to motherhood. My qualm is that I wanted more depth at so many points! I think this book would be a great gift for a young mom or new believer, and would be a helpful jumping-off point for a book discussion group. I think I’ll glean more from it as I take time to discuss with friends and apply the principles to my own life. The ultimate section about conscience in decision making was the main reason why I wanted to read this book, and although it was helpful and interesting I really wished they’d gone deeper. Moving Naselli’s “Conscience” up in my 2025 book list to satisfy that desire!

Read with MM

[Sigita Juknienė · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaip ir daugelis kitų atsiliepimų rašė, tai labai tiktų neseniai įtikėjusiai mamai ar tai, kuri neseniai tapo mama.
Knyga tokia paprasta, bet ir įžvalgi, kad manau, jog grįšiu prie jos vėliau. Užduodama daug klausimų, kurie padeda analizuoti situacijas ir į jas reaguoti bibliškai.

[Sylvia Kinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did this as an audiobook 🎧
This is a book I would read each year. It encouraged me as a mom and challenged me in areas I need to grow in.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

love these authors and their podcast. they are thought-provoking and hold to biblical truths.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good, but I didn’t seem to connect with it as well as the “Risen Motherhood@ book. It took me a while to get through it. The first half was a gospel recap and the second part was the more practical part. I think the last two chapters were the most helpful.

[Krista Otto · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, not impressed. Risen motherhood was much better. I really wanted to like it, and I couldn’t.

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worked through this book with the corresponding workbook in a Mom’s group at my church. The workbook is not necessary to purchase with this book, just helpful for facilitating groups like the one I’m in :)

Overall, this was a good read. It started a little slow for me, but it really did all come together in the end. The last 3 chapters were the real meat & potatoes for me. Personal conscience checks, heart motivations, and good question prompts to help reveal how God uniquely made us, and how we are called to interact with other moms who do not make the same decisions as us.

I like to think of myself as someone who isn’t a part of the judgey mom culture, especially with all the stuff I see online. However, through some of the prompts in this book I’ve come to see where I have fallen short and have been judgmental at times; even if in my own mind/heart and not through the comments section.

I gave it 4-stars because there were some great, eyeopening insight in certain parts of the book, but I wouldn’t call it “life changing” or a “must read”.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5🌟
This was a solid Biblical look at how the gospel can transform our motherhood. I would say it was more basic than Risen Motherhood and definitely perfect for young Christians. I still got some great insights. I especially enjoyed the chapters on spiritual habits and thinking.

Limitations remind us of who we are and who God is. We are needy, dependent, fragile people; He is the almighty, all powerful, ever present, utterly holy king of the world and God of the universe. What a comfort to her motherhood! Are weary souls can rest because he already completed the ultimate work: his sacrifice on the cross. The habits we implement in motherhood are physical representations of our spiritual reality.

It's so important that we devote ourselves not to a certain method or identity but to Christ himself and the unchanging identity we have in Him.

[Rosie Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a new mom, I found myself wrestling with several topics in this book and feeling convicted about a lot of ideas I've started to form on motherhood. I appreciated the discussion on mom guilt and discerning the difference between conviction from the Holy Spirit vs condemnation and false standards we've created in our heads about the way motherhood "should" look. Overall, some basic principles but was both challenging and encouraging.

[Skylar Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is beautiful and is empowering in helping you become a “gospel mom”. Overall, it had so many amazing sentiments and POVs into different scenarios. But, it lacked the depth of the Bible that I personally love to dive into, especially when discussing certain topics. Would definitely recommend to my Christian mom friends, though! 🫶🏼

[Alexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend that every mom reads this at some point! Super helpful when in the trenches of parenting toddlers, haha. The incredible reminders of how The Gospel applies to motherhood, where my identity lies, and how Im called to interact with others truly hit home. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would!

[Rebekah Gough · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book a good reminder of the gospel and a good discussion of how to have unity among Christians since there are many grey areas in Christianity our primary identity is rooted in Jesus.
I didn’t gain many takeaways but was thankful for the discussions around growing your faith and doing what God has called you to do (not copying others).
I think this book would be most helpful for a new mom or Christ follower.

[Liza Tabita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it is a good book, I had higher expectations after the Risen Motherhood book. The book is very practical and specific in most of the areas of motherhood, but it lacks theological influence. My review is based on a personal preference and expectation , I do not intend to minimize the importance of the content and its impact on other readers.

[Alana Grupe · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a workbook that works alongside of this book called, Becoming a Gospel Mom, so if you want more questions than is included in the book get this ahead of time!

Part 1 — is a Gospel presentation. Laying out what the Gospel is through creation, fall, redemption and consummation.

Part 2 — really dives into the importance of spiritual disciplines such as Bible study, prayer, corporate worship, and patterns of rest. They gave suggestions or tips that you could apply these spiritual disciplines to your own life but I didn’t feel like it was anything I haven’t heard before. Honestly starting half way through the book (117) is when it starts to get good. And gives tips on habits to curate with friendships, getting in nature, and resting + care.

Part 3 — talks through circumstances, motives, not comparing yourself to other moms and not judging other moms for how they do things.

Overall I think a good read for a new believer mom!

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ✨ I love how this book covered so many topics in motherhood and what it’s like to live a gospel centered life as a mom. I feel like alone, the book was good but with the workbook it took it to the next level!

[Barbara Stanberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this will be an annual read for me!

[Meagan Smallwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful and heartfelt. This book helped me refocus and remember that all journeys are different and comparison is the thief of joy.

[Sarah Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The only thing I would recommend is to not do it as an audiobook. I plan to re-read to journal and highlights concepts, I’d like to focus on. Overall- I loved it!

[Macie Wiebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! A good reminder of being faithful to follow the Lord and live the Gospel out in motherhood.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theologically sound and full of such good reminders. I did wish they’d included more personal examples though. That’s often how I learn best and what I remember later.