Chosen: Building Your Family the Way God Builds His

by Andrew Hopper

Andrew Hopper, an adoptive father, presents a compelling, holistic exploration of Christian adoption and foster care, rooted in the gospel’s transformative power.

Have you ever considered building your family the way God builds his? Adoption is not only a response to the needs of children who don’t have a family, but also a profound picture of God’s love for all the children he has adopted into his family. In Chosen, Andrew Hopper helps Christians deepen their understanding of their own adoption as children of God and invites them to put the gospel on display by engaging in adoption themselves.

Through Scripture, personal anecdotes, and practical advice, Hopper inspires God’s people to embrace the ministry of adoption as an act of faith, courage, and mission. He also addresses the common fears and obstacles such as financial strain and emotional challenges that often hold families back from adoption. Whether a family is called to adopt, foster, or support others who are doing so, they will be equipped to step into this sacred work with confidence.

Realistically shares the costs and joys of both adoption and foster care for families to prayerfully consider.Offers a robust framework and actionable strategies for how churches can support adoptive and foster families through the “Rope Holder” model.Highlights the evangelistic power of adoption and foster care, showing how these ministries can serve as living testimonies of the gospel.

Genres: Adoption

112 pages, Paperback

Published January 12, 2026

About the author

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name

Reviews

[Trevor Atwood]

Good, simple, and to the point book about the church’s call to adopt.

Recommend to pastors and any Christian.

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chosen is a hopeful and honest look at adoption, and I truly love how closely it connects with the message of the Gospel. Drawing from his personal experience, the author shares both the joys and the challenges of adoption and the adoption ministry.

I appreciate the author’s candid approach to revealing the process of adoption as well as the different ways that people can provide support. With real-life stories and practical advice, he gives a clear and spiritual overview of adoption, revealing both its difficulties and its rewards.

I especially love the strong spiritual foundation of this book, and how beautifully it highlights God’s love, acceptance, and grace for us when He chooses us.

First Line: Adoption is hard.
Genre: Non-fiction, Christian Personal Growth
Author: Andrew Hopper
Page Count: 112

#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an adoptive mom, I can say this book reached places in my heart that very few books ever have. Chosen is honest, tender, and deeply rooted in the truth of what adoption is really like.

Andrew Hopper doesn’t romanticize adoption, and he doesn’t minimize the hard parts. Instead, he tells the truth in a way that feels like someone sitting across from you saying, “I’ve been there too, and God is in all of this.” His family’s story mirrors so many emotions adoptive parents feel: the waiting, the uncertainty, the fear, the overwhelming love, and the surrender to a road you didn’t expect but would never trade.

What I appreciated most is how he ties adoption back to the gospel without guilt or pressure. This isn’t a book telling everyone they must adopt, it’s a book reminding us why adoption matters, why it’s spiritual at its core, and how God equips families and communities to step into this calling in different ways.

This book reminded me why we said yes, even when the journey is hard, and why love rooted in Christ is strong enough to hold a family through the unexpected.

[Sarah Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect before diving into this book. The in-depth, real-life examples and personal anecdotes made it way more relatable. I'm really thankful to have read this book.

[Hannah Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pastor Andrew Hopper shares his heart for adoption in this book! Reading this is very similar to hearing him preach. He discusses various aspects of adoption and ties in scripture along the way. He shares the story of his adopted daughter and her journey! This book is great for those who are interested in adoption or foster care, or those want to support someone else who is!

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This adoption book is “just right.” It shares compelling stories and stats while revealing that the true motivation for adoption is the gospel. It is short enough that anyone can read it while still covering adoption from multiple angles. It is practical while also diving into the theology of adoption. I’m praying that this book will be the tipping point for multiple families to step into adoption and foster care ministry!

[Elizabeth Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clear witness and guide to Christian family-building via adoption. Andrew provides a clear descriptive and prescriptive walk through the faith, facts, and fear of the journey, for Christian and non-Christian alike. The book clearly details that each of us have a role in the process, whether we foster, adopt, rope-hold, or provide caring community. Very thought provoking and inspiring.

[Amy Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not only an easy and engaging read, but also a powerful and honest account of everything that comes with adoption—the messiness, the pain, the joy, and all the in-between moments. I deeply appreciated how thoughtfully each role in the adoption journey is laid out, from adoptive families to the vital support roles that surround them. It brings clarity and validation to every part of the process.

Pastor Andrew’s passion for adoption is evident on every page. His personal experience makes the book incredibly relatable and grounded, offering insight that feels both pastoral and practical. Rather than presenting adoption as a polished story, he invites readers into the real, sacred work that it is.

As Christians, we are reminded that we have all been adopted by God, and this book beautifully calls us to reflect that love outward—whether through adoption, fostering, or faithfully supporting families who do. This is a must-read for anyone prayerfully considering any role in the adoption journey, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of what it truly means to love well in this space.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an advanced copy from the author

A great playbook for both Christian families and churches who want to increase their involvement in adoption and foster care. Pastor Andrew P. Hopper clearly explains to the believer the connection between our adoption into God's family when we accepted Christ and how we can help those children waiting to be chosen. He asks us to prayerfully consider which way we want to be involved in adoption and foster care because there are MANY ways to support these children, their families, and their social workers. He and his wife are adoptive parents so he speaks from firsthand experience. A quick and easy read that you will want to share with your church staff, your friends, and everyone who takes the Biblical command to care for the orphans and the fatherless to heart.

[Claire Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a wonderful resource for churches looking to expand their adoption ministry and Christian families looking to grow their families through adoption. I would say this is a good introduction to the topic for people wanting to learn more but if you are looking for breadth and depth on the topic this is not it (it is under 100 pages after all!).

At times the stories and references felt a bit disjointed instead of adding to the overarching narrative of the book. I think this is due to the author’s primary vocation being pastoral. It reads a lot like his sermons and might have required more editing to be fully realized into book form.

[Emily Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated the honesty in this book as Andrew shared about the sacrifices and struggles that come with adopting a special needs child, but also the tremendous blessings. As someone without much exposure to the world of adoption, I enjoyed learning a little about how the process works as well as how I can get involved in helping adoptive families as a rope holder. I'm considering adoption in the future, so I appreciated the realistic perspective he gave, all the while tying this in to our identity in Christ.

[Jennifer Keeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mom walking through a 7+ year adoption process, this book was incredibly encouraging. After reading, I’m reminded why we begin this process in 2018. And I was so grateful Pastor Hopper didn’t try to sugarcoat or glamorize adoption. He speaks to the hard and the messy of adoption but how God redeems that, just like He does in our adoption as His children. This book is the perfect starting place for anyone curious about adoption, and it highlights how everyone can play a part in the ministry of adoption.

[Tera Melber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling book that kept me engaged, not wanting to put the book down. Through a Scriptural lens while combining his families' personal story and practical steps that people can take, Andrew takes the reader on a journey reminding them that everyone can play a part in foster care and adoption. Churches will be encouraged to see how they can practically serve those who have adopted or are fostering. Fantastic book and one that I will recommend for years to come!

[Jessica Solesbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a MUST READ for the believer. As Christians it's important that we choose to learn how to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our call to care for the orphan. Not everyone is specifically called to adopt or foster but we all are called to step into the ring and support those who are. Whether it's adoption, foster care or rope-holding, I pray Pastor Andrew's words will encourage you to put your "yes" on the table.

[Amy Leebrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an adoptive parent myself, this book mirrors much of our own adoption story. It’s full of truth - much of which I learned along the way and wish I had understood earlier. For anyone considering adoption, this book is a powerful beginning resource. For those who aren’t in a season of adopting but want to understand and support others, it’s just as meaningful. And for those who have already adopted, it’s a good reminder of why we said yes in the first place.

[Linda Dozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a good reminder how much God loves us and how we are adopted into his family. Pastor Andrew shares his story with us about the journey of adoption. He was able to draw us into the understanding of the process of adopting his youngest daughter.

Such a good book to read for everyone if you’re considering adopting, fostering or just to be there as a rope holder financially or as a prayer partner.

[Mason West · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books hits at the very heart of adoption. My wife and I just adopted our little boy, and there is no picture or sad story that could have prepared us or catalyzed us for the journey. Simply, the gospel has to be at the very center. Chosen people choose people. Andrew Hopper hits at this through the entirety of the book. So thankful for a resource like this to help others move towards adoption.

[Aldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Andrew Hopper’s take on the importance of adoption and foster care in the Christian life. I really do think it is so important for us to love others, especially the vulnerable children of the world. For us to adopt into our earthly family is such a beautiful thing. It’s so reminiscent of what Christ did for us, wherein through the Blood of Jesus shed for our sins, we were adopted into His family.

“We love, because He first loved us.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭19‬

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a easy read and truly grabs your attention and opens your eyes to the world of adoption. We as Christians were adopted by Christ and what an amazing way we get to show the Lord to others through this action. Andrew is real and raw in this book, it's not sunshine and rainbows it's solid truth! Amazing

[Britain Jarrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chosen is a beautiful, honest, and deeply encouraging book that explores adoption and fostering as a powerful picture of the gospel. It is an easy and engaging read, yet incredibly insightful, one that gently invites reflection without pressure or guilt.

Whether you have ever considered fostering or adopting, or never have at all, Chosen is a meaningful and eye-opening read.

[Rebekah McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for prospective adoptive families, church staff and anyone who cares about someone in the adoption network! As an adoption professional I have earmarked so many quotes from this book to share with clients at Christian Adoption Consultants. Quick, helpful read that puts the gospel in the center of the narrative.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever considered or questioned if adoption is right for you, I implore that you read this book. Andrew Hopper walks you through the ‘why’ of adoption with transparency, conciseness, and clarity.

[Justin Kody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will help point people to the Gospel, and in living out the Gospel through adoption; this book will not be a guilt trip, but a courageous call to get involved in adoption

[Maci Feather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to learn about adoption and what the Bible says about adoption. I love Andrew Hopper’s real & personal experiences and thoughts on adoption. Great, quick read. Because I have a lot of experience in the adoption world from getting my BSW and in personal experience in my own family, there was not anything I learned and felt it could’ve gone a little deeper. However, I thought it was a great introduction for people who are new to the adoption world and those who are looking how to support families in your community who are adopting!

[Kathy Hoke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t just a book for people who have adopted or are looking to adopt, because I don’t fit into either of those categories. I simply enjoyed reading about the Hopper family’s adoption journey and how they connect it to our own adoption into God‘s family. It’s a beautiful reminder that we are all called to care for the vulnerable someway. I especially loved seeing how this family demonstrates sacrificial love for Faith Ann with all of her special needs. It’s a beautiful representation of Christ love for us.