Dear Chip and Joanna,
For years, I’ve been thankful for you and your family. When it seemed like America was drifting into a moral abyss, you offered a delightful view of a Christian family within the realm of home renovations. From an entertainment perspective, it was an impressive mix of humor, reliability, and skill. Your popularity is well-deserved.
It’s remarkable that you’ve built this around Waco, Texas—a place many Christian families have supported. We prayed for you, visited your well-known complex, and stood by you through various public challenges. We are grateful that you maintained the integrity of your show, focusing on family values aligned with Scripture rather than compromising for other narratives.
That’s why many of us are concerned about your new show on the Magnolia network, titled “Back to the Frontier.”
This show features same-sex couples in its depiction of “family” and a return to the land. Naturally, these couples have pursued surrogacy to have children, which many might view as an unnatural approach to family formation. Katie Faust, a committed evangelical, has spoken about the complexities of surrogacy in detail.
While “Fixer Upper” celebrated the natural family structure ordained by God, “Back to the Frontier” seems to counter that with its portrayal of unconventional families. Jason Hannah and Joe Riggs, one of the featured same-sex couples, characterized the show as an effort to normalize same-sex relationships and families, which diverges from the positive impact “Fixer Upper” has had.
Chip, you come across as a fun, approachable guy. I admire your energy and dedication as a father; it’s clear you value time with your family. Your talents shine in the work you do, which is inspiring to see.
I’ve witnessed you manage requests for significant changes—from structural alterations to lighting adjustments—with grace and a positive attitude. These adjustments often resulted in an even better final product, showcasing the incredible talent and vision both you and Joanna bring to the table.
Regarding “Back to the Frontier,” it seems that there might be a need for reflection on the direction you’re taking. I want to express this gently, not in anger or from a place of moral superiority. It is not about losing popularity or profitability; it’s more about remaining true to the values many hold dear.
I write this as someone who recognizes their own shortcomings and seeks grace from God. As Christians, we must not contribute to normalizing behaviors that we know contradict our beliefs. We understand that sin leads to destruction, and that our culture often promotes ideas that conflict with our faith.
It’s essential that we remember to express love among believers. As you’ve noted, kindness and respect are vital, and we can discuss differences without losing sight of that. I can only imagine the unkind comments you’ve faced as a public figure, and I sympathize with you.
But we must consider how we define love in a world where biblical teachings seem to fade. Love, as described in Scripture, is patient and kind, and rejoices with the truth. While we should show love to everyone, including same-sex couples, it’s crucial not to endorse actions we believe to be wrong.
In challenging times, we should uplift what God cherishes. The foundation of family, illustrated in Genesis, is a union between one man and one woman, and the healthy family units that arise from that bond are to be respected.
Moreover, marriage serves as a beautiful reflection of the Gospel, as Christ commits to the Church. Complementary marriages symbolize not just adherence to God’s standards but also represent the hope of salvation and restoration.
I want to clarify that I’m not accusing you and Joanna of misrepresenting Christian values. We all falter in various ways, and I relate to the challenges you both face under public scrutiny. However, compassion doesn’t mean compromise, and love cannot be equated with affirmation.
My hope is that you’ll reflect on these thoughts. We all need moments to hit the “restart” button in our lives. As Christians, it’s about more than just refining our conversations or behavior; it involves a deeper transformation by God.
While we make mistakes, God has the power to restore us, often through difficult experiences. And even as He corrects us, remember that His nature is one of profound love and kindness. He isn’t merely willing to forgive; He desires to do so.
In summary, Chip, God works like you do. Let this new season be a loving demonstration that brings positive change for His glory and our good. I’m praying for you and Joanna and supporting you as you navigate this journey. I believe that we’re not at the end of your story yet.
With all that said, change can lead to brighter days ahead.
The best,
Owen Strachan
