BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Many are familiar with the urban legend of Teddy Stallard (sometimes called Teddy Stoddard) and Mrs. Thompson.
The fictional story goes like this: Teddy Stallard was an unkempt, lackluster student. But no one ever really understood why or gave him a chance—except one teacher, Mrs. Thompson. One year for Christmas, Teddy brought his teacher a gift of cheap perfume and a broken rhinestone necklace. Mrs. Thompson graciously accepted the gift. She learned his mother recently became ill and died, and the gifts used to belong to her.
Mrs. Thompson believed in her student and cared for him so much that he not only graduated high school but also went on to become a doctor. On his wedding day, Mrs. Thompson was invited to sit in the seat the mother of the groom typically occupies.
What many don’t know is that Teddy’s story originated in HomeLife magazine in 1976. This year, HomeLife, Lifeway’s monthly periodical publication designed to be a “source for inspiration and guidance in building a faith-centered home,” turns 80 years old.
Equipping the household to navigate culture
From its first issue, HomeLife has focused on stories and articles that inspire and spiritually equip the entire household, starting with the mother. The magazine’s longevity didn’t happen by accident.
When Joe Burton, HomeLife’s founding editor who served in that role for over 26 years, started the magazine, he began with a goal in mind: “to provide a guide for families—a Christian, faith-based family magazine,” said David Bennett, the managing editor of HomeLife for the last 12 years.
Bennett highlighted that not only has the magazine had only 10 editors in its 80 years, but it has also consistently spoken truth into cultural issues.
“It was always very current; always spoke to the issues,” Bennett said.
While flipping through decades of archived issues, Bennett noticed how clearly each era’s hot topics were reflected in the pages. For example, in the 1950s and 60s, one issue asked whether mothers should work outside the home.
“You see how it traces the culture and the issues at the time,” he said.
That willingness to address real conversations has continued under Bennett’s leadership. From living out Christian values in a changing culture and parenting in the age of social media to navigating anxiety and mental health, HomeLife has a history of tackling tough but very real topics.
Readers, Bennett said, have responded positively to that transparency.
Rooted in Scripture
Rather than presenting a polished version of Christian family life, HomeLife seeks to directly address heart issues, while remaining rooted in Scripture.
“Everything has a faith element,” Bennett said. “And it doesn’t mean we just stick a prayer in there or a verse just to make it fit.”
Each issue includes a financial column that focuses on stewardship rather than wealth-building. A “School Zone” feature encourages parents and educators to work together to help children become who God created them to be. While the magazine includes devotional elements, including a family time devotional and a closing reflection from Bennett called “Abide,” it isn’t a devotional magazine.
“I think really what sets it apart from anything else is it treasures our values,” he said of the periodical that has always been owned and published by Lifeway (formerly the Baptist Sunday School Board). “It’s trustworthy content, and it treasures biblical truth.”
Reaching readers
In an era where most publications have shifted to digital-first strategies, HomeLife remains print-only.
“Who’s heard of a print-only magazine that continues to thrive?” Bennett posed.
Its readership spans generations. While the core audience consists of women between the ages of 25 and 55, often mothers with children at home or new empty-nesters, copies frequently travel far beyond their original recipients. The masthead even encourages readers, “When you’ve finished reading this issue of HomeLife, bless someone else by passing it along.”
Bennett has found issues in mechanic shops and doctor’s offices. Readers have written in asking how to subscribe after discovering a three-year-old copy somewhere unexpected.
With a team that currently consists of just two full-time staff members, Bennett and a designer, along with contract support and Michelle Hicks, Lifeway’s magazine manager, the reach is significant.
Selma Wilson, who served as executive editor of HomeLife alongside her husband Rodney from 2001-2007, reflected on the magazine’s milestone anniversary.
“What a celebration! For eight decades, HomeLife has been the flagship magazine lifting high God’s gift of marriage and family, offering engaging and encouraging biblically-based content addressing the real issues and needs of family life,” she said. “What an honor to be a part of the creative team that has faithfully served the church and families for these 80 years. May HomeLife continue its faithful legacy for the decades to come.”
Eighty years after its first issue, HomeLife remains a steady companion for families seeking faith‑centered guidance in a changing world. Its stories continue to travel, passed hand-to-hand, read and reread, and woven into the everyday lives of readers across generations. From urban legends to quiet moments of encoura
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