
Interested in Christian minimalism? I wasn’t, at first!
Last month, I popped round to Gosia’s house for our weekly coffee catch-up. As I stepped through her front door, something felt different. Her usually cluttered hallway was beautifully serene, and the living room where we normally chatted amongst piles of magazines and scattered toys was calm and peaceful.
“What’s happened here?” I asked, unable to hide my surprise.
Gosia smiled, looking more rested than I’d seen her in months. “I’ve been embracing Christian minimalism,” she explained, handing me a perfectly brewed cuppa. “It’s changed everything—not just my home, but my faith journey too.“
As she shared how she’d been applying minimalist principles to her spiritual life and daily routines, I found myself frantically taking mental notes. Here was my friend, a busy mum, active church volunteer, and part-time accountant, suddenly radiating peace despite her packed schedule.
Instead of looking constantly overwhelmed, she seemed present and purposeful.
“Would you share your tips with me?” I asked. And she did, generously and thoughtfully.
Those tips transformed my approach to faith and life so profoundly that I simply had to share them with you today. If you’re a Christian woman struggling to balance it all—family commitments, work responsibilities, and your relationship with God—these practical insights into biblical minimalism might be exactly what you need.
What Does the Bible Say about Minimalism?
As Gosia and I chatted that afternoon, I couldn’t help but wonder whether this minimalist approach was truly biblical or just another trendy lifestyle being given a Christian veneer.
“But isn’t minimalism just a modern concept?” I asked her.
Gosia smiled and reached for her well-worn Bible. “That’s what I thought too, at first,” she admitted. “But scripture is actually filled with principles of biblical minimalism.“
She showed me passages I’d read dozens of times but never connected to minimalist living. Jesus himself lived with remarkable simplicity, owning so little that he once noted he had “nowhere to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20). His teachings repeatedly warned against the spiritual dangers of materialism and accumulation.
“Consider Matthew 6:19-21,” Gosia pointed out. “‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.'”
I was struck by how directly Jesus addressed our tendency to accumulate possessions and how clearly he connected our material attachments to our spiritual condition.
The early church described in Acts demonstrated remarkable principles of Christian minimalism as well, sharing possessions and focusing on community rather than individual accumulation. Paul later encouraged believers to be “content” with just food and clothing (1 Timothy 6:8), a radical statement in any era.
What I’ve come to understand is that minimalism isn’t merely about having fewer possessions—though that’s part of it. Biblical minimalism is about intentionally removing whatever distracts us from wholehearted devotion to God. It’s about creating space for what matters eternally rather than what temporarily satisfies.
“The Bible doesn’t mandate a specific number of items we should own,” Gosia explained as she refilled our teacups, “but it consistently points us toward simplicity, generosity, contentment, and freedom from materialism—all central principles of minimalist Christianity.“
As I’ve explored these scriptures myself, I’ve discovered that Christian minimalism isn’t a modern concept grafted onto ancient faith, but rather a return to the intentional simplicity that Jesus himself modelled and taught.
What are the Benefits of Christian Minimalism?
“So what’s actually changed for you?” I asked Gosia, curious about whether minimalist Christianity had tangible benefits beyond a tidier home.
She didn’t hesitate. “Everything,” she replied with genuine conviction. “I’m experiencing my faith in ways I hadn’t in years.“
As she elaborated, and as I’ve since experienced myself, the benefits of embracing Christian minimalism extend far beyond aesthetics or organisation. They reach into the depths of our spiritual lives and daily wellbeing.
First, there’s the profound sense of peace that comes from reduced mental clutter. When we’re not constantly managing excessive possessions, commitments, or information, our minds have space to rest in God’s presence.
I’ve found myself significantly less anxious since simplifying my surroundings and schedule, more able to hear that “still, small voice” that was previously drowned out by constant noise.
There’s also the gift of presence. “I’m actually listening when my children talk now,” Gosia confessed, “not mentally cataloguing my to-do list or scrolling through social media.” This minimalist approach to attention has deepened my relationships as well, both with people and with God.
Financial stewardship improves naturally with minimalist Christianity. By consciously resisting consumerism and focusing on “enough” rather than “more,” I’ve found myself spending less, giving more generously, and feeling remarkably provided for.
There’s tremendous freedom in breaking the cycle of desire, purchase, and disappointment that our culture normalises.
Perhaps most significantly, Christian minimalism brings clarity about what truly matters. Without the constant distraction of accumulation and busyness, our priorities naturally align more closely with kingdom values. “I can see now how many of my former ‘necessities’ were actually keeping me from what I claim matters most,” Gosia reflected.
I’ve also discovered the environmental benefits align beautifully with Christian stewardship of creation. By consuming less and choosing quality over quantity, my ecological footprint has naturally decreased—an unexpected but welcome way of honouring God’s instruction to care for the earth.
Finally, there’s the witness aspect. In a culture obsessed with more, visibly choosing “enough” creates natural opportunities to share about the sufficiency of Christ. Several colleagues have asked about the changes they’ve noticed in my office space and schedule, opening doors to meaningful conversations about what truly satisfies.
As Gosia summarised beautifully: “Minimalist Christianity isn’t about deprivation. It’s about making space for abundance—not of things, but of peace, purpose, and divine presence.“
Start Your Day with Sacred Simplicity
Gosia’s morning routine was the first thing she revamped in her journey toward Christian minimalism. Rather than immediately checking her phone and diving into a laundry list of devotional activities, she simplified.
“I used to feel guilty if I didn’t read three chapters of Scripture, journal, and pray for everyone I know before 7 AM,” she confessed. “Now I focus on quality connection with God rather than quantity.“
Her minimalist morning practice involves sitting in the same comfortable chair with just her Bible and a single candle. She reads a short passage, sometimes just a few verses, and sits in contemplative silence for five minutes, allowing God’s word to settle into her heart.
This approach to biblical minimalism has helped me enormously. Instead of endlessly scrolling through devotional apps or feeling overwhelmed by elaborate prayer systems, I’ve found that simplifying my morning routine creates space for genuine connection with God.
A simple prayer, a thoughtful reflection on Scripture, and intentional silence have become the cornerstone of my day.
Actionable tip: Choose one comfortable spot in your home dedicated to morning devotion. Keep only your Bible and perhaps a journal there—no phone, no distractions. Start with just 10 minutes if you’re busy, focusing on depth rather than breadth.
Declutter Your Spiritual Life
“Our faith journeys can become cluttered just like our homes,” Gosia explained as she described how she had been involved in six different church ministries simultaneously.
As a minimalist Christian, she evaluated her spiritual commitments by asking two questions: “Does this genuinely nurture my relationship with God?” and “Is this where God is specifically calling me to serve right now?“
This prompted me to examine my own spiritual calendar. I realised I was attending three different Bible studies simply out of habit and obligation rather than spiritual nourishment. By thoughtfully reducing my commitments to focus on depth rather than breadth, I’ve found my faith growing in unexpected ways.
Actionable tip: List all your spiritual commitments and honestly assess which ones truly nurture your relationship with God and which ones have become obligations that drain rather than fill your cup. Don’t be afraid to respectfully step back from activities that no longer serve your spiritual growth.
Create Physical Space for Spiritual Growth
One of the most visible aspects of minimalism and Christianity working together is the intentional creation of physical space.
“Our physical environments impact our spiritual lives more than we realise,” Gosia said as she showed me the corner of her bedroom that she’d transformed into a prayer nook. Nothing fancy—just a cushion, a small side table with her Bible, and a plant.
Since adopting this principle, I’ve decluttered the area around my favourite reading chair, removing distractions and creating a visual reminder to pause and pray. The physical act of creating space has translated into creating mental and spiritual space for God.
Actionable tip: Identify one area in your home, however small, that you can dedicate as sacred space. Remove unnecessary items and keep only what facilitates your connection with God. Even a cleared corner with a comfortable cushion can become a sanctuary.
Practise Digital Sabbath
Perhaps the most countercultural of Gosia’s Christian minimalism practices was her “Digital Sabbath”—a 24-hour period each week when she disconnects from all screens and digital communication.
“It was terrifying at first,” she admitted. “I worried about missing important messages or wasting time. But now it’s the day I feel most present with my family and with God.“
Implementing my own version, starting with just six screen-free hours on Sundays, has been revelatory. Without the constant ping of notifications and the endless scroll of social media, I’ve rediscovered the joy of uninterrupted prayer, face-to-face conversations, and the simple pleasure of noticing God’s creation around me.
Actionable tip: Start small with a two-hour digital detox during a time when you’d normally be on your phone. Use that time for prayer, family connection, or enjoying God’s creation outdoors.
Gradually extend the time as you become more comfortable with disconnecting.
Simplify Your Prayer Life with Intention
“My prayer lists had become overwhelming,” Gosia confessed. “I was trying to pray for everyone and everything, but ended up feeling like my prayers were rushed and shallow.“
Her minimalist approach to prayer involves praying with greater intention for fewer people or situations each day. Monday might be for family, Tuesday for friends, Wednesday for church needs, and so on.
This allows for deeper, more thoughtful prayer rather than rushing through a massive list.
I’ve adapted this in my own life by keeping a simple prayer journal with different focuses for each day. The result has been transformative, and prayer has shifted from a duty to check off to a meaningful conversation with God.
Actionable tip: Create a simple weekly prayer schedule, focusing on different areas each day. This allows you to pray with depth and intention rather than feeling overwhelmed by trying to cover everything daily.
Embrace Seasonal Spirituality
One of the most freeing aspects of Christian minimalism is the recognition that our spiritual lives have seasons, just as nature does.
“Some seasons are for intense growth, others for rest and reflection,” Gosia explained. “I used to fight against these natural rhythms, feeling guilty when I wasn’t constantly productive in my faith.“
Learning to embrace seasonal spirituality has helped me release the pressure to maintain the same spiritual practices year-round. During busy work periods, my devotions might be briefer but more focused.
During quieter seasons, I might engage in longer study or retreat time.
Actionable tip: Reflect on your current life season and adjust your spiritual expectations accordingly. In busy seasons, quality matters more than quantity.
Release the guilt of comparison and embrace practices that fit your current reality.
Curate Your Christian Content Consumption
“I was subscribed to seven different devotional emails, followed dozens of Christian influencers, and had a stack of half-read Christian books by my bed,” Gosia laughed. “I was consuming so much content about God that I had no time left to actually be with God.”
Her minimalist Christianity approach involved significantly reducing her content consumption and being extremely selective about what remained. Now she follows just two trusted teachers and reads books slowly and thoroughly before moving on to new ones.
This inspired me to unsubscribe from all but my favourite devotional email and to finish one book before starting another. The mental space this created has allowed God’s voice to become clearer amid the reduced noise.
Actionable tip: Audit your Christian content consumption. Unsubscribe from newsletters that don’t deeply serve you, unfollow social media accounts that create comparison or noise, and focus on deeply engaging with fewer, carefully selected resources.
Simplify Your Service
“I realised I was serving in ways that depleted rather than fulfilled me,” Gosia shared. “Biblical minimalism helped me understand that God designed me to serve in specific ways that align with how He created me.“
Rather than volunteering for everything the church needed, she focused her service on her natural strengths and genuine passions. This allowed her to serve with joy rather than resentment or exhaustion.
Taking this principle to heart, I stepped back from the church administrative committee (which always left me drained) and focused instead on mentoring younger women (which energises me). My service is now more effective and sustainable.
Actionable tip: Prayerfully evaluate your service activities. Focus on areas where your natural gifts, passions, and the church’s needs intersect.
It’s better to serve wholeheartedly in one area than halfheartedly in many.
Cultivate Minimalist Hospitality
Christian minimalism doesn’t mean becoming a hermit or abandoning the biblical call to hospitality. Instead, it’s about simplifying how we welcome others.
“I used to think hospitality meant elaborate dinner parties with Pinterest-worthy decorations,” Gosia admitted. “Now I understand it’s about creating space where others feel welcomed and valued.“
Her minimalist approach to hospitality involves simple meals (often just soup and bread) served without apology, and a focus on genuine conversation rather than impression management.
This transformed my approach to having people over. Instead of postponing gatherings until my house was “perfect,” I now regularly welcome friends for simple meals and meaningful conversation.
The irony is that people seem more comfortable in my imperfect, authentic home than they ever did when I was striving for perfection.
Actionable tip: Schedule a simple gathering at your home this month. Prepare an uncomplicated meal or even just tea and biscuits.
Focus on creating space for authentic connection rather than impressive entertaining.
Practice Gratitude as Resistance to Materialism
“Gratitude is the antidote to the constant pressure to acquire more,” Gosia explained. “It’s the most powerful tool in my Christian minimalist toolkit.“
She keeps a simple gratitude practice—noting three specific blessings each evening before bed. This practice has gradually rewired her brain to notice abundance rather than scarcity, to appreciate what she has rather than craving what she lacks.
Following her example, I started a “gratitude minute” practice, pausing before each meal to note specific things I’m thankful for. This small habit has dramatically shifted my perspective, helping me see God’s provision everywhere and weakening consumerism’s grip on my heart.
Actionable tip: Start a simple daily gratitude ritual. Before bed or during a regular activity like brushing your teeth, note three specific things you’re thankful for.
Be specific—not just “my family” but perhaps “the way my daughter laughed during dinner today.”
Final Thoughts
What strikes me most about Gosia’s journey into Christian minimalism isn’t what she removed from her life, but what she gained—space to breathe, clarity of purpose, and a deeper connection with God.
The minimalist Christian lifestyle isn’t about aesthetic perfection or rigid rules. It’s about intentionally creating space—physical, mental, and spiritual—for what matters most: loving God and loving others well.
As I continue implementing these principles in my own life, I’m discovering that less really can be more when it comes to faith. By simplifying external practices, we create room for deeper spiritual roots.
Which of these tips resonates most with you? I’d love to hear about your own journey toward biblical minimalism in the comments below.
If you found these insights helpful, you might enjoy my post on “100 Positive Biblical Affirmations That Will Change Your Life” or “30 Day Self Improvement Challenge For Women Of God“.
Happy thriving.

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More On Faith:
15 FREE Printables For Bible Journaling
How To Start A Prayer Journal To Transform Your Faith
How To Make A Powerful War Room In A Small Space
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