CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
   
    We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our reports dated March 2, 1998, except for Note M as to which the
date is September   , 1998, in Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement
(Form S-1 No. 333-60835) and related Prospectus of Family Christian Stores, Inc.
dated September 17, 1998.
    
 
   
                                                    ERNST & YOUNG LLP
    
 
   
Grand Rapids, Michigan
    
 
   
    The foregoing consent is in the form that will be signed upon the completion
of the restatement of capital accounts described in Note M to the financial
statements.
    
 
   
                                                    /s/ERNST & YOUNG LLP
    
 
   
Grand Rapids, Michigan
September 14, 1998