The Disciple-Making Parent: Recent Episodes
Chap Bettis
The Disciple-Making Parent equips Christian parents to pass the gospel to their children. In the show, we'll think about principles that all parents should know. Listen in on Chap's conversations with equippers in this field.
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we explore a biblical understanding of work with a sermon from Jai Paul. In it, we’ll examine how our perception of work shapes not only our own lives but also the values we pass on to our children and grandchildren.
Jai explains how work was established by God before the fall as a good and noble calling. Unlike ancient myths that portrayed work as a burden or punishment, the Bible reveals that God Himself is a worker, and that humans were created in His image to work and create.
He explores four key questions:
* Where did work come from?
* Why is work so hard?
* Can work be renewed?
* How should we work?
Join us as we discover how our work can honor God and love our neighbors rather than simply serving as a means to personal gain. We also highlight how training our children to serve is one of the seven essential commitments of discipleship parenting.
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To learn more about Jai Paul and JP Cross Ministries visit: www.jpcross.org
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we sit down with Nate Akin to hear his powerful testimony and parenting insights. We explore Nate's journey from growing up in a Christian home to his college basketball career at Murray State, including his participation in the NCAA tournament against Georgia and Illinois.
Nate openly shares about his season of rebellion during college years and the pivotal moment of repentance that redirected his life toward ministry. We discuss Nate's leadership with the Pillar Network, a Baptist association focused on church planting that now has nearly 600 churches in almost 50 countries. The heart of our conversation centers on the parenting principles Nate learned from his father and mother that he's now implementing with his own young children.
Nate reveals his parents' simple yet profound approach: "teach them to love Jesus and have fun with them." We unpack how this philosophy manifested through consistent discipleship, creating space for questions, prioritizing church community, and maintaining a balance of clear boundaries with abundant grace.
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we explore the profound importance of remembering God's works and sharing them with future generations. We examine how memory serves as a beautiful gift that connects our past experiences to present purpose.
In this episode, Chap shares a powerful sermon from a church celebrating its 50th anniversary, where he emphasizes that the gospel continues through intentional remembrance and storytelling. We discover how remembering God's interventions—both the miraculous biblical events and the personal moments in our lives—strengthens our faith and keeps us following the Lord.
Join us as we explore the vital mission of equipping parents and grandparents to raise children who not only love the Lord but become disciple-makers themselves, taking the gospel to the world.
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent podcast, we explore the critical balance between children's ministry and parental discipleship in the church. We speak with Jared Kennedy, author of "Keeping Your Children's Ministry on Mission: Practical Strategies for Discipling the Next Generation," who shares his journey from aspiring missionary to children's ministry leader.
We discuss how children's ministry is not merely childcare but a vital part of the church's mission to pass faith to the next generation. Kennedy challenges the notion that parents are the sole disciplers of children, arguing that Scripture places this responsibility on the entire covenant community.
The conversation highlights how even teaching toddlers is missional work, as they develop crucial vocabulary that forms the building blocks of faith. We also examine how children's ministry serves as a "subversive" training ground for parents to learn discipleship skills they can implement at home.
Join us as we navigate the complementary roles of church and family in raising the next generation of believers - not just as disciples, but as disciple makers with hearts for the nations.
Thanks for listening to the Disciple Making Parent podcast. We love offering resources to equip you in family discipleship for free, but we can only do that because of our faithful financial partners. Would you consider joining us? We're a small and lean ministry, and we make your kingdom dollars go far. So head on over to www.thedisciplemakingparent.com/partner
Sign up for the weekly newsletter at disciplemakingparent.com to receive the complete audiobook free. Part of our mission to help parents raise children who love the Lord and become disciple-makers.
Resources From This Podcast:
Keeping Your Children’s Ministry on Mission, by Jared Kennedy
Jared Kennedy at TGC
The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible, by Jared Kennedy
The Story of Martin Luther, by Jared Kennedy
Gospel-Centered Family
The Fallen Condition Focus, by Bryan Chapell
Read-Aloud Bible Stories, by Ella Lindvall
Managing Your Households Well, by Chap Bettis
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we explore the unavoidable reality of conflict in our lives and how to handle it biblically. We're joined by Dr. Robert Jones, author of "Pursuing Peace: A Christian Guide to Our Conflicts," who shares powerful insights about conflict management from a Christian perspective.
We discuss how conflict is inevitable in all relationships - whether in marriage, parenting, or church leadership. As Dr. Jones explains, statistically "one out of one people" deal with conflict, and those numbers multiply when you add spouses and children to the mix. We also examine the transformative concept of "pleasing God" as our ultimate goal in conflict situations. Rather than focusing on winning arguments or changing others, we explore how prioritizing what pleases God can radically change our approach to disagreements.
This episode offers practical wisdom for anyone experiencing conflict in their relationships and provides a biblical framework for seeing conflict not as something to avoid, but as an opportunity for spiritual growth.
Thanks for listening to the Disciple Making Parent podcast. We love offering resources to equip you in family discipleship for free, but we can only do that because of our faithful financial partners. Would you consider joining us? We're a small and lean ministry, and we make your kingdom dollars go far. So head on over to www.thedisciplemakingparent.com/partner
Sign up for the weekly newsletter at disciplemakingparent.com to receive the complete audiobook free. Part of our mission to help parents raise children who love the Lord and become disciple-makers.
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent, we welcome Brian Croft to discuss the delicate balance between pastoral ministry and family life. We explore practical ways pastors can faithfully serve their church while prioritizing their spouse and children. Brian shares personal stories about adapting his parenting approach to meet each child's unique needs and how these family experiences have made him a more effective pastor. We discuss how receiving honest feedback from family members can improve preaching, and how explaining scripture to children helps create messages that connect with all ages. Brian also offers valuable insights on maintaining meaningful connections with children into adulthood and applying family leadership principles to church leadership.
Thanks for listening to the Disciple Making Parent podcast. We love offering resources to equip you in family discipleship for free, but we can only do that because of our faithful financial partners. Would you consider joining us? We're a small and lean ministry, and we make your kingdom dollars go far. So head on over to www.thedisciplemakingparent.com/partner
Sign up for the weekly newsletter at disciplemakingparent.com to receive the complete audiobook free. Part of our mission to help parents raise children who love the Lord and become disciple-makers.
Resources From This Podcast
The Pastor’s Family, by Brian Croft
Practical Shepherding
Podcast episode: Marriage Panel: A Real Life Conversation and Encouragement
Sermons to Children, by J.C. Ryle
Managing Your Households Well, by Chap Bettis
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we continue our look at my newest book, Managing Your Households Well. We’ll explore the vital connection between family and church leadership through Paul's teaching in 1 Timothy 3:5. We discover how leading a family well directly impacts church leadership, examining four key areas: leading effectively, communicating with purpose, handling conflict, and building character. We also discuss how true leadership involves both serving others and maintaining forward momentum in our God-given responsibilities.
Resources Mentioned:
Join Newsletter and get The Disciple-Making Parent audiobook for free
Managing Your Households Well - Amazon
Managing Your Households Well bonuses
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we explore the critical but often misunderstood topic of managing our households well. We're excited to announce the release of Chap’s new book "Managing Your Households Well" which examines how family leadership prepares us for church leadership.
This episode unpacks two key insights from first half of the book. Chap discusses the delicate balance of authority and affection in both parenting and pastoring, and why authenticity matters more than maintaining a perfect appearance. Join us as we discover why managing our households well isn't about having a perfect family, but about leading with wisdom, respect, and genuine care.
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we introduce a brand new Q & A format. Together, we’ll look at crucial parenting topics including establishing parental authority in early years, handling temper tantrums, navigating disagreements between spouses on discipline methods, and responding to children's constant "why" questions. We’ll consider practical wisdom on raising children who are both obedient and creative, emphasizing the importance of balancing firm boundaries with warm affection.
Featured Resources
- Parenting with Confidence Video Course: Get free access to this comprehensive parenting course with the purchase of a workbook. Perfect for individual study or small groups, covering topics like discipline, routines, and building authority with affection.
- The Disciple Making Parent Audiobook: Sign up for the weekly newsletter at disciplemakingparent.com to receive the complete audiobook free. Part of our mission to help parents raise children who love the Lord and become disciple-makers.
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent, we explore the concept of "disenculturation" as an alternative to "deconstruction." We sit down with Collin Hansen, Vice President for content and editor in chief at the Gospel Coalition, to understand how Christians can evaluate their cultural practices through a biblical lens.
Through engaging examples from church history, we examine how to distinguish between essential biblical truths and cultural practices that have become intertwined with faith. From worship styles to dress codes, we discuss how different generations navigate these distinctions. We also tackle challenging topics like historical Christian responses to racism and segregation, while offering practical advice for parents and pastors on helping their communities distinguish between non-negotiable faith elements and cultural expressions.
Drawing from examples like the Jesus Revolution and contemporary church practices, we learn how to maintain strong biblical convictions while showing grace toward different cultural expressions of faith.
Resources from this podcast:
The Gospel Coalition
Young, Restless, Reformed: A Journalist’s Journey with the New Calvinists, by Collin Hansen
The Gospelbound Podcast
Interview with Collin Hansen on Rediscover Church: Why the Body of Christ is Essential
Before You Lose Your Faith: Deconstructing Doubt in the Church, by Trevin Wax
A God-Sized Vision: Revival Stories that Stretch and Stir, by Collin Hansen
The Fabric of Theology, by Richard Lints (origin of his concept of theological vision)
TGC Foundation Documents: Theological Vision for Ministry
Walking Through Deconstruction: How To Be a Companion In a Crisis of Faith, by Ian Harber
Rebecca McLaughlin
NEW RESOURCE: "Launch: Biblical Help to Move Your Teen or Young Adult Into the Real World" - A concise one-hour read packed with essential guidance for parents navigating the challenging transition of teens into adulthood. Available on our website and Amazon.
FREE AUDIOBOOK: Get "The Disciple Making Parent" audiobook completely free when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter at disciplemakingparent.com. Join our mission to equip parents, grandparents, and pastors with the tools to pass the gospel to the next generation.
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Podcast, we sit down with Melissa Kruger to explore the challenges and joys of raising teenagers in today's world.
We discuss how to create meaningful family connections in a tech-saturated age, establish healthy boundaries while showing acceptance, and maintain availability without sacrificing personal boundaries. Through practical examples and heartfelt insights, we learn how to balance rules with grace, consequences with compassion, and discover why our relationship with God remains the foundation for effective parenting.
Whether you're navigating the teenage years or preparing for them, this conversation offers encouraging perspectives on raising teens with biblical wisdom in a secular age.
Resources From This Week's Podcast:
Parenting with Hope: Raising Teens for Christ In a Secular Age, by Melissa Kruger
Walking With God In the Season of Motherhood, by Melissa Kruger
The Gospel Coalition
The New City Catechism
Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell
David and Goliath, by Malcolm Gladwell
Our new book "Launch: Biblical Help for Moving Your Teen or Young Adult into the Real World" offers practical guidance for parents navigating the transition period, and you can get a free audiobook of "The Disciple Making Parent" by signing up for our newsletter. You can find all of this and more at thedisciplemakingparent.com.
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Podcast, we journey into the powerful testimony of Banele Ndlovu, a young Zulu man from South Africa who assists with translation work at Imprint ministry.
We explore his upbringing in a complex spiritual environment, where traditional ancestor worship met Catholicism. Through his mother's battle with cancer and his own search for truth, we witness how a crisis of faith led him from planning to become an atheist to finding authentic Christianity. His story showcases the contrast between the endless cycle of appeasing ancestors and the transformative power of discovering truth through Scripture.
From believing he was the only true Christian in the world to finding a community of believers, Banele's journey reminds us of how genuine faith can emerge from the depths of spiritual confusion.
A brand-new resource is coming this June for pastors, deacons, and aspiring church leaders! Managing Your Households Well: How Family Leadership Trains You for Church Leadership is based on Paul’s wisdom in 1 Timothy 3:4 and is designed for church leadership teams to study together.
Pre-order now on Amazon and get ready to strengthen both your home and church leadership!
📖 Pre-order here
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent, we hear an inspiring story of transformation and ministry in South Africa. We meet Tommie Van Der Walt, the executive director of Imprint Ministries, who shares his journey from being a rebellious prodigal to becoming a passionate minister. Through a powerful testimony involving a car accident and faithful friends, we learn how God's grace and a praying mother's persistence led to his dramatic conversion.
After his conversion, Tommie's path led him from teaching English in Thailand to establishing Imprint Ministries, an organization dedicated to training pastors and providing affordable Christian resources across Africa. We also gain fascinating insights into the diverse landscape of South African churches, from traditional denominations to unique cultural expressions of faith.
The episode concludes with valuable wisdom on intentional discipleship and the importance of maintaining strong family connections within the church community.
Resources From This Podcast:
Imprint
Ligonier
Desiring God
9Marks
Crossway
Don't miss out on these two valuable resources from The Disciple Making Parent:
Weekly Family Discipleship Email: Sign up at thedisciplemakingparent.com to receive weekly prompts for family discipleship. As a bonus, you'll get the audiobook of The Disciple Making Parent completely free.
The Disciple Making Parent Audio Blog: Listen to over 150 blog posts in audio format, perfect for learning on the go. Find it on your favorite podcast provider by searching "The Disciple Making Parent Audio Blog".
Visit thedisciplemakingparent.com today to access these free resources and strengthen your family's discipleship journey.
Do you have teenagers in the house? Are you navigating the transition from childhood to the teenage years—and wondering how to guide them into adulthood? Whether you’re helping them choose a college, explore training opportunities after high school, or seeking wisdom on how to disciple your young adult, this episode is here to help.
Today, we will look at the first two chapters of Chap's newest book Launch: Biblical Help for Moving Your Teen or Young Adult into the Real World.
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, I explore the spiritual discipline of making plans and resolutions for the new year. I look at how making noble plans is not just acceptable for Christians, but is actually an aspect of godliness.
Through biblical examples and practical wisdom, I discuss how planning can be an act of imitating God, while also learning to hold our plans with an open hand. I share insights on seeking godly counsel, setting meaningful goals, and understanding how to approach personal growth in wisdom, physical health, spiritual life, and social relationships.
Whether you're skeptical about New Year's resolutions or eager to make positive changes, this episode provides biblical perspective on how we can thoughtfully approach planning while staying anchored in God's guidance.
Resources from this week's podcast:
31 questions for self-reflection, by Donald Whitney
Topics covered in this week's podcast:
02:16 Principles for planning for the new year: Isaiah 32:8
10:49 We should be making plans
14:55 Holding plans with an open hand
16:55 Practical suggestions
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent, we welcome Jason Hsieh as we explore thoughts on biblical hospitality. We dive into the biblical foundations of hospitality, discussing passages from Romans, Deuteronomy, and Hebrews that shed light on this often misunderstood practice. Jason and I discuss the common cultural misconceptions about hospitality, emphasizing that it's not just about fancy meals or social gatherings, but a profound way of showing love to strangers and those in vulnerable positions. We examine how hospitality reflects God's grace towards us and how we can embody this in our own lives. Join us as we unpack the surprising depth and counter-cultural nature of true biblical hospitality.
Resources From This Podcast
Why Pursue Hospitality?– Sermon by Jason Hsieh
A Portrait of Hospitality– Sermon by Jason Hsieh
Message by Chris McGrady on David’s hospitality to Mephibosheth
Topics Covered In This Week’s Podcast
03:03 What is hospitality?
9:35 Hospitality as an implication of the gospel
13:52 Biblical hospitality vs. the world’s hospitality
16:21 Examples of hospitality in Scripture
20:51 Personal experiences of hospitality
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we explore Eden Parker's faith journey and her work with Bible.net. We discuss the impact of growing up in a Christian home, the challenges faced during college years, and how these experiences led to the creation of a unique online resource for Bible study. We talk about the importance of discipleship, the role of mentors, and how Bible.net aims to provide curated, reliable Christian content for those seeking answers to life's big questions.
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we explore the question "Does marriage really matter?" We examine whether marriage is beneficial for individuals and society, or if it hinders personal fulfillment. We discuss surprising statistics about declining marriage rates and changing attitudes towards marriage among younger generations.
Our guest, Professor Brad Wilcox, presents scientific evidence challenging popular myths about marriage and argues for its importance in creating happier individuals and flourishing children. We also look at the concept of "inverted hypocrisy" in how elites portray marriage in media versus their personal lives.
Join us as we navigate through current ideas about marriage, explore which groups are succeeding in maintaining strong marriages, and uncover the statistics that demonstrate the benefits of marriage for men and women.
Don't miss our latest resource for parents! Our new book "Launch: Biblical Help for Moving Your Teen or Young Adult into the Real World" is now available. This quick read offers practical guidance for parents navigating the challenging transition of their teens and young adults into adulthood. In just about an hour, you'll gain valuable insights on:* Foundational principles for guiding teens through their later years * Strategies for three common scenarios: leaving for college, staying at home after graduation, and staying at home longer than expected
As a parent who's been through this journey, I understand the confusion and challenges firsthand. That's why I created this resource to fill the gap in guidance for parents during this crucial time. Get your copy of "Launch" today on our bookstore at thedisciplemakingparent.com or on Amazon, and equip yourself to better support your teen or young adult in their next big step.
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we celebrate a major milestone—our 100th episode! We’ll take a moment to reflect on highlights from some standout episodes throughout the years.
Highlights include:
* Episode 1: Solid Gold Advice from Seasoned Christian Pediatrician - Dr. Tom Hines
* Episode 20: A Baby’s First Year - Dr. Tom Hines
* Episode 6: Bullying and the Gospel - Kevin McKay
* Episode 65: Current Issues Teens Face (Part 1) - Travis Rymer
* Episode 66: Current Issues Teens Face (Part 2) - Travis Rymer
* Episode 68: Respect the Image: How to Communicate Well - Tim Shorey
* Episode 94: God at Work Aboard Mercy Ships - Bekah Bettis
* Episode 83: Marriage Panel: Real-Life Conversation and Encouragment - Chap and Sharon Bettis
* Episode 32: Gospel Infused Parenting - Bob and Julie Kauflin
* Episode 73: How to Shepherd Troubled and Angry Teens - Dr. Rick Horne
* Episode 89: The Toxic War on Masculinity - Nancy Pearcey
* Episode 77: Glimpses of God’s Glory - Chap Bettis
* Episode 78: Glimpses of Christ’s Glory - Chap Bettis
* Episode 79: Glimpses of the Believer’s Glory - Chap Bettis
* Episode 86: Honor: Our Duty to God and Others - Chap Bettis
* Episode 90: Understanding and Helping the Pastor’s Kid - Barnabas Piper
* Episode 59: Hope When You Lose a Child - Cameron Cole
* Episode 72: Walking Through Deep Sorrows and Loss - Tim Challies
* Episode 96: Characters of Easter - Dan Darling
* Episode 39: Characters of Christmas - Dan Darling
* Episode 54: Making Our Church a Safe Place - Jeff Dalrymple
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here's to many more episodes to come!
Be sure to check out my OTHER podcast The Disciple-Making Parent Audio Blog
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
Dr. Mohler shares his personal journey of faith, from his childhood and early influences to his current views on the future for parents and church leaders. We discuss the importance of grounding children in the gospel and the challenges parents face in today's cultural climate.
Additionally, Dr. Mohler offers valuable advice for young parents and reflects on the joy and responsibility of raising the next generation.
Join us for an insightful conversation that aims to equip and encourage parents and grandparents in their mission to pass on the gospel.
Be sure to check out my newest book Launch: Biblical Help for Moving Your Teen or Young Adult into the Real World.
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent podcast, we embark on a journey through an ocean of ideas, recognizing the importance of discernment in navigating the truths and falsehoods that surround us. As we consider the influence we have on our children's understanding of the world, we’ll explore the critical role of discernment in their growth.
In this episode I share a thought-provoking sermon from my associate pastor, Travis Rymer, who guides us through the warnings God gives in 2 Peter 2. As the sermon unfolds, he progressively applies biblical insights to the younger generation.
So join us as we reflect on the impact of false teachers and explore how to equip ourselves and our children to discern truth in a world teeming with ideas.
Be sure to check out my newest book Launch: Biblical Help for Moving Your Teen or Young Adult into the Real World.
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we share a sermon on Financial Instructions from The Master, where I share biblical teaching and practical suggestions on personal finance and generosity.
At the end of the sermon, we’ll reflecting on the importance of understanding that everything we have is a blessing from God, and our role is to be good stewards of these resources. So, join us as we navigate the complex world of finance through a biblical lens.
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent, we engage in a compelling conversation with Dan Darling about his book, "The Characters of Easter". We explore the surprising insights into the lives of Peter, John, Judas, Pilate, and other figures from the Easter story.
We discuss how these real people with complex emotions and decisions bring depth to the biblical narrative. We also touch on the challenges and rewards of parenting, and how the sacrifices made by the parents of James and John provide a powerful example for modern families.
Join us as we reflect on the transformative power of Easter and its characters, and the lessons we can learn from them today.
If you're enjoying this podcast, don't forget to subscribe to our Family Discipleship email. This weekly email is designed to help parents, grandparents, and pastors equip the next generation.
You'll receive valuable resources to aid you in passing the gospel to your children or grandchildren. To subscribe, head over to our website, thedisciplemakingparent.com, and sign up for the weekly newsletter.
In this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent, we present a special message from Ed Moore. Drawing from his extensive personal and pastoral experience, Ed shares valuable insights on parenting.
He underscores the significance of expressing love to our children frequently and the impact of creating memories through spontaneous, fun, and creative activities.
Ed further highlights the role of faith and grace in parenting, narrating his own journey of learning from failure and defeat. This episode is full of wisdom about raising children in a godly, impactful, and joyful manner.
Be sure to check out the Disciple Making Parent Audio Blog. This short-form podcast features blog posts read in audio format, perfect for consumption on the go or during chores. Search for and subscribe to the Disciple Making Parent Audio Blog for valuable, bite-sized content.
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent, I have a captivating conversation with my daughter Bekah Bettis, a nurse serving with Mercy Ships in Sierra Leone. Join us as we explore the incredible work of Mercy Ships in providing essential surgical care to those in need. Discover how Mercy Ships collaborates with local healthcare professionals and government ministries to address the specific healthcare needs of the community. Be inspired by Bekah’s personal journey and her commitment to training and empowering local healthcare workers. Don't miss this eye-opening discussion on the impact of Mercy Ships and their mission to bring hope and healing to the world.
Get a free copy of The Disciple-Making Parent audiobook and start receiving my weekly parenting emails.
In this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent podcast, we delve into how a biblical understanding of heaven can profoundly impact family dynamics and relationships. We'll explore themes of heaven, holiness, and their relevance to daily life, emphasizing the importance of actions that please God rather than seeking human approval.
The episode highlights the anticipation of heaven as a motivation for Christians to live holy lives, especially in family contexts. We also discuss the reality of judgment and grace, offering practical advice for believers to apply in their daily lives and relationships.
For more information about The Disciple-Making Parent or to join our newsletter visit: www.thedisciplemakingparent.com
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we have a thought-provoking conversation about the concept of heaven and its significance in our lives. We are joined by special guest Dr. Andy Davis, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Durham, North Carolina, and author of the book "The Glory Now Revealed."We discuss the transformative power of remembering and learning about God's glory, the impact of rewards in shaping our eternal perspective, and the profound connection between our past experiences and the fullness of God's redemptive story. Discover how this understanding can bring hope, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose to our daily lives. Don't miss this enlightening and inspiring conversation.
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we dive into the powerful testimony of Brit Redfield and the struggles she faced as a young person turning away from Christianity. In this episode, we explore the challenges of reconciling personal feelings with biblical teachings and the transformative power of God's love. Through Brit's story, we are reminded of the importance of understanding and embracing the gospel in our lives.
Resources From This Podcast:
Brit Redfield at Converge.org– profile and support page
e-mail Brit
Baptist Student Ministry
Living Hope: Support and resources for leaving homosexuality
Is God Anti-Gay? by Sam AllberryTopics Covered In
This Week’s Podcast:
00:11 Introduction
04:05 Brit’s childhood and upbringing
09:53 The progression of same-sex attraction in Brit’s teen years
13:12 Turning away from God in college
20:04 A softening heart, and God speaking into it
32:25 Where Brit is today
35:39 Brit’s advice for parents
40:18 What Brit would tell her teenage self
42:12 Recommended resources
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent, we delve into the unique challenges and blessings of being a pastor's kid. Join us as we explore the pressures of being on display and the expectations that come with it.
We discuss the importance of genuine friendships and the need for pastors to advocate for their children. Discover the nuances of being a pastor's kid in different church sizes and roles, and how parents can navigate the balance of modeling their faith while allowing space for their children's questions.
Tune in to gain insights and encouragement for raising children in the ministry.
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we explore the topic of toxic masculinity and its impact on society. In it, we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with bestselling author and professor Nancy Pearcey about her latest book, "The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes."
We discuss the societal pressures faced by men and the importance of understanding the difference between the good man and the real man. We also discuss the origins of the toxic masculinity narrative and how it has affected the younger generation. Join us as we navigate this urgent issue and discover how biblical principles can shape a positive view of masculinity.
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we engage in a discussion about the concept of authority with our guest Jonathan Leeman.
Our conversation today revolves around Jonathan’s new book Authority: How Godly Rule Protects the Vulnerable, Strengthens Communities, and Promotes Human Flourishing.
We delve into what authority is, the principles of good authority, and different types of ways we exercise authority. We also discuss how the topic of authority is applied in our homes as husbands, wives, parents, and children. We further explore the importance of submitting to higher authorities, the dangers of bad authority, and the essence of good authority. Tune in to hear more about this enlightening conversation on authority.
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Jonathan Lehman serves as the editorial director for 9 Marks and he's co host of the Pastors Talk Podcast. He's the author or editor of over a dozen books and teaches at several seminaries. Jonathan lives with his wife and four daughters in a suburb of Washington, D. C., and he's an elder at Cheverly Baptist Church.
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I want to remind you that we have a second podcast, The Disciple-Making Parent Audio Blog. It’s a short form podcast where I read my blog posts in audio format for your convenience. So you can consume good content while on the go or doing chores. Simply search for and subscribe to The Disciple-Making Parent Audio Blog.
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we continue our look at honoring parents. In this thought-provoking episode, we’ll hear from Matt Schmucker as he walks us through Exodus 20:12 and provides a strong foundation for understanding the calling to honor parents. This sermon covers the biblical foundation of honor, the challenges of honoring non-believing or difficult parents, and the lifelong impact of honoring our parents.
Tune in as we explore this essential aspect of raising godly children and equipping parents and churches in passing the gospel to the next generation.
If you're struggling with anger in your home, then Parenting with Patience may be perfect for you. We've received numerous testimonies about how this five week, video driven Bible study has transformed people's lives. So if you're a mom or dad that's struggling with anger, you should check out Parenting with Patience.
For more information, visit parentingwithpatientstudy.com.
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent, we delve into the concept of honor and its significance in our modern world. Join us as we explore the meaning of honor and its relevance in today's narcissistic and therapeutic age. As we reflect on the duty and recipients of honor, we examine the potential impact of embracing this concept in our families and navigating the challenges of our current culture.
For more information about The Disciple-Making Parent, visit thedisciplemakingparent.com.
On this episode, I share my personal experience as a homeschool parent, reflecting on the importance of not losing sight of the big picture in the day-to-day of parenting. We’ll look at some key gospel principles that we may have forgotten in the midst of the busyness of raising our children. I highlight the importance of making discipleship the true goal of homeschooling and of finding our identity and significance in Christ. Even if you don't homeschool, but you're in the middle of your parenting years, I think that you will find this information immediately applicable.
Life moves quickly for parents and children alike. As a parent, I was reminded of this when my children shared something they learned in history class. What was once real life to me had become history to them, passed down through a textbook. Passing on God's great works and truths from generation to generation is a responsibility of parents, grandparents, and churches. In this episode, we look at Psalm 78 and its commands for us to leave a legacy of faith and encourage the next generation to put their hope in God.
We want to help you raise strong disciples of Jesus Christ, who can stand strong in today's culture, and you can get the audiobook of the Disciple Making Parent absolutely free.Simply visit: http://www.thedisciplemakingparent.com/freeaudiobook/
Marriage conferences can encourage and challenge us with the principles they teach. But how does it work in real life? Would you like to hear from some not so perfect couples? We’re continuing a short three-episode series on marriage and in this episode, you’re going to hear from two couples who have been married a while. They talk about how their marriages have endured and flourished over the years.
We want to help you raise strong disciples of Jesus Christ, who can stand strong in today's culture, and you can get the audiobook of the Disciple Making Parent absolutely free.Simply visit: http://www.thedisciplemakingparent.com/freeaudiobook/
In today's episode, I want to share with you some information that's helped me. Our church recently hosted a marriage conference where Deepak Reju was the speaker. I found his third session on handling conflict especially helpful. In it, he talked about how to deal with fights, how to pursue understanding your spouse, and how to make a genuine apology.
I believe you are going to be truly blessed by this episode.
Deepak Reju serves as the pastor of Biblical Counseling and Family Ministry at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC. He and his wife Sarah, have five children, and Deepak is the author of several books, including Great Kings of the Bible, On Guard, The Pastor and Counseling, and Pornography: Fighting for Purity. He serves also on the board of directors of the Biblical Counseling Coalition and is a trustee for the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation.
We want to help you raise strong disciples of Jesus Christ, who can stand strong in today's culture, and you can get the audiobook of the Disciple Making Parent absolutely free.Simply visit: http://www.thedisciplemakingparent.com/freeaudiobook/
We know that marriage is the most intimate of relationships. Our marriages display the gospel to our children and to the world. And yet marriage can be difficult. when two sinners are that close, problems arise.
In this episode, you will learn to serve Jesus in your closest relationship.
In today's episode, we will be thinking about social media. We know our devices go with us everywhere. We also know that one specific application, social media, influences us and everyone around us—including our children.
So what are we to do? In this interview, we talk with Chris Martin about his new book, The Wolf in Their Pocket, 13 Ways the Social Internet Threatens the People You Lead. We cover a variety of different topics surrounding social media.
To learn more about The Disciple-Making Parent Ministry, visit thedisciplemakingparent.com.
Have you thought biblically and clearly about your coming glory? That's right. Your glory. Does that sound heretical to you? Then, you'll want to listen to this episode.
In this episode, you'll be surprised at the findings that we, as believers, are headed for a glorious existence that we can't even imagine and will receive rewards or glory from Christ that will shock us.
This is the third episode in a three-part series on glory.
Do you feel stuck in your spiritual walk? Are you an older Christian who opens his Bible and thinks, "I've heard this before?" Do you worry that you are coasting in your Christian life?
In this episode, we will look at the key to finishing strong, which is pressing more into the glory of Christ. We will learn Jesus is the focal point of God's glory, and we are to sense that glory increasingly.
This is the second episode in a three-part series on glory.
What does it mean to glorify God? How do we live for the glory of God, and how does it apply to our family?
In the next three podcasts, we will explore the subject of glory. Glory is a word we use regularly, but we don't actually know what it means. I've had the privilege of thinking about the answer and preaching several Sunday messages on that topic.
In this first podcast, Glimpses of God's Glory, you can listen to a short topical sermon. We will see four different uses of the word, which explains why we struggle to understand it. And we will think about how the word glory is used in a survey of scripture. Once you understand this teaching, the word glory will pop out at you all over scripture.
Why is this important on a podcast, usually devoted to family discipleship? It's to remind us that everything is not about family discipleship. Everything is ultimately about Jesus; when parents and pastors are reminded of this truth, we'll be healthier leaders.
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We want to help you raise strong disciples of Jesus Christ, who can stand strong in today's culture, and you can get the audiobook of the Disciple Making Parent absolutely free.
Simply visit: thedisciplemakingparent.com/freeaudiobook/
In any marriage, there will be disagreements, but do you know how to keep your conflict constructive rather than destructive?
The issue is not whether we'll have conflict or not, but whether that conflict will be destructive or constructive. Constructive conflict leads to a new understanding of each other, the issue, and ourselves. You end up closer together at the end. Destructive conflict, on the other hand, results in continued upset and bitterness. It leads the parties to pull away emotionally.
So how do we prevent destructive marriage conflict? It's vitally important that we understand this because our marriage displays Christ to a watching world and to our watching children. Well, that's the subject of this podcast. We're gonna talk about Preventing Destructive Martial Conflict.
This podcast is a crossover from my other podcast The Disciple-Making Parent Audioblog. In that podcast, I read my blog posts in audio format for your convenience. If you enjoy today's short podcast, I urge you to subscribe.
You're a person who loves the material that The Disciple-Making Parent produces, but how do you help others catch the vision? What can you do to help others pass the gospel to their children and keep them from becoming spiritual casualties?
In today’s episode, Guy Wilcox, a youth pastor out of Fayetteville, Arkansas, gets very specific about how he used the book, The Disciple-Making Parent to equip the parents in his large church.
"If only I had some scientific proof that Christianity is true that would really strengthen my faith."
Have you ever found yourself thinking something like that? Or maybe your teen has also wished that there was scientific proof for Christianity? If that's true, then this podcast is for you. In today's podcast, we're going to be thinking about the blessing and limitations of science.
We live in a time when we're blessed and amazed at the scientific discoveries that enrich our lives. But a belief in science can morph into the idea that science itself is how we know reality. This belief is certainly held by many around us, and it can affect our faith and the faith of our children.
In today's podcast, I'm talking with Dr. Keith Plummer, a professor of theology and dean in the School of Divinity at Cairn University and a contributing author to the book Before You Lose Your Faith: Deconstructing Doubt in the Church.
We want to help you raise strong disciples of Jesus Christ, who can stand strong in today's culture, and you can get the audiobook of the Disciple Making Parent absolutely free.
Simply visit: http://www.thedisciplemakingparent.com/freeaudiobook/
The teenage years can be tumultuous. Suddenly we wake up and find that we have an angry and unmotivated teen. Where did that come from?
We're talking with Dr. Rick Horne about the contents of his book, Get Outta My Face: How to Reach Angry and Unmotivated Teens with Biblical Counsel.
The interview and his book will give you some very practical handles on how to speak with teens who are troubled.
I’d like to let you know that we've started another podcast. It's the disciple Making Parent audio blog, and in that podcast I read some of my blog posts in audio format for your convenience.
https://www.thedisciplemakingparent.com/audioblog/
It's every parent's nightmare. An unexpected phone call, an unexpected funeral burying your own child. How do we react in the days and months and years ahead?
On November 3rd, 2020, Tim Challies received just such a call. He received the shocking news that his son Nick had died. During those days, months, and year of loss, Tim began to write. And the content of that writing is what we're going to talk about in this episode. We're going to talk about his most recent book, Seasons of Sorrow: The Pain of Loss and the Comfort of God.
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I want to remind you that we give away the audio book of The Disciple Making Parent absolutely free. We're on a mission to equip parents to pass the gospel to their children, and the Disciple Making parent book is at the centerpiece of our ministry.
You can have the audio book for free. Just simply visit the www.thedisciplemakingparent.com/freeaudiobook
Could it be that we're ignoring a large group in our worship service, even when they show up week after week?
I planted and pastor to church for 25 years, and I know that everyone has a wonderful idea about what you should be doing with your time. But I would ask you to think about one little section of your sermon. That's what we're gonna be talking about in today's podcast.
We're talking with Dr. Ray Van Neste about his recent blog post entitled: Preacher, Don't Forget to Speak to the Children. And in that post, he lays out several different reasons it’s good for preachers to address the children in their sermon.
I invite you to listen in on my conversation with Ray Van Neste about the Reasons a Preacher Should Address the Children.
This Sunday, hundreds of thousands of parents will drop off their children at the children's ministry of a church. And hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours will have been spent in preparation, but is the ministry safe? And is it effective?
We're going to be talking with Deepak Reju about two of his very helpful books. In the first part of the interview, we will talk about the, his book Build on Jesus: A Comprehensive Guide for Gospel Based Children's Ministry.
In the second half of our conversation, we talk about a second book On Guard: Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse in the Church. We talk about why we should be on guard and what parents and church leaders can do. Whether you're a pastor, a parent, a children's minister, or a volunteer, you will find the conversation with Deepak helpful
God cares about our words. Our words are powerful. They can encourage someone made in God's image or discourage them.
Do you need some challenge to honor the Lord with your words?
I recently preached on Ephesians 4:29. In that passage, God tells us that we're not to let any on wholesome or corrupting talk, come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up others according to their needs.
All of us need to grow in becoming a godly communicator and I think this sermon might help you in that process.
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I'd like to remind you about our video Bible study Parenting with Patience.
It's perfect for those who are in a sin confess, sin confess cycle with anger in the home. I struggled with anger and the truths contained in this study helped me tremendously. And in the launch period, we're giving away a one year subscription of the videos for free with the purchase of a workbook.
Visit www.parentingwithpatiencestudy.com for more information.
Our homes are filled with words. Some of these words are helpful and unfortunately, some are not.
What if we had some help thinking biblically about communication?
In today's podcast, we're going to be talking with my friend, Tim Shorey about his book Respect the Image. In that book, Tim uses the acrostic COMMUNICATE to give us biblical principles of communication.
Chill
Open Up
Make Time
Mean What You Say
Understand What You Hear
Nourish with Grace
Initiate Peace
Celebrate Others
Assume You are Wrong
Think the Best
Examine Your Heart
I think you'll find our conversation enjoyable and practical as you seek to speak in a godly way and as you seek to train your children to speak in a godly way.
Tim has been a believer for over 40 years and has been in active pastoral ministry since 1982. He is Risen Hope’s primary preaching pastor.
He is the author of Respect the Image: Reflecting Human Worth in How We Listen and Talk.
He has also written An ABC Prayer to Jesus: Praise for Hearts Both Young and Old; along with two devotional books, Worship Worthy: Alliterative Adoration, and 30/30 Hindsight: 30 Reflections on a 30-Year Headache.
He and his wife, Gayline, have six adult children and more than a dozen grandchildren.
You can find out more about Tim at his website www.timothyshorey.com or on his Respect the Image Facebook account.
It's easy as Christians to get into a sin confess cycle that we don't actually back up and think about what comes before the sin. Once you start looking, you'll find that both the concept and the word temptation are all over scripture.
We would do well to recover and think about the biblical teaching on temptation and how it benefits those of us seeking to live out the gospel in our home.
In this episode we’ll look at a proper understanding of temptation and how it can help frame the way we understand ourselves and shepherd our children.
We give away the audio book of my book The Disciple-Making Parent, absolutely free. Simply email audiobook@theapollosproject.com letting us know you heard about the offer on the podcast.
We give away the audio book of my book The Disciple-Making Parent, absolutely free. Simply email audiobook@theapollosproject.com letting us know you heard about the offer on the podcast.
How important is the local church in your life? And when you think of your church, what metaphors come to mind? Is one of the first the household of God? What does leadership in the home have to do with leadership in the church?
In today's podcast, we're going to be talking with Alexander Strauch about your household, the household of God, and the overlap between the two.
We give away the audio book of my book The Disciple-Making Parent, absolutely free. Simply email audiobook@theapollosproject.com letting us know you heard about the offer on the podcast.
Do you have teens at home? If so, how's it going? Would you say that your heart is connected to theirs? Would they say their heart is connected to yours?
In today's episode of the podcast, we're going to talk with Dr. Richard Ross about two very important subjects.
The first is, how do we stay connected to the heart of our teen? What tends to destroy those connections? And second, how do we give our teen a vision for the glorious reign of Christ?
I think you're going to love this episode. It's going to be well worth your time.
We are raising children in the information age. We need a new unit of measurement – the exabyte. Experts predict in 2025, 463 exabytes will be created online everyday. That’s the equivalent of over 270 million DVDS. Even more amazingly, that data is all available from a device I carry in my hand.
But what if all this information was not making my family more wise, but instead more foolish?
In this today’s podcast we are going to talk to Brett McCracken about his book – The Wisdom Pyramid. In it McCracken lays out a vision for the living a wise life by feeding on contents that are good for our souls. With a glimpse at the food pyramid, he is going to encourage us to have large portions of those things that nourish us, and tiny amounts of those that don’t. I think you will find application for yourself and the discipleship of your children.
Christians usually take church attendance for granted. That is, until Covid struck in March of 2020. But the pandemic merely exposed some of our unclear thinking. After all, why should we go to church? With all the pressures on us as parents, why make church a priority?
Today I am sharing a sermon I just preached in my home church on Isaiah 9:1-7. It is a fascinating passage and one of the most famous incarnation passages. That’s why it is so appropriate around Christmas.
I don’t want to give away all the surprises, but in this sermon Isaiah is writing from the mid 700s BC. But he writes and speaks as if he is standing in 100AD looking back on the events of Jesus. We have one coming of light. And we long for the greater fulfillment of light coming into the world.
On November 11th, 2013, Cameron Cole received a call from his wife he will never forget. Their three-year-old son Cam had died in his sleep. It has to be every parent’s worst nightmare. How do we survive? Where is God in that situation? Where can I find hope to go on?
Today’s podcast is one straight for the heart. Do you know families that have lost young children? Are you one of those families? If so, you are part of a fraternity that you never signed up for. This is where Cameron and Laurne Cole found themselves in 2013. How do you go on? Has God abandoned us? How do we process the sorrow?
With the pain raw, Cameron began meditating on Scriptures and truths that would sustain him in the days ahead. The result is the book Therefore I Have Hope: 12 Truths That Comfort, Sustain, and Redeem In Tragedy. And in today’s podcast we are going to meditate on some of those truths for those who are hurting. In addition, Cameron ends with wise pastoral advice to as to how to minister to families that are grieving.
I bet almost everyone listening to this podcast has eaten at a Chick-fil-A. What are their behind-the scenes-secrets, and how can you apply them to your home?
You are in a for a treat today. In this podcast, we are going to talk to Jonas William, owner operator of the Chick-fil-A in Seekonk, MA. This recorded conversation came about because I wanted to learn from him about how Chick-fil-A restaurants are so well run. Why? Well, Scripture tells us that elders and deacons are to manage their households well. While certainly every lesson can’t directly apply, many can.
Jonas became serious about his faith while a student at the University of Georgia. He is a graduate of Southeastern Seminary and served overseas for a number of years. He is married to Melissa and has three children, Luke, Noah, and Zoe.
You are going to love this conversation. It is dripping with Chick-fil-A sauce goodness.
Listen in, and let’s think about how we can lead our families well.
As Christians, we claim that our Bibles are God’s inspired word. Yet how did we get our Bible? God didn’t just drop those 66 books down from heaven to your local publisher. Are these ancient documents filled with error, giving us wrong information about Jesus?
In today’s podcast we are going to talk to Dr. Timothy Paul Jones, a professor at Southern Seminary about his book How We Got the Bible.
There are a number of cultural myths about the Bible that simply aren’t true. But do we know why? Do our teens?
Dr. Jones has put together a highly readable and beautiful book for teens (and all of us) on how we got the Bible.
Suffering can come at us when we least expect it. Life seems to be going well and then a large incident comes at us. Or maybe it is a series of smaller thigns that are repeated over and over. Often we can think that Jesus’ presence is far away. Does he know about what I am going throuh? Does he even care?
I recently preached a short meditation on Jesus' response to the death of Lazarus in John 11. This short message might be exactly what you or a friend or even your teen needs at this moment.
How do we actually love our spouse in a way that honors the Lord? And the more we think about it, what is love? The culture is certainly sending us mixed messages. What does godly love look like?
In today's podcast we're going to talk with Bob Lepine about his book Love Like You Mean It: The Heart of a Marriage That Honors God. In that resource, Bob walks us through the most well-known passage on love in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
Nothing is more precious to us than our children and their innocence. But how do we know that when we drop them off at school or church it is a safe place? And what can we do to make it safer?
In today’s podcast, we are going to talk to my friend Jeff Dalrymple about a ministry that can help diminish the threat of sexual abuse in the church. This is a vital topic both for the safety of our children and the reputation of Christ.
Jeff has been the catalyst behind a new national organization – The Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention (or ECAP for short). In this conversation he shares about the unfortunate need for his organization, and how busy pastors and leaders will soon be able to make their churches safer places. For the glory of Christ and for the love of others, our churches should be some of the safest places on earth.
What is the most relevant parenting book to help you face the new year? In this episode, I point you to the one essential resource for your family. It has the answer to every problem you will face. In this episode where we continue to hit restart, I invite you to listen to a sermon I recently preached.
In our time together we looked at the well-known passage of 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Although I didn’t make specific applications to parents, I think they will be obvious.
All of us need God’s book for our own intimate walk with Christ and to equip us to shepherd our children as we teach them, rebuke them, restore them, and train them.
Last year was a tumultuous summer. Between the fears of quarantine and rationing to the well-publicized shootings and resulting protests and riots, it will be remembered in the history books. Our countries politics are more divided and acrimonious than in recent memory.
And Christians were and are divided about the proper causes and responses to these event. Does God’s word apply to this moment?
The prophet Habakkuk lived in a time when there was profound injustice among God’s people. When he cries out to God for an explanation, he receives a surprising answer. And as a result he was surprisingly transformed.
Family worship and devotions can be an ongoing source of guilt. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
In today’s podcast we are going to talk with Dr. David Murray. Dr. Murray has just released the book Exploring the Bible Together: A 52-week Family Worship plan.
But before you become overwhelmed with that take a listen to this podcast. You will discover that it is a simple plan that takes about 4-5 minutes a day. I think you are going to love it. In addition, it is family companion to the study for individual use. So your children 7-12 are working on it by themselves and then come to report it to the whole family that night. But the family devotional book can stand on its own.
Not again! You’ve lost it with the children, yelling at them and hitting the table. And you see them cower in fear or scramble to their rooms. You end up feeling ashamed and embarrassed. “What is wrong with me?” you say to yourself. “How can I get control of my anger?” In this podcast, we’re going to talk about answers to that question. We’re going to listen in on a webinar that I conducted on that very topic.
Words, words, words. If you’re a parent, words are flying around your house. Sometimes those words are helpful, and as you well know, many times they’re sinful. How do we get a handle on all those words? How do we communicate well, and how do we teach our children to communicate well? In this podcast, we’re going to talk about five principles of healthy communication.
The media, internet, and screens can seem like a tsunami, overwhelming us and our children. Sometimes it seems to disciple our children more than we do. What should a parent do?
In this podcast, I talked with Tim Challies about his perspective on the media and its use in his family. In our time together we talked about some insights on this new world that could guide us as parents.
Does Christian history seem boring to you? Would you like a fun flyover of Christian History to gain some perspective on your heritage as a Christian?
In this podcast, I talked with Tim Challies about his new book and video series – Epic – An Around-the-World Journey through Christian History.
This is a strange and disruptive time that got me thinking about hosting a fire-side chat or webinar to help us get through this time. I hosted my first last Tuesday night. It was entitled Fathers at Home: Finding Joy in the New Normal.
I spent some time giving 12 suggestions for dads. The time together starts with perspective and becomes more and more practical as the chat goes on. Although it is aimed at dads, it definitely could apply to moms as well. I hope you will be helped by it.
There's so much confusing parenting advice out there. Everyone seems to have an opinion. But who's right? What if we could cut through the clutter and hear from a real expert? What if we could hear from God himself?
Sometimes we need to go back to a book with just God's words in it, and say, "This is what God commands." Pastor Erik Raymond did an excellent job succinctly opening up a passage in Ephesians 6. I liked it so much that I wanted to share it with you.
Valentine's Day is upon us again. Like it or not, it affects us. The messages of romantic love come at us and our children. Can we capture them for good?
We want to have the joy of telling others about Jesus and we want to train our children in this way also. It is a joyful privilege when God uses us.
But how do we go about doing that? Sharing the love of Christ is often a individual endeavor. In today’s podcast, I have a conversation with Tim Zulker and Miranda Laughlin about a summer park ministry that has flourished here in Providence. It is called Summer Off. It might be a way for you and your family to lead a summer outreach in your area.
You've been married now for more than a few years. Kids are everywhere. Work is hard. Fights seem to be increasing. Is this what you signed up for? Would you do it again? Would you still say "I do"?
In today’s podcast, we are going to continue talking with Dave Harvey. In this time together we're going to be talking about his newest book, which is scheduled to drop in January of 2020, I Still Do: Growing Closer and Stronger through Life's Defining Moments. I think it will help you do just that. In this conversation we just scratch the surface of the riches that are in this resource as Dave takes us to look at some defining moment that couples that have been married a while go through.
Prodigal. What comes to mind when you hear that word? For some it may be Jesus's beloved story of the father and the two sons. But for others, that word may be a son or daughter, husband or wife who has turned their back on the faith.
In Today’s podcast, we are going to talk with Dave Harvey about his book Letting Go: Rugged Love for Wayward Souls. Dave has walked through this situations himself. And it drove deeper into the Scriptures. This book and this interview is some of the fruit of that digging.
What comes to mind when you hear the word "sloth?"The strange animal from the rainforest of South America? Your teenage son? What if I told you that this word might be more applicable to your parenting than you think?
Joel Sedam is a young pastor friend that I am privileged to know. We were talking recently and he mentioned a sermon he had done on the subject of sloth and how it had caused a paradigm shift in him. How he saw sloth all around. That led me to say, "Let's talk about this on a podcast."
You are going to enjoy this conversation. I think this topic has application as a besetting sin of our media age. It has application for my heart. It has application if you are trying to raise teens for the Lord. It has application for molding young children.
Are you rushing around getting ready for the holiday season? What can you do to remember well this incredible divine event that we celebrate each year?
In today’s podcast I’m delighted to present to you a conversation I had with Dan Darling about his new book The Characters of Christmas: The Unlikely People Caught Up in the Story of Jesus.
If you want something to freshen up your Christmas, this short book is for you. Dan walks through numerous characters including Joseph, Mary, the Shepherds, and even Herod the Monster of Christmas to give you a fresh perspective on a familiar story. In addition, each chapter ends with suggested discussion questions, making it perfect for family devotion.
You are going to love this conversation, which will deepen your understanding of a familiar story.
Not again! You lost it, you're furious, and you feel like a total failure. You yelled, slammed the door, hit the table, or threw your purse. Then the shame and guilt set in. "These are my precious children! What am I thinking? What can I do?"
What are we talking about? Anger. And the fact is, it is far too prevalent in our parenting. And then we feel guilt or shame, so we cover it up.
The following podcast is a short sermon I preached on becoming a more patient follower of Christ. How? By attacking our nemesis of anger.
Whining, lying, interrupting, complaining, arguing, gossiping. Our tongues are a
deadly poison. Are you having trouble dealing with the words of your children?
Scripture says that the tongue is a deadly poison. And that poison comes into the
house through the sinful hearts of everyone who lives there. For parents, shepherding our children through these issues can be difficult.
How do I handle issues like whining, lying, interrupting, complaining, gossiping?
In this podcast, we talk with Ginger Hubbard about her book- I Can't Believe You Just Said That: Biblical Wisdom for Taming Your Child's Tongue
Are you weary in the work of training and discipline? Have you lost sight of the reason God has called you to this? I recently have been thinking about parents of young children who are tempted to grow weary in this good and exhausting task because they forget the why.
But it is a good and important work.
Listen to our newest podcast - Chapter 17 of The Disciple-Making Parent.
In today’s podcast, we talk with my friend Dr. Tom Hines about choosing and trusting a pediatrician over the long haul. As our country grows increasingly hostile to the gospel, Christian parents can overreact or under-react. I think this will help you think through this issue. This podcast reminds me what a treasure and gift excellent, supportive, Christian pediatricians are. I believe that this is vital information that will help young parents in the days ahead.
As a Christian, do you look around at the messiness of those who call themselves Christians. Does their bizarre behavior make you doubt your own faith?
In today’s podcast we try to answer the question – Can Jesus explain the mess that Christianity seems to be in? Does this mess discredit Jesus?
I think it is vital that our young people understand these issues. Otherwise, they can be tempted to say, I don’t want to be part of this craziness.
Let’s tune in and start thinking about how we can explain the Christian mess.
n this podcast I talk with Eric Bancroft. Eric is the pastor of Grace Church in Miami, he has been married for 22 years and has three teenage sons. During this episode, we talk about helping our kids think through the area of sex and how we disciple them through this.
The Kauflin name is probably very familiar to you.
Although you may know him for his contribution to worship, you may not know that Bob Kauflin has thought a lot about parenting. I first heard Bob teach on parenting at a conference probably about 10 years ago and I thought, "This is excellent teaching from a godly man." He and Julie graciously agreed to talk with me recently.
Bob is the Director of Sovereign Grace Music and the author of numerous popular worship songs. He is also the author of two books – Worship Matters and True Worshipers. In addition, He is a pastor at Sovereign Grace Church in Louisville KY.
He and Julie have been married for 43 years, have six children and (at this point) 19 grandchildren. You are going to enjoy the gospel-infused wisdom and insight from this gracious couple. They were disciple-making parents before there even was such a thing!
This will be a podcast you want to listen to several times, taking notes as you go.
Do you and your spouse argue about money? Do you have a common understanding of what the Bible teaches about money? How are you teaching your children about money?
In today’s podcast, I want to introduce you to my friend Daniel Howe. Daniel is the pastor of Christ Reformed Presbyterian church in East Providence RI. I invited him to address some of our families in our church and talk about the budgeting software application “You Need a Budget”.
I have just recently discovered this online site and love it. If you are feeling like you don’t have a handle on your spending, I highly recommend this application.
Daniel has a view on money that I have not heard widely before but I subscribe to –that is investing. What I hear from a lot of Christian teachers involves not spending –and that can be a needed focus. But I think underneath the reason to be more frugal is to invest.
As Christians, we are commanded many times in the New Testament to love one another. But how does that play out in our daily lives? And how do we train our children in this?
Jesus told us that all people will know we are his disciples if we love one another. In fact, that command is repeated 11 other times in the New Testament. But what does that love look like?
In today’s podcast, I invite you to listen in on five different aspects or facets of this diamond. You may think of these things as simple But I am regularly surprised at how many Christians don’t practice them. And for our particular application, how many parents don’t train their children in these qualities.
Studies show that young people who are connected with other adults in church have a much higher percentage of remaining with the faith. But as a parent, how can we facilitate this? And as a church leader, what can we contribute?
In this episode, Tony Souder of the Pray for Me Campaign discusses how he has helped supercharge this idea for churchwide application.
As a mom, do you find yourself constantly comparing yourself with other families
and feeling inferior? Do you feel overwhelmed trying to do this mom thing? Always
feeling like there is more to do? Then this podcast is for you.
What if you could invite me to your Sunday School and ask me some parenting questions to fill in the corners of The Disciple-Making Parent.
That’s exactly what this recording is. A friend invited me to his church to finish up their study of The Disciple-Making Parent. In that time, we covered all sorts of subjects including ones I did not talk about like: prodigals, advice to young parents, and commitment to the local church.
The world we are living in is rapidly changing. What are the changes we are facing? And How are parents to walk their children through this anti-Christian turbulence?
In this podcast, I speak about seven new realities that are different from when I grew up and how apologetics can strengthen families and youth.
Take some time to hear about this vital topic.
We may think of the word repent as an outdated term, associated with men who walked around downtown with sandwich boards proclaiming, “Repent for the end is at hand.” The term seems odd, patriarchal, narrow-minded, and restrictive
I think what you will find in this short sermon is that it is a very relevant term. Relevant for your life, relevant for your growth and relevant for your family.
To repent is to have a change of mind that results in a change of direction. It admits there is a standard that we are not meeting up too. And it is a loving call to change. I think you will be edified as you listen to this podcast.
Are you struggling to train your children in the regular habit of Bible reading?
Are you struggling to discipline yourself?
Listen in as we talk about Dr. Murray's resource Exploring the Bible.
In addition, we will talk with him about his resource - Christians Get Depressed Too.
We all know that God calls us to love our family. But what if there was a reason deeper than we knew that could motivate our love? In this podcast, we are going to spend some time thinking about Jesus’ command that his disciples should love one another as he loved them.
This is a profound command and impossible apart from the Spirit. But it is even more profound when we start thinking about loving, not some person at church but my family. My husband, my wife, my child. It is vital we do love each other with an agape love. Our children and the world are watching.
I think you are going to discover encouragement and a new perspective on loving those who may be the hardest – those who live with you at home.
Do you want to grow in your role as the family shepherd? What are just a few tools that could equip you for this vital task?
I sat down with my friend David Michael co-founder of Truth78 and talked about several things he has practiced, still practices, and encourages the church where he serves as Pastor of the Next Generation.
Listen in to this podcast to hear how he prayed over his children as they grew up and how he equips parents, and particularly fathers, to help prepare their children for believer’s baptism.
You are going to be challenged by this conversation.
What if you could listen to a wise pediatrician coach you through the first year of your baby’s life? What if he had information that could help you and your baby sleep through the night sooner. Would you be interested?
Dr. Tom Hines has been a pediatrician for over 30 years and seen lots of babies. In addition, he and his wife, Mary Jo had four children of their own. He came to talk with me about his best advice that he would give for baby’s first year.
If you are about to have a child listen closely for some great wisdom. If you know someone that is about to have a child, forward the link to them. Believe me, they will thank you when the parents are sleeping through the night again.
Do you want to have a peaceful home? Doesn’t everyone?
What exactly are the principles that should guide us in that?
For that matter, what exactly is a peaceful family?
You are going to love the countercultural but biblical insight Dr. Randy Stinson brings into having a peaceful family. This conversation came about because of his presentation entitled The Peaceful Home at the ERLC conference this past October. Dr. Stinson is a regular conference speaker on the subjects of adoption, parenting, marriage, and men’s leadership.
In this conversation we talk about: What exactly is a peaceful home? How to conquer sibling rivalry. And the importance of dad being the CFO – Chief Fun Officer.
I promise this conversation will be worth your time!
How do we raise children to respect those who are different from us? What biblical message and doctrines can help us encourage a young person to love all sorts of people?
On this podcast, I have the privilege to introduce you to a friend of mine, Dan Darling. He has recently released a book that is helpful for pastors and parents. It’s entitled The Dignity Revolution. In it, Dan lays out the case for understanding and then applying this idea of human dignity to many different areas.
I was excited to have this conversation with Dan. He is the Vice President of Communications for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. His writing has appeared in major news outlets like USA Today and CNN. He’s a contributing editor for Christianity today and he hosts a podcast “The Way Home”. Most importantly he is married to Angela and has four children 13 to 7 years old. So, he is right in the middle of his parenting years.
We spend the first half of our time getting our minds around this doctrine. And then for the second half, we start applying it to ourselves and our children.
Are you in the middle of a conflict in your family? In your church? Or at your work?
If you are, Do you understand what God’s word has to say about handling conflict?
Unfortunately, conflict is a part of every relationship - including our families. If you are the parent of young children you certainly know that!
But most Christians are not equipped to handle the conflict in our relationships with others. And yet God in his grace has given us many principles to help us walk through disagreements. And to teach our children.
The following episode contains a short teaching I did on very high-level principles that come to us from God’s word. Specifically, I am walking us through some principles laid out by Ken Sande in the Peacemaker. This is the classic resource on handling conflict.
Certainly, there is a lot more that can be said on this topic. But I think it will get you started in handling the conflict that the Lord brings into your life.
How happy is your family? How happy are you?
Is a happy family even possible?
In the middle of all this brokenness should a Christian even aim to be happy?
This episode is absolutely vital for disciple-making parents. Happy homes are the place where the gospel passes the most easily. In fact, joy is a preeminent fruit of holiness and yet often we see Christina homes where the mark of being godly is a serious and sour disposition.
Listen in to this message by Dr. David Murray as he explains the surprising duty of joy that should characterize the Christian.
Do Christians get depressed?
And if they do, is it because of sin or because of physical issues, or some combination of the two? And more importantly, what do we do to help those who are depressed.
Take a few minutes to listen to Dr. David Murray as he speaks on depression. These thoughts are from his excellent introductory book Christians Get Depressed Too.
Your understanding of emotions will affect your life.
Your understanding of emotions will affect your family.
Your understanding of emotions will affect your parenting.
As a parent, your have a theology of emotions. Is it in line with the Bible? Dr. David Murray has written several books for Christians. Christians Get Depressed Too and The Happy Christian help us think biblically about this vital part of our lives.
Invest a few minutes to listen to Dr. David Murray as he speaks on emotion. And as an extra bonus, you will love his Scottish brogue.
Is worrying synonymous with being a parent? After all there are so many dangers in the world.
Should we say, "A good parent will worry?" After all what's wrong with worrying?
We might say nothing except that Jesus tell us not to worry. Worry and fear drive many conflict at home and in the church. And these sins destroy the peace of many.
We must start thinking clearly about this subject!
In this episode we will listen in on an introductory counseling equipping module from the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors on this subject. The lecturer also applies these principles to his own life as a parent of a prodigal.
This lecture is used with the kind permission of ACBC.
Parenting is hard work. Often we can get banged up as we walk through some of the difficulties of life. We don't know how to connect what we know to be true about God with the troubles we are facing.
Marty Machowski, author of Long Story Short, Old Story New, and numerous other books sat down and talked with me about his new book - Parenting First-Aid.
In this interview, you will hear why he wrote the book, what God has taught him over the years, and two incredible encouraging stories.
Order the book at New Growth Press or on Amazon.
As we head back to school with the summer routine behind us, we can have a number of opportunities to share our faith. And yet when it comes to telling others about the most important thing we know - Jesus - we can start to stutter and stammer. Yet a home that is telling people about Jesus is a home that is attractive to 2nd generation Christians.
In this episode, we turn the microphones around and Adam Miller interviews me about the contents of the book I wrote several years ago - Evangelism for the Tongue-Tied. In it you will learn how to pray effectively and how to bring up the gospel in an unoffensive way.
The Prodigal Son is one of Jesus' most beloved stories. Yet, we could actually be overlooking the main point of the story.
In this episode I invite you to listen in on a sermon I preached on Luke 15 and The Prodigal Son. Or should I say Prodigal Sons?
If you are the parent of a prodigal child, this episode can help you understand God’s lavish love for you and encourage you to love that prodigal even more. As you enter into the deep pain caused to the father, it may help you draw new strength to love those that have hurt you. If you tend to be the older brother, type it can also help you show more humility at home toward your family.
Pornography is a demonic parasite on the Christian church and Christian family. Unless we have an active strategy it will infiltrate our lives and homes. In this podcast, I talk with Dan Armstrong, Corporate Communications Specialist at Covenant Eyes.
We talk about how prevalent this issue is, what successful churches are doing, and what families can do. Listen in to be educated on this subject.
For a free month of Covenant Eyes go to their website and use coupon code "Apollos" .
If you are the parent of a prodigal, it can be easy to feel shame, guilt, and regret. We can say to ourselves, "If I had done everything right, he would not have rebelled." Join me in this episode as I have a conversation with a man who deliberately rebelled in his teen years. Travis does not blame his parents. No, he praises his parents their walk with the Lord. Listen to the heartache they had to go through. And then be dazzled by how God miraculously saved him. This conversation should give hope to parents everywhere.
Young people say that they #1 reason they walk away from the faith is hypocrisy in the church. What is the cause of this hypocrisy and how can we solve it? In this episode we talk about the missing elements of admonishment, peacemaking, and church discipline. Surprisingly, this is important for a healthy church life and a healthy family life.
Bullying is a common childhood problem. How would you help your child if this happened to him or her? Are Christians always to turn the other cheek? How does the gospel apply? Listen in as I have conversation with Kevin McKay about the wise way he walked his son through this very problem.
If the resurrection of Jesus Christ really happened, then it is the most important event in world history. It is the foundational rational proof for that Jesus was who he said he was. Make sure you can articulate the six reasons that Christians know that this event really happened. This is a great episode to listen with your tween or teenager. They need to know that their faith is based on rational evidence.
Listen in to learn about David Michael's family and his exhortation to pastors and the whole church to raise the next generation to hope in God.
At a recent conference I had the privilege of sitting down with David and Sally Michael, cofounders of Children Desiring God (now Truth78). In Part 1, I talked with Sally about the vision for the curriculum, how it came about, what's included, and just a few stories of how God has used it.
How would you like to talk with a Christian pediatrician of 25 year and glean his wisdom? Now you can! Listen in on part 2 of my conversation with my good friend, Dr. Tom Hines.
In this episode we will talk about:
– Introducing structure and limitations for little children
– Crying and your children – you are not a failure!
– Boredom, creativity, and toys
– Training your children to sit for a church meeting
Be sure and check out episode 1 to hear the rest of the conversation.
For more information about The Apollos Project and The Disciple-Making Parent visit
www.theapollosproject.com .
How would you like to talk with a Christian pediatrician of 25 year and glean his wisdom? Now you can! Listen in on part 1 of my conversation with my good friend, Dr. Tom Hines.
In this episode we will talk about:
– The number one issue within parents: Fear
– The number one issue parents are dealing with: Technology
– Specific suggestions for media as well as some surprising medical research
– The overscheduled family and child
- The importance of family meals
Be sure and check out episode 2 to hear the rest of the conversation.
For more information about The Apollos Project and The Disciple-Making Parent visit
www.theapollosproject.com .