Concurrently: The News Coach Podcast: Recent Episodes
WORLD Radio
If you’re a parent, teacher, or mentor of children in today’s world, you probably feel overwhelmed by the news. How do you help the kids and students in your lives engage with what’s going on in the world? How do you disciple them through the news with discernment instead of anxiety?
I'm Kelsey Reed, News Coach for God’s WORLD News, seminary-trained educator, wife, mom of three, and most importantly, follower of Christ. I’m here to come alongside you as you have the important conversations of life, faith, and culture with your kids.
We’ll answer your questions, offer ideas and resources, and hear from other parents and educators to identify the best tools and practices for establishing a non-anxious learning environment, developing news literacy, and cultivating biblical discernment.
Today’s world can feel overwhelming. Let’s press pause together and learn concurrently.
Free speech. Religious liberty. Where do these rights come from? We’re joined by WORLD’s Steve West to talk about our liberties and their origins.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read “Embattled on All Sides, Does Religious Liberty Have a Future?” by Andrew T. Walker at The Gospel Coalition.
- At Axis.org, read “A Parent’s Guide to Sabbath & Rest.”
- Find more from Steve West at wng.org
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Panda politics, bullfight bans, and Google’s big blunder. Read along online.
Welcome to the Play-by-Play. Every other week, we’re taking three recent stories from our God’s WORLD News publications and breaking them down to help you spark conversation in the home or the classroom.
Today's stories:
Discover: Pandas are back.Read it at God’s Big WORLD.
Explore: Bullfight ban.Read it at WORLDkids.
Discern: Google AI Gets a Makeover. Read it at WORLDteen.
Today's Conversation Kickoff:What are your favorite traditions? They could be family traditions, church traditions, or traditions in your local community!
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. — Ephesians 2:4-6
How do we cultivate a right understanding of disability? We’re joined by author Stephanie Hubach to explore culture’s shifting attitudes on this topic and discover a biblical alternative.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- For more from Steph Hubach, visit stephaniehubach.com.
- Hear the redemptive story of a young man with Down syndrome on The World and Everything In It.
- What do we mean by “made in God’s image”? Learn more at the Bible Project.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Sam Allberry’s God’s Go-Togethers.
Author Sam Allberry has a new book for kids called God’s Go-Togethers. This colorful book features siblings Lila and Ethan as they visit the beach and discover that God not only made the sand and sea to go together, but He made men and women to go together, too. God’s Go-Togethers offers a thoughtful look at the biblical design for people and provides a helpful foundation for explaining why God made men and women as a special pair to complement each other in marriage and beyond. Learn more at GodsGoTogethers.com.
It’s a presidential election year in the United States. What discipleship pitfalls might election season bring–and what opportunities does it present? We’re joined by author Kaitlyn Schiess to explore whole-person politics.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Visit Kaitlyn Schiess’ website ro find more great resources for navigating election season.
- Check out Kaitlyn’s books, The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of our Neighborand The Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture Has Been Used and Abused in American Politics and Where We Go from Here.
- Read “Coming to Terms with Politics” at the News Coach blog.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Sam Allberry’s God’s Go-Togethers.
Author Sam Allberry has a new book for kids called God’s Go-Togethers. This colorful book features siblings Lila and Ethan as they visit the beach and discover that God not only made the sand and sea to go together, but He made men and women to go together, too. God’s Go-Togethers offers a thoughtful look at the biblical design for people and provides a helpful foundation for explaining why God made men and women as a special pair to complement each other in marriage and beyond. Learn more at GodsGoTogethers.com.
Violins made from boats, AI country music, and Hong Kong’s protest anthem. Read along online.
Welcome to the Play-by-Play. Every other week, we’re taking three recent stories from our God’s WORLD News publications and breaking them down to help you spark conversation in the home or the classroom.
Today's stories:
Discover: Sail into song.Read it at God’s Big WORLD.
Explore: AI with a Twang.Read it at WORLDkids.
Discern: No Protest Song Allowed. Read it at WORLDteen.
Today's Conversation Kickoff: If you could learn to play any instrument, what instrument would you learn? Instruments you already know don’t count!
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. — Psalm 100:1-3
Another school year is ending. The news has us jumping from topic to topic, but we want to reflect, connect the dots, and trace the thread between the conversations. We’re joined by Amy Auten to look back at what we’ve learned in 2024 so far.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- See Gavin Ortlund’s excellent exploration of a biblical view of mental health.
- Read more about mental health from counselor Michael Coggin at the News Coach blog.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Sam Allberry’s God’s Go-Togethers.
Author Sam Allberry has a new book for kids called God’s Go-Togethers. This colorful book features siblings Lila and Ethan as they visit the beach and discover that God not only made the sand and sea to go together, but He made men and women to go together, too. God’s Go-Togethers offers a thoughtful look at the biblical design for people and provides a helpful foundation for explaining why God made men and women as a special pair to complement each other in marriage and beyond. Learn more at GodsGoTogethers.com.
o complement each other in marriage and beyond. Learn more at GodsGoTogethers.com.
We’re joined by Professor Nancy Pearcey to talk about discipling boys in a culture opposed to masculinity. Where did the idea of “toxic masculinity” come from? How do we promote a biblical picture of masculinity?
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Check out Nancy Pearcey’s book The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes.
- Listen to our previous episode about gender, Girl power and God’s purpose for gender.
- At The Atlantic, read Anne-Marie Slaughter’s “Why Women Still Can’t Have It All.”
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Sam Allberry’s God’s Go-Togethers.
Author Sam Allberry has a new book for kids called God’s Go-Togethers. This colorful book features siblings Lila and Ethan as they visit the beach and discover that God not only made the sand and sea to go together, but He made men and women to go together, too. God’s Go-Togethers offers a thoughtful look at the biblical design for people and provides a helpful foundation for explaining why God made men and women as a special pair to complement each other in marriage and beyond. Learn more at GodsGoTogethers.com.
Making light, swimming to sea, and seeking freedom. Read along online.
Welcome to the Play-by-Play. Every other week, we’re taking three recent stories from our God’s WORLD News publications and breaking them down to help you spark conversation in the home or the classroom.
Today's stories:
Discover: He brings light to darkness.Read it at God’s Big WORLD.
Explore: Swim Free, Baby Orca.Read it at WORLDkids.
Discern: A Call for Release. Read it at WORLDteen.
Today's Conversation Kickoff: Inventors use their God-given talents to improve daily life in all sorts of ways. Which technological invention could you simply not live without? It could be something from recent history or something invented waaaay in the past.
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. — Isaiah 61:1
How do we handle mystery and truth without falling for the temptation of conspiracy theories? What makes conspiracy theories so tantalizing? And how can we offer our kids a better story?
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read “A Parent’s Guide to Conspiracy Theories” at Axis.
- Learn more about the stages of conspiracy theory escalation at Scientific American.
- Read about the conspiracy theories surrounding the Baltimore bridge collapse and the solar eclipse.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Sam Allberry’s God’s Go-Togethers.
Author Sam Allberry has a new book for kids called God’s Go-Togethers. This colorful book features siblings Lila and Ethan as they visit the beach and discover that God not only made the sand and sea to go together, but He made men and women to go together, too. God’s Go-Togethers offers a thoughtful look at the biblical design for people and provides a helpful foundation for explaining why God made men and women as a special pair to complement each other in marriage and beyond. Learn more at GodsGoTogethers.com.
What is materialism? How can we offer our kids and teens a better alternative? We’re joined by WORLD’s Max Belz and Amy Auten on today’s episode.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read author Marilynne Robinson’s interview with Ezra Klein for New York Times.
- At the Gospel Coalition, read “Materialism Is Easy to Decry and Hard to Avoid” by Kathy Keller.
- Learn more about worldview thinking at the News Coach blog.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by New College Franklin.
Through the college years, students go through an intense period of growth - intellectually, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. So as you are thinking about college options, consider not only what you want to do, but who you want to be. New College Franklin is dedicated to spiritually forming students by discipling them through the seven liberal arts for wisdom, virtue, and service. As a four-year classical, Christian, liberal arts college, nestled in downtown Franklin, Tennessee, New College Franklin focuses on the great ideas, the Trivium, and the Quadrivium; to contemplate the good, the true, and the beautiful, and to go out into the world for Christ's kingdom with humility and confidence. Applications are still open for the 2024-2025 school year. Find out more at newcollegefranklin.edu/world.
Fun with physics, inclusive classrooms, and homework no more. Read along online.
Welcome to the Play-by-Play. Every other week, we’re taking three recent stories from our God’s WORLD News publications and breaking them down to help you spark conversation in the home or the classroom.
Today's stories:
Discover: Learn while you play.Read it at God’s Big WORLD.
Explore: Have You Heard?Read it at WORLDkids.
Discern: No More Homework. Read it at WORLDteen.
Today's Conversation Kickoff: With a big enough tub of oobleck, you can make it feel like you’re walking on water! If you could have a superpower, like water walking, flight, or invisibility, what would you choose?
Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. — Proverbs 1:8-9
In light of Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation, we’re re-releasing our episode on social media. “YouTube/Social Media Influencer” has recently charted as the top vocational aspiration for teens and pre-teens in the U.S. and UK. Join Kelsey and Jonathan as they discuss this cultural phenomenon and what it means for discipleship.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural events are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
Further Resources:
- Read “How to Gain an Audience and Lose Your Soul” by Patrick Miller on The Gospel Coalition.
- Learn more about the Harris Poll/LEGO Group’s global survey asking kids: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
- Learn more about healthy boundaries for social media at the News Coach Blog.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by New College Franklin.
Through the college years, students go through an intense period of growth - intellectually, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. So as you are thinking about college options, consider not only what you want to do, but who you want to be. New College Franklin is dedicated to spiritually forming students by discipling them through the seven liberal arts for wisdom, virtue, and service. As a four-year classical, Christian, liberal arts college, nestled in downtown Franklin, Tennessee, New College Franklin focuses on the great ideas, the Trivium, and the Quadrivium; to contemplate the good, the true, and the beautiful, and to go out into the world for Christ's kingdom with humility and confidence. Applications are still open for the 2024-2025 school year. Find out more at newcollegefranklin.edu/world.
What’s the difference between a device and a tool? How can families steward the power of technology for good? We’re joined by Andy Crouch to talk about technology, culture making, family, and more.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- See more from Andy Crouch at andy-crouch.com.
- See more from tech ethicist Tristan Harris.
- Learn more about redemptive entrepreneurship at Praxis.
- Learn more about the VSCO mobile app.
- Read more about Venus Aerospace.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by New College Franklin.
Through the college years, students go through an intense period of growth - intellectually, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. So as you are thinking about college options, consider not only what you want to do, but who you want to be. New College Franklin is dedicated to spiritually forming students by discipling them through the seven liberal arts for wisdom, virtue, and service. As a four-year classical, Christian, liberal arts college, nestled in downtown Franklin, Tennessee, New College Franklin focuses on the great ideas, the Trivium, and the Quadrivium; to contemplate the good, the true, and the beautiful, and to go out into the world for Christ's kingdom with humility and confidence. Applications are still open for the 2024-2025 school year. Find out more at newcollegefranklin.edu/world.
Helping toddlers, hearing the eclipse, and getting arrested LEGO style. Read along online.
Welcome to the Play-by-Play. Every other week, we’re taking three recent stories from our God’s WORLD News publications and breaking them down to help you spark conversation in the home or the classroom.
Today's stories:
Discover: Toddlers are on the move.Read it at God’s Big WORLD.
Explore: Hearing and Feeling the Eclipse. Read it at WORLDkids.
Discern: LEGO Loophole. Read it at WORLDteen.
Today's Conversation Kickoff: If you could take a cosmic vacation—and the real rules of space travel didn’t apply—where would you want to go? The Moon? Mars? Gas giant ROXs 42Bb?
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. — Philippians 2:3-4
How does America’s housing crisis affect our discipleship process with kids and teens? What does it mean to defend family, fight despair, and pursue contentment? We’re SOARing the State of the Nation’s Housing report on today’s episode.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read along with us and SOAR with your kids and students! See Habitat for Humanity’s breakdown of the 2023 State of the Nation’s Housing report.
- Hear Harvard experts break down the report on YouTube. (Note: This is a YouTube link. The Concurrently team has no control over related content YouTube may suggest.)
- Learn more about the rising costs of rental housing.
- Read more about the SOAR method at the News Coach blog.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by New College Franklin.
Through the college years, students go through an intense period of growth - intellectually, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. So as you are thinking about college options, consider not only what you want to do, but who you want to be. New College Franklin is dedicated to spiritually forming students by discipling them through the seven liberal arts for wisdom, virtue, and service. As a four-year classical, Christian, liberal arts college, nestled in downtown Franklin, Tennessee, New College Franklin focuses on the great ideas, the Trivium, and the Quadrivium; to contemplate the good, the true, and the beautiful, and to go out into the world for Christ's kingdom with humility and confidence. Applications are still open for the 2024-2025 school year. Find out more at newcollegefranklin.edu/world.
How should parents and teachers understand the concept of trauma? What do we make of terms like “ghosting” and “gaslighting?” Pastor and licensed counselor Michael Coggin joins the podcast to walk us through these difficult ideas.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Learn more about trauma and PTSD at the Anxiety & Depression Association of America.
- Is it okay to judge those who have harmed us? Listen to Adam Young’s podcast.
- Hear Dr. Diane Langberg explore the idea of redeeming power.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Geese police, sweltering heat, and a new NATO nation. Read along online.
Welcome to the Play-by-Play. Every other week, we’re taking three recent stories from our God’s WORLD News publications and breaking them down to help you spark conversation in the home or the classroom.
Today's stories:
Discover: Meet the geese police.Read it at God’s Big WORLD.
Explore: Too Hot for SchoolRead it at WORLDkids.
Discern: Sweden Joins NATO. Read it at WORLDteen.
Today's Conversation Kickoff: What’s your favorite way to beat the heat on a summer day? Running through the sprinkler? Eating ice cream? Staying inside at all cost?
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. — Proverbs 18:10
Is there ever a time to lie? We’re looking at an oft-misquoted commandment to see how ancient wisdom helps us solve modern dilemmas.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Listen to “Degrees of Truth” from Legal Docket on WORLD Radio.
- How should we think about Old Testament law? Read “The Threefold Use of the Law” at Ligonier Ministries.
- Read more about the law at the Gospel Coalition.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
With so much cultural discussion around mental health, we’re re-releasing an early episode of Concurrently. The CDC and the American Psychological Association have declared a mental health crisis among kids and teens. How can parents and educators approach mental health from a biblical perspective?
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read “Make resilience cool again” by Maria Baer at WORLD Opinion.
- Read A Parent's Guide to Anxiety, an excellent resource from Axis.org.
- From the Gospel Coalition, explore six questions to determine whether you need counseling.
- Learn more about Plutchik’s Wheel of Emotions and the incredible range of emotions we and our children can experience.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Robot companions, grocery inflation, and cutting cables. Read along online.
Welcome to the Play-by-Play. Every other week, we’re taking three recent stories from our God’s WORLD News publications and breaking them down to help you spark conversation in the home or the classroom.
Today's stories:
Discover: Can a robot be a friend?Read it at God’s Big WORLD.
Explore: Customers Fight Inflation.Read it at WORLDkids.
Discern: Data Cables Cut in Red Sea. Read it at WORLDteen.
Today's Conversation Kickoff: If you could design a useful robot, what sort of robot would you design? How would it help you or others?
A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing. — Proverbs 13:17
Together, let’s get the conversation started. He has equipped you for the work.
What is the doctrine of vocation? And how can it help your kids and teens see God's love in everyday life? Kelsey Reed and Chelsea Boes interview Dr. Gene Veith on today’s episode.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- For more on vocation, read “Arenas of Service” by Dr. Gene Veith at wng.org, or dive even deeper by reading his book, God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life.
- Read the poem “God’s Grandeur” by Gerard Manley Hopkins.
- View the parent/child 3D art mentioned by Chelsea on Instagram via artist Chad Knight.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Parents and politicians question the impact of social media on kids and teens. We’re joined by WORLDkids Editor Chelsea Boes to talk about the positives and negatives of digital relationships.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read “A quick pathway into narcissism” by Ericka Andersen at WORLD Opinions.
- Check out “Social Media at the Senate” at WORLDteen.
- Listen to our previous episode, “Teen dating and the family of grace.”
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Glass art, Pop-Tarts, and political machinations. Read along online.
Welcome to the Play-by-Play. Every other week, we’re taking three recent stories from our God’s WORLD News publications and breaking them down to help you spark conversation in the home or the classroom.
Today's stories:
Discover: He paints with light.Read it at God’s Big WORLD.
Explore: Thanks for the Pop-Tart, Mr. Post.Read it at WORLDkids.
Discern: Russian Officials Announce Navalny's Death. Read it at WORLDteen.
Today's Conversation Kickoff: Conversation Kickoff! What makes up your perfect breakfast? Pancakes? Eggs? Fruit? Pop-Tarts? Last night’s leftovers?
The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him! — Proverbs 20:7
Together, let’s get the conversation started. He has equipped you for the work.
We’re once again joined by Dr. Michael Finch to tackle listener questions about AI. What does this new technology mean for the development of our kids and teens? How does artificial intelligence impact creativity, and vice versa?
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Listen to our previous episode with Dr. Michael Finch.
- For more on AI and kids, read “Raising Kids in the Robot Apocalypse” at the News Coach blog.
- Read about Russia's deepfake debacle at WORLDteen.
- From the Gospel Coalition, read “Christians Shouldn’t Fear AI.”
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
It’s Valentine’s Day, and we’re joined by fellow God’s WORLD News team members Amy Auten and Rob Patete to tackle a listener question about dating. How should parents think about teenage relationships amid today’s unique challenges?
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- See the Parent Guide to Teen Dating from Axis.
- Read “Masters of Love” by Emily Esfahani Smith at the Atlantic.
- Learn more about your “love style” at How We Love.
- Listen to the Outstanding podcast interview Nancy Pearcey.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Super soap, heavy cars, and the consequences of social media. Read along online.
Welcome to the Play-by-Play. Every other week, we’re taking three recent stories from our God’s WORLD News publications and breaking them down to help you spark conversation in the home or the classroom.
Today's stories:
Discover: Wash up and get better.Read it at God’s Big WORLD.
Explore: An Uh-Oh for EVs.Read it at WORLDkids.
Discern: Social Media at the Senate. Read it at WORLDteen.
Today's Conversation Kickoff: What would your dream vehicle look like? Would it be a truck, a sports car, an SUV? Why? What color would it be?
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these. — Mark 12:30-31
Together, let’s get the conversation started. He has equipped you for the work.
What drives the divide between generations? What shapes our beliefs about old age? Kelsey and Jonathan explore today’s cultural attitude toward the elderly and what it means for our kids and students.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read “Growing old as a calling” by Jennifer Patterson at WORLD Opinions.
- Listen to “New tech for old timers” on The World and Everything In It.
- Learn more about the concept of neuroplasticity from psychiatrist Curt Thompson.
- Read more about the phenomenon of ageism in America.
- Read about the life of Joel Belz at WORLDkids and WORLDteen.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
We join professor, author, and pastor Dr. Jim Hamilton to talk about the transformative power of stories—even stories we might not expect. How can stories show us hope in the darkness?
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Listen to our previous episode, “Fiction, fake news, and finding perspective.”
- Learn more about the Redemptive Narrative on the News Coach blog or on previous episodes of Concurrently (Part 1 and Part 2).
- Learn more about worldview thinking at the News Coach blog.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Tiny krill, big messes, and a tragic outbreak. Read along online.
Welcome to the Play-by-Play. Every other week, we’re taking three recent stories from our God’s WORLD News publications and breaking them down to help you spark conversation in the home or the classroom.
Today's stories:
Discover: Small things have big jobs.Read it at God’s Big WORLD.
Explore: A River of Garbage.Read it at WORLDkids.
Discern: Cholera Outbreak in Zambia. Read it at WORLDteen.
Today's Conversation Kickoff: They say “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” Have you ever found a hidden treasure in the garbage, at a yard sale, or donated to a thrift store? What was it?
He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” — Matthew 13:31-32
Together, let’s get the conversation started. He has equipped you for the work.
The Play-by-Play is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
We’re using our tools to break down an article on “digital dementia.” What is this phenomenon? Is it real? This article also gives us the opportunity to evaluate not just a single article, but a news source.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read our source article from ZeroHedge, “A New Type of Dementia Plagues America.”
- Learn more about the pros and cons of digital media for kids at the Conversation.
- Read about how much screen time is too much for kids at OSF HealthCare and Adventis Health.
- Should teens have phone time limits? Consider this article by Rebecca Dube at Today.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
We’re concluding our discussion with God’s Big WORLD Editor Amy Auten, and we’re bringing our ideas into the realm of action. What does it look like to protect healthy habits in a world of modern challenges? How can hospitality help?
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Listen to part one of our discussion here.
- At WORLDkids, read “Foster Families Needed.”
- Opportunities to care for the poor and needy are closer than you think. Watch this video from Crossway.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Pineapple farms, foster families, and PepsiCo’s pricing predicament. Read along online.
Welcome to the Play-by-Play. Every other week, we’re taking three recent stories from our God’s WORLD News publications and breaking them down to help you spark conversation in the home or the classroom.
Today's stories:
Discover: Welcome birds to the farm.Read it at God’s Big WORLD.
Explore: Foster Families Needed. Read it at WORLDkids.
Discern: PepsiCo Gets Pulled.Read it at WORLDteen.
Today's Conversation Kickoff: If you ran your own farm, and you could grow anything at all, what crops would you grow? Why?
But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just. — Luke 14:13-14
Together, let’s get the conversation started. He has equipped you for the work.
The Play-by-Play is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Today’s world of ever-present technology and constant news can make it hard to pursue healthy routines with your kids. How can parents encourage literacy and liturgy amid modern challenges? We're joined by God's Big WORLD editor Amy Auten on today's episode.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Learn about some great children’s books for family reading at wng.org
- Listen to John Cleese’s narration of C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters. (Note: This is a YouTube link. The Concurrently team does not have control over other videos YouTube may suggest).
- Read Bekah McCallum’s review of Digital Liturgies by Samuel D. James.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Today on Concurrently, it’s a new year but Artificial Intelligence isn’t going anywhere. To help us better understand this growing phenomenon, we’re joined by Dr. Michael Finch.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Listen to our previous episodes on AI: “ChatGPT and the gift of work” and “Artificial intelligence and the limits of technology.”
- From the News Coach blog, read “Raising Kids in the Robot Apocalypse.”
- From the Atlantic, read “The First Year of AI College Ends in Ruin.”
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
We’re counting down our Top Ten Words of 2023. These tough terms have cropped up all over the news of 2023. But are we using them correctly?
This is our last episode before the New Year. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Learn about Merriam-Webster’s words of the year.
- Why are words so important? Listen to our episode “A process for evaluating shifting words and meanings.”
- To learn more about the term “genocide,” see this article from the Conversation and this piece from WORLD Opinions.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
A princess goes to school, bed bugs (or not!), and billboards urge votes against Putin. Read along online.
Welcome to the Play-by-Play. Every other week, we’re taking three recent stories from our God’s WORLD News publications and breaking them down to help you spark conversation in the home or the classroom.
Today's stories:
Discover: A princess goes to school. Read it at God’s Big WORLD.
Explore: Bed Bugs! Or Not. Read it at WORLDkids.
Discern: Billboards Urge Votes against Putin. Read it at WORLDteen.
Today's Conversation Kickoff: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? And once you got there, where would you want to stay? Tent or hotel? Beach house or cabin? Who would you take along?
For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. — 1 Samuel 16:7
Together, let’s get the conversation started. He has equipped you for the work.
The Play-by-Play is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Why do more and more Americans identify as religious “nones”? And how should Christian parents and educators respond? We’re using the SOAR method to break down a report from the Associated Press.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read our source article with us at the Associated Press.
- For more on why people leave the church, listen to our previous episode, “Reckoning with deconstruction stories (with Amy Auten).”
- Read Scott Lucky’s Review of The Great Dechurchingby Jim Davis and Michael Graham at the Gospel Coalition.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Anti-Semitic incidents around the globe have increased since the start of the Israel/Hamas war. What is anti-Semitism, and how should Christian parents and educators respond?
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Listen to our previous episode, “Israel, Hamas, and worldviews at war.”
- For more on the Big 5, see our Big 5 article and our Big 5 episode.
- To further define anti-Semitism, visit the Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.
- For more info on the phrase “from the river to the sea,” see the American Jewish Committee and the Conversation.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Sharing space, Thanksgiving grandma, and an orphan returns home. Read along online.
Welcome to the Play-by-Play. Every other week, we’re taking three recent stories from our God’s WORLD News publications and breaking them down to help you spark conversation in the home or the classroom.
Today's stories:
Discover: Share space in outer space. Read it at God’s Big WORLD.
Explore: “Thanksgiving Grandma” Welcomes Guests. Read it at WORLDkids.
Discern: Orphaned Teen Returns to Relatives. Read it at WORLDteen.
Today's Conversation Kickoff: If you could prepare a meal and invite anyone to be your guest–either someone from now or someone from the past–whom would you invite?
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. — Hebrews 13:2
Together, let’s get the conversation started. He has equipped you for the work.
The Play-by-Play is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
How do we sort through headlines about campus protests and guest speakers getting shouted down? We’re joined by WORLD Arts and Culture Editor Collin Garbarino to ask: What’s happening on America’s college campuses?
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read “Shouting Down Speakers Who Offend” at Inside Higher Ed.
- For more on the importance of free speech and a diversity of ideas, see our previous episode, “Banned books and healthy challenge.”
- From Thomas Kidd at the Gospel Coalition, read “Choosing a Christian College: An In-Depth Guide.”
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Covenant College.
Looking for an unapologetically Christian College Experience? Pursuing knowledge transformed by faith, Covenant College prepares students for their callings and careers. Covenant is located on top of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, 20 minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Students who visit are eligible to receive a grant of $1,200. More at Covenant.edu/world.
Are parents failing to prepare kids to flourish in the adult world? Is the world simply not built for human flourishing? Or is the truth somewhere in between? Kelsey and Jonathan explore the pressing themes of a viral video.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read Danielle Sallade on “Human Flourishing.”
- What does human flourishing look like in urban design? Learn about “6 Urban Design Project With Nature-Based Solutions.”
- See Andy Crouch’s “What Does ‘Human Flourishing’ Mean for Christians?”
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Covenant College.
Looking for an unapologetically Christian College Experience? Pursuing knowledge transformed by faith, Covenant College prepares students for their callings and careers. Covenant is located on top of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, 20 minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Students who visit are eligible to receive a grant of $1,200. More at Covenant.edu/world.
Tiny birds, big volcanos, and refugees in need. Read along online.
Welcome to the Play-by-Play. Every other week, we’re taking three recent stories from our God’s WORLD News publications and breaking them down to help you spark conversation in the home or the classroom.
Today's Stories:
Discover: She saves tiny birds. Read it at God's Big WORLD.
Explore: Out of the Lagoon! Read it at WORLDkids.
Discern: Suffering Afghans Flee Pakistan. Read it at WORLDteen.
Today's Conversation Kickoff: What animal would you be most excited to see arrive at your door?
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. — Matthew 25:35-36
Together, let’s get the conversation started. He has equipped you for the work.
The Play-by-Play is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
How have society’s attitudes shifted regarding children and families? And what does that do to a culture? On today's episode, we’re joined by WJI graduate Chiara Lamberti and WORLD’s Jenny Lind Schmitt.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read Chiara’s article, “When in Rome,” at wng.org.
- Read Jenny’s interview with Chiara about her experiences in Italy.
- Check out “Discipling Our Kids About Having Kids” at the News Coach blog.
- See “Why Children Need Both a Mom and a Dad” at Daily Citizen
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Covenant College.
Looking for an unapologetically Christian College Experience? Pursuing knowledge transformed by faith, Covenant College prepares students for their callings and careers. Covenant is located on top of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, 20 minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Students who visit are eligible to receive a grant of $1,200. More at Covenant.edu/world.
Something old for something new. How does a classical conversation tool help us sort through current events? Kelsey and Jonathan answer a listener question about Aristotle’s Five Common Topics.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Learn more about the Big 5 on the News Coach blog.
- Hear the Big 5 in action; Listen to our episode on Christian nationalism.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Covenant College.
Looking for an unapologetically Christian College Experience? Pursuing knowledge transformed by faith, Covenant College prepares students for their callings and careers. Covenant is located on top of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, 20 minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Students who visit are eligible to receive a grant of $1,200. More at Covenant.edu/world.
Hidden cities, stolen paintings, and a house divided. Read along online.
Welcome to the Play-by-Play. Every other week, we’re taking three recent stories from our God’s WORLD News publications and breaking them down to help you spark conversation in the home or the classroom.
Today's Stories:
Discover: Would you live here? Read it at God’s Big WORLD.
Explore: A Painting Returns Home. Read it at WORLDkids.
Discern: A New Speaker in the House. Read it at WORLDteen.
Today's Conversation Kickoff: If you could build a city anywhere—even somewhere impossible—where would you build it? What would it be like?
For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. — 2 Corinthians 5:1
Together, let’s get the conversation started. And remember: He has equipped you for the work.
The Play-by-Play is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
How should we respond to Christians “deconstructing” their faith? We’re joined by God’s Big WORLD editor Amy Auten to explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of deconstruction.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read the Barna Groups “Six Reasons Young Christians Leave Church.”
- Watch these videos by Gavin Ortlund on the topic of deconstruction.
- Listen to Trevin Wax on Reconstructing Faith.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Covenant College.
Looking for an unapologetically Christian College Experience? Pursuing knowledge transformed by faith, Covenant College prepares students for their callings and careers. Covenant is located on top of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, 20 minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Students who visit are eligible to receive a grant of $1,200. More at Covenant.edu/world.
On October 7, Hamas terrorists attacked Israel. In response, Israel declared war. At the request of listeners, we're exploring the history and worldviews behind this conflict.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Learn about “The Grand Narratives of Today’s World” at the News Coach blog.
- At WORLDTeen, learn more about “Misinformation in Media” surrounding Israel and Hamas.
- For more background on Israel and Hamas, see “A history of violence” by Jill Nelson at wng.org.
- For more on the ideology of Hamas, read "Hamas and the ideology of hate" by A.S. Ibrahim.
- From WORLD Opinions, read “Just war theory and the war against Hamas” by Marc LiVecchi.
- Read “Signs of the Times” by Lisa Crow at Inspire a Fire.
- Keep up with the news about Israel on WORLDteen, WORLD Watch, and WORLD.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Covenant College.
Looking for an unapologetically Christian College Experience? Pursuing knowledge transformed by faith, Covenant College prepares students for their callings and careers. Covenant is located on top of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, 20 minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Students who visit are eligible to receive a grant of $1,200. More at Covenant.edu/world.
Welcome to the Play-by-Play. The Play-by-Play is a new resource from the News Coach. Every other week, we’re taking three recent stories from our God’s WORLD News publications and breaking them down to help you spark conversation in the home or the classroom. Read along online.
Today's Stories:
Discover: The walls have a story. Read it at God’s Big WORLD.
Explore: Oldest Skydiver. Read it at WORLDkids.
Discern: Misinformation in Media. Read it at WORLDteen.
Today's Conversation Kickoff: What do you want achieve before you’re 104 years old?
How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. — Proverbs 16:16
Together, let’s get the conversation started. As always, remember: He has equipped you for the work.
The Play-by-Play is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Today on Concurrently, we’re continuing the conversation by responding to listener feedback on school choice, cancel culture, Christian nationalism, and more.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Debra’s feedback comes from Episode 36: School choice and abundant grace (with Amy Auten).
- Brian’s feedback comes from Episode 24: Cancel culture and the whole person.
- Sheri’s feedback comes from Episode 37: God, country, and Christian nationalism.
- Ethan’s feedback comes from Episode 31: Confederate monuments and constructive revisionism.
- Aaron’s feedback comes from Episode 34: Data privacy, big tech, and human value.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Covenant College.
Looking for an unapologetically Christian College Experience? Pursuing knowledge transformed by faith, Covenant College prepares students for their callings and careers. Covenant is located on top of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, 20 minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Students who visit are eligible to receive a grant of $1,200. More at Covenant.edu/world.
We’re breaking out all our tools to tackle a listener question on affirmative action. How do we unravel lasting consequences of cultural injustice? And what does it mean for human flourishing?
For a limited time, you can get 50% off a yearly subscription to any God’s WORLD News publication. Visit gwnews.com to subscribe today.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- To learn more about the U.S. Supreme Court, listen to our conversation with Constitution Law professor Dr. Jesse Merriam, “Understanding the U.S. Supreme Court.”
- Read “The Moral and Religious Argument for Affirmative Action” by Adam Russell Taylor.
- From the Reformed Journal, see “Affirmative Action and Fairness” by Scott VanderStoep (Part 1 and Part 2).
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com. We’re having our biggest sale yet! Get 50% off an annual subscription to God’s WORLD News through 10/15/2023.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Covenant College.
Looking for an unapologetically Christian College Experience? Pursuing knowledge transformed by faith, Covenant College prepares students for their callings and careers. Covenant is located on top of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, 20 minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Students who visit are eligible to receive a grant of $1,200. More at Covenant.edu/world.
What does discipleship look like in the highest challenge? We’re talking to church planter Doug Shepherd about his family’s experience in wartime Ukraine.
For a limited time, you can get 50% off a yearly subscription to any God’s WORLD News publication. Visit gwnews.com to subscribe today.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Listen to our previous discussion of Ukraine in “Discipling through Wars and Rumors of War (with Vicki Drake).”
- Watch Timothy Snyder’s Yale lecture series, “The Making of Modern Ukraine.” (Note: This is a YouTube link. The Concurrently team does not have control over other videos YouTube may suggest).
- Learn more about Crates for Ukraine at cratesforukraine.com.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com. We’re having our biggest sale yet! Get 50% off an annual subscription to God’s WORLD News through 10/15/2023.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Covenant College.
Looking for an unapologetically Christian College Experience? Pursuing knowledge transformed by faith, Covenant College prepares students for their callings and careers. Covenant is located on top of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, 20 minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Students who visit are eligible to receive a grant of $1,200. More at Covenant.edu/world.
At God’s WORLD News, we’re building news literacy to better live out the gospel. But what does that look like in practice? We’re joined by GWN Managing Editor Rebecca Cochrane to explore our philosophy behind writing the news for kids.
For a limited time, you can get 50% off a yearly subscription to any God’s WORLD News publication. Visit gwnews.com to subscribe today.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study. Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read “Asking Questions Increases Our Children’s Learning and Agency in the World” at the News Coach Blog.
- Read “Relationship: the Best Place to Learn from Toddler to Teen” at the News Coach blog.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com. We’re having our biggest sale yet! Get 50% off an annual subscription to God’s WORLD News through 10/15/2023.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Covenant College.
Looking for an unapologetically Christian College Experience? Pursuing knowledge transformed by faith, Covenant College prepares students for their callings and careers. Covenant is located on top of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, 20 minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Students who visit are eligible to receive a grant of $1,200. More at Covenant.edu/world.
Christian nationalism. You’ve heard it in the news. Maybe you’ve heard it in the pulpit. What makes this term so hard to pin down? And how do we teach our kids about the relationship between God and country?
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study.
Sign up for the News Coach Newsletter at gwnews.com/newsletters.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Christian Nationalism” by Patrick Schreiner.
- Listen to “My Kingdom Is Not of This World” by John Piper at Desiring God.
- See Kevin DeYoung’s review of Stephen Wolfe’s The Case for Christian Nationalismat the Gospel Coalition.
- Learn more about our conversation tool, “The Big 5,” at the News Coach blog.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com. We’re having our biggest sale yet! Get 50% off an annual subscription to God’s WORLD News through 10/15/2023.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Covenant College.
Looking for an unapologetically Christian College Experience? Pursuing knowledge transformed by faith, Covenant College prepares students for their callings and careers. Covenant is located on top of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, 20 minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Students who visit are eligible to receive a grant of $1,200. More at Covenant.edu/world.
Public school? Private school? Homeschool? School choice can feel daunting and guilt-ridden. Today we’re joined by Amy Auten to look back at our own school experiences and point to God’s abundant grace.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
Failure has been a hot topic in an interdisciplinary sense for over a decade. These four sources come from three different sectors: education, ministry, and business. Each have excellent material to add to the conversation:
· Listen to our previous conversation with Amy Auten, “Suffering with redemptive intention.”
· Read “What I’ve Learned About School Choice” by Winfree Bisley at the Gospel Coalition.
· Watch the TGC Good Faith Debate “Should Christian Parents Send Their Children to Public Schools?”
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Covenant College.
Looking for an unapologetically Christian College Experience? Pursuing knowledge transformed by faith, Covenant College prepares students for their callings and careers. Covenant is located on top of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, 20 minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Students who visit are eligible to receive a grant of $1,200. More at Covenant.edu/world.
We’re back with our panel of guests to talk about learning from failure in culture. How do headline-making mistakes inform the way we teach our kids and students? How does failure factor into engaging community, including the broader culture in which we are placed? Dr. Bob Burns, Dr. Donald Guthrie, and Jessie Swigart help us explore the big questions.
Why does our data matter? How do we explain it to our kids? Today we’re tackling a listener question on data privacy.
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week’s downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Listen to our previous episode on social media, “TikTok influencers and the weight of glory.”
- What information do tech companies collect from us? Read Security.org’s “The Data Big Tech Companies Have On You.”
- Read about the man who was locked out of his smart home over a dispute with an Amazon driver.
- Mental privacy? Learn about how neurotechnology might change the data privacy discourse.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Covenant College.
Looking for an unapologetically Christian College Experience? Pursuing knowledge transformed by faith, Covenant College prepares students for their callings and careers. Covenant is located on top of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, 20 minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Students who visit are eligible to receive a grant of $1,200. More at Covenant.edu/world.
We’re joined by Constitutional Law professor Dr. Jesse Merriam to talk about the Supreme Court of the United States. The headlines call this a “partisan court.” President Joe Biden says it’s “not a normal court.” What do they mean by that? Why does the Supreme Court exist?
What is microdosing? And what does it have to do with industry leaders of Silicon Valley? We’re using the SOAR method to break down a Wall Street Journal article on psychedelics in the world of tech.
How do we avoid falling into damaging, divisive culture wars? In today’s bonus episode, Kelsey and Jonathan explore a life-giving alternative: culture-making.
We’re taking a look at history. What should we think when schools, military bases, and other public institutions change names or remove monuments to distance themselves from a Confederate past?
How do we handle failure in our discipleship process? Today we’re joined by Dr. Bob Burns, Dr. Donald Guthrie, and Jessie Swigart to explore the pitfalls and positives of missing the mark.
What is climate change? How should climate issues shape the way we live–if at all? We’re back with environmental engineer Dr. Nathan Howell to explore this complex topic.
Part two of our exploration into the Redemptive Narrative. How do the final two chapters of the Biblical story inform not just how we view the news, but how we view all of life?
When we encounter stories in the news, we frame them as part of a bigger picture, an overarching story. For Christians, it’s the Redemptive Narrative. But what is this “Redemptive Narrative?” And how does it impact the way we view the news?
How does the news cover environmental topics? What makes these issues so contentious among believers? We’re joined by environmental engineer Nathan Howell to explore a Christian stance toward the environment.
Malls, theme parks, and restaurants increasingly require teenage patrons to have adult chaperones. Why are businesses making this change? And what does it mean for teenage independence?
On this episode, we’re tackling the topic of cancel culture. What is it? Does it really exist? And how can Christians develop a mature, whole-person response?
In a world of fake news, developing news literacy takes work. But we might find help through an unexpected practice: reading fiction.
The news is filled with stories of suffering. Suffering plays an important role in the Christian life. What do we do when the worst comes true? God’s Big WORLD editor Amy Auten shares her story on today’s episode.
Title 42 has ended. U.S. asylum rules have changed. The issue of immigration once again takes center stage. How can parents and educators navigate this complex issue with their kids?
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week's downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study.
Respond to our invitation for voice memos. Send a recording to newscoach@wng.org with your thoughts on the following questions:
- What can you affirm or challenge about the posture of the United States toward immigration?
- How do people in your country, the country of your birth, or where you serve or have served, perceive the United States? What do they find attractive? What do they find puzzling or frustrating?
- How is immigration handled in the cultural context of the country you have experienced outside of the United States?
- How is U.S. immigration law and process viewed by the people of that country?
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- From the Associated Press, learn more about the end of Title 42 and the new U.S. immigration rules.
- From WORLDteen, read about how the U.S. government partnered with communities to house refugees.
- Read “The Gospel and Immigration” by Matthew Soerens and Daniel Darling at The Gospel Coalition.
Kelsey’s 2023 Convention Schedule:
Denver, CO | 6/14 - 6/17 | Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference
Phoenix, AZ | 7/13 - 7/15 | Arizona Families for Home Education
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by The Girl Talk Podcast.
“Engaging Conversations About Authentic Faith”
Each week, three ladies from The Light FM team come together to talk openly and honestly about their life and how it intersects with their faith in Jesus Christ. They struggle out loud, celebrate out loud, and they are just like you. Join in the conversation and listen wherever you get your podcasts or learn more at https://thelightfm.org/girltalk/.
The World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 emergency officially over. Let’s reflect on the past few years and look ahead to summer break. How can we pursue restoration?
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week's downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Need ideas for restorative, non-digital summer practices? Check out the 1000 Hours Outside Podcast.
- From The Conversation: “4 factors that contributed to the record low history scores for US eighth graders.”
- Learn about the importance of play in “The Decline of Play and the Rise of Psychopathology in Children and Adolescents” by Peter Gray.
Kelsey’s 2023 Convention Schedule:
Orlando, FL | 5/24 - 5/28 | Florida Parent Educators Association
Denver, CO | 6/14 - 6/17 | Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference
Phoenix, AZ | 7/13 - 7/15 | Arizona Families for Home Education
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by The Girl Talk Podcast.
“Engaging Conversations About Authentic Faith”
Each week, three ladies from The Light FM team come together to talk openly and honestly about their life and how it intersects with their faith in Jesus Christ. They struggle out loud, celebrate out loud, and they are just like you. Join in the conversation and listen wherever you get your podcasts or learn more at https://thelightfm.org/girltalk/.
We’re dipping our toes into the topic of environmentalism by diving deep into a single news article. What causes light pollution? What solutions have been tried? And how should Christians care for creation?
Check out The Concurrently Companion for this week's downloadable episode guide including discussion questions and scripture for further study.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read our source article along with us: “Why It’s Time for a Worldwide Lights-Out Program” by Brian Handwerk for Smithsonian Magazine.
- Listen to our episode on the SOAR method or read Kelsey’s blog post.
- From The Conversation, learn about evangelical Christianity’s shifting views on environmentalism.
Kelsey’s 2023 Convention Schedule:
Orlando, FL | 5/24 - 5/28 | Florida Parent Educators Association
Denver, CO | 6/14 - 6/17 | Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference
Phoenix, AZ | 7/13 - 7/15 | Arizona Families for Home Education
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by The Girl Talk Podcast.
“Engaging Conversations About Authentic Faith”
Each week, three ladies from The Light FM team come together to talk openly and honestly about their life and how it intersects with their faith in Jesus Christ. They struggle out loud, celebrate out loud, and they are just like you. Join in the conversation and listen wherever you get your podcasts or learn more at https://thelightfm.org/girltalk/.
The buzz around artificial intelligence hasn’t slowed since we last discussed ChatGPT in February. We’re returning to this tech trend to see what’s new, define our terms, and answer some listener questions.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Listen to our previous episode on AI, “ChatGPT and the gift of work.”
- Read “How Not to Be Scared of AI” by Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra and Joel Jacob at the Gospel Coalition.
- Learn more about bias in AI at The Conversation.
Kelsey’s 2023 Convention Schedule:
Orlando, FL | 5/24 - 5/28 | Florida Parent Educators Association
Denver, CO | 6/14 - 6/17 | Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference
Phoenix, AZ | 7/13 - 7/15 | Arizona Families for Home Education
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by The Girl Talk Podcast.
“Engaging Conversations About Authentic Faith”
Each week, three ladies from The Light FM team come together to talk openly and honestly about their life and how it intersects with their faith in Jesus Christ. They struggle out loud, celebrate out loud, and they are just like you. Join in the conversation and listen wherever you get your podcasts or learn more at https://thelightfm.org/girltalk/.
This week, a federal judge ruled that a Pennsylvania school district must allow After School Satan Clubs to meet. What do we do with cultural celebrations of Satan? And how can we use our free speech rights to sow better seeds?
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read “‘Satan clubs’ stir debate at schools” by Gary Perilloux.
- Read “Ordered liberty has enemies” by John D. Wilsey for WORLD Opinions.
- Learn how Child Evangelism Fellowship is using its free speech rights to bring the gospel into schools.
Kelsey’s 2023 Convention Schedule:
Pigeon Forge, TN | 5/4 - 5/6 | Teach Them Diligently
Orlando, FL | 5/24 - 5/28 | Florida Parent Educators Association
Denver, CO | 6/14 - 6/17 | Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference
Phoenix, AZ | 7/13 - 7/15 | Arizona Families for Home Education
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by The Girl Talk Podcast.
“Engaging Conversations About Authentic Faith”
Each week, three ladies from The Light FM team come together to talk openly and honestly about their life and how it intersects with their faith in Jesus Christ. They struggle out loud, celebrate out loud, and they are just like you. Join in the conversation and listen wherever you get your podcasts or learn more at https://thelightfm.org/girltalk/.
How does Christ’s example teach us to navigate transgenderism? Dr. Gary Yagel rejoins the podcast to help us answer listener questions on this tender subject.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Listen to our previous episodes on gender identity, “Girl power and God’s purpose for gender” and “Engaging gender identity with grace (with Dr. Gary Yagel.” Also available wherever you listen to podcasts.
- Learn more about Dr. Yagel’s helpful resources for handling the topic of transgenderism.
- Read “Tenderly Tackling Transgenderism” by Kelsey Reed at the News Coach blog and
- See “The Gospel is Big Enough for the Sexual Revolution” by Alistair Begg at The Gospel Coalition.
Kelsey’s 2023 Convention Schedule:
Pigeon Forge, TN | 5/4 - 5/6 | Teach Them Diligently
Orlando, FL | 5/24 - 5/28 | Florida Parent Educators Association
Denver, CO | 6/14 - 6/17 | Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference
Phoenix, AZ | 7/13 - 7/15 | Arizona Families for Home Education
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by Unbound.
Help your high schooler make the transition to adulthood through Christian coaching and skill development courses. The Equip program from Unbound comes alongside teens and parents to provide coaching, accountability, and study and life skill courses. Free eBook available at http://beunbound.us/worldpodcast
What does cooking pasta have to do with the discipling kids through the news? Today we’re taking a step back to explore a helpful tool you can use to navigate any sort of media: SOAR.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- For a further breakdown of the SOAR method, read “A Tool for Engaging Media” by Kelsey Reed at the News Coach blog.
- Also on the News Coach blog: Learn more about using SOAR to build biblical literacy.
- Learn how to sauté.
Kelsey’s 2023 Convention Schedule:
Pigeon Forge, TN | 5/4 - 5/6 | Teach Them Diligently
Orlando, FL | 5/24 - 5/28 | Florida Parent Educators Association
Denver, CO | 6/14 - 6/17 | Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference
Phoenix, AZ | 7/13 - 7/15 | Arizona Families for Home Education
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by Unbound.
Help your high schooler make the transition to adulthood through Christian coaching and skill development courses. The Equip program from Unbound comes alongside teens and parents to provide coaching, accountability, and study and life skill courses. Free eBook available at http://beunbound.us/worldpodcast
Russia. China. Ukraine. As international tensions rise, war looms large in our minds. This week we’re joined by Vicki Drake, former editor of God’s Big WORLD, to discuss discipling kids through news of war.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read “Discipling Children Regarding War” by Kelsey Reed at the News Coach blog.
- For more ideas for discussing war with kids, see “How to Talk to Kids About the War in Ukraine” by Justin Whitmel Earley at The Gospel Coalition.
- For developmentally sound news reporting from a biblical worldview, check out our resources at gwnews.com.
Kelsey’s 2023 Convention Schedule:
Cincinnati, OH | 4/13 - 4/15 | Great Homeschool Convention
Pigeon Forge, TN | 5/4 - 5/6 | Teach Them Diligently
Orlando, FL | 5/24 - 5/28 | Florida Parent Educators Association
Denver, CO | 6/14 - 6/17 | Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference
Phoenix, AZ | 7/13 - 7/15 | Arizona Families for Home Education
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by Unbound.
Help your high schooler make the transition to adulthood through Christian coaching and skill development courses. The Equip program from Unbound comes alongside teens and parents to provide coaching, accountability, and study and life skill courses. Free eBook available at http://beunbound.us/worldpodcast
Dr. Gary Yagel of Forging Bonds joins the conversation to explore the origins of gender theory and transgenderism. How can parents and educators engage this difficult issue with grace and truth?
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- For a fuller explanation of the origins of gender theory, see “The Origin of Gender Theory Which Fractures Personhood” by Dr. Gary Yagel at Forging Bonds.
- On the News Coach blog, read “Tenderly Tackling Transgenderism” by Kelsey Reed.
- For additional talking points with your kids and teens, read “3 Things to Tell Your Children About Gender” by Dan Doriani at The Gospel Coalition.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by Unbound.
Help your high schooler make the transition to adulthood through Christian coaching and skill development courses. The Equip program from Unbound comes alongside teens and parents to provide coaching, accountability, and study and life skill courses. Free eBook available at http://beunbound.us/worldpodcast
Should parents ban books from the classroom? How can we tell the difference between healthy challenge and damaging challenge? Kelsey and Jonathan explore the buzz around banned and challenged books.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read “Should Christian Parents Ban Books?” by Gracy Olmstead at The Gospel Coalition.
- Why does literature matter for education, and especially for Christians? Read “Why Study Literature?” by Dr. Steven Hake.
- Learn more about the state of banned and challenged books in America at the American Library Association.
Kelsey’s 2023 Convention Schedule:
Greenville, SC | 3/39 - 4/1 | Great Homeschool Convention
Cincinnati, OH | 4/13 - 4/15 | Great Homeschool Convention
Pigeon Forge, TN | 5/4 - 5/6 | Teach Them Diligently
Orlando, FL | 5/24 - 5/28 | Florida Parent Educators Association
Denver, CO | 6/14 - 6/17 | Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference
Phoenix, AZ | 7/13 - 7/15 | Arizona Families for Home Education
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by Summit Ministries.
At Summit Ministries, we equip parents and leaders and give kids a stronger foundation to embrace a biblical worldview and learn to navigate complex topics, such as abortion, doubts, evolution, gender identity, and more. Save your seat in a Colorado or Georgia session this summer!
summit.org/concurrently
The internet is full of conflicting information. How can you know what to trust? WORLD Magazine’s Collin Garbarino and Juliana Chan Erikson join the show to help us wrestle with this pressing listener question.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read “Seek Wisdom in the Age of Algorithms” by Steve Bateman at The Gospel Coalition.
- Engage with Collin Garbarino’s analytical approach to the news:
- Level One: Who wrote it? When was this written? What type of document is it? What is the main story line?
- Level Two: Who is the intended audience? Why was it written? What can the reader safely assume based on this source?
- Level Three: Can I believe this document? How trustworthy is the source? What biases does it contain? What can I learn about the society or person who created this document? How does it relate to its context?
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by Summit Ministries.
At Summit Ministries, we equip parents and leaders and give kids a stronger foundation to embrace a biblical worldview and learn to navigate complex topics, such as abortion, doubts, evolution, gender identity, and more. Save your seat in a Colorado or Georgia session this summer!
summit.org/concurrently
What happens when the state tries to take the place of God? Where do we find the temptation of state idolatry in our own hearts? Kelsey and Jonathan tackle this listener-suggested topic.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read “An idolatrous state tries to smother the church” by Eric Patterson for WORLD Opinions.
- Where do you sense a temptation to idolatry? Use these 20 questions from Tim Keller to diagnose the idols of your heart.
- For thoughts on state idolatry in Western culture, read “State power, State idolatry” from Dr. Jeff Mirus.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by Summit Ministries.
At Summit Ministries, we equip parents and leaders and give kids a stronger foundation to embrace a biblical worldview and learn to navigate complex topics, such as abortion, doubts, evolution, gender identity, and more. Save your seat in a Colorado or Georgia session this summer!
summit.org/concurrently
How can we reckon with the school shooting epidemic? And what does it mean to be a safe space for the kids and teens in our lives?
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read “More than thoughts and candles” by Kevin DeYoung for WORLD Opinions.
- Read Susan Olasky’s encouragement to avoid the hot takes in the wake of mass shootings.
- From the Conversation, learn about three research-backed methods for preventing school shooting incidents.
- For data and statistics about school shooting incidents, you can visit shoolshooters.info.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by Summit Ministries.
At Summit Ministries, we equip parents and leaders and give kids a stronger foundation to embrace a biblical worldview and learn to navigate complex topics, such as abortion, doubts, evolution, gender identity, and more. Save your seat in a Colorado or Georgia session this summer!
summit.org/concurrently
What are “disruptors” and why does modern media praise them? Does such a thing as “godly disruption” exist? Kelsey and Jonathan explore the cultural dialogue around disruption and disruptors.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read Disrupting Ourselves to Death by Brett McCracken at The Gospel Coalition.
- Watch Andy Crouch’s explanation of human flourishing.
- Learn more about disruptive innovation from Harvard Business Review.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by Summit Ministries.
At Summit Ministries, we equip parents and leaders and give kids a stronger foundation to embrace a biblical worldview and learn to navigate complex topics, such as abortion, doubts, evolution, gender identity, and more. Save your seat in a Colorado or Georgia session this summer!
summit.org/concurrently
Kelsey and Jonathan respond to listener feedback from “Video gaming and creation rhythms.” Are video games truly isolating? And how can parents find safe games for kids?
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read Jonathan’s blog post, “What Do Christian Video Games Tell Us about Discipleship?”
- Download the Parent’s Guide to Video Games from Axis.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by Frameworks.
For many families, full time Christian education is not feasible. Frameworks offers online Biblical Worldview courses for public high school students, partnering with well-known ministries to create courses on discipleship, creation science, worship, finances, and more!
Explore Frameworks online, Biblical Worldview courses for high school students today at bibleclassesforpublicschools.com.
Tough girls? Gentle boys? In response to a listener question, Kelsey and Jonathan look to the redemptive narrative to explore today’s changing gender expectations.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read Kelsey’s blog post regarding Dr. Gary Yagel’s excellent resources on kids and gender, including his book Anchoring Your Child to God’s Truth in a Gender-Confused Culture.
- Do we need to tear others down to give dignity to others? From the Bible Project, learn about the biblical concept of justice.
- How does “Girl Power” fit into God’s design? Read “Girl ‘Power’ Because of God’s Power” from Patti Garibay.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by Frameworks.
For many families, full time Christian education is not feasible. Frameworks offers online Biblical Worldview courses for public high school students, partnering with well-known ministries to create courses on discipleship, creation science, worship, finances, and more!
Explore Frameworks online, Biblical Worldview courses for high school students today at bibleclassesforpublicschools.com.
Sources such as the CDC and the American Psychological Association have declared a mental health crisis among kids and teens. How can parents and educators approach mental health from a biblical perspective?
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read A Parent's Guide to Anxiety, an excellent resource from Axis.org.
- From the Gospel Coalition, explore six questions to determine whether you need counseling.
- Learn more about Plutchik’s Wheel of Emotions and the incredible range of emotions we and our children can experience.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by Frameworks.
For many families, full time Christian education is not feasible. Frameworks offers online Biblical Worldview courses for public high school students, partnering with well-known ministries to create courses on discipleship, creation science, worship, finances, and more!
Explore Frameworks online, Biblical Worldview courses for high school students today at bibleclassesforpublicschools.com.
In a world where AI can write your homework, how do we teach our kids the value of work and learning? Kelsey and Jonathan explore the buzz around ChatGPT and what it means for human formation.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Check out this article from WORLD: Teachers consider ChatGPT’s place in the classroom and another view from The Conversation: How ChatGPT robs students of motivation to write and think for themselves
- Dive deeper into how to lead others in a digital age.
- For another podcast and resource we recommend for parents of teens, check out Axis.org. Their 12/09/22 episode of The Culture Translator explores ChatGPT and more.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by Frameworks.
For many families, full time Christian education is not feasible. Frameworks offers online Biblical Worldview courses for public high school students, partnering with well-known ministries to create courses on discipleship, creation science, worship, finances, and more!
Explore Frameworks online, Biblical Worldview courses for high school students today at bibleclassesforpublicschools.com.
The Associated Press asks journalists to use the term “abortion rights” and Dictionary.com chooses “woman” as word of the year. In a world that challenges truth, how do we steward the gift of language? Kelsey and Jonathan explore words, worldview, and authority.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- See this brief blog for an exploration of foundational epistemology (how we know). Because God is knowable, we are also knowable, and so is the world. Therefore our words have meaning.
- Dive deeper into the concept of worldview and the hallmarks of today’s most common ideologies.
- To expand your understanding and application of Aristotle’s Five Common Topics, find a systematic explanation here and model here.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by Frameworks.
For many families, full time Christian education is not feasible. Frameworks offers online Biblical Worldview courses for public high school students, partnering with well-known ministries to create courses on discipleship, creation science, worship, finances, and more!
Explore Frameworks online, Biblical Worldview courses for high school students today at bibleclassesforpublicschools.com.
The headlines blame video games for all sorts of problems among kids and teens. But are video games the culprit? Or does gaming serve a purpose in our God-ordained rhythms of work and rest?
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural issues are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read or listen to “Gaming Alone: Helping the Generation of Young Men Captivated and Isolated by Video Games” by Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra at The Gospel Coalition.
- Read “The Case for Taking Video Games Seriously” by Patrick Miller at Christ and Pop Culture.
- Learn more about the rhythms of rest and work modeled in the Bible.
- Download the “Parents Guide to Video Games” from Axis.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by Frameworks.
For many families, full time Christian education is not feasible. Frameworks offers online Biblical Worldview courses for public high school students, partnering with well-known ministries to create courses on discipleship, creation science, worship, finances, and more!
Explore Frameworks online, Biblical Worldview courses for high school students today at bibleclassesforpublicschools.com.
"YouTube/Social Media Influencer" has recently charted as the top vocational aspiration for teens and pre-teens in the US and UK. Join Kelsey and Jonathan as they discuss this cultural phenomenon and what it means for discipleship.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural events are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Read “How to Gain an Audience and Lose Your Soul” by Patrick Miller on The Gospel Coalition.
- Learn more about the Harris Poll/LEGO Group’s global survey asking kids: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
- Learn more about healthy boundaries for social media at the News Coach Blog.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by Frameworks.
For many families, full time Christian education is not feasible. Frameworks offers online Biblical Worldview courses for public high school students, partnering with well-known ministries to create courses on discipleship, creation science, worship, finances, and more!
Explore Frameworks online, Biblical Worldview courses for high school students today at bibleclassesforpublicschools.com.
How do we respond to “unprecedented times?” We've heard this term a lot over the past three years. But what does it mean—and are these times truly unprecedented? Kelsey and Jonathan cast a vision, affirming the everyday processes of discipleship as the method to meet with the news and noise of our busy world.
We would love to hear from you. You can send us a message at newscoach@wng.org. What current events or cultural events are you wrestling through with your kids and teens? Let us know. We want to work through it with you.
See more from the News Coach, including episode transcripts.
Further Resources:
- Listen to our discussion of culture-making and the importance of slow, gradual work.
- Learn more about God’s timelessness and the importance of His incommunicable attributes.
- Learn more about the role of definition in the learning process.
Concurrently is produced by God’s WORLD News. We provide current events materials for kids and teens that show how God is working in the world. To learn more about God’s WORLD News and browse sample magazines, visit gwnews.com.
This episode is sponsored by Frameworks.
For many families, full time Christian education is not feasible. Frameworks offers online Biblical Worldview courses for public high school students, partnering with well-known ministries to create courses on discipleship, creation science, worship, finances, and more!
Explore Frameworks online, Biblical Worldview courses for high school students today at bibleclassesforpublicschools.com.
If you’re a parent, teacher, or mentor of children in today’s world, you probably feel overwhelmed by the news. How do you help the kids and students in your lives engage with what’s going on in the world? How do you disciple them through the news with discernment instead of anxiety?
I'm Kelsey Reed, News Coach for God’s WORLD News, seminary-trained educator, wife, mom of three, and most importantly, follower of Christ. I’m here to come alongside you as you have the important conversations of life, faith, and culture with your kids.
We’ll answer your questions, offer ideas and resources, and hear from other parents and educators to identify the best tools and practices for establishing a non-anxious learning environment, developing news literacy, and cultivating biblical discernment.
Today’s world can feel overwhelming. Let’s press pause together and learn concurrently.