How Did We Get Here? A History of Discipling Kids (Part 1)
Over the past several decades, churches have invested enormous amounts of time, creativity, and resources into ministry to children and youth. Yet we have also witnessed a troubling decline in the number of young people continuing in the Christian faith. To understand where we are today, we need to understand how we got here. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we trace the history of faith transmission and child discipleship across thousands of years. From ancient Judaism and the Old and New ...
3 Sept 2026
Where Do We Go From Here? Rethinking Children’s Ministry with Matt Markins (Part 2)
If the way we've been doing children's ministry isn't working, what should we do differently? In Part 2, I'm joined by Matt Markins, President and CEO of Awana, to examine the development of children's ministry from the 1980s through today—and to consider a different way forward. We discuss some of the trends that shaped modern ministry to kids: an increasing emphasis on entertainment, attraction, programs, and age-specific experiences, along with the unintended consequences that can come whe...
20 Jul 2026
When and How Should Kids Be Baptized?
When and how should children be baptized? What does baptism mean? And what does the Bible teach? In this episode we explore an important moment parents face: When and how should my child be baptized? Rather than beginning with church tradition, we begin with Scripture—tracing the story of baptism from the Old Testament through the intertestamental period and into the New Testament. We discuss: What baptism is and why Jesus commanded it The biblical purpose and meaning of bapt...
19 Jun 2026
Why Families Matter to God (with Dr. David Palmer)
Why do families matter so much to God? In this episode, I’m joined by my senior pastor, Dr. David Palmer, to explore the biblical importance of family and the unique role families play in God's redemptive plan. We discuss: Why families matter to God as seen in Scripture Where we see the importance of family throughout Scripture Why God so often uses family language to describe His relationship with His people The connection between our physical families and ou...
3 Jun 2026
Supporting Children with Special Needs at Home, Church, and Beyond (with Jocyline Graham)
How can families, churches, and communities better support children with special needs? And what can we learn from them? In this episode, I’m joined by speech-language pathologist Jocyline Graham to discuss practical ways we can encourage, include, and support children with special needs at home, in the church, and throughout our communities. We discuss: Why children with special needs matter and reflect the image of God What children with special needs can teach us about fai...
25 May 2026
Modeling Evangelism: Helping Kids—and Learning from Them (with Catherine Reynolds)
How do children learn to share their faith? And what might adults discover when they pay attention to the way children respond to the gospel? In this episode, I’m joined by pastor’s wife and friend Catherine Reynolds for a conversation about evangelism—what it is, why it matters, and how parents can model it in everyday life. We discuss: What evangelism actually is—and what it isn’t Why children need to see faith shared, not just taught Practical ways to involve ki...
18 May 2026
Learning to Father: Storytelling, Scripture, and Discipling Kids (with Dr. Jerry Pattengale)
What happens when we have to learn fatherhood without having experienced it ourselves? In this episode, I’m joined by scholar and author Dr. Jerry Pattengale for a thoughtful conversation about parenting, storytelling, and helping kids grow to love the Bible. We discuss: Learning how to be a father after growing up without oneWhy storytelling and imagination matter in discipleshipHelping kids engage the Bible in meaningful waysThe role of history, artifacts, and immersive experiences in shapi...
11 May 2026
AI and Our Kids: What Parents Need to Know (with Chris McKenna)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the world our kids are growing up in—but how should parents think about it? In this episode, I’m joined again by Chris McKenna from Protect Young Eyes to discuss the growing influence of AI on children, families, and everyday life. We talk about the opportunities, dangers, and practical ways parents can begin having wise conversations with their kids about artificial intelligence. We discuss: What AI actually is and why it matters for parentsHow AI is ...
4 May 2026
Screens and Social Media: What Parents Should Know and Do (with Chris McKenna)
Screens, social media, and technology are shaping our kids in powerful ways—but how should parents respond? In this episode, I’m joined by Chris McKenna from Protect Young Eyes to talk about the real risks of screens and social media for kids—and the practical steps parents can take right now to lead well in a digital world. We discuss: The biggest dangers kids face with screens and social media How technology is shaping their habits, attention, and relationships What the recent concerns a...
27 Apr 2026
Healthy Habits for Families: Why the Body Matters for Discipleship (with Dr. RoseAnn Scheller)
How do everyday habits like sleep, screen time, and physical activity shape not just our kids’ health—but their discipleship? In this episode, I’m joined by pediatrician Dr. RoseAnn Scheller to talk about the importance of healthy habits in the home. From sleep and nutrition to movement, screen time, and discipline, we explore how caring for the body is an important part of raising kids to follow Christ. We discuss: Why the body matters in discipleshipHealthy rhythms for sleep, eating, and ph...
21 Apr 2026
Discipling Your Kids Through Youth Sports (with Brian Smith & Ed Uszynski)
How should Christian parents think about youth sports—and what role should it play in discipling our kids? In this episode, I’m joined by Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski, co-authors of Away Game, to talk about the opportunities and challenges youth sports create for families. From packed schedules to competing priorities, sports can shape our kids in powerful ways—for better or worse. We discuss: The hidden pressures and pitfalls of youth sports cultureHow sports can compete with (or support) you...
14 Apr 2026
Discipline as Discipleship (Part 2): Practical Tools for Everyday Parenting (with Jen Powers)
What do you actually do in the moment when your child or student is overwhelmed, disrespectful, or struggling with big emotions? In this episode, I’m joined by Jen Powers from Tried and True Parenting to continue our discussion on discipline as discipleship. We move from framework to practice, talking through how parents can respond with clarity, consistency, and intentionality. 📚 The Connected Parent by Karyn Purvis and Lisa Qualls We discuss: The importance of parent self-assessmentPr...
7 Apr 2026
Discipline as Discipleship (Part 1): Rethinking How We Discipline Our Kids
What if discipline isn’t just about correction—but about discipleship? 📎 View the Pyramid of Discipline HERE: In this episode, we begin a short series on how to think about discipline as a key part of forming our kids spiritually. Rather than focusing only on behavior, we explore a more intentional and biblical framework for discipline. Drawing from Psalm 23, and insights from Justin Earley’s Habits of the Household, as well as The Whole Brain Child we walk through models that help shape how ...
31 Mar 2026
How to Have a Family Passover Seder (With Dr. Christine Palmer)
How can you lead a meaningful Passover Seder in your own home with your kids? In this episode, I’m joined by Old Testament scholar, and mom, Dr. Christine Palmer to talk about how families can walk through a Passover Seder in a way that is both faithful and practical. 📎 Download the Family Passover Seder Guide: HERE We discuss: What a Passover Seder is and why it mattersHow to include and engage your kidsSimple, practical ways to lead a Seder at homeIf you’ve ever wanted to make Passover mo...
27 Mar 2026
How to Start Discipling Your Kids
How do you start discipling your kids in everyday life? In this episode, we talk about what is discipleship, why it matters and how to begin in simple, practical ways at home. If you’ve ever felt unsure where to start, this will help you take clear first steps. We’ll cover: What discipleship is in everyday lifeWhy discipling your kids should be a prioritySimple, practical ways to begin discipling your childrenQuestions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!
20 Mar 2026
Are Kids Born Sinful?
Are kids born sinful, or are they innocent? And when do they become accountable before God? In this episode, we walk through what the Bible teaches and what it means for how you disciple your kids. We’ll cover: What Scripture says about a child’s sin natureThe idea of an “age of accountability”How this should shape the way you parent and disciple your childrenQuestions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!
17 Mar 2026
Why Kids Matter to God
Why do children matter so much—especially in the eyes of God? In this episode, we take a biblical look at why children are significant and how Scripture describes their nature and their place in God's Kingdom. Understanding this shapes not only how we see our kids, but how we raise, serve, and disciple them. We’ll cover: Why children matter to GodWhat the Bible says about the nature of childrenWhere a child's place is in God's KingdomHow this should shape the way we parentQuestions, comments,...
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