All About Boys

Genesis 25:21-26Genesis 27When We Don't Know What the Future Holds For Our Children by Meredith Exline Rooted 2017: Scott Sauls on the Creator's Plan: Our Hope for the Future In-Person Vs. Online: Starting Back to School in a Pandemic (Or, Here We Go Again) by Anna Meade Harris Her Children Arise and Call Her #Blessed by Ashley Hales, Christianity Today  Follow us @rootedministry! Please rate and review the Rooted Parent Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts! Romans 8:31-37Psalm 61:1-4 Romans 8 for ParentsWhy Teenagers Need to Know that God is For Us by Steve Eatmon Mom and Dad, Nothing Can Separate You from the Love of Christ by Dan Hallock Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates Register for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago

Psalm 16: 5-8 None Like Him: 10 Ways God Is Different from Us (and Why That's a Good Thing) by Jen Wilkin  A Parent's Limits: God's Gift or Satan's Trap? by Joey Turner Knowing What We Don't Know: How Our Spiritual Limits Bring Us Closer to God by Tracey Rector Good News For Parents: God Knows Everything by Carolyn Lankford Rooted 2017: Jen Wilkin on Living as Those with a Living Hope  Romans 8:31-37Psalm 61:1-4 Romans 8 for ParentsWhy Teenagers Need to Know that God is For Us by Steve Eatmon Mom and Dad, Nothing Can Separate You from the Love of Christ by Dan Hallock Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates Register for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago

Have you ever said, "It's all too much!" "How are we going to do it all?" "There aren't enough hours in the day!" If so, this episode is for you. Cameron and Anna discuss the overwhelm of being a parent today. Because the gospel begins with bringing us to the spiritual end of ourselves, Jesus is where we find hope and yes, even rest, when we have too much to do. Romans 8:31-37 Psalm 61:1-4   Romans 8 for Parents Why Teenagers Need to Know that God is For Us by Steve Eatmon   Mom and Dad, Nothing Can Separate You from the Love of Christ by Dan Hallock   Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates  Register for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago 

With this episode, Cameron and Anna begin a new series for parents, "Can't Do It All." Parents today are under enormous pressure to "do it all" for their families, and yet our human problem with limits goes all the way back to Eden. Cameron and Anna explore God's good - and finite- design for human beings, and discuss how living within our God-ordained limits will lead to greater spiritual health and thriving for our entire family.  Genesis chapter 2You're Only Human: How Your Limits Reflect God's Design and Why That's Good News by Kelly Kapic Rooted Recommends: You're Only Human by Kelly KapicDiscovering the Joy of Being a Creature with Kelly Kapic Romans 8:31-37Psalm 61:1-4 Romans 8 for ParentsWhy Teenagers Need to Know that God is For Us by Steve Eatmon Mom and Dad, Nothing Can Separate You from the Love of Christ by Dan Hallock Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates Register for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago

Join us for a very special episode of the Rooted Parent podcast addressing the real and painful topic of parental anxiety in raising teenagers. Speaking live at a Rooted event for parents, Katie and Chris Polski share their story of raising three teenagers. With honesty and vulnerability, they confess the challenges they faced with one of their children, and the goodness of God in those difficult times. They found peace and comfort in Scripture, in prayer, and in counsel with mentors in their church. Chris and Katie serve together as lead pastor and worship director at Trinity Church in St. Louis, Missouri, and both have contributed to Rooted in significant ways over the years. Katie is the author of the upcoming Beyond the Back Row: Rediscovering the Beauty of the Local Church for Your Family (Christian Focus, May 2025). Exodus 33 Psalm 46:10 Matthew 7:7-8Romans 8:31-37 Psalm 61:1-4   Romans 8 for Parents Why Teenagers Need to Know that God is For Us by Steve Eatmon   Mom and Dad, Nothing Can Separate You from the Love of Christ by Dan Hallock   Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates  Register for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago 

In this final episode of the Rooted Parent Podcast season "Parenting in the Spirit," Cameron and Anna reach the crescendo of Romans 8 in verses 31-37. For us, and for our kids, God is the most stable person in the universe, and he holds all things in his more-than-capable hands. We can rest and rejoice, living out of the incredible stability that his love and power offer us.Romans 8:31-37 Psalm 61:1-4   Romans 8 for Parents Why Teenagers Need to Know that God is For Us by Steve Eatmon   Mom and Dad, Nothing Can Separate You from the Love of Christ by Dan Hallock   Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates  Register for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago 

Sometimes, when our lives feel hard and the news is bad, we can struggle to understand God's sovereignty alongside man's free will to choose good or evil. In this episode of the Rooted Parent Podcast, Cameron and Anna examine why God's sovereignty strengthens us as we raise our children in an uncertain world. Knowing he is in control of all things will not be much comfort if we do not believe that God is good- but knowing his goodness and love for us led Jesus to the Cross to die for us gives us confidence even when we cannot understand the operation of his sovereign will.Resources:Romans 8:26- 30God's Sovereignty and Your Family's Suffering by Davis Lacey Follow us on Instagram @rootedministry!

Sometimes the burden of expectations adds unnecessary weight to the already difficult job or raising kids. How does Romans 8 help us live out of the optimism that springs from the resurrection of Jesus, while also considering the pessimism that comes from living in a fallen world. Considering Romans 8: 16-24, Cameron and Anna will talk about living with high hopes in the goodness of God to us through Christ.Resources:Romans 8:16-24What Stressed Out Kids Need from Their Parents…Who are Stressing Them Out by Kristen HattonDestination Wally World: How to Not Lose Sight of the Gospel on Your Family Vacation by Anna Meade Harris God's Goodness When Parenting is Hard by Emily Menendez Follow us on Instagram @rootedministry!

In this episode, Cameron and Anna turn to Romans 8: 12-17 to determine how the gospel helps parents let go of fear and control. When the US Surgeon General feels compelled to release a mental health report for parents, anxiety and stress are at an all-time high. How does the indwelling Holy Spirit free parents from living "according to the flesh"?Resources:Parents Under Pressure: The U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of ParentsThe Parents Aren't All Right podcastRomans 8:12-17Parenting and the Idol of Control by Christina Fox Follow us on Instagram @rootedministry!

Examining Romans 8:9-11, Cameron and Anna describe the ways that the indwelling Holy Spirit helps a parent who is lonely, exhausted, and in need of wisdom. Relying on the power of the Spirit and nurturing our union with Christ gives us the strength we need to persevere in the hard times of rising kids.Resources:Romans 8:9-112 Tim 2:1Breathe in, Breathe Out: How the Holy Spirit Revives and Refreshes the Weary Parent  by Dawson CooperRooted 2017: Scott Sauls on the Holy Spirit Within: Our Hope for ChangeOne Dad and Three Kids in a Minivan: Evidence of the Indwelling Spirit by Joey TurnerFrom Rumination to Repentance: Parenting With Our Minds Set on the Spirit by Anna Meade Harris Follow us @rootedministry!

In this 8th and final episode of the mini-season, husband and wife Danny and Monica Kwon talk about working with the parents of teenagers as it relates to the mental health issues of teenagers and their families. They speak from their experience dealing with the mental health issues of one of their own teenagers, but also as Danny spent 29 years serving as the youth pastor at one church, while Monica is both a psychologist and a Christian counselor. In speaking from these three distinct but overlapping perspectives, they discuss how youth ministry, youth pastors, and churches, can work with parents and their teenagers, to help them navigate the potential mental health issues of their teenagers.  Resources:Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast: Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!Purchase Anxiety: Finding the Better Story by Liz Edrington today. Follow us @rootedministry!

One of the most difficult things about raising kids is the tendency we parents have to lose perspective. We can take the smallest situation and catastrophize; we are equally prone to focus on insignificant things and miss the big picture. Romans 8:5-8 urges us to set our minds on the Spirit, which will bring us life and peace in the hardest circumstances, as well as the most trivial. It's our hope that this episode is so encouraging that you'll bookmark it to return to when you need it; we loved recording it for you.“What does it practically look like, to set your mind on the Spirit? A lot of it is to prayerfully remember, with the hope of the Spirit, what Jesus has done.” Resources:Romans 8:5-8Philippians 1:6Gospel Benefits ChartHeavenward: How Eternity Can Change Your Life on Earth by Cameron Cole Follow us @rootedministry!

In this episode of the Rooted Parent podcast, Cameron and Anna discuss what it means to parent out of the "law of sin and death" versus "the law of the Spirit of life." Parents can learn to notice and know, in order to determine what their families need (hint: what we need is to understand and live under the gospel!).Resources:Romans 8:2-4Romans 5:5bRomans 7:23Inside Out  Follow us @rootedministry!

Cameron and Anna spend this episode in the series “Parenting in the Spirit” talking about the glorious truth of Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Though parents may feel judgment from a variety of sources: other parents, parenting advice, church, extended family, and even from themselves, God does not judge us for our parenting failures, nor are we judged for our children's behavior. Because we share in the perfect record of Jesus Christ, God does not condemn believing parents but forgives us and covers our transgressions. Resources:Romans 5:1Romans 5:6Romans 7:6Romans 7:21-25The Ultimate Judge: How Jesus as Judge Shapes Our Parenting by Tracey Rector Follow us @rootedministry!

Welcome to our newest season of the Rooted Parent Podcast. In this season, Cameron and Anna will dive into possibly the most beloved chapter in all of Scripture: Romans 8. They will discuss the nuts and bolts of what it means to “walk in the Spirit,” and what that looks like for moms and dads in everyday life with their children. In this first episode, Cameron and Anna begin in Galatians 5 with the fruit of the Spirit and give some context for what it actually means to take one step at a time in the guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit. Join us for this new season; we hope it will offer parents comfort, wisdom, and peace in the companionship of our good God.“We are very vulnerable to slipping into the flesh when it comes to our kids.”References:Galatians 5 Follow us @rootedministry!

In this episode of the Rooted Parent Podcast, Melissa Kruger, the Director of Women's Content at The Gospel Coalition, joins Cameron and Anna to discuss her new book Parenting With Hope: Raising Teens for Christ in a Secular Age. Written from her own experience of raising teenagers, Parenting With Hope encourages parents to seek the Lord's wisdom as they parent out of the basic guiding principles of Scripture. Listen in as Cameron, Anna, and Melissa discuss the power of prayer, the value of weekly church attendance, and the most common idols parents face. Finally, you'll hear them share some tools that can help parents cultivate a home where faith can flourish and parent out of the hope of the gospel. Resources:Parenting With Hope: Raising Teens for Christ in a Secular Age by Melissa Kruger Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teensby Paul David Tripp The Teenage Brain: A Neuroscientist's Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults by Frances E. Jensen The Price of Privilege: How Parental Pressure and Material Advantage are Creating a Generation of Disconnected and Unhappy Kids by Madeline Levine Check out more Rooted resources on prayer here Check out more Rooted resources on church hereParents, we hope you'll join us for our 2024 conference in Dallas, TX.  Follow us @rootedministry!

In this episode of the Rooted Parent Podcast, Cameron and Anna sit down with mother-daughter duo Clarissa and Fiona Moll, authors of the recent book Hurt, Help, and Hope: A Real Conversation About Teen Grief and Life After Loss. Drawing from their own personal experience of loss, Clarissa and Fiona have created an invaluable resource for teenagers— and those who love them!— as they navigate loss. Cameron and Anna discuss with the Molls how children, teenagers, and parents grieve in different ways and how parents can navigate that dynamic in the home. Clarissa and Fiona also share some practical tools to implement in a season of grief. Most importantly, listen to hear them share about the healing balm Jesus offers in the midst of ongoing grief. Resources:Hurt, Help, Hope: A Real Conversation About Teen Grief and Life After Loss by Clarissa Moll and Fiona Moll Beyond the Darkness: A Gentle Guide for Living With Grief and Thriving After Loss by Clarissa Moll Check out more Rooted resources on grief here. Parents, we hope you'll join us for our 2024 conference in Dallas, TX.  Follow us @rootedministry!

In this episode of the Rooted Parent Podcast, Cameron and Anna talk with Faith Chang about Christian perfectionism in parenting. Faith is a pastor's wife and mom of 4 who works with Westminster Books and serves on the editorial board of the SOLA Network. She is also the author of the book Peace Over Perfection: Enjoying a Good God When You Feel You're Never Good Enough. Listen in as Cameron, Anna, and Faith discuss what exactly Christian perfectionism is and how it tends to manifest itself in our parenting. They also share advice for parents who see their own children struggle with perfectionism. Weary parents who constantly fear failing their children will be encouraged to rest in God's sovereignty and his invitation to “come and rest."Resources:Peace Over Perfection by Faith ChangCheck out more Rooted resources on gospel-centered parenting here.Anxiety: Finding the Better Story  by Liz Edrington Parents, we hope you'll join us for our 2024 conference in Dallas, TX.  Follow us @rootedministry!

Rooted introduces a new podcast focused on youth ministry in an Asian American context. It features a rotating panel of youth ministers who will talk about issues affecting Asian American youth and anyone ministering to them, whether in the home or in the church. This episode is a sample of what you will hear. The first full episode is available now at RootedMinistry.com/Podcasts. Or subscribe to the Asian American Youth Ministry Roundtable wherever you listen to podcasts. Bios of PanelistsDorothy Lau Dorothy is the youth director at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland (Rockville, MD) in the Washington D.C. metropolitan. She is passionate to serve the Lord through discipleship, musical worship, administration, and multimedia. Dorothy is a massive foodie, enjoys cooking for loved ones, and delights in trips to her home city of Chicago.Huey Lee Huey Lee has been serving the local church in the youth ministry context for over 15 years, and holds a Masters of Divinity from Biblical Theological Seminary. He currently serves as a Pastor of Youth Ministry at Christ Central Presbyterian Church in Centreville, VA. He is married to his beautiful wife, Alice, and they are parents to 4 sons: Matthew, Ethan, Christian, and Lucas. He loves reading, Korean food, a good cup of coffee, and the growing pains that come with learning to play golf.Justin WongJustin serves as the Pastor of Youth at Chinese Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. He has worked with students, parents, and families for the past 23 years. He graduated from Houston Baptist University with a biology degree and later received his Masters of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently finishing his Masters of Theology and Doctorate of Education from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married Tina and they have two girls, Ella and Mia.Terrence ShayTerrence serves as the Family Pastor at First Chinese Baptist Church, Walnut, located in Los Angeles County with the largest Asian population in the US. He has grown up in the immigrant church and believes unashamedly in its role to fulfill Jesus' call to make disciples across all cultures and generations. He is gladly married to Regina and forever growing as a father of three children from middle school to college. He will go out of his way to cheer on LA sports (Lakers, Dodgers, UCLA Bruins) and to engage in a meaningful conversation. Follow us @rootedministry!

In this episode of the Rooted Parent Podcast, Cameron talks with special guest Jennifer Kvamme, author of More to the Story: Deep Answers to Real Questions on Attraction, Identity, and Relationships. As a 21-year veteran youth worker, wife and mom of 3, Kvamme sees that issues of sexuality and gender have become central to the faith development for teenagers. She wants her teenage readers to understand that God's design for male and female really is good news, that sexuality does not equal identity, and that the narrative of creation, fall, and redemption sweeps us into the great story of Jesus.Resources:More to the Story: Deep Answers to Real Questions on Attraction, Identity, and Relationships by Jennifer Kvammerelated articles by Jennifer: A Bad Trade: Helping Teenagers See Sexual Sin ClearlyParents, Let's Reframe the Sexuality ConversationOrder Anxiety: Finding the Better Storyby Liz Edrington today! Join us at Rooted 2024 October 24-26 in Dallas Texas! Follow us @rootedministry!

In this follow-up episode, Cameron interviews Anna about her book, The Grace of God from Single-Parent Families, with a particular emphasis on how brothers and sisters in Christ can serve single parents in their communities and churches. For married parents and singles, being aware of the particular challenges single parent families face is the first step towards understanding how to love their families well.Resources:God's Grace for Every Family: Biblical Encouragement for Single-Parent Families and the Churches That Seek to Love Them Well by Anna Meade HarrisSome Blunt Challenges to the Church About Single Parents by Eric TonjesRooted Youth Ministry Podcast Episode on Growing Up with a Single ParentJoin us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, TX, October 24-26 Follow us @rootedministry!

In this episode of the Rooted Parent Podcast, Cameron interviews Anna about her life as a single mom raising 3 sons after the death of her husband. They talk about the challenges single parents face, at home and in church, and the goodness of God to single parent families.Resources:God's Grace for Every Family: Biblical Encouragement for Single-Parent Families and the Churches That Seek to Love Them Well by Anna Meade HarrisAnxiety: Finding the Better Story by Liz EdringtonRooted Youth Ministry Podcast Episode on Growing Up with a Single ParentJoin us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, TX, October 24-26. Follow us @rootedministry!

In this episode of the Rooted Parent Podcast, Cameron and Anna urge parents to talk to their children about heaven. It's helpful to have these conversations throughout our everyday lives, so that we are not just explaining what the Bible says about heaven when a loved one (or a pet) dies. In this episode, Cameron and Anna break down the what, the why, and the how of having these important spiritual conversations. "I do think there is something we can learn from kids... hear these stories."Resources:Heavenward: How Eternity Can Change Your Life On Earth by Cameron ColeHeaven: A Comprehensive Guide to Everything the Bible Says About Our Eternal Home (Clear Answers to 44 Real Questions About the Afterlife, Angels, Resurrection, and the Kingdom of God) by Randy AlcornHeaven: Your Real Home...From a Higher Perspective by Joni Eareckson TadaJoin us at Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26! Follow us @rootedministry!

In this special episode of the Rooted Parent podcast, Cameron and Anna discuss Cameron's new book Heavenward: How Eternity Impacts Your Life on Earth. In particular, how does a biblical view of heaven impact how you parent your children? For parents who have a child in heaven, you'll find the same comfort Cole found in the writing of Paul. For parents whose children are on earth, you'll discover how a heavenward view will lend depth and richness to your view of raising your children."Eternity sheds light on the finitude of this life, and it forces us to be intentional."Resources:Join us in Dallas October 24-26 for Rooted 2024!Heavenward: How Eternity Impacts Your Life on Earth by Cameron ColePurchase Anxiety: Finding the Better Story by Liz Edrington today. Follow us @rootedministry!

Tune in to a fascinating conversation where host Cameron Cole interviews author Samuel James about his new book, Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age. You'll want to hear his discussion of "content vs. form"; "software vs. hardware," prompting us to ask the question: how is the technology itself- not just the content we view- shaping our loves, our views of what life should be like?"The internet is a major secular liturgy."Resources:Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online AgeYou Are What You Love by James K.A. SmithThe Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas CarrYou're Only Human: How Your Limits Reflect God's Design and Why That's Good News by Kelly KapicThe Gift of Limitations: Finding Beauty in Your Boundaries by Sara HagertyJoin us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26!  Follow us @rootedministry!

In this episode, Cameron and Anna are excited to sit down with guest Collin Hansen of The Gospel Coalition. As an astute thought leader for Christians wrestling with contemporary culture, Hansen shares what he has seen and heard about the impact of smartphones and social media on children and teenagers. He invites us to trust God, but also to be informed and make wise decisions to protect our children. You won't want to miss this episode!"It's easy in these conversations to come across as analog or Amish, and that might be a good decision for a lot of people, but it's about learning to control those things so that they don't control you, to use them so they don't use you, and to understand that there are people who get paid a lot more money than you do, who are a lot smarter than any of us, who are trying to grab that attention, that we have to demand to grab back."Resources:Collin Hansen The Anxious Generation by Jonathan HaidtGenerations by Jean TwengePurchase Anxiety: Finding the Better Story by Liz Edrington today.   Follow us @rootedministry!

In this episode of the Rooted Parent Podcast, Cameron and Anna encourage parents whose kids are NOT HAPPY with the family rules regarding smartphones. We hope this episode will help you hold the line for your child's good."Listening well and showing compassion is going to go a long way towards staying connected with your child."Resources:Join us at Rooted 2024 in Dallas Texas, October 24-26!Purchase Anxiety: Finding the Better Story by Liz Edrington today. Follow us @rootedministry!

Licensed professional counselor Alice Churnock of "Ask Alice" podcast fame sits down with Anna to talk about what she has learned from her teenaged clients about the impacts of social media. Because Alice is also a mom, she offers wise practical advice for parents of young teens, who don't yet have a smartphone. Alice also shares guidance for parents who want to pull back on their child's technology use. Finally, she offers the comfort of the gospel for every parent navigating these tricky challenges."What are the four things social media satisfies?... It satisfies communication, it satisfies comparisons, it satisfies curiosity, and it satisfies confidence."Resources:Ask Alice podcastCell Phone ContractDoes Social Media Use Cause Depression? Follow us @rootedministry!

In this episode of our technology series, Cameron and Anna discuss the enormous amount of time teenagers (and often, their parents) spend in front of screens on a daily basis. We find that Scripture has a lot to say about "numbering our days [so} that we may get a heart of wisdom" concerning how we spend the time God has given us."We need to be really careful not to send the message that doing schoolwork or being productive are the only ways to honor God with your time."References:Ephesians 5:15-17Colossians 4:5Psalm 90:121 Thessalonians 5:1-8Philippians 4:8Psalm 101:2Matthew 5:29  Follow us @rootedministry!

In this episode of the Rooted Parent podcast, Cameron and Anna tackle a tough topic: the unjust conduct of social media giants like Meta, TikTok, and Pornhub, who knowingly prey on preteens and teens with the intent to create addicts. Much like the tobacco industry, these companies exploit the vulnerability of children and young adults for profit, despite overwhelming evidence of harm to younger users. God cares deeply about the protection of the vulnerable, so be encouraged that while you may frustrate your child with protective measures, you are actually doing God's work. "If you see exploitation of the vulnerable, then you need to stand between that person and their oppressor."Resources:Zechariah 7:9-10Malachi 3:5Isaiah 1:17The Social DilemmaJoin us at the next Rooted Conference!  Follow us @rootedministry!

Human beings live perpetually aware of their shortcomings, so we are always seeking to justify ourselves by some demonstration of "enoughness." In this episode of the Rooted Parent podcast, Cameron and Anna talk about how we use social media filters as self-justification tools, and how we can teach our kids that the gospel answers our nagging sense of inadequacy. Resources:Psalm 139: 13-15Galatians 2:10-21Order Anxiety: Finding the Better Story by Liz Edrington today!  Follow us @rootedministry!

Instagram is unparalleled in its capacity to stir up envy within us; and envy is unparalleled in its power to destroy relationships. In this episode, Cameron and Anna uncover the backbone of envy and talk about the truths from God's word that provide the corrective for our jealousy and covetousness. Resources:The Agony of Instagram by Alex WilliamsThe Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a Covetous World by Melissa KrugerThe Problem of Demandingness by Larry CrabbScriptures:Cain and Abel (Gen 4)Jacon and Esau (Gen 27-29)Saul and David (1 Samuel 18-31)Joseph and His Brothers (Gen 37)Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (Num. 16)The Backbone of Envy:Not recognizing and being grateful for what you have.Believing God is holding out on you.Believing that getting what you want will make you happy.Demandingness- wanting what you want RIGHT NOW!Not desiring good things to happen to other people.Not trusting in God's providence. Follow us @rootedministry!

If there's one thing Christian parents know, it's that walking with Jesus will put us in conflict with the dominant culture. In this episode, Cameron and Anna discuss the difficulty and the imperative of raising children who are willing to be different from their peers, for God's glory and their own thriving."But when we live Christian lives, we are swimming against the stream of popular culture, because Christ Himself was counter cultural. To follow Christ is to be against the stream, but fully alive." G.K. ChestertonResources:Exodus 19:5-61 Peter 2:9-12Galatians 5:16-17Instagram Addicted Your Teenager Because She's Worth $270 to Them by Chris Martin, Termsofservice.com. Follow us @rootedministry!

In this episode of our technology series, Cameron and Anna examine the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke's gospel. When we lead our children to understand that their audience is a good God who loves them and finds them flawless in Christ, they will begin to break free from needing to perform for other people and find rest under the smile of their heavenly Father."Measuring up to the standard does not come through effort or performance, but instead it comes through grace."Resources:Luke 18:9-14Follow us @rootedministry!

The longing for secure belonging is part of being human, but the longing can be particularly acute for teenagers. In this episode of the Rooted Parent podcast, Cameron and Anna discuss how this longing feeds into our children's participation on social media platforms. "So much of the tension and the anxiety that involves social media and technology and kids has to do with this developmental, human reality. It's particularly amplified at the middle school age." Resources:The Inner Ring by CS LewisEphesians 2:11-22Life Actually By Kari Kampakis: When your daughter feels surrounded… yet alone

In this episode of the Rooted Parent Podcast, Cameron and Anna discuss the God-ordained goodness of our bodies. Since the early days of the church, Christians have fought the Greek teaching that matter and the body are bad, and we must escape the physical world. Through the Incarnation of Jesus and the goodness of God's creation, we know that God intends for us to embrace our embodied humanity. To the extent that social media allows us to resist the physical world, we must help our teenagers pursue in-person community and face-to-face relationships."Sin creates an adversarial relationship between us and the physical world." Resources:Join us for Rooted 2023!Follow us @rootedministry!1 John 1: 1-4Luke 24:36-43Hebrews 10:24-25

Continuing the conversation about viewing technology through the lens of biblical discipleship, Cameron and Anna encourage parents to communicate gently with their children on the topic of technology. Listening well and asking good questions may not make your child feel better about your rules, but these things do dignify the image of God in your child. "The number one developmental question that an early adolescent has is this: where do I fit in the group? The deepest darkest fear of a middle schooler is being left out."Resources:Mark 2John 11Is It Time for a Phone? Practical Guidance for Parents of New Smartphone UsersJoin us for Rooted 2023!Follow us @rootedministry!

In the first episode of our new season, Cameron and Anna will talk about what it looks like to have a discipleship mindset regarding our kids and technology. Our desire as parents is to raise children who love Jesus and have their own relationship with him. With Scripture as our guide, we can teach our children to handle technological tools with godly wisdom, to be faithful to God's Word when they are outside of our homes."The reality is your child is going to go out in the real world, and they are going to have their own phone, and they aren't going to have a parent to monitor or filter the internet."Resources:Matthew 15:10-28Recorded podcast with Sarah Zylstra Scrolling Alone: How Instagram Is Making a Generation of Girls Lonely, Anxious, and SadPlease see also our resources tab for Rooted articles on technology and social media.Is It Time for a Phone? Practical Guidance for Parents of New Smartphone Users 

Join Cameron and Anna for this fascinating interview with Jim Davis and Michael Graham, authors of The Great Dechurching: Who's Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? According to the research commissioned by Davis and Graham, 40 million people have left the American church in the last several decades. Americans are most vulnerable to dechurching between the ages of 13-30. This important new book uncovers the primary reasons why people leave the church. Parents will be particularly interested in knowing how they might influence their child's decision to dechurch."The American Church has tended to work best for those who fit the 'American path': marriage, then children after marriage. If you get off that path, the American church doesn't work as well for you, which is really sad because if you go back to the early church, the people church worked best for were the disenfranchised." Jim DavisResources:The Great Dechurching: Who's Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? by Jim Davis and Michael GrahamThe Next Generation: Forming Middle and High School Students for Lifelong Faith (As In Heaven podcast episode with Cameron Cole)Handing Down the Faith: How Parents Pass Their Religion on to the Next Generation by Christian SmithGod's Grace For Every Family: Biblical Encouragement for Single-Parent Families and the Churches that Seek to Love them Well by Anna Meade HarrisJoin us November 2-4 for Rooted 2023!

In this joint episode with Danny Kwon, host of the Rooted Youth Ministry podcast, Anna welcomes Mike McGarry, author of a newly released book for teenagers, Discover: Questioning Your Way to Faith. As a veteran youth worker, father and husband, Mike is no stranger to the difficult questions kids ask. In his book, Mike answers twenty tough questions with insight, compassion, and theological integrity. In our podcast, you'll hear him discuss how to make questions welcome in your home and ministry. "When we shame kids for asking questions, we're making it more difficult for them emotionally to ask their questions."Resources: Join us at Rooted 2023 to hear Mike's workshop on teaching theology to teenagers.Discover: Questioning Your Way to FaithTeenagers Need a Safe Place to Ask Hard Questions by Anna Meade Harris

In this final episode of our three-part series, Cameron and Anna focus on what it looks like to parent out of the grace of Jesus. Almost as soon as our babies are born, parents discover that our best efforts are not enough, our sin trips us up continually, and we often don't have a clue if we have done well or made things worse for our children. Into this difficult place come the immeasurable riches of God's grace towards us in Christ Jesus."The law is positive, in that it shows us our sin and our need for grace, but it doesn't transform us." References:Titus 2: 11-14Ephesians 2: 4-7 Anxiety: Finding the Better Story by Liz EdringtonJoin us for Rooted 2023 in Franklin TN and take advantage of the 1-day parent pass!

Cameron and Anna take a pause in the summertime to review what it means to parent out of the rest of the gospel, the wisdom of Scripture, and the grace of Jesus. In this second episode of a three-part series, they examine what it looks like for parents to let the wisdom of Scripture guide their decision-making."The Holy Spirit of God is stronger than both the internal and the external pressures that we parents are facing."Resources:Join us in Franklin, TN for the 2023 Rooted Conference November 2-4; take advantage of the special one day parent pass for Saturday!Romans 8:3-9aPsalm 19:7-12

Cameron and Anna take a pause in the summertime to review what it means to parent out of the rest of the gospel, the wisdom of Scripture, and the grace of Jesus. In this first episode of a three-part series, they examine the gospel and what it looks like for parents to rest in the finished work of Christ even as we do the hard work of parenting. Rather than trying to justify ourselves either through our good parenting or the success of our children, parents have peace with God through Christ. Join us in Franklin, TN, November 4 for a morning of parent workshops; check out our special one-day ticket for parents!References:Romans 5:1-5, 3:21-26Hebrews 4:11Rooted Parent podcast Fear Factor season

In this episode of the Rooted Parent Podcast, Anna talks with Jared Kennedy, husband and father of three daughters. Jared works as an editor with The Gospel Coalition and is the founder of The Gospel-Centered Family. Jared shares what he believes a gospel-centered family looks like- and it's a combination of dedicated family time, chickens, prayer requests, and lots of ice cream, among other things. You won't want to miss this joyful, encouraging episode!Resources:If you'd like to hear more from Jared, please join us for the Rooted conference in Nashville, November 2-4.Psalm 78: 1-8Gospel-Centered FamilyOklahoma Girls' Softball Press Conference

In this episode of the Rooted Parent Podcast, we share an interview from our sister podcast, Ask Alice. Alice Churnock interviews author and mental health counselor, Liz Edrington on her 31-day teen devotional: Anxiety: Finding the Better Story. Listen in as these two experts in teenage anxiety discuss common misconceptions of anxiety, how to spot patterns of anxious behavior in your child, and how to walk with a child or teenager who is struggling with anxiety. Using her own story with anxiety, Liz invites us to consider how Jesus invites both us and our children into wholeness in the face of anxiety. Resources:Order Anxiety: Finding the Better Story by Liz Edrington today! Subscribe to Ask Alice and check out all the other Rooted podcasts!Follow @therootedministry on Instagram!Check out our YouTube Channel!

For parents who dread the hormones, changes, and challenges of the teen years: you will find so much comfort and hope in our interview with author and counselor Kristen Hatton. Kristen is a mother of three grown children, a pastors' wife, and a counselor, and she is well acquainted with how parents anxiously anticipate what life will be like with teenagers in the house. In her newest book, Parenting Ahead: Preparing Now for the Teen Years, Hatton lays a foundation for discipleship that will help parents maintain warm and loving connection with their children, all while teaching them about the redemptive love and sacrifice of Jesus. Listen in on her conversation with Cameron and Anna and find rest in God's goodness towards us as moms and dads.Resources:Rooted Recommends: Parenting Ahead: Preparing Now for the Teen Years by Kristen HattonKristen Hatton Author Page

In the final episode of our season "What the Bible Says About Parenting," Cameron and Anna take a look at Salome, the mother of James and John, the sister of Mary- who happens to be Jesus' aunt. When she requests that her sons be allowed to sit at the right and left hands of Jesus in his kingdom, she seeks earthly power for her sons, she thinks it is up to manage her boys' lives, and she fails to understand the priceless position they already enjoy as believers in Jesus.Resources:Matthew 20: 20-28What's Driving Our Lawnmower Parenting? by Kristen HattonOur Kids Don't Win When We Fight their Battles for Them by Kristen HattonDads, Daughters, and a Willingness to Learn and Grow by Gordon BalsHope Amidst College Admissions Insanity by Cameron ColeJoin us at Rooted 2023 in Nashville; special discount day for parents! 

In this episode of the Rooted Parent Podcast, Cameron and Anna take a look at Mary and Joseph's "Home Alone" moment. When they accidentally leave Jesus behind at the temple for four days, Mary and Joseph weren't at the peak of their parenting skills. But no human parent is perfect, and God's grace covers our shortcomings as our children learn to walk out his best for their lives. Resources:Luke 2:41-52Grace for the Non-Supermom by Jenny LisaTalk to Your Kids about Failure – and Share Stories from Your Life by Kari Kampakis

This week Cameron and Anna examine the annunciation, the moment in Scripture when the angel Gabriel tells Mary that she will bear God's child. Mary's idea of what marriage and family would look like did not meet whatever expectations she might have had. Parents have much to learn from how God helped Mary cope with the gap between what she had hoped for, and the painful reality of being the mother of the Savior of the world.Resources:Luke 1:26-38Rooted Podcast: Julie Sparkman on When A Good Desire Becomes a False GodRooted Podcast: Julie Sparkman on Our Good Design for Desire

Looking at two different father-son relationships in the Bible (Saul & Jonathan, and Hezekiah & Manasseh,) Cameron and Anna unpack the comforting truth that parents are not ultimately responsible for how their children turn out. Thankfully, God is. Saul was a faithless, unrighteous king, but his son Jonathan was a humble, loving, loyal son and friend. Hezekiah was a good king, banishing idolatry from Judah but his son wicked Manasseh indulged in every sort of evil. Although we know that parenting impacts children in profound ways, parents cannot control how their children respond to that parenting. Parents can rest in the sovereignty of God and his goodness towards our children.Resources:Have I Failed My Children? by Amy MedinaJoin us for the Rooted Conference in Nashville November 2-4!Please rate us and write a review on your favorite podcast platform.

In an episode youth pastors and parents will not want to miss, Cameron interviews Christian writer and apologist Alisa Childers about why biblical truth matters so much as we disciple our kids. Their conversation covers, among many things, the linguistic theft of words like "love" and "tolerance"; cultural lies like YOLO and "God just wants you to be happy"; and the importance of teaching kids to suffer in light of the Cross. Alisa also shares two important pieces of advice for parents, and two for youth pastors. Christian recording artist, writer, wife, mom, and lifelong follower of Jesus, Alisa Childers has written two excellent books on apologetics: Another Gospel?: A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity and Live Your Truth and Other Lies: Exposing Popular Deceptions That Make Us Anxious, Exhausted, and Self-Obsessed. Resources:On Rooted: Answering Our Teenagers' Hard Questions About CultureRooted Recommends: 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) About ChristianityYouth Pastor, Your Students Need Apologetics by Bradley BlaylockOur Resource Page for ApologeticsAlso referenced:The Cruelty of Heresy: An Affirmation of Christian Orthodoxy by C. Fitzsimmons AllisonMama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies by Hilary Morgan FerrerSubscribe to the Rooted Parent PodcastFollow @therootedministry on InstagramSign up to join us for our 2023 conference in Nashville, TN!