The MAVEN Parent Podcast

Parents, do you need to "do better?" Popular parenting influencer BillyVSCO thinks so, ending each of his parenting videos with this mantra. He's one of hundreds of prominent social media voices offering parenting advice on everything from discipline to discipleship. So how can Christian parents possibly sort through all the contradictory advice and noise online? In this episode, Brett and Erin respond to a couple of BillyVSCO's videos and walk you through strategies for sifting through good and bad parenting advice.

How does Scripture define faith? Last week, we discussed some of the mistaken views of faith that are popular in the church today. In this episode, Brett and Erin explore 3 key Scriptures that help us accurately define faith, and equip you with some practical parenting strategies for passing a true view of faith to your kids.Listen to Part 1 of this conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSzMM_mSYY8Check out our interview with Greg Koukl here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrpDIVMSwMA

How would you define faith? Does it depend on how many Bible facts we know or is faith just a feeling? Unfortunately, many Christians hold a mistaken view of faith and don't even know it. We hear the word "faith" used by pastors, fellow Christians, and sometimes even by atheists. But, how many of us know what it really means? In this episode, Brett and Erin unpack some of the most prevalent mistaken views of faith that have seeped into the church today.

When our kids have questions or hang-ups about faith, is there a strategic way to approach those conversations? How can we equip our kids well so that one day they are ripe to become ambassadors for Christ? In this episode, Brett and Erin talk with Greg Koukl, a Christian apologist, author, and the president of Stand To Reason about his new book, Street Smarts, and about how parents can use questions to pass on their faith to their kids and give them tools to navigate our culture.Buy Greg's book here: https://store.str.org/purchase/street-smarts

Happy New Year to the MAVEN Parent Podcast community! Are you ready for 2024? At MAVEN, we want to come alongside and support you in the discipleship of you and your kids in the year ahead. In this episode, Brett and Erin outline MAVEN's upcoming resources in 2024 to help you plan your year with intentionality.MAVEN Conferences: https://www.mavenconferences.com/Open Enrollment Trip: https://maventruth.com/open-enrollment/

Is it just us or has it been a long time since a solid film with solid values rocked our culture? So many of the classic films seem to be aware of right and wrong in a way that's painfully absent in Hollywood today. Is it possible to reclaim any of this cultural worldview consensus? In this episode, Brett and Erin talk with Dr. Onalee McGraw, known for her tenure on the National Council on Education Research under the Reagan administration, about her project with the Educational Guidance Institute. Brett and Erin delve into Dr. McGraw's mission: educating kids about classic films and cultivating a taste for good, true, and beautiful things.

Humility is a Christian virtue, and it often manifests itself in our teachability. And as adults trying to disciple the next generation through some unprecedented cultural waters, we need to remain teachable in order to adapt and grow so that we can be most effective in teaching and guiding our children. In this episode, Brett and Erin share 10 lessons learned this year that will encourage and challenge you.

Philippians chapter two describes one of the most significant moments in human history and provides us the reason why we worship during Christmas: God became man. The Incarnation is the supreme act of God's selfless love and His greatest gift to humankind. In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss how Christmas is a perfect time to hold up Christ as the selfless example for our kids to follow. They also provide some very practical advice about helping our kids to give gifts to others, in ways that help cultivate unselfishness and generosity. 

Should parents break the law to secure their kid's future? Desperate Housewife actress Felicity Huffman made news for her recent comments offering this justification for her role in the explosive 2019 college admissions scandal. We may think such extremes examples are only fit for Hollywood, but Christian parents and educators unknowingly adopt the same secular values that undergird Huffman's illegal actions on behalf of her daughter. That's why we must regularly examine what our vision of success is in the lives of our kids. Is it acceptance into a prestigious college? Is it a good job? Is it attaining enough wealth to live comfortably? Ultimately, God's Word and not the secular culture must inform every thought we have and decision we make on behalf of our kids.

Philosophy has a major public relations problem. The word conjures up images of dusty books and ivory towers, far removed from the realities of normal life. But what if philosophy is actually one of the most practical subjects of study that has serious implications for our deepest of human needs? In this episode, Brett and Erin talk with philosopher Dr. Ross Inman about his new book, Christian Philosophy as a Way of Life: An Invitation to Wonder. Dr. Inman makes a compelling case that philosophy is valuable, practical, and significant for every aspect of Christian life and ministry and, therefore, has tremendous value for our parenting, as well. Dr. Inman's books: https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Philosophy-Way-Life-Invitation/dp/1540965732/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CJV4JA0E4CNE&keywords=Christian+Philosophy+as+a+Way+of+Life&qid=1701300252&sprefix=christian+philosophy+as+a+way+of+life%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1

Advent, the first season of the Christian church year, is a wonderful opportunity to deepen our kids' understanding of the Incarnation and help lead them into a more thoughtful season of worshipping Christ our King. In this episode, Brett & Erin interview Rebecca Zip of A Humble Place to discuss ways we can incorporate Advent celebrations and even slow down the rhythms of the bustling Christmas season. 

As parents, we're properly concerned about our kids being teachable. But even as adults, we must also remain teachable so that we can continue to grow in our knowledge and wisdom as parents and the spiritual leaders of our homes. What things reveal our resistance or unwillingness to learn, be challenged or even receive correction? How does an unteachable spirit reveal our lack of humility before the Lord? In this episode, Brett and Erin help us to honestly assess our teachability and offer practical steps to help us become more teachable. 

At the recent MAVEN Conference in Texas, attendees sent in their questions all throughout the weekend. The conference Q&A panel was only able to cover a limited amount of questions, so in this podcast episode, Brett and Erin dive in and answer questions about males wearing makeup and navigating secular music.

In a broken and fallen world, discouragement is a given, especially when it comes to our families. When our marriage is rocky, when our kids are struggling, or when other trials hit us, we can be overwhelmed by discouragement. So what do we do in those times? In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss the reality of discouragement and three biblical truths that can renew our minds and prevent us from allowing discouragement to turn into despair. 

The results of a recent Barna study are sobering: the vast majority of Christian kids do not have a biblical worldview. Parents and church leaders must redouble their efforts and be intentional in teaching biblical truth to their kids. In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss five practical ways we can pass along a biblical worldview. Check out our open enrollment immersive experience here: https://maventruth.com/open-enrollment/

According to recent Barna research, the vast majority of our kids do NOT have a Christian worldview. Barna identified seven cornerstones of a biblical worldview that significantly increase the chances that our kids and students will go on to develop a robust Christian worldview. Sadly, most of our kids do not adhere to the majority of them. In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss these findings and challenge parents, educators and leaders to assess their own kids. The results may be sobering. 

In this episode of the Maven Parent podcast, we delve into the profound cultural shifts surrounding sexuality and their implications on our understanding of gender roles, relationships, and self-identity. Drawing from a riveting talk by John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center, we explore how the sexual revolution has transformed societal norms and challenged traditional beliefs. From the interchangeable roles of men and women to the separation of sex, marriage, and procreation, we discuss the pressing need for a grounded understanding in today's rapidly changing world. Additionally, we touch upon the history of sex education in the church and the challenges faced by the younger generation. Join us as we navigate these complex topics and offer insights on how to approach them with clarity and conviction.

“You do you. Live your truth.” Our secular culture constantly chips away with these self-oriented messages. Of course, ideas have consequences. A relativistic culture that pushes individual autonomy as the highest value will undermine important concepts like obligation, duty, and responsibility. And families with a weakened sense of their obligations to one another will crumble and break apart. How should Christian families think about the nature of their obligations to one another? Do our kids have duties to their parents, or are only parents obligated to their kids? In this episode, Brett & Erin respond to these serious challenges.

This week, Brett and Erin interview Eric Hernandez on his unique approach to evangelism. In this episode, they discuss the importance of asking the right questions and avoiding heated debates when engaging with atheists. Eric shares insights from his book, "The Lazy Approach to Evangelism," where he demonstrates how a few well-placed questions can plant seeds of faith and foster meaningful conversations. Discover practical strategies for effective evangelism and hear inspiring stories from our immersive experiences, including trips to Utah and college campuses, that equip students to defend their faith confidently.BUY ERIC'S BOOK HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Lazy-Approach-Evangelism-Conversing-Nonbelievers/dp/1948618974/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3P41OMG04LL2C&keywords=lazy+approach+to+evangelism&qid=1694714882&sprefix=lazy+appro%2Caps%2C246&sr=8-1

Families with special needs kids have unique opportunities but they also face unique challenges. How do you navigate life with your child? How do you navigate friends, family and church with a special needs kid? In this episode, Brett and Erin interview Mike and Terri Sherrard about this important topic for families.

How do we deal with kids that don't want to eat the food we prepare? Should we make them a separate meals? How has American culture shaped our views about eating in unhealthy ways? In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss practical steps to help our kids establish good eating habits.

Work is such a good thing. So how do we pass on a biblical view of work to our kids and ACTUALLY get them to do work around our homes and contribute to family life? In this episode, we're diving into effective strategies for instilling a strong work ethic in our children, especially as the fall season brings a perfect opportunity to reset routines and establish new habits.

Children do best with a married mom and dad who are committed to each other. But modern life puts all kinds of pressures on our marriages that undermine and weaken the relationship between husband and wife. So how can couples prioritize their marriage? How can we cultivate strong marriages for the sake of our children? In this episode, Brett and Erin talk discuss marriage with Ryan and Katy Faust. With humor and candor, the Fausts tell their story and offer practical advice to building a lasting marriage.

Ryan and Katy Faust are in local church ministry and founded the organization, Them Before Us, which advocates for the rights of children to their biological mother and father. They have four children and have made different educational choices for their kids throughout the years. On the podcast today, they talk about their decision to send their kids to public school and how they prepare them to navigate challenges that come with that. Ryan and Katy share practical tips and conversations to equip your kids for life in public school. 

Recently, the Kunkle family sent their youngest kid to summer camp. When he got home and debriefed Mom and Dad on all of the conversations and encounters, it was a good reminder of the immense social pressure our kids may face, especially when it comes to sexuality and LGBTQ issues. In this episode, Brett and Erin recount the details of that conversation with their son and discuss the powerful influence of the culture in shaping our hearts and minds. In addition, they show how a biblical worldview should set our expectations in such a way that we're not caught off guard by the sinful social pressure of the culture.

Ever since God rescued Christopher Yuan from a gay lifestyle, he has used his story to point people back to God's design for sexuality. In this podcast interview, Christopher provides a gospel-centered view of sex and discusses a brand new project to equip families with a biblical view of identity, sex, and relationships.

The son of Chinese immigrants, Christopher Yuan, discovered at a young age that he was different. In this podcast interview, he describes his journey from same-sex attraction into a gay lifestyle and then into God's redemption of a prodigal son.

Many parents and church leaders over-emphasize our need for practical steps in raising and discipling children and students. However, if we don't first THINK carefully, we may actually short-circuit the impact of our practical advice or worse, offer practical guidance that isn't effective at all. In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss the role of thinking and reflection in our discipleship of the next generation.

There's a lot of good advice out there for building strong marriages and families. But how often are we encouraged to serve in God's Kingdom work to strengthen family relationships? In this episode, Brett & Erin discuss the powerful impact that serving in your local church or in other ministry opportunities can have on marriage and family life. Doing God's work together can unite families like nothing else!

Culture often portrays fathers negatively. They're inept. They're irresponsible. They're bumbling idiots. As a result, dads can become more passive in their parenting duties. In this podcast, Brett and Erin challenge moms and dads to examine their views on the role of fathers in the home and offer practical advice on how dads can step up and play the important role God designed them to play in the lives of their children. 

The culture's individualistic emphasis on personal fulfillment at the expense of our obligations to others runs counter to the truth of scripture. A marriage in the Kunkle family illustrates how our children can become a huge blessing to those around them. In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss their son's recent wedding and how we need to help our kids understand that their obedience to God doesn't just help them to flourish but also blesses and encourages the people around them.

Controversy has erupted around the Target Corporation, as their celebration of LGBTQ+ pride has reached new heights. Carrying products like chest binders and tuck-friendly bathing suits has seemed to push consumers too far. So what's the appropriate response from Christians? Should we boycott Target? Should we refuse to shop at stores that promote immorality? And how could we possibly be consistent in doing so? In this episode, Brett & Erin help Christian families navigate the latest cultural controversy.

Can a boy be “trapped” in a girl's body or vice versa? Are there any good reasons to detach our biological sex from our gender identity? How does transgender ideology hurt people? How do we best love those who are struggling with gender dysphoria without compromising the truth? In this episode, we present a recent talk that Brett Kunkle gave to a group of fathers at a church in Southern California. It will help you navigate today's transgender revolution.

Parents today complain of fragmented relationships with their kids. What parents yearn for--and their kids, too--is deep, heart-to-heart connections. But how can parents compete with all the other noise fighting for their kids' attention? In this episode, Brett and Erin interview Greta Eskridge about her new book, Adventuring Together. She discusses how to break free from regular routines and familiar comforts of home to experience new places and adventures--even if those adventures go awry. From simply reading a book together to going on an overnight backpacking trip, Greta suggests activities that provide unique and crucial bonding opportunities.Links: BOOK—Adventuring Together: https://www.amazon.com/Adventuring-Together-Connections-Lasting-Memories/dp/0785231366BOOK—100 Days of Adventure: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400230993

In a technological world, our kids don't have to go looking for porn…it's looking for them. So can we even protect our children and students from pornography? If so, how? And how do we demonstrate God's love, grace, and forgiveness when they stumble? In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss the challenging topic of porn with Greta Eskridge.http://www.gretaeskridge.com/blog/category/Pornography

The word love is over-used. It's under-valued. It has become a subjective concept. And therefore, love has lost a lot of its significance and meaning. In this episode, Brett and Erin discuss whether love is objective or subjective and how God provides us with the rational basis for the existence of objective love. They also discuss a biblical definition of love that goes far beyond merely affirming one another and how true love often requires courage and conviction.

Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist who has done a lot of work on the impact of technology and social media on our Gen Z kids. He recently wrote a Substack article entitled, “Do the Kids Think They're Alright?” and was subtitled, “It's hard to find members of Gen Z who think their phone-based childhood benefitted them.” In this episode, Brett and Erin comb through the article and discuss Gen Z's perception of themselves, their struggles with mental health and the role that smartphones and social media play. Links: Jonathan Haidt's Substack article, “Do the Kids Think They're Alright?” — https://jonathanhaidt.substack.com/p/do-the-kids-think-theyre-alrightJonathan Haidt's book entitled, The Coddling of the American Mind — https://www.amazon.com/Coddling-American-Mind-Intentions-Generation/dp/0735224919

Teaching formal logic may sound daunting or we may fear that we'll bore them to death. So, one of the best ways to introduce our kids to logic is through real-life examples. In this episode, Brett and Erin close out their series on critical thinking by going through a number of objections to the Christian faith. They identify and discuss some common logical fallacies in many of the skeptical challenges to Christianity. Links: Apologetics Study Bible for Students — https://www.amazon.com/Apologetics-Study-Bible-Students-Trade/dp/1433651173https://womeninapologetics.com/discerning-cultures-subtle-messages-using-truth-and-logic/

A logical fallacy is a mistake in reasoning. And we need to prepare our kids to recognize faulty reasoning. In this episode, Brett and Erin continue their series on how to teach our kids how to think critically by examining some of the most common logical fallacies. In addition, they provide some very helpful resources. Links: The Fallacy Detective — https://www.amazon.com/The-Fallacy-Detective-audiobook/dp/B07XLDZ43R Learning Logic — https://apologetics-store.biola.edu/products/learning-logic?_pos=1&_sid=d44567469&_ss=rThe Defense Never Rests — https://apologetics-store.biola.edu/products/defense-never-rests-a-workbook-for-budding-apologists?variant=39288147542100Love Your God With All Your Minds — https://www.amazon.com/Love-Your-God-All-Mind/dp/1617479004Tactics — https://www.amazon.com/Tactics-10th-Anniversary-Discussing-Convictions/dp/0310101468How to Think — https://www.amazon.com/How-Think-Critical-Thinking-Version/dp/1938966074

Critical thinking is in short supply. Our kids won't just “catch it” from an anti-intellectual culture. So parents and leaders must be intentional in teaching our kids how to think critically. In this episode, Brett & Erin discuss one of the most practical tools we can use to teach our kids how to reason well and develop critical thinking skills.

We have been dumbed down by the culture. Reason, rationality and careful thinking are absent from so much of life. Indeed, our educational institutions don't even teach kids logic or critical thinking skills. So Christian parents must step up and take over this part of their children's training. In this episode, Brett & Erin discuss the proper role of reason in the Christian life and the benefits of teaching our kids how to think critically.

In her 2023 MAVEN Conference talk, Erin Kunkle discusses the undermining of the traditional nuclear family and then explains the biblical case for God's design for the family. She discusses the implications of God's design and lays out practical steps we can take to restore the family in a challenging culture. This talk provides the necessary Christian worldview framework for understanding how families can best flourish, even amidst the erosion of this most basic institution within Western Culture.

In his 2023 MAVEN Conference talk, Christopher Yuan shares his testimony of how God's grace redeemed him and brought him out of a gay lifestyle. Then he carefully explains God's design for human sexuality by walking through the biblical teaching. This talk provides a clear view of “holy sexuality” and challenges parents, grandparents and leaders to teach a fully gospel-centric approach to sexuality to the next generation. 

Is it better for our adult children to marry younger? Or should they delay this significant decision? Do the rates of divorce differ between those who marry young and those who delay marriage? In this episode, Brett and Erin unpack some of the benefits of marrying younger and how the church can support young married couples. Book: The Ring Makes All the Difference — https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Makes-All-Difference-Consequences/dp/080240216XArticle: "The Religious Marriage Paradox: Younger Marriage, Less Divorce” — https://ifstudies.org/blog/the-religious-marriage-paradox-younger-marriage-less-divorce

People are waiting longer to get married. The new marriage norm for American men and women is to marry around the age of 30. Is this a good trend? What explains these recent marriage trends? And should we encourage our children to wait, as well? Brett and Erin discuss this current cultural trend in marriage, the secularism that seems to motivate it, and contrast it with the biblical view. Website: Institute for Family Studies — https://ifstudies.org/Article: “Let's Have More Teen Pregnancy” — https://www.nationalreview.com/2002/09/lets-have-more-teen-pregnancy-frederica-mathewes-green/Article: "The Surprising Case for Marrying Young" — https://www.aei.org/op-eds/the-surprising-case-for-marrying-young/

The proposal of new “normal" family structures is causing the culture to rethink the supremacy of the traditional family. Same-sex parents. Families where children are conceived by assisted reproduction. Single-parent homes formed by divorce. Stepfamilies. Cohabiting parents. These new ways of being a family raise a host of questions.Are mothers and fathers essential? Do children do just as well in these new family structures? Is it time to set aside our biases for the traditional family? Are we free to reimagine what a family is? In this episode, Katy Faust concludes this discussion, followed by a panel discussion with Katy, Brett & Erin Kunkle, and John & Sarah Stonestreet.

The proposal of new “normal" family structures are causing the culture to rethink the supremacy of the traditional family. Same-sex parents. Families where children are conceived by assisted reproduction. Single-parent homes formed by divorce. Stepfamilies. Cohabiting parents. These new ways of being a family raise a host of questions.Are mothers and fathers essential? Do children do just as well in these new family structures? Is it time to set aside our biases for the traditional family? Are we free to reimagine what a family is? In this episode, Brett Kunkle and John Stonestreet begin to tackle these tough questions.

How do we teach our kids the Bible effectively? What practical steps can we take with our kids to get them acquainted and interacting with Scripture? In part two of this two-part podcast series, Brett and Erin offer a host of practical ideas that you can implement RIGHT NOW in your home and family life. Links to Resources Mentioned in the Show: Questioning the Bible by Jonathan Morrow: https://www.amazon.com/Questioning-Bible-Challenges-Bibles-Authority/dp/0802411789 Scribes & Scripture by John Meade & Peter Gurry: https://www.amazon.com/Scribes-Scripture-Amazing-Story-Bible/dp/1433577895 The Epic Story of the Bible by Greg Gilbert: https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Story-Bible-Read-Understand/dp/143357327XPlaying With Fire by Walt Russell: https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Fire-Bible-Ignites-Change/dp/1576831426 Family Bible Flip Quiz: https://www.amazon.com/Bible-Family-Flip-Quiz/dp/1842361244International Children's Bible Handbook: https://www.amazon.com/International-Childrens-Handbook-Lawrence-Richards/dp/0834401339God's Timeline—The Big Book of Biblical History: https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Bible-Timeline-Biblical-History/dp/1527105903The Big Book of Bible Questions: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Book-Bible-Questions/dp/1496435249Come…Meet Jesus: https://www.comemeetjesus.art/

If the Bible is the authoritative Word of God, it should be the primary “textbook” for our kids. But how can we effectively teach them how to read, study, and handle the Bible? In part one of this two-part podcast series, Brett and Erin discuss how our own view of Scripture is the starting point for teaching our kids the Bible. Links to Resources Mentioned in the Show: Questioning the Bible by Jonathan Morrow: https://www.amazon.com/Questioning-Bible-Challenges-Bibles-Authority/dp/0802411789

There's been a lot of upheaval in education over the last few years. As a result, many families have considered homeschooling their children. However, with little to no experience, parents may have a lot of questions and concerns that hold them back. In this episode, Brett & Erin answer the top ten homeschool questions, in order to help you decide whether or not you can and should homeschool your kids.