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Do children really need more freedom—or more structure?In this episode of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis discuss why discipline, clarity, and consistency are some of the greatest gifts parents can give their children. They explain how emotional reactions can damage trust, why kids thrive when expectations are clear, and how intentional parenting develops future leaders.You'll also learn why comfort culture is creating challenges for today's generation and how responsibility, resilience, and accountability build confident children who are prepared for the real world.In This Episode:✔ Why discipline creates freedom✔ The danger of emotional parenting✔ Building trust through consistency✔ Teaching responsibility and resilience✔ Helping kids process challenges well✔ Why comfort culture hurts development✔ Raising future world-changing adultsIf you want practical parenting wisdom that helps children grow into confident, capable leaders, this episode is for you.(00:00) Emotional Reactions vs Leadership(00:36) Welcome Back to High Performance Parenting(01:17) Why We Continue This Podcast(02:00) Helping Motivated Families Win(02:45) Kids Feel Safer When Parents Lead(03:20) Why Discipline Creates Freedom(03:50) Clear Expectations and Standards(05:25) Discipline vs Punishment(06:00) Consistency and Accountability(07:00) Don't React Emotionally(08:15) Building Trust Through Stability(09:00) Raising Future Leaders(10:25) The Power of Conversations(11:15) Teaching Emotional Intelligence(12:30) Resilience and Responsibility(13:50) Character, Faith, and Leadership(15:35) Comfort Culture Is Hurting Kids(16:10) Responsibility Builds Confidence(16:40) Raising World-Changing Adults
Parents often spend so much time navigating the needs of today that it's easy to lose sight of where we're ultimately headed. But what if raising children begins with keeping the end in mind? In this episode, Davies Owens welcomes Dr. Jennifer Freeman of the Rooted Families Initiative to discuss a framework for family discipleship that helps parents understand the unique opportunities and challenges of every stage of childhood—from infancy through young adulthood. Drawing from decades of mentoring college students and families, Jennifer shares practical wisdom for raising children who grow into wise, discerning adults who love Christ. Tune in to hear: Why parenting is most effective when we keep the end goal in view. Jennifer's five stages of family discipleship and how each stage requires something different from parents. How to encourage healthy independence without withdrawing guidance. Why meaningful conversations become increasingly important during the teen years. How parents can prepare young adults for adulthood without trying to control every outcome. Why seasons of questioning and doubt can become important milestones in developing mature faith. Practical encouragement for trusting God's work in your children's lives through every stage. Rather than offering another parenting formula, Jennifer encourages parents to see themselves as beloved caregivers, partnering with God as He forms their children over time. Whether you're holding a newborn, navigating middle school, or preparing to launch a young adult, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and practical guidance for every season. Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationLife ArchitectsWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
What separates thriving families from struggling families?Intentional leadership.In this episode of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis explain why leadership must begin inside the home before it can impact the world. They discuss the dangers of passive parenting, the importance of creating clear family standards, and why children need strong boundaries, consistent expectations, and unified parents.Whether you're raising toddlers, teenagers, or preparing for future generations, this episode offers practical wisdom for building a family culture that develops confident, resilient, faith-filled children.In This Episode:✔ Why leadership starts at home✔ The dangers of passive parenting✔ Creating clear family standards✔ Why kids need boundaries✔ Fathers stepping into leadership✔ Parenting as a unified team✔ Helping overwhelmed parents find clarityIf you're serious about raising champion children in a crazy world, this episode is a must-listen. Click here to watch a video of this episode. 00:00 Intro01:15 Leadership Starts at Home04:00 Parenting as a Unified Team05:40 Why Kids Need Direction and Boundaries07:30 Fathers Must Step Into Leadership10:00 Stop Drifting as Parents11:50 Why Parents Feel Overwhelmed14:00 Becoming the Loudest Voice in Your Child's Life17:30 Simplifying Family Leadership
Establishing & Leaving Generational Blessings is the second Father's Day message from the MTN Church. Jim Davis is continuing the conversation on God's design for family, legacy, and faithfulness. Drawing from Psalm 78 and other Scriptures, Jim challenges listeners to think beyond the present and consider what their faith will leave behind for future generations. This message encourages men, fathers, and families to build a legacy of blessing through personal surrender, daily faithfulness, forgiveness, intentional values, life-giving words, and a close walk with Jesus—choosing to become a river of God's blessing rather than a dead end.
Raising children to be faithful followers of Jesus starts in the home. We will discuss the books "Family Discipleship with Christ" by Dr. W. Mart Thompson, associate professor of Practical Theology, and "Courageous Fathers of the Bible" by Dr. Joel Biermann, professor of Systematic Theology. Join us in a conversation about the vocations of parenthood!
How do we faithfully raise children in a culture that constantly fragments their attention? In this episode of Base Camp Live, Davies Owens welcomes Suzanne Phillips of Beacon Parent for a thoughtful and deeply encouraging conversation about parenting in an age of distraction, anxiety, and cultural confusion. Rather than offering another parenting checklist, Suzanne shares a biblical framework for becoming the kind of parent your children can follow. Together, they explore what Suzanne calls the seven facets of a “Beacon Parent,” including the supremacy of Christ, expressed honor, intentional legacy, transformative wisdom, humble courage, secure identity, and personal responsibility. Along the way, they discuss: • Why everything starts at home • The difference between knowledge and wisdom • How technology is reshaping childhood • Why honor is disappearing from families • The dangers of fear-based parenting • Why children need gradual responsibility • How parents can lead with clarity instead of anxiety This conversation is both practical and hopeful for parents seeking to raise grounded, thoughtful, Christ-centered children in a rapidly changing world. Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationLife ArchitectsWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
Family discipleship doesn't happen by accident. In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow challenge parents to move beyond wishful thinking and embrace intentionality in helping their families follow Jesus. Drawing from Scripture, personal stories, and years of ministry experience, they explain why spiritual growth, character development, and strong family relationships require purposeful daily investment. Rob and Amy also discuss the growing pressures facing modern families—from year-round sports schedules to packed summer calendars—and encourage parents to prioritize discipleship opportunities that will have lasting impact. They share practical encouragement for moms and dads, reminding listeners that no one can replace a parent's God-given role in the home. Whether your children are young, teenagers, or launching into adulthood, this conversation will inspire you to lead your family with greater purpose and vision. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why family discipleship is never accidental and requires daily intentionality - How modern schedules and activities can crowd out meaningful family relationships - Why parents must resist the temptation to delegate discipleship to others - Practical ways moms and dads can intentionally influence their children's faith and character - How to think long-term about the spiritual legacy you are building in your family Featured Resources: Visionary Family Camp — Join families from around the country for a week of discipleship, worship, recreation, and encouragement. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/camp Visionary Parenting — Discover a biblical vision for helping your children know, love, and follow Jesus for generations to come. Start reading for free today: https://visionaryfam.com/parenting 50 Things Every Child Needs to Know Before Leaving Home by Josh & Jen Mulvihill — A practical guide to preparing children spiritually and practically for adulthood: https://amzn.to/3QmvhjU Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, questions, and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.
How do we actually raise our children in the faith? In this episode, host Elizabeth Pittman sits down with Rev. Dr. W. Mart Thompson, author of Family Discipleship with Christ. Dr. Thompson maps out a partnership between the home and the congregation that is both theologically grounded and practically usable. He draws on Luther's Small Catechism, extensive field research, and his own experience of daily prayer with his family to help parents and pastors understand what faithful, grace-filled family discipleship looks like in today's changing cultural landscape.Episode Timestamps1:51 — Introduction — Welcome & book overview2:30 — The quest begins — a seminary student's question that launched a lifetime of research5:00 — Map and compass — the Lewis & Clark framework for navigating family discipleship8:00 — The compass of new creational wisdom — God's design, sin, and grace working together11:30 — Defining family discipleship — the partnership of home and congregation14:00 — Starting with common ground — the bold claim that all parents want the best for their children17:30 — Secular liturgies — how culture forms children's hearts away from Christ21:30 — Parents as the primary faith-formers — why God has creationally positioned them for this work24:30 — The Flathead Lake aha moment — Luther's catechism as a daily family prayer book29:00 — The congregational paradigm shift — from church-centered to a home-and-congregation partnership33:30 — Seven things for the congregation, seven for the home — the map in practice37:30 — Tools in the book — the family audit, family mission statement, and bibliography41:30 — All kinds of families — how this approach serves non-traditional and single-parent households44:00 — Closing encouragement — there is always more grace in ChristAbout the GuestRev. Dr. W. Mart Thompson is associate professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He presents at workshops and conferences on the vocation of raising children in the faith and is the project manager for the Family Discipleship Initiative at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in partnership with the Concordia Center for the Family. Prior to being called to the seminary, he served as a campus pastor, sole pastor, and senior pastor. Mart, and his wife, Cheryl, are blessed with three children who are married and have children of their own, in whose homes the legacy of family discipleship continues. Resources MentionedFamily Discipleship with Christ by Rev. Dr. W. Mart Thompson — cph.orgDr. Thompson's blog post on family discipleship (a dialogue between a professor and a seminary student, forthcoming) — concordiatheology.orgConcordia Publishing House: Bringing you God's enduring Word in a changing world.
What does it actually look like to disciple your kids in their faith – from the early years all the way through launching them into adulthood? In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with Jeff and Courtney Osborn, parents of two grown daughters who love the Lord, care deeply for others, and still have a strong relationship with their family. Jeff and Courtney share honest reflections from their parenting journey – the things they did well, the things they'd do differently, and how they learned to trust God with their kids every step of the way. You'll hear practical wisdom and encouragement on: Letting go of the “perfect parenting formula” Balancing grace with expectations Praying intentionally for your kids Navigating the shift from authority to influence in the teen years Creating meaningful moments and traditions that shape faith over time Whether you're parenting toddlers or teens, this conversation will remind you of a freeing truth: you don't have to get everything right—God is at work in your kids' lives. Resources: Family Camps and Parent/Child Weekends at WinShape Camps -- Question of the Week: How were you a blessing today? -- Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara Jones Guests: Jeff Osborn and Courtney Osborn Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun -- Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org! Instagram: @WinShapeCamps TikTok: @WinShapeCamps Facebook: @WinShapeCamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Samuel Goulet shares a practical and encouraging message on how strong families are built by centering the home on Christ. He explains that discipleship begins at home through both testimony and structure—parents modeling God's faithfulness while creating a culture marked by love, forgiveness, compassion, and daily spiritual formation. This episode challenges families to move beyond condemnation, embrace conviction, and intentionally build homes where God's Word is lived out, passed on, and reflected in everyday life.
Why We Tithe | Genesis 4:1-7 | Sinai to Sunday David Entrekin | Pastor of Family & Discipleship
If you want to pass on your love for the Bible to the next generation but you don’t know how, don’t miss Chris Fabry Live. Melissa is vice president of Discipleship Programming at The Gospel Coalition. Michael is professor of New Testament and early Christianity at Reformed Theological Seminary. Together, the Krugers will help take the mystery out of family devotions. Featured resource:The Good News Family Devotional by Michael and Melissa Kruger May thank you gift:Powerful Self-Talk from the Psalms by Jon Gauger Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What if your wife feels like you're not prioritizing your family enough compared to your work—especially ministry work? The dads answer a listener question about balancing the needs of your family with the needs of the body. They discuss how your wife and children share in your calling…integrating family economy with ministry work to establish a symbiosis…being discerning about the real importance of common family activities…and how to know when you're working too much.
How to raise responsible teens, teach life skills, and trust God as your child steps into adulthoodIf you're parenting a teenager, you know the tension: when do you step in… and when do you let go?In this episode of the Barbara Rainey Podcast, Dennis and Barbara Rainey explore one of the most critical moments in parenting—the release. Like an archer releasing an arrow or an eagle pushing its young from the nest, parents are called to prepare their children for independence.But how do you do that without rescuing them too soon—or holding on too long?Drawing from Scripture (Psalm 127) and their experience raising six children, the Raineys share practical, biblical guidance on:Teaching time management and responsibilityLetting teens experience consequences without rescuing themBuilding a strong work ethic and financial awarenessGradually increasing freedom with accountabilityTrusting God with your child's futureYou'll also hear powerful, emotional stories about sending a child off to college—and the faith it takes to release them into God's hands.Whether your child is a toddler or a high school senior, this episode will help you parent with the end in mind.
Why We Gather | 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 | Sinai to Sunday David Entrekin | Pastor of Family & Discipleship
Family discipleship is an intentional act that involves both parents and the Church. See how as Danielle Whitley shares.Share your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below.If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!
Family discipleship is an intentional act that involves both parents and the Church. See how as Danielle Whitley shares.Share your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below.If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!
What if family devotions didn't have to be perfect to be effective? Adam and Cassie sit down with Carl Laferton to talk about what family Bible time really looks like in a normal home—and why the ordinary, imperfect moments are often where God is doing the most. If you've ever thought: “We should be doing family devotions…” “We tried, but it didn't go well…” “I don't feel equipped to lead my kids spiritually…” This episode is for you. Carl offers a refreshing, honest take:Family devotions are necessary—but they're not everything. They're one part of a much bigger picture: a home where the gospel shows up in everyday life. “Family Bible time is not sufficient for discipleship… but it is a necessary foundation.” Let this Mother's Day be a reminder that she deserves care, too. Head to cozyearth.com and use our code FDP for an exclusive 20% off, and if you see a post-purchase survey, be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth from us here at The Family Discipleship Podcast. Follow Us:Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteEditing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In ancient warfare, an archer was often more feared than a swordsman because arrows struck swiftly, from a distance, and sometimes before the target even knew what was coming. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef uses that vivid image from Psalm 127:3–5 to show God's purpose for the next generation: children are meant to be “arrows in the hands of a warrior”—instruments of spiritual warfare who stand firm in faith and help bring freedom to the captive. But arrows don't become effective by accident. Dr. Youssef challenges believers to do more than tell and train—we must also pray and model. Quiet, one-on-one discipleship often leaves the deepest legacy: encouraging young people to live boldly for Christ on campuses, in workplaces, and wherever God places them. Ask them hard questions. Challenge them with Scripture. Pray over them daily. Then comes the sobering reminder: the next generation is watching what we do far more than what we say. Dr. Youssef shares a painful example of a young man who abandoned the faith because of hypocrisy at home—public religion, private contradiction. Real disciples are formed where authenticity is lived. This episode will encourage you to surrender fully to God's leadership so your life becomes the pattern that helps raise up disciples—sure, swift, and steady as arrows in His quiver. Prayer: Lord, may the Church prepare our youth for service to You so that they may shine as lights in this dark world. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them” (Psalm 127:4-5). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Preparing the Next Generation: LISTEN NOW Scripture Focus: Psalm 127:3–5 The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.
In this message from Ephesians 5:21–6:9, Pastor Jim explores how the gospel shapes the relationship between children and parents through mutual submission rooted in reverence for Christ. Framing parenting as “drawing a perfect circle,” he acknowledges no family lives this out perfectly, but points to God as the perfect Father whose grace redeems broken relationships. The message centers on children obeying, parents teaching, and God's fatherhood as the foundation that holds it all together.
What does it actually mean to lead your family spiritually? For many parents, the pressure feels overwhelming. But in this conversation, Alistair Begg reframes success in a refreshingly simple and biblical way: Keep your kids alive Feed their bodies And don't neglect feeding their souls Through stories from his own childhood, parenting years, and now as a grandfather, Alistair encourages parents to focus less on performance and more on consistent, Christ-centered rhythms. This episode is especially helpful for parents who feel: Unequipped to teach the Bible Discouraged by inconsistency Unsure how to balance grace and obedience Let this Mother's Day be a reminder that she deserves care, too. Head to cozyearth.com and use our code FDP for an exclusive 20% off, and if you see a post-purchase survey, be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth from us here at The Family Discipleship Podcast. Follow Us:Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteEditing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What happens when schools and homes truly align? In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens sits down with Sadie Elliott, Director of the Herzog Foundation Institute, to talk about one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of Christian education: the partnership between parents and schools. Sadie shares what she is seeing from her unique vantage point serving thousands of Christian school leaders across the country. Together, she and Davies explore why education can never be outsourced, why parents remain the primary disciplers of their children, and how healthy Christian schools are working to build stronger connections between school life and home life. They also discuss the continued growth of Christian education, the dangers of drifting into a “me too” model of schooling, the impact of technology on family life, and simple ways parents can become more intentional without feeling overwhelmed. Tune in to hear: Why Christian education is about much more than academics What Sadie is seeing in the growth of Christian schools nationwide Why parent engagement matters so much for spiritual formation How schools and families can either reinforce each other or work against each other Why the dinner table still matters How technology can erode attention, formation, and family rhythms What the Herzog Foundation Institute is doing to equip Christian school leaders This conversation is a timely encouragement for parents, teachers, and school leaders who want to see the next generation formed with wisdom, faith, and conviction. Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupLife ArchitectsWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
Did you know there are five different levels of communication? Understanding them will make you more self-aware and help make your family more unified.To read the original post, visit https://www.thedisciplemakingparent.com/levels-of-communication-for-family-discipleship/
If you've ever walked away from a parenting moment thinking, “I just made things worse,” this episode is for you. Abbey Wedgeworth joins the show to unpack the fear that we're ruining our kids—and why that fear is both understandable and misplaced. Drawing from her new book, she helps parents navigate guilt, shame, anger, comparison, and the pressure to “get it right.” Buy Abbey's Book: Help! I'm Ruining My Kids! by Abbey Wedgeworth Let this Mother's Day be a reminder that she deserves care, too. Head to cozyearth.com and use our code FDP for an exclusive 20% off, and if you see a post-purchase survey, be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth from us here at The Family Discipleship Podcast. Follow Us:Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteEditing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Discover the importance of family discipleship and how the Church and home can work together as Danielle Whitley shares. Welcome to New Life Online! We are so glad you are here! Learn more about New Life at http://newlife.church. Fill out a Digital Connection Card to ask specific questions at http://newlife.church/connect.
Discover the importance of family discipleship and how the Church and home can work together as Danielle Whitley shares. Welcome to New Life Online! We are so glad you are here! Learn more about New Life at http://newlife.church. Fill out a Digital Connection Card to ask specific questions at http://newlife.church/connect.
Adam and Chelsea talk with Champ Thornton and Beth Broom about why questions matter so much in discipleship. They discuss how parents can help kids wrestle with big topics like salvation and suffering, why middle-grade kids need better discipleship resources, and how honest conversations rooted in Scripture can shape faith in lasting ways. Resources Mentioned: 10 Questions About Salvation by Champ Thornton 10 Questions About Suffering by Beth Broome Follow Us:Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteEditing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this message brother Cole speaks on family discipleship, and the importance of teaching our families about God at home, and is the actual model taught in the Bible.
Pastor, Family Discipleship, Campbell BenfieldWednesday, March 18, 2026
From the first wedding in Genesis to the wedding feast of the Lamb in Revelation, Scripture reveals something stunning: God delights in marriage—and He designed it for our good and His glory. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that a wedding is only the beginning; marriage is a lifelong covenant instituted by God before sin entered the world. Dr. Youssef explores why marriage is far more than a personal relationship—it's a creative force that forms families, homes, and entire cultures. Want to know where a society is headed? Look at how it treats marriage: commitment versus convenience, covenant versus redefinition, faithfulness versus fracture. And yet, every marriage faces strain—pressure, suffering, and the daily reality of human sinfulness. That's why Dr. Youssef introduces three foundational stones that hold healthy relationships together: Selflessness Forgiveness Conversation Over the coming days, he'll unpack each one to help you pursue a marriage crafted according to God's original design—one that becomes a masterpiece of beauty, strength, and Gospel reflection. Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.
Are we teaching our kids who God is both at church and at home?
Deuteronomy: Family Discipleship led by Eric Pope What is God‘s vision for parenting and the orientation of our homes? How can we establish a Christ centered home in the digital age and with busy schedules? How can we be intentional with the discipleship of our children?
Deuteronomy: Family Discipleship led by Eric Pope What is God‘s vision for parenting and the orientation of our homes? How can we establish a Christ centered home in the digital age and with busy schedules? How can we be intentional with the discipleship of our children?
Pastor, Family Discipleship, Missions & Outreach, Kyle ScarlettWednesday, February 18, 2026
Sometimes it can be difficult to disciple our children. Learn about some of the barriers to this noble goal.To read the original post, visit https://www.thedisciplemakingparent.com/barriers-to-family-discipleship/
Healthy habits are one of the greatest gifts we can give our children because habits quietly shape what they love and who they become. In this episode, Davies Owens is joined by Jeff Hendricks, headmaster at Providence Christian School of Texas, for a practical conversation about how formation happens through repeated, everyday actions.Jeff defines a habit as a repeated action that becomes instinctive. It begins with conscious effort, but over time it becomes automatic, like driving a car. That matters because the virtues we hope to see in adulthood, generosity, courage, hospitality, do not appear overnight. They are built through small faithful practices.A key theme throughout the conversation is that there is no neutral setting. Every child is learning habits of one kind or another, intentionally or passively. Jeff also addresses a common misconception: habit formation can sound harsh or overly strict, but discipline on the front end leads to freedom later. Like musicians and athletes, children gain joyful confidence when foundational skills become second nature.Jeff shares several “best of” habits Providence emphasizes with families:Prayer and reading God's Word: not necessarily formal or elaborate, sometimes simply reading Scripture together and praying. The point is consistency and priority.Attention: children cannot learn without it. Jeff offers practical ways to train attention at home, including multi-step instructions, narration, picture study, and observation exercises.Obedience: responding right away and all the way, with the understanding that respectful questions can happen at the right time. This trains children to relate rightly to God-given authority.Neatness and orderliness: restoring order to a space and to routines, even when it takes more time than doing it yourself.Serving others: training children to defer preferences and practice small acts of service that slowly reorient the heart away from self.Working hard and doing your best: building a “work before play” rhythm, teaching excellence without overwork, and helping children grow into wise self-management.In closing, Jeff encourages educators to keep habits simple and intentional, and he encourages parents that it is never too late to begin. Start where you are, choose one habit, and keep it steady. Often the best change is the one you quietly begin and faithfully continue.Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:The Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
How can congregations support parents as they live out their vocation as teachers of the faith? Join professor of practical theology, Dr. Mart Thompson, and the executive director of Concordia Center for the Family, Dr. Todd Biermann as they discuss the significance of family discipleship.
Join RENEW.org's Newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ and get our Premium podcast feed: https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/. Join RENEW.org at an upcoming event: https://renew.org/resources/events/ This episode of the Real Life Theology Podcast explores the crucial topic of family discipleship. Featuring contributions from Daniel McCoy, Mike Rozenboom, Caitlyn Rozenboom, and Jason Henderson, the discussion emphasizes the role of parents as primary disciplers and offers practical strategies for nurturing faith in children. Key points include creating intentional rhythms and routines, the importance of relational engagement, and forming meaningful connections. The episode also addresses the challenges posed by modern distractions and provides frameworks for answering tough questions children might have about faith. The overarching theme stresses the urgency and importance of embedding God's principles within the family setting.
Adam sits down with Dr. Esau McCauley—New Testament professor at Wheaton College and pastor of All Saints Anglican Church in Naperville—to talk about discipling kids in a divided world. They discuss Esau's new children's book God's Colorful Kingdom, why kids need more than “Bible greatest hits,” and how parents can shape the way their children learn to value every person as made in God's image. Follow Us:Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteEditing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
We want our children to follow Christ. But for what purpose? Are we aiming to low? Do we have cultural blinders on?To read the original post, visit https://www.theapollosproject.com/family-discipleship-for-what-purpose/
What do you do when your home feels like constant chaos—emotionally, logistically, and literally? Adam and Cassie sit down with author Scarlet Hiltibidal to talk about Hopefulish, why sadness is a normal part of the Christian life, and how the gospel meets parents right in the middle of disorder. This episode will help you reframe chaos as an invitation to trust God, practice honest faith at home, and hold onto hope without pretending everything's fine.Resources Mentioned:Hopefulish by Scarlet HiltibidalAfraid of All the Things by Scarlet HiltibidalAnxious (Bible study on anxiety) by Scarlet HiltibidalA Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson Follow Us:Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteEditing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Parenting teenagers can feel overwhelming—especially in a noisy, over-scheduled, screen-filled world. Cameron Cole and Anna Meade Harris from Rooted Ministry join us to talk about discipling adolescents with grace, clarity, and patience, and why parents still matter more than any algorithm or trend. They also dig into loneliness, technology, late-night conversations, and how churches can better support families (especially single parents).Resources Mentioned:Rooted MinistryRooted Ministry PodcastsGod's Grace for Every Family by Anna Meade HarrisYou're Only Human by Kelly Kapic Follow Us:Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteEditing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Many parents worry their kids will resent them for being intentional about faith. In this one-question episode, Adam and Chelsea challenge that fear and invite parents to trust God with the results of faithful discipleship. Follow Us:Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteEditing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Spiritual drift is rarely dramatic—it's quiet, subtle, and often unnoticed until you've drifted "900 miles" from where you started. Kevin and the dads talk honestly about the warning signs: selfishness, prayerlessness, skipped family worship, and hearts more drawn to entertainment than to Christ. They walk through anchors and rhythms—daily Word, prayer, Lord's Day, honest confession—and share practical ways to shepherd sleepy, distracted families back to spiritual alertness and joy in Christ.
If you've been longing for your Christian homeschool and home to feel more Christ-centered—but real life feels loud, messy, and overwhelming—you are not alone. In this listener-favorite episode, I'm sharing gentle, practical ways we can disciple our kids right in the middle of dishes, laundry, and homeschool lessons, without adding a bunch of extra pressure to your already full plate.In this encore, I talk about:Why constant noise, mess, and mental overload make it so hard to feel God's peace (and why that doesn't mean you're failing)A simple prayer + reset phrase you can use in the moment when you feel like you might breakOne tiny, grace-filled shift to move from striving and self-blame into resting in God's care—right in the middle of real lifeMy heart in this episode is to remind you that you don't have to become a different person or run a “Pinterest-perfect” homeschool for God to work powerfully in your family. Tiny faith-filled choices, done consistently over time, really do shape the atmosphere of your home and the hearts of your kids.So if your homeschool days feel chaotic, your motherhood feels heavy, or you're just craving more of Jesus in the middle of it all, I pray this conversation gives you practical ideas and a big exhale of grace.
What does it look like to raise children with faith, grace, and courage in a world full of fear and comparison?In this heartfelt conversation, Shelley Giglio sits down with DeAnza Duron—pastor, mother of seven, and grandmother to twenty-one—to talk about the power of grace in motherhood, the gift of trust in God's plan, and the daily choice to live in peace instead of fear. Together, they discuss the foundational truths of parenting—keeping a clean heart, anchoring your home in God's Word, and raising children to love and serve others. They also tackle fear, trust, and joy—reminding every woman listening that peace is possible, joy is worth fighting for, and choosing life in Jesus changes everything.With warmth, humor, and deep faith, DeAnza shares stories of raising her kids (including her daughter and fellow Grove girl, DawnCheré Wilkerson), practical wisdom for moms in every season, and the reminder that God fills in every gap we miss. DeAnza's stories will remind you that you don't have to get everything right—because God fills in the gaps. From French toast breakfasts and scripture at the table to singing “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” at bedtime, she shares how simple, faithful rhythms shape generations.Whether you're a mother or simply someone learning to trust God with what you can't control, this episode offers encouragement to fight for joy, walk in courage, and believe that grace is always enough. The Grove is an extension of all God is doing at Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia. To learn more, follow us on Instagram @pcc_thegrove or visit thegroveonline.com to get connected. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.