Podcasts about Lifeway

Kyle Worley is joined by Shane Pruitt and Shelly Melia to discuss their book “Reaching Generation Alpha: A Ministry Guide for Discipling the Church Beyond the Screen.” Questions Covered in This Episode: Why Gen Alpha and why now? Who is Gen Alpha? How do we reach them with the gospel? What are some misunderstandings of Gen Alpha? Does the church strategically withdraw or strategically engage them? What is the value of peer-to-peer and peer-to-adult relationships for Gen Alpha? Have we overestimated the value of peer-to-peer relationships? What is one way a family or the church can meaningfully engage in discipleship for Gen Alpha? Guest Bio: Shane Pruitt is the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board. He and his wife, Kasi, reside in Rockwall, Texas, with their six children: Raygen, Harper, Titus, Morris, Elliot, and Glory. Shane has been in ministry for more than twenty years as a denominational leader, church planter, lead pastor, and student pastor. He holds a bachelor's degree in biblical studies, a master's degree in history, and a Ph.D. in clinical Christian counseling. Shane is also a traveling communicator, evangelist, and Bible teacher. Shelly Melia serves as Associate Dean and Program Director for the Master of Arts in Children's Ministry and the Master of Arts in Family Ministry in the Graduate School of Ministry at Dallas Baptist University. She speaks throughout the nation at children's and family ministry conferences. She is a repeat speaker at Lifeway's ETCH, Children's Pastor Conference, Heart of the Child, Early Childhood Christian Network, the Child Discipleship Forum, and D-6 Family Ministry conferences. She has been featured on podcasts with Lifeway and D-6 and been a speaker for Baptist conventions in Oklahoma, South Carolina, Louisiana, Georgia, Missouri, and Texas. She is a board member of the Disciple Leaders Network, served as the President of the Board for the Early Childhood Christian Network, and is a consultant for Single Parent Ministries. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: “Reaching Generation Alpha” by Shane Pruitt and Shelly Melia Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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 if worship became more than just the singing portion of your kids ministry?In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Kirk Kirkland, Director of Worship at Lifeway, to explore how churches can help kids understand that worship is far more than music—it's a lifelong response to who God is.Kirk shares practical ways to create meaningful worship experiences for children by incorporating Scripture, prayer, and community alongside music. He also offers wisdom on choosing biblically sound songs, leading kids with intention, and helping them understand why they worship—not just how.This week, take a fresh look at your worship time. Ask yourself, "What are we teaching kids about worship beyond the music?" Look for one intentional way to incorporate Scripture, prayer, or a moment of reflection that helps children understand worship as a response to God's character and His love.Because when we teach kids why we worship, we're equipping them with a foundation that can shape their relationship with God for years to come.SHOW LINKS: Check out Lifeway Kids CurriculumConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026

Some conversations you plan for a long time because you know they're going to matter. This is one of them.Kelly sits down with one of her closest and dearest friends, Melissa Mickelson, for a raw, honest, and deeply moving conversation about widowhood. Kelly lost her husband Bob four and a half years ago. Melissa lost her husband Dean nine months ago. And as Melissa puts it, she watched Kelly go through it first and had no idea she'd one day be living the same unimaginable reality.Together they talk through what it actually feels like to navigate grief from the inside, including the "10 seconds at a time" advice Kelly gave Melissa on that very first night that has stuck with her ever since. They get into what helps and what doesn't when someone you love is grieving (hint: you don't need to fix it, you just need to witness it), why you should always bring up the person who died, how to text a grieving friend without making it worse, what it's like to go back to work when your whole world has changed, how grief literally rewires your brain, and why both of them refuse to let this break them.Melissa also shares how her TikTok account has become a space for sharing grief insights, and the beautiful mantra from her wedding vows that now guides her every single day: choose your heart.This one is for anyone who has loved and lost, and for anyone who wants to show up better for someone who has.This episode is sponsored by Lifeway Foods. For more info go to lifewaykefir.com. Thank you Lifeway for being such an incredible partner!Follow Kelly on Instagram @KellyRizzo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kyle Worley is joined by Lauren & Tyler to discuss the story of “The Pilgrim's Progress.” Questions Covered in This Episode: What is Lithos? What is Pilgrims' Progress? Why should everyone read it? What is it an allegory for? Why did the book's popularity fade?  Why is there a renewed interest? Why would you tell a family that this story is worth their time? What resources would you recommend are necessities for family discipleship? Guest Bios: Tyler Van Halteren founded Lithos Kids in 2020 after seeing the impact short bedtime stories had on his son. He is the author of the Little Pilgrim series as well as The Kingdom of God Bible Storybook. Canadian by birth, Tyler previously served as a pastor in rural Ontario and later as a Bible professor in Cambodia. His growing young family now resides in Canada. Tyler holds a M.Div. from The Master's Seminary. Lauren Ducommun and her family served as missionaries in Indonesia before returning to Canada. She joined the team in 2020 and currently oversees our US warehouse, social media content, marketing, editing, and proofreading. She also modernized The Pilgrim's Progress: Legacy Edition and formatted Paradise Lost: Legacy Edition! Her family now resides near Fort Worth, Texas, where she works from home with her two kids, ages nine and thirteen. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Lithos “The Pilgrim's Progress” by John Bunyan “Little Pilgrim's Big Journey” by Tyler Van Halteren Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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.

Kelly has been wanting to have this conversation for a long time, and she's so glad she finally did. Her guest is Lindzi Scharf, a writer, entrepreneur, and mother who lost her daughter Evan at just three and a half years old to an incredibly rare mitochondrial disease. Evan was only the 27th child in the world known to have her specific condition.What makes this conversation so special is the way Lindzi talks about Evan. It is not dark or heavy. It is full of joy, full of love, and full of the kind of hard-earned wisdom that only comes from living through something this profound. Kelly admits she was nervous to have a child loss parent on the podcast, scared of saying the wrong thing. But Lindzi has a way of making you feel like you can ask anything, and that saying the wrong thing is always better than saying nothing at all.They talk about what it was like to know from early on that time with Evan was limited, how that shaped the way Lindzi chose to live every single day, and what it means to actively choose joy in the face of the unimaginable. They also get into what people can do to support a grieving parent, how to talk about someone who is gone, and the complicated question of past versus present tense. Plus, there is a beautiful connection involving Evan's favorite song that will give you chills.This episode comes out right around what would have been Evan's birthday. Happy birthday, Evan.Follow Kelly on Instagram @KellyRizzo and keep the conversation going there.You can find Linzi on instagram at @lindzischarfThank you to Lifeway Foods for sponsoring this episode. For more info about Lifeway please visit www.lifewaykefir.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lifeway, a Christian publishing organization, performs a research study called Living Unashamed. In their recent study, they asked Protestant churchgoers whether they agreed with the statement, “Many people who know me are not aware I am a Christian.”  In 2013, 14% of polled churchgoers strongly agreed that others wouldn't know them as Christians. Unfortunately, that number has now dramatically increased to 30%.   Protestant Churchgoers have more than doubled in hiding ... The post Living Unashamed appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

How can existing churches and emerging movement leaders work together to reach the lost? The first generation of movement leaders often comes from local churches, as Christians catch God's heart for the lost and begin engaging in the harvest. Rather than distancing ourselves from the existing church, Aila encourages us to graciously include and catalyse its leaders, recognising the gifts and experience they bring. Aila shares practical insights into: Bringing existing and emerging leaders together for training and mutual learning. Finding “inside leaders” who understand the language, culture and relationships of the people being reached. Discovering these persons of peace who may eventually become leaders. Engaging urban “tribes” formed around interests, communities or shared experiences. Helping church leaders focus on forming new groups in the harvest rather than bringing people back into existing congregations. Building coalitions around a shared Great Commission vision. Drawing on Lifeway's experience in Ethiopia, Aila describes how leaders from different denominations were invited into a gracious vision-casting process. With the blessing of many but not all exisiting church leaders, grassroots disciple makers began forming groups that multiplied among unreached communities. As Aila reminds us, the language we use matters. He encouraged us to focus on equipping leaders from the bottom up, while building a shared Great Commission vision with those leading from the top down.  As you listen, consider: Who within the existing church might God be inviting you to encourage, equip and catalyse for the harvest – and which church leaders could you invite into a shared Great Commission vision?

Kyle Worley discusses the importance of deep discipleship and how you can become a deep disciple. Questions Covered in This Episode: What is the discipleship crisis facing the church? What is the goal of Christian living? How does someone go deep in their discipleship? What is the Deep Discipleship Program? How do I access the program? Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Deep Discipleship Program Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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.

The greatest gift we can give kids isn't a great program—it's a clear picture of Jesus.In this episode of Kids Ministry Calling, Jana sits down with Aaron Wilson, team leader for The Gospel Project at Lifeway, to talk about what it truly means to keep the gospel at the center of children's ministry.Aaron unpacks what the gospel is, why it's more than just the message of salvation, and how every Bible story ultimately points to Jesus. He shares practical ways to consistently teach the gospel in age-appropriate ways and challenges ministry leaders to evaluate whether Jesus is truly at the center of everything they do.The conversation also takes a personal turn as Aaron shares his calling story and offers encouragement to leaders who may be tempted to find their identity in ministry success rather than in Christ.Whether you're teaching preschoolers, leading elementary kids, or equipping volunteers, this episode is a timely reminder that when Jesus is the focus, everything else finds its proper place. When the gospel becomes the foundation—not just a lesson we teach, but the lens through which we lead—we don't just create better ministry. We help kids discover the life-changing hope of Jesus.SHOW LINKS: The Gospel Project Check out Lifeway Kids CurriculumConnect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026

Everyone is called to do SOMETHING for the Lord. Do you know what you are called to do? What happens if you refuse to answer when God is Calling You?  As my friend Evangelist Mark says, Don't put God on hold! Someone I know has a very unique calling that I talk about in this episode.  Link to Two Free Spiritual Gifts Tests:  https://giftstest.com/ Lifeway:  https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/women-leadership-spiritual-gifts-growth-service  

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley talk about Jen's new book about aging, “Dust to Dust.” Questions Covered in This Episode: Why did you write this book? What does the Bible have to say about aging? Did you learn anything new? What is a false story? How do we view our bodies? What is the purpose of our bodies? What are two ditches people can tend to fall into when they think about their bodies? Is there a connection between age and wisdom? What has your personal experience been in “personal time” and caregiving? Is all of life caregiving? How do we view caregiving differently with infants than with the elderly? Has the Lord left us to guess how to age? Resources Mentioned in this Episode: James 1 “Dust to Dust” by Jen Wilkin Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Knowing Faith. Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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.

Is fun a distraction from real ministry — or the doorway into it? Hannah sits down with Kayla Fowler (Team Lead for Hyfi, Lifeway's next-gen curriculum) to unpack why fun isn't optional in kids' ministry — it's foundational. If you've ever wondered whether the games and goofiness "count" as real ministry, this conversation will change how you see it.Visit KidsGoBible.com to learn more about the GO! Bible and to get your free curriculum resources. For a free trial of Hyfi by Lifeway, visit myhyfi.com.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley have a conversation about the key doctrinal differences between Mormons and Christians. Questions Covered in This Episode: Are Mormons Christians? What was your first reaction when the Pentagon's revision to its list of Christian religions came out? What is the ethical overlap between Christians and Mormons? What are the fundamentals of Christian Orthodoxy on the Doctrine of God that Mormons disagree with? Did the early Mormons believe they were Christians? What changed since then? What fuels the outreach of Mormons? How is it that Mormons say the same thing as Christians (Jesus Christ, grace, salvation, etc.)? Do they mean the same thing? What are some of the major differences in doctrine between Christians and Mormons? Why is there an overlap at all? Should you share the gospel with your Mormon neighbors? Helpful Definitions: Nihilism: There is no purpose or meaning, intrinsic or extrinsic to the world around us. Nihilism extensionism (expressive individualism): There is no extrinsic meaning to the world or any true, authentic intrinsic meaning, but I am going to create something. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Deep Discipleship Program Nicene Creed Bible Answer Man, Hank Hanegraaff Knowing Faith: Do Jews and Christians Worship the Same God? Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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.

JT English and Kyle Worley are joined by Seth Troutt to discuss his book, “Authentic Masculinity.” Questions Covered in This Episode: What is real masculinity? How is the church uniquely situated to have this conversation? How would you talk to someone who has concerns about toxic masculinity? How can men pursue authentic masculinity? How can women encourage authentic masculinity? Guest Bio: Seth Troutt is the Teaching Pastor at Ironwood Church in the Phoenix metro area. With a doctorate focused on digital technology, Generation Z, and gender identity, Seth provides biblical guidance both complex cultural issues and practical personal challenges. His writing explores the intersections of theology, technology, and culture. Seth has been married to Taylor since 2013 and they live in Gilbert, Arizona. Together, Seth and Taylor have two children, Jay and Olivia. Their favorite brands are Traeger, Kirkland, Animal Pak, Apple, and CrossFit. Seth is an alumnus of Arizona State University, Phoenix Seminary, and Covenant Seminary. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Genesis 1-3, Ephesians 2:10 “Authentic Masculinity” by Seth Troutt Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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.

Christina Hello, everyone, I'm Christina Darnell, the managing editor of MinistryWatch. Welcome to the MinistryWatch podcast. In today's extra episode, I talk with Warren Smith about some news items that are slightly (even significantly) outside of our normal charity and philanthropy “beat.” So, Warren, what's up first? Warren The Episcopal Church Center in Midtown Manhattan, commonly referred to as “815” because of its street address, 815 Second Ave., is for sale.For critics of the church, the building became a symbol of the bureaucracy and isolation of the denomination's leadership. Christina Its sale now represents the continued decline of the denomination. Warren “We've done a detailed analysis about the best use of the building, with consultants and architects,” Chief Financial Officer Chris Lacovara said in a church news release. “We occupy a fraction of the Church Center space now, and the conclusion is that we don't need to own and occupy a building in midtown Manhattan.” Christina The building is 12 stories high and has about 146,000 square feet of office space. Warren In 1965, the Episcopal Church had about 3.4 million people. Today, membership is officially listed at about 1.5 million, but less than a half-million attend Episcopal Churches on any given Sunday. Christina Next up, new data from Lifeway, but you have some concerns. Warren I do. I am a big data guy, but recent research from Lifeway does not pass my sniff test. Lifeway says that Gen Z adults who are regular churchgoers attend church at greater rates than other age cohorts. Christina So…regular church attend church regularly? Seems like you wouldn't need a survey to come to that conclusion. Warren Exactly. The premise of the survey is strange. It is like saying, “In Texas, there are a high percentage of Texans.” Secondly, the Gen Z result is a serious outlier. “While the median churchgoer in each generation attends four worship services each month, the average Gen Z churchgoer attends a worship service at their church 6.2 times a month,” a statement from Lifeway said. This compares with “4.8 times for millennials, 5.1 for Gen X and 4.5 for baby boomers and older. This implies that while the typical Gen Z churchgoer attends at a similar frequency to other generations, there is a portion of young adults who attend at much higher rates.” Christina But other data we've reported on suggest that Gen Z is in fact not more religious. So what's going on here? Warren The evidence increasingly suggests not a broad-based Gen Z revival, but a “committed remnant” phenomenon—fewer young adults in church, but those who are there are often attending with greater frequency and intentionality than previous generations of young adults. Christina Moving on…. Alliance of Responsible Citizenship (ARC) is meeting in London this week. Warren ARC claims to be an international movement of conservative thinkers, political leaders, business executives, academics, journalists, and religious leaders that seeks to renew the cultural, moral, and institutional foundations of Western civilization. Christina Founded in 2023 by figures including Jordan Peterson and Philippa Stroud, ARC describes its mission as helping to “re-lay the foundations of our civilization” by promoting responsibility, free institutions, strong families, economic opportunity, and a renewed sense of cultural confidence. Warren About 4,000 are gathered, from more than 85 countries. Many observers have dubbed it the “Conservative Davos” or the “anti-woke Davos.” Among this year’s speakers are Boris Johnson, Jordan Peterson, Arthur Brooks, Andy Crouch, Eric Metaxas, and Ross Douthat. Christina For Christians, ARC is particularly notable because Christian faith is not merely a side topic but a recurring theme. Warren Evangelical, Catholic, and Orthodox leaders are prominent participants, reflecting ARC’s belief that cultural renewal requires moral and spiritual renewal as well. Rod Dreher has been posting all week from London, and some of his posts have been pretty humorous. A nerd's view from the cool kids' table, you might say. You can find one of those posts here. Christina As we have reported here at MinistryWatch, Bethany Christian Services, one of the nation's largest adoption and foster care organizations, has reaffirmed its commitment to a biblical sexual ethic. Warren This reaffirmation requires staff, board members and foster and adoptive families to “personally agree and adhere to” a belief statement that defines marriage as “a covenant between one man and one woman.” Christina Katy Faust, a conservative activist who believes same-sex couples should not be parents, celebrated the change. On X, Faust said it was evidence that the “vibe shift” is having a “measurable impact.” Warren It is too early for me to declare a “vibe shift,” but I hope she is right. In any case, it is likely not to impact adoption and foster care efforts much, since the number of LGBTQ+ folk who adopt children are small. According to the Williams Institute, about 35,000 same-sex couples are raising adopted children. That is certainly significant, but the significance diminishes when you consider that about 1.8 million children in the U.S., between 2 and 3 percent of all children, are living with adoptive parents. Supporting Faust's claim of a “vibe shift” is a recent Gallup survey suggesting that 65 percent of Americans still favor legal same-sex marriage, but that's six percentage points fewer than its peak in 2022-2023. Similarly, the percentage of Americans who view gay or lesbian relations and gender transitions as morally acceptable have fallen since the early 2020s. Christina Finally, we have some good news here at MinistryWatch. Warren I am pleased to let you know that MinistryWatch has received a grant from the Fund for Investigative Journalism to help us with investigative reporting in the coming year. Christina The FIJ is a nonprofit organization founded in 1969 that supports in-depth, public-interest investigative reporting by providing grants, editorial guidance, and legal assistance to journalists. Warren Its mission is to help reporters pursue stories that expose corruption, wrongdoing, abuses of power, and other issues of significant public concern that might otherwise go uncovered. Over its history, FIJ has awarded thousands of grants to freelance and staff journalists, helping launch investigations that have appeared in major outlets such as The New York Times, ProPublica, NPR, Frontline, The Washington Post, and many regional news organizations. The organization is widely regarded as one of the leading philanthropic supporters of investigative journalism in the United States. Christina Any final thoughts before we go? Warren If you have not discovered our YouTube channel, check it out here. We now have nearly 200 videos there, and they have attracted tens of thousands of views. Subscribe, like, and share to spread the word about our work. I am in Albuquerque next month. If you live in the Land of Enchantment, one of my favorite states, reach out to me. I would love to share a meal or a cup of coffee with you. My email is wsmith@ministrywatch.com. We'd love to have your financial support as we approach our fiscal year end. Just go to www.ministrywatch.com/donate Christina The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. I'm Christina Darnell, along with Warren Smith. Until next time, may God bless you.

Kyle Worley discusses the discipleship problem in the church and how you can help fix it. Questions Covered in This Episode: What alarm is going off in the church? Could every ministry leader at your church give you the same definition of a disciple? Resources Mentioned in this Episode: John 13:17 Training the Church Ministry Cohort Deep Discipleship Program Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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.

You can run an excellent kids ministry and still aim at the wrong target. That sounds harsh, but it is also freeing because it means you do not need more activity, you need clearer purpose. In the first episode of our Summer Dreamin' series, Jana Magruder sits down with Chuck Peters, LifeWay's Next Gen director and host of the ETCH NextGen Ministry Podcast, to talk about goal setting that moves beyond busywork and toward real spiritual growth for kids and families.  Chuck tells the true Olympic story of Matt Emmons, who hit a perfect bullseye yet lost because he shot the wrong target. It is the perfect picture of ministry life: calendars fill up, events go well, volunteers hustle, and we still wonder why lasting discipleship feels elusive. We unpack how to define success before you plan, how to resist comparison with the church next door, and how to step off the treadmill long enough to see the bigger picture.  From there, we get practical with two powerful goal-setting lenses. First, use the right lens: ministry goals are not “my goals,” they are goals for the church we serve, aligned with the overall mission, vision, and values. Second, use a long lens: begin with the end in mind and plan for kids to become godly adults, not just better-behaved children. We also talk tangible targets that support that long game, like building a culture of Bible reading and ensuring every child is known by name.If you are ready to move from activity to impact, press play, then share this with a teammate and subscribe so you do not miss part two!Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!Join us at ETCH 2026

CEO of Lifeway Foods Inc. Julie Smolyanksy joins the Lisa Dent Show to help ring in the second annual National Kefir Day celebration on Thursday. First, she shares her family’s story of immigrating to the United States and the origin of what would become Lifeway. Later, she highlights the National Kefir Day events happening nationwide […]

Welcome to The Weekly, produced by TAB Media Group, which publishes The Alabama Baptist and The Baptist Paper. Each episode features news headlines read by TAB Media Group staff and volunteers. New episodes are released weekly on Wednesday mornings. Articles featured in this episode: Thank you University of Mobile for supporting our ministry! Mohler adamant proposed amendment not to address anything beyond pastoral office, preaching New SBC officers elected during annual meeting in Orlando Messengers approve all 12 recommendations from Exec Comm in Orlando IMB 'grateful' to receive 51% of CP budget allocation in upcoming fiscal year Crossover evangelism efforts yield over 1,000 decisions for Christ Fully pursuing Christ 'hard … but that's the point,' Ritchie shares with associational leaders New SBC resource helps churches strengthen abuse prevention efforts Chaplaincy, Southern Baptists' care for one another celebrated at NAMB luncheon Carolyn Fountain named 25th president of national WMU GuideStone helps ministers finish well with superior service and personal response Lifeway is built on the foundation of the God's Word, new president says during report in Orlando ERLC introduces new president during report to messengers in Orlando SBCAL names Alabama's Chris Crain AMS of the Year Louisiana Baptists take first place in national Pinewood Derby races Check out our Kids Edition! Visit TAB Media HERE Subscribe on iTunes HERE

Many denominations are reporting that there are hardly any young leaders stepping into congregational ministry. Research from LifeWay says that the average age of pastors is 55. We're talking with Jonathan LaBarge abou the Pastoral Leadership Crisis in the U.S. and what we can do about it.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley to answer questions submitted by their Patreon supporters!  Questions Covered in This Episode: Do you have any recommendations for books on Israel and the church? What have you been studying recently? How has that encouraged you? Do you have resources on the theology/doctrine of life? When thinking of Old Testament Christophanies, is Jesus appearing as a post-resurrection ascended Christ? What is the definition of fellowship? How do you balance fellowship and education spaces? What are your thoughts on paying singers who are not believers to be in the church choir? How do you communicate the difference between performance and worship? Are you a fan of El Clásico? In addition to the deep discipleship program, what Bible studies would you recommend for a student small group? As a female leader, how do you persevere through others' comments about your leadership? Is there a resource that explains the gathering of believers and the Lord's Supper being connected? Revelation discusses the foundation of the 12 apostles. How does Paul become an apostle if he is not part of the 12? How transparent should a church be with its finances? What is the presence of God different in Genesis 3-11? Does Training the Church have other podcasts coming in the future? What words of wisdom would you give to pastors in addressing cultural moments on a Sunday (i.e., Charlie Kurk)? What is the church's position on the Israel-Palestine conflict? Should we think of God as Father before Creator? Do you prefer holding multiple services vs. one large service when a church is growing? How do you keep a spirit of unity with multiple services? How do you navigate serving in church while being fed yourself? What is the balance between a “go and tell” vs. a “come and see” church? Is it biblically appropriate for someone who is not a pastor to officiate a Christian wedding? Our church offers private communion but also teaches strongly against an individual Christian life. How do I reconcile those two practices? When is the Knowing Faith Patreon exclusive Israel trip? Helpful Definitions:  Fellowship: Koinónia (κοινωνία) Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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.

Kyle Worley is joined by Tasha Calvert to have a conversation about her book “Set Apart for More: The Transformative Power of Living Your Whole Life for a Holy God.” Questions Covered in This Episode: What does it mean to be set apart? Where does it come from, and what does it mean?  Where can we go in the bible to learn about holiness? How would you define holiness? Is holiness something I am or something I practice? How does this play out in the life of a believer? Why did you apply holiness to hot topics in your book? Why is holiness worth pursuing? Helpful Definitions: Holiness: A sacred otherness that originates from God. Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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.

A new Lifeway study finds that 76% of American Christians believe God wants them to prosper financially — and among younger churchgoers, that number climbs to 85%. The prosperity gospel didn't die with the TV preachers. It just got quieter, more therapeutic, and harder to recognize. Brian From unpacks why that matters and how to spot it. Then: June is Pride Month, and Brian pushes back on both the combative Christian response and the capitulating one — asking instead what it would look like for the church to be genuinely known as a friend of sinners, the way Jesus was. Should Christians flip tables like Jesus? A careful look at what scripture actually encourages us to imitate — and it isn't anger. A meditation on the "I am the Good Shepherd" declaration from John 10, and what it means that Jesus sleeps at the gate. A reflection on John James of the Newsboys and the message of his story for anyone who feels like they're on God's discard pile. Samaritan's Purse opening an Ebola field hospital in Congo. Church sign puns. And a closing word from Psalm 121: He who keeps you will not slumber.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Blackaby joins Steve Adams for a powerful conversation about spiritual maturity, daily rhythms with God, and what it really means to experience God in everyday life—not just in the extraordinary moments.Drawing from the legacy of the bestselling study Experiencing God and the new release Experiencing God in Everyday Life, Richard shares deeply personal stories about his father, Henry Blackaby, spiritual formation, abiding in Christ, and how ordinary believers can learn to recognize God's presence in the middle of everyday life.Together, Steve and Richard discuss:Why many Christians feel disconnected from God in daily lifeThe danger of reducing faith to activity instead of relationshipThe role of spiritual rhythms and habits in transformationThe importance of spiritual companionshipHow suffering and disruption shape maturityThe next generation's hunger for authentic faithWhy most of life is lived in the “valleys,” not the mountaintopsThis conversation is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and practical insight for anyone longing to walk more closely with Jesus in the ordinary rhythms of life.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley answer questions submitted by listeners! Questions Covered in This Episode: Is it biblical for women to speak at a conference where men are in attendance? How much sarcasm is too much sarcasm? 1 Timothy 6:13, many commentaries say the Father is the one being referred to. Is this a correct understanding? What about Hebrews 1 and John 1? When you are on a church staff, do you consider Sunday your sabbath? What would you like for one of your co-hosts to write about next? What is a good starting point to think biblically as men and women? Are there resources for the Deep Discipleship curriculum leaders? Will there be a rapture? Advice, encouragement, and caution for those serving in student ministry? Justify a law publicly posting the Ten Commandments? Resources Mentioned in this Episode: 1 Timothy 6:13, Hebrews 1, John 1, Colossians 1, Genesis 1:26, Genesis 2 Training the Church Ministry Cohort Deep Discipleship Curriculum “You Are a Theologian” by Jen Wilkin and JT English “Remember and Rehearse” by JT English “Formed for Fellowship” by Kyle Worley “Three Views on the Rapture” by Gleason L. Archer Jr. Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley discuss some of the differences in belief contemporary Jews and Christians hold. Questions Covered in This Episode: Do Jews and Christians worship the same God? Do modern-day Jews worship the God of the Old Testament? What do orthodox Jews deny that Christians believe? What about The Shema? What is the difference in Triune theology? What about Christians' relationship with Israel? Are Jews members of the family of Christ? What about the Judeo-Christian ethic? Is a Jewish person closer to coming to faith than a Muslim or a Hindu? What is the difference between being in Adam and being in Christ? Do Jews believe the Gospel? What tend to be the gut reactions to this question? Helpful Definitions: Echad (אֶחָד): Unity. Yachid (יָחִיד): Singular one, numerical. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Romans 5, 10-11, Romans 10:15 Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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.

Four years ago, on the night Bob passed away, two women Kelly barely knew showed up at her front door and said, "Where's the kitchen?" They spent the rest of the night doing Kelly's dishes, taking out the trash, and passing out waters to everyone in her house. Kelly has been telling that story ever since, and today she finally gets to tell it WITH them.Elisha Krauss and Heather Cooney join Kelly for a conversation that is going to genuinely change the way you show up for people. They get into what made them decide to come over that night, why the most powerful thing you can do for someone who is grieving has nothing to do with finding the right words, and how even near-strangers can make one of the biggest impacts of someone's entire grief journey.They also get practical: meal trains, what to send, what absolutely NOT to do (please stop asking "how are you?"), the dish return situation nobody talks about, and how to use your own specific skills to show up for someone going through any kind of hard season, whether that's loss, divorce, illness, or something else entirely. If you have someone in your life who is hurting, or if you've ever frozen up and done nothing because you didn't know what to do, this one is for you.This episode was kindly sponsored by Lifeway Foods. Learn more about Lifeway here! https://lifewaykefir.com/Follow Elisha here: https://www.instagram.com/elishakrauss/?hl=enFollow Kelly on Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/kellyrizzo/?hl=enListen on Apple Podcasts-https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/comfort-food-with-kelly-rizzo/id1716987177Listen on Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/5PW46ZYYpLlUCRPWn0Vfm7?si=100c49d2f5f64975Visit Kelly's Kitchen- https://kelly-rizzo.com/Join Comfort Club:https://www.comfortclubonline.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley discuss whether Christians should keep Old Testament dietary laws. Questions Covered in This Episode: Do Christians have to keep Old Testament dietary laws? What were/are some of the Old Testament dietary laws? What's behind these laws? What's their purpose? What does the New Testament say? Should Christians keep the Old Testament dietary laws? What about Jesus saying the elements of communion are his body and blood to his disciples? Were the Old Testament laws accomplishing the same things that Jesus accomplished on the cross? What do we think? Do Christians have to keep Old Testament dietary laws? What is wise? What group today is the most food-conscious? Why are Christians drawn to gimmicky food laws (the Daniel Diet)? What do you say to someone who wants to keep the Old Testament dietary laws? What if someone says, Christians are inconsistent because they want to remind us of Old Testament laws of sexuality but ignore the dietary laws? Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Daniel 1, Acts, Matthew 13:47-50, Matthew 15:11, Leviticus 16, Hebrews 10, Genesis 22, Proverbs 31, Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 8 Knowing Faith: A Blanket Full of Bacon Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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.

Through my studies, 20+ years of experience, and travels across the nation, I have discovered 4 simple practices that all leaders who see movement in their college ministry share. We will look at how to practically implement them in your life and ministry, and we will also have time for Q&A.This session was recorded live at Roundup 2026, a gathering of college ministry leaders hosted by the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention.Paul Worcester serves as the National Collegiate Director for the North American Mission Board where he focuses on encouraging and equipping collegiate leaders on 900+ college ministries across North America. At NAMB he pioneered an interactive coaching network that involves hundreds of leaders each year. He spends his days traveling to campuses leading trainings on evangelism, disciple-making and missions. Paul is the founder of several ministries including Christian Challenge at California State University, Chico which he led for many years seeing a movement of God with over 1,000 college students making professions of faith during his time there. Recently, his family moved to the North Shore of Oahu where they help invest in young leaders at Good Soil Discipleship School when he is at home. Paul also founded Campus Multiplication Network, an international and interdenominational coaching and resource ministry impacting leaders in many nations. He is a co-host of the GenSend Podcast with Shane Pruitt and Lacey Villasenor. He has authored several books for collegiate leaders and students including: The Fuel & the Flame: Ignite Your Life & Your Campus for Jesus Christ, 5 Leadership Principles For Collegiate Ministry, Tips For Starting A College Ministry, Do More With Less Time and Thrive: Cultivating A Faith That Endures with LifeWay. Paul has degrees from University of Oklahoma and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. His wife Christy is his dearest partner in life and co-laborer in ministry and they have two kids and an adorable french bulldog named Ollie. When he is not working, you can find him surfing or skateboarding with his kids or taking Ollie to go search for some crabs on the beach. You can follow him at Paul Worcester and check out some of his free resources here: https://linktr.ee/paulworcester

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley discuss sin in the Christian life and its effects on our relationship with Christ. Questions Covered in This Episode: If I keep committing the same sin, am I still a Christian?  What is sin? What is a Christian? Since Christians are able to not sin, does that mean Christians won't sin? What is the biblical tension here? How does sin affect our union or communion with Christ? If someone comes to you concerned about another individual's sin and their salvation, what would you say? How often do I have that conversation with the same person who is in ongoing, unrepentant sin? How do you respond to a believer who is struggling with sin and asking what they should do? Helpful Definitions: Sin: Disobedience to God and His law. Total Depravity: Not able to not sin. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Romans 5, Romans 3, Genesis 3, Exodus, John 15, Hebrews 10:14, 1 John 1:5-2:1, Hebrews 3:13 TrainingtheChurch.com/support “Remember and Rehearse” by JT English “Ten Words to Live By” by Jen Wilkin “Home with God”  by Kyle Worley Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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.

Sometimes we just need to grab a cup of coffee and talk church – that's what Jesse and I are doing today as we discuss Lifeway's 12 trends of 2026, in order to spark some ideas and reflect on how to best communicate with the people we're trying to reach. Grab your coffee and join us today on the RL

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley discuss how Christians can use A.I. wisely and the concerns to watch out for. Questions Covered in This Episode: Is it wrong to use A.I.? How does sin affect work? If a tool existed that eliminated the need to work, would it be a tool a Christian should use? How should we think about labor-saving tools? Are any of us using A.I. in any way? If so, how? What Christian/ethical concerns exist around the use of A.I.? What about the environmental impact? What are some of the obvious icebergs ahead of us? Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Genesis 3, Genesis 4:22, Genesis 11:1–9, Judges 4:21 Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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.

Julie Smolyansky, CEO of LifeWay Foods — the largest kefir brand in the country — has one of the most extraordinary stories you'll ever hear. Born in Soviet Ukraine, her family defected behind the Iron Curtain when she was just one year old, arriving in America with $116 and no English. Her mother went on to open Chicago's first Slavic deli — and even brought the very first cases of Nutella to the United States. Her father, longing for the kefir he grew up with back home, eventually built LifeWay Foods from scratch.When Julie was just 27, her father passed away suddenly, and she stepped in as CEO — becoming the youngest female CEO of a publicly traded company in US history. What followed was a decade of immense challenge, personal rock bottoms, and an unshakeable refusal to fail.Kelly and Julie talk about the immigrant work ethic that shaped them both, navigating grief while running a company, the gut-brain connection and why kefir is having its major cultural moment, and what it really means to turn pain into purpose. Plus they make a ridiculously good smoked fish farmer cheese dip live in the kitchen — and yes, it's as good as it sounds.This episode was kindly sponsored by Lifeway Foods. Learn more about Lifeway here! https://lifewaykefir.com/Follow Kelly on Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/kellyrizzo/?hl=enFollow Julie on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/juliesmolyansky/?hl=enListen on Apple Podcasts-https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/comfort-food-with-kelly-rizzo/id1716987177Listen on Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/5PW46ZYYpLlUCRPWn0Vfm7?si=100c49d2f5f64975Visit Kelly's Kitchen- https://kelly-rizzo.com/Join Comfort Club:https://www.comfortclubonline.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes we just need to grab a cup of coffee and talk church – that's what Jesse and I are doing today as we continue our conversation on Lifeway's 12 trends of 2026, hopefully, it sparks some ideas on how to best communicate with the people we're trying to reach. Grab your coffee and join us!

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley are joined by Mary Wiley to answer the question, Is the Bible for everyone? Questions Covered in This Episode: Is the Bible really for everyone? What about folks who can't read? What about people who don't have the Bible in their language? How is literacy struggling? What is the distinction between magisterial and ministerial authority in Reformed theology considering God's word related to other forms of communication? What is the purpose of stained glass or other visual tools? Why do we need God's word? What would you say to women who have fallen in love with bible study, but are a bit skeptical of studying doctrine/theology? Guest Bio: Mary Wiley is associate publisher at B&H, a bible teacher, and the author of a number of books, including but not limited to: Everyday Theology and Discovering the Bible. She holds an MA in theological studies from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Mary and her husband, John, have three children and live in the Nashville area. She hosts the Questions Kids Ask podcast, and you can connect with her on Instagram or at marycwiley.com. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: 2 Timothy 3:16, James 3:1 “Leadership: Six Studies in World Strategy” by Henry Kissinger   We're giving away 5 CSB Women's Study Bibles! Head to our Instagram for details on how to enter to win. And for an extra entry, sign up for our newsletter here. Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley discuss whether women should wear head coverings in church today. Questions Covered in This Episode: Should women wear headcoverings in the church? Where does the Bible talk about this? What is some context for Corinth? What are modern day examples of how this would play out? What are healthy contemporary applications?  1 Corinthians 11 Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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 deeply honest and theologically rich episode, Heather Creekmore welcomes Jen Oshman—author, missionary, and mom of four daughters—to tackle a question many women silently struggle with: Is it good that I was born a woman? Together, they candidly explore how issues of body image, shame, and the cultural pressures of womanhood can lead to deep-seated doubts and frustration. Drawing from global and biblical perspectives, Jen Oshman shares insights gathered from years of cross-cultural ministry and studying God’s word. She addresses the vulnerabilities women face, both physically and socially, and how Western and global cultures shape our understanding of femininity. Jen Oshman unpacks what the Bible says about being female, highlighting the unique and powerful stories of women in Scripture that often get overlooked, and discusses why God’s design for women is not only intentional but also very good. Key Topics Covered Why the question, “Is it good that I was born a woman?” is more common than we realize The impact of shame, fear, and the lived realities of being female in our culture How body image struggles can be rooted in deeper frustrations about being a woman A biblical look at femininity—separating culture’s checklist from God’s truth The meaning of “helper” (Ezer) in Genesis and its empowering implications Why diversity among women in Scripture matters—and what we can learn from their stories Studying tough Old Testament laws (like menstruation) in context and seeing God’s heart of care for women Practical encouragement for women who wrestle with their purpose and God’s plan for their gender How to dig deeper into biblical womanhood with Jen’s new Lifeway Bible study, “Very Good” Connect with Jen here: https://www.jenoshman.com Grab a copy of Jen's new Bible study: "Very Good" on Amazon here.** Amazon affiliate link. Tiny portion of your purchase goes back to supporting this ministry. Want to go further in your body image healing journey? Discover the resources, books, and programs Compared to Who? offers to help you improve your body image here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley are joined by Elizabeth Woodson to have a conversation about her new book “Habits of Resistance” and how we can resist false gospels. Questions Covered in This Episode: Why did you write this book? How did you decide what you were going to focus on as you wrote this book? What is a false gospel? Can you give some examples? Is this for individuals or for groups? Where are false stories frequently told to people? How do I resist false gospels? What part of what you wrote felt the most personal? Is there a habit people are resistant to? Why are we talking about habits so much? What is the key habit of Christian resistance to false stories? Helpful Definitions: “Narrative is our culture's currency; he who tells the best story wins.” Bobette Buster  False Gospel: An experience of a problem with a solution that does not contain Christ. Guest Bio: Elizabeth Woodson is a bible teacher, speaker, the founder of the Woodson Institute and the host of the podcasts: Starting Place with Elizabeth Woodson and Shalomies. Elizabeth is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary with a Masters in Christian Education and the author of several books including: Embrace Your Life,  From Beginning To Forever, Live Free, and the recently released Habits of Resistance: 7 Ways You're Being Formed by Culture and Gospel Practices to Help You Push Back.  Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Genesis 3 “Habits of Resistance” by Elizabeth Woodson “Remember and Rehearse” by JT English “Atomic Habits” by James Clear “You Are What You Love” by James K.A. Smith Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Knowing Faith. Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley discuss whether violence is immoral or amoral, whether God acts or endorses violence, and how we are supposed to act in light of these things. Questions Covered in This Episode: Does God endorse violence? In Joshua and judges it seems like God is endorsing violence; is that accurate? Where does the Bible talk about violence? Is violence immoral or amoral? Should the modern-day church then perceive itself to be a weapon of violence? Should we think in violent terms as it relates to those who oppose the Lord? How do you deal with wrong motivations? Helpful Definitions: Violence: Physical action against another person that seeks to either restrain or rebuff, and may or may not cause bodily harm. Hamas (חָמָס): Hebrew for violence Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Psalm 11:5, Genesis 6, James 4:6, Psalm 58, Psalm 3, Isaiah 53, Romans 13, Revelation “The Peaceable Kingdom: A Primer in Christian Ethics” by Stanley Hauerwas “Why I'm Not a Pacifist” by C.S. Lewis Deep Discipleship Curriculum Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Knowing Faith. Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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.

Dr. Arthur Brooks shares that happiness isn't a feeling to chase, but a direction shaped by habits—cultivating enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning. He highlights the importance of investing in faith, family, friendships, and meaningful work, while cautioning against the impact of screens and constant distraction. With practical insight, he encourages parents to prioritize time together, model love through action, and help their kids build lives rooted in purpose rather than achievement. Resources mentioned:  The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness by Dr. Arthur Brooks Build the Life You Want by Dr. Arthur Brooks and Oprah Winfrey Love Your Enemies by Arthur C. Brooks The Happiness Files by Arthur C. Brooks . . . . . .  Sign up to receive the⁠ bi-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠monthly newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Pre-order our new book, Capable and grab tickets for Capable - The Book Tour here! See our speaking dates, purchase books and check out our courses here.. . . . . .  If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form. QUINCE: Go to ⁠Quince.com/rbg⁠ for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five day returns. BOLL & BRANCH: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at Bollandbranch.com/rbg⁠. Exclusions apply. ATHLETIC GREENS: Go to DRINKAG1.com/RBG to get their best offer… For a limited time only, get a FREE AG1 duffel bag and FREE AG1 Welcome Kit with your first subscription order! Only while supplies last. COOK UNITY: Go to cookunity.com/RBG or enter code RBG before checkout to get 50% off your first order. SETH AND THE VERY SCARY STORM: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGSethStorm to check out this Lifeway book. YARA THE BRAVE: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGYara to check out this Lifeway book. ADVENTURE BIBLE: Get an Adventure Bible for your child and begin reading and exploring it together to build confidence and curiosity in God's Word https://tinyurl.com/RBGAdventureBible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley discuss how to think theologically and literately about church discipline. Questions Covered in This Episode: Is church discipline biblical? What does the bible say about discipline generally? What is the confusion around discipline? What does the bible say about church discipline? Is this how you think about church discipline? What happens before discipline? What's the goal of church discipline? Does the tradition you are a part of play a part in church discipline? Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Hebrews 12:5, 1 Corinthians 5, Proverbs 13 Training the Church Ministry Cohort Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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.

Dr. Aliza Pressman shares five research-based principles—relationship, reflection, regulation, rules, and repair—that empower parents to raise resilient, capable kids, emphasizing that growth comes not from perfection but from consistent connection, healthy boundaries, and allowing kids to experience manageable challenges.  Resources mentioned: The 5 Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans by Aliza Pressman Raising Good Humans Podcast . . . . . .  Sign up to receive the⁠ bi-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠monthly newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Pre-order our new book, Capable and grab tickets for Capable - The Book Tour here! See our speaking dates, purchase books and check out our courses here.. . . . . .  If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form. QUINCE: Go to ⁠Quince.com/rbg⁠ for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five day returns. BOLL & BRANCH: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at Bollandbranch.com/rbg⁠. Exclusions apply. ATHLETIC GREENS: Go to DRINKAG1.com/RBG to get their best offer… For a limited time only, get a FREE AG1 duffel bag and FREE AG1 Welcome Kit with your first subscription order! Only while supplies last. COOK UNITY: Go to cookunity.com/RBG or enter code RBG before checkout to get 50% off your first order. SETH AND THE VERY SCARY STORM: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGSethStorm to check out this Lifeway book. YARA THE BRAVE: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGYara to check out this Lifeway book.ADVENTURE BIBLE: Get an Adventure Bible for your child and begin reading and exploring it together to build confidence and curiosity in God's Word https://tinyurl.com/RBGAdventureBible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David and Sissy explore how modern parenting has shifted toward anxiety, over-helping, and outsourcing wisdom to experts—often at the cost of building real capability in kids. They encourage parents to move from relief-driven reactions to resilience-building practices by combining empathy with clear boundaries, trusting their instincts, and giving kids space to struggle and grow. Ultimately, capable parenting focuses less on keeping kids happy and more on helping them become strong, steady, and able to handle life.  Resources mentioned: Capable by David Thomas and Sissy Goff I Am Capable by David Thomas and Sissy Goff . . . . . .  Sign up to receive the⁠ bi-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠monthly newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Pre-order our new book, Capable and grab tickets for Capable - The Book Tour here! See our speaking dates, purchase books and check out our courses here.. . . . . .  If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form. QUINCE: Go to ⁠Quince.com/rbg⁠ for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five day returns. BOLL & BRANCH: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at Bollandbranch.com/rbg⁠. Exclusions apply. ATHLETIC GREENS: Go to DRINKAG1.com/RBG to get their best offer… For a limited time only, get a FREE AG1 duffel bag and FREE AG1 Welcome Kit with your first subscription order! Only while supplies last. COOK UNITY: Go to cookunity.com/RBG or enter code RBG before checkout to get 50% off your first order. SETH AND THE VERY SCARY STORM: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGSethStorm to check out this Lifeway book. YARA THE BRAVE: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGYara to check out this Lifeway book. ADVENTURE BIBLE: Get an Adventure Bible for your child and begin reading and exploring it together to build confidence and curiosity in God's Word https://tinyurl.com/RBGAdventureBible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley discuss if and when it's okay to lie. Questions Covered in This Episode: Is it ever right to lie? What does it mean to bear false witness in the 10 Commandments? Is it always wrong to lie? What is a noble lie? What is a lie in kindness? What is a virtuous lie? What is an unvirtuous truth teller? Where do we see examples of people using “deception” in the Bible for the greater good? When would it be okay to use deception or hide the truth? Can I tell a white lie? As a parent, how should I handle my children lying? What is the heart of this question and conversation? Helpful Definitions: Categorical Imperative: You should never do something that you cannot make a universal law in all time and all places. Noble Lie: There are times when it is more virtuous not to tell the truth. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Exodus 1, Joshua 2, Genesis 38, Genesis 3:15, Job Deep Discipleship Curriculum Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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.

Catherine Price explores how technology is shaping kids' attention, mood, relationships, and development, while offering a hopeful path forward for families. She emphasizes that the goal isn't just reducing screen time, but helping kids build fuller lives through real friendship, freedom, and fun. Catherine encourages parents to delay smartphones, create phone-free rhythms, model healthy habits, and give kids opportunities for real-world independence—highlighting awe, curiosity, playfulness, and focused attention as key to helping kids thrive. Resources mentioned:  The Amazing Generation by Catherine Price and Jonathan Haidt The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt How to Break Up With Your Phone by Catherine Price The Power of Fun by Catherine Price The Book of Delights by Ross Gay . . . . . .  Sign up to receive the⁠ bi-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠monthly newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Pre-order our new book, Capable and grab tickets for Capable - The Book Tour here! See our speaking dates, purchase books and check out our courses here.. . . . . .  If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form. QUINCE: Go to ⁠Quince.com/rbg⁠ for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five day returns. BOLL & BRANCH: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at Bollandbranch.com/rbg⁠. Exclusions apply. ATHLETIC GREENS: Go to DRINKAG1.com/RBG to get their best offer… For a limited time only, get a FREE AG1 duffel bag and FREE AG1 Welcome Kit with your first subscription order! Only while supplies last. COOK UNITY: Go to cookunity.com/RBG or enter code RBG before checkout to get 50% off your first order. SETH AND THE VERY SCARY STORM: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGSethStorm to check out this Lifeway book. YARA THE BRAVE: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGYara to check out this Lifeway book. ADVENTURE BIBLE: Get an Adventure Bible for your child and begin reading and exploring it together to build confidence and curiosity in God's Word https://tinyurl.com/RBGAdventureBible. WAYFAIR: Get organized, refreshed, and ready for the holidays for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sissy Goff and David Thomas explore what they call a growing “crisis of capability” among kids today. Drawing from what they see in their counseling offices, they discuss cultural shifts that have contributed to kids feeling less able to handle normal challenges—including the rise of smartphones, the loss of play-based childhood, “language inflation” around mental health, and increasing avoidance of discomfort. They encourage parents to help rebuild resilience by normalizing nerves, allowing healthy stress, and creating opportunities for kids to practice courage in small everyday ways. Resources mentioned:  The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Capable by David Thomas and Sissy Goff . . . . . .  Sign up to receive the⁠ bi-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠monthly newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Pre-order our new book, Capable and grab tickets for Capable - The Book Tour here! See our speaking dates, purchase books and check out our courses here.. . . . . .  If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form. QUINCE: Go to ⁠Quince.com/rbg⁠ for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five day returns. BOLL & BRANCH: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at Bollandbranch.com/rbg⁠. Exclusions apply. ATHLETIC GREENS: Go to DRINKAG1.com/RBG to get their best offer… For a limited time only, get a FREE AG1 duffel bag and FREE AG1 Welcome Kit with your first subscription order! Only while supplies last. COOK UNITY: Go to cookunity.com/RBG or enter code RBG before checkout to get 50% off your first order. SETH AND THE VERY SCARY STORM: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGSethStorm to check out this Lifeway book. YARA THE BRAVE: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGYara to check out this Lifeway book. ADVENTURE BIBLE: Get an Adventure Bible for your child and begin reading and exploring it together to build confidence and curiosity in God's Word https://tinyurl.com/RBGAdventureBible. OUR PLACE: Stop cooking with toxic cookware, and upgrade to Our Place today. Visit fromourplace.com/RBG and use code RBG for 10% off sitewide. TONE TODAY: Visit tonetoday.com and use code RBG to get 20% off your first order. HIYA HEALTH: Visit hiyahealth.com/RBG to get 50% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley have a conversation about the 10 Commandments. Questions Covered in This Episode: Should the 10 Commandments be posted publicly?  What are the 10 Commandments? What role did the Ten Commandments play within Israel's life when they were received? What is their significance for us today? Must a Christian obey the 10 commandments?  In what way should they be considered significant for Christian discipleship? Should they be posted publicly? If so, why? If not, why?  Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Exodus 20, Matthew 5-7, Romans 1 “Ten Words to Live By” by Jen Wilkin Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Knowing Faith. Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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.

Sissy Goff and David Thomas introduce the idea behind their book Capable and discuss the growing mental health struggles they are seeing in kids today—anxiety, isolation, and a lack of confidence in handling challenges. They explain that being “capable” doesn't mean being fearless or perfect, but having practiced coping with emotions, developing real-life competence, and learning through challenges. The conversation encourages parents to shift from rescuing their kids to helping them build resilience through small moments of discomfort, thoughtful questions, and steady boundaries. Ultimately, they emphasize that with supportive, compassionate adults, kids can discover the strength and capability already within them. Resources mentioned: Capable by David Thomas and Sissy Goff . . . . . .  Sign up to receive the⁠ bi-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠monthly newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Pre-order our new book, Capable and grab tickets for Capable - The Book Tour here! See our speaking dates, purchase books and check out our courses here.. . . . . .  If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form. QUINCE: Go to ⁠Quince.com/rbg⁠ for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five day returns. BOLL & BRANCH: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at Bollandbranch.com/rbg⁠. Exclusions apply. ATHLETIC GREENS: Go to DRINKAG1.com/RBG to get their best offer… For a limited time only, get a FREE AG1 duffel bag and FREE AG1 Welcome Kit with your first subscription order! Only while supplies last. COOK UNITY: Go to cookunity.com/RBG or enter code RBG before checkout to get 50% off your first order. SETH AND THE VERY SCARY STORM: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGSethStorm to check out this Lifeway book. YARA THE BRAVE: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGYara to check out this Lifeway book. ADVENTURE BIBLE: Get an Adventure Bible for your child and begin reading and exploring it together to build confidence and curiosity in God's Word https://tinyurl.com/RBGAdventureBible. HIYA HEALTH: Visit hiyahealth.com/RBG to get 50% off your first order. OUR PLACE: Stop cooking with toxic cookware, and upgrade to Our Place today. Visit fromourplace.com/RBG and use code RBG for 10% off sitewide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley have a conversation about the 10 Commandments. Questions Covered in This Episode: Should the 10 Commandments be posted publicly?  What are the 10 Commandments? What role did the Ten Commandments play within Israel's life when they were received? What is their significance for us today? Must a Christian obey the 10 commandments?  In what way should they be considered significant for Christian discipleship? Should they be posted publicly? If so, why? If not, why?  Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Exodus 20, Matthew 5-7, Romans 1 “Ten Words to Live By” by Jen Wilkin Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Knowing Faith. Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing 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 conversation with Tara-Leigh Cobble, founder of D-Group and host of The Bible Recap, Tara shares how moving from “Bible exposure” to true “Bible engagement” transformed her faith and led to the creation of The Bible Recap for Kids and its companion podcast. She encourages parents to model a genuine love for Scripture, invite kids into conversations about who God is (not just behavior modification), and practice looking for God's character in daily Bible reading. With practical ideas like sharing a daily “God shot” and engaging Scripture together as a family, Tara offers hopeful, accessible ways to help kids not just read the Bible—but understand it and fall in love with God.  Resources mentioned: The Bible Recap by Tara-Leigh Cobble The Bible Recap for Kids by Tara-Leigh Cobble . . . . . .  Sign up to receive the⁠ bi-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠monthly newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Pre-order our new book, Capable and grab tickets for Capable - The Book Tour here! See our speaking dates, purchase books and check out our courses here.. . . . . .  If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form. QUINCE: Go to ⁠Quince.com/rbg⁠ for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five day returns. BOLL & BRANCH: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at Bollandbranch.com/rbg⁠. Exclusions apply. ATHLETIC GREENS: Go to DRINKAG1.com/RBG to get their best offer… For a limited time only, get a FREE AG1 duffel bag and FREE AG1 Welcome Kit with your first subscription order! Only while supplies last. COOK UNITY: Go to cookunity.com/RBG or enter code RBG before checkout to get 50% off your first order. SETH AND THE VERY SCARY STORM: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGSethStorm to check out this Lifeway book. YARA THE BRAVE: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGYara to check out this Lifeway book.ADVENTURE BIBLE: Get an Adventure Bible for your child and begin reading and exploring it together to build confidence and curiosity in God's Word https://tinyurl.com/RBGAdventureBible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices