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On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, Chap Bettis talks with Dr. Camden Pulliam about the biblical connection between parenting and pastoring. Drawing from Camden’s doctoral research, they explore how pastors serve as father figures who help God’s people grow from spiritual immaturity toward maturity.⁠⁠ Together, they examine the fatherhood language used throughout Scripture, the relationship between managing a household and caring for a church, and the humility required of pastors at every stage of ministry. They also discuss the value of spiritual fathers who have earned the trust to offer honest, practical wisdom. Resources From This Podcast Dr. Pulliam’s review of Managing Your Households Well Paternal Pastors: An Evangelical Approach, Dr. Pulliam’s Ph.D. Thesis Midwestern Seminary’s For the Church Cohorts Midwestern Seminary’s Shepherds Fellowship Topics Covered in This Week’s Podcast 03:20 Dr. Pulliam’s background 07:35 Paternal Pastors: Pastors as fathers within the church 17:16 Applications for young and aspiring pastors 25:58 A pastor’s authority as a father figure 35:17 A father’s impact 41:14 Conclusion, more on Midwestern Seminary

On this episode of This vs. That, we talk with Dr. Ben Phillips about making family discipleship practical through the everyday rhythms we already share with our children. Ben introduces the TEACH framework—Travel time, Eating time, Arise time, Closing time, and Holiday time drawn from Deuteronomy 6. Together, we explore simple ways to build faith conversations into car rides, meals, mornings, bedtimes, and celebrations without turning discipleship into an overwhelming checklist. We also discuss the importance of modeling a genuine walk with God, giving children grace as they grow, adjusting our approach through changing seasons, and starting with one sustainable rhythm. Whether we are beginning family discipleship for the first time or looking to strengthen existing habits, this conversation offers practical encouragement for helping the next generation know, own, and live out their faith. Topics Covered in This Week’s Podcast 02:59 Introduction: The origin of Dr. Phillips’ desire for discipleship 13:52 Applying TEACH wisely, but not to excess 28:34 Making TEACH work in your unique household 45:49 Encouragement for parents just beginning intentional discipleship Resources From This Podcast Dr. Phillips’ Website Adventures in Odyssey Jonathan Park Audio Adventures Article- Am I Overdiscipling My Children? Article- Five Reasons to Make Dinner an Event Article- The Power of the Red Plate Article- Nine Elements of an Effective Donut Date

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast Chap Bettis sits down with associate pastor Travis Rymer for a candid conversation about biblical parenting and family discipleship. They discuss the goal of Christian parenting, why parents may hesitate to ask for help, whether it’s possible to over-disciple children, and how the local church can support families. Along the way, Chap offers encouragement to rely on God, seek wisdom with humility, cultivate joyful homes, and keep the true “North Star” of parenting in view: raising children who love Jesus and help others follow Him. --- Get your free Disciple-Making Parent Audiobook

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, you’ll hear a recent sermon from Chap Bettis as he walks through Psalm 127 and asks a simple, searching question: what does it look like to actively seek God’s blessing in everyday life? He talks about the danger of anxious, self-reliant “in vain” work and the comfort of God’s providence that lets us labor faithfully and still rest. Then he turns to the second half of the psalm and considers why Scripture calls children a gift from the Lord, how our culture often treats children as a burden, and how the church can cultivate a child-loving (not child-centered) community. Finally, we’ll reflect on what it means to form disciples and disciple-makers who can stand with courage and wisdom in the public square while remembering that our hope rests in the Lord who builds and watches over his people.

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we have a Q&A with Tim Challies to explore how churches and families can thoughtfully navigate technology. We discuss the shift from hymnals to projectors, the impact of AI and social media on youth, and practical ways to cultivate disciplined discernment in our congregations. Throughout the conversation, we offer concrete ideas for balancing screen time, fostering community, and protecting children while embracing the benefits that digital tools can bring.

On this episode of The Disciple‑Making Parent Podcast we hear from Tim Challies on how families can create a truly porn‑free home. We'll hear about the early exposure risks children face online, share practical tools such as filtering, accountability software, parental controls, and open communication, and walk through a step‑by‑step plan—planning, preparing, meeting, and monitoring—to protect our households. Resources From This Podcast Suffering and Our Savior- podcast episode 124 with Tim Challies Personal Accounts of God’s Goodness in Suffering- podcast episode 125 with Tim Challies Finding Comfort in Suffering- podcast episode 126 with Tim Challies Challies.com- Tim Challies’ blog Covenant Eyes OpenDNS

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we talk with Tim Challies about how Christian families can think clearly about technology in a world where screens, social media, and now AI are everywhere. We look at the real numbers shaping teen life, the risks that often stay hidden until it is too late, and three common responses to new tools: enthusiastic embrace, strict separation, and disciplined discernment. We also explore a distinctly Christian framework for technology. We are image-bearers called to create and use tools for good, while recognizing how sin twists every technology toward harm and idolatry. Finally, we consider what is coming next, including AI, augmented reality, and transhumanism, and how we can choose practices that help our families use technology to love God and serve others. ----- Managing Your Households Well Want to lead your family (and your home) with wisdom in a distracted age? Managing Your Households Well: How Family Leadership Trains You for Church Leadership is a practical resource for church leaders and aspiring leaders—showing how faithful, steady care at home shapes the kind of character needed for lasting ministry leadership. Learn More Free Disciple-Making Parent Audiobook You can also get the Disciple-Making Parent audiobook free. Visit thedisciplemakingparent.com, sign up for the weekly newsletter, and we’ll send you the full audiobook—because we want to help parents and grandparents raise kids who love Jesus and learn to make disciples in everyday life. Resources From This Podcast Suffering and Our Savior- Podcast with Tim Challies  ​Personal Accounts of God’s Goodness in Suffering- Podcast with Tim Challies Finding Comfort in Suffering: Personal Q&A on Grief & God’s Goodness- Podcast with Tim Challies challies.com – Tim Challies’ blog The Next Story: Faith, Friends, Family, and the Digital World, by Tim Challies

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we talk with Dan Darling about what healthy Christian patriotism looks like. We unpack why love of country can be an expression of gratitude and a part of discipleship, and how we can teach children and grandchildren to think biblically about their nation without slipping into cynicism or idolatry. We discuss how to tell the full story of history, including real sins and real progress, and why reform is strongest when it grows out of love for a country’s ideals. We also clarify the difference between patriotism and Christian nationalism, and why robust Christian engagement in the public square matters while maintaining a clear distinction between church and state. Along the way, we reflect on American exceptionalism, ordered loves, and practical ways families can cultivate civic gratitude and responsibility.

In this episode, Chap Bettis sits down with Tim Challies and pastor Travis Rymer for a candid Q&A that closes out The Disciple-Making Parent’s mini-series on suffering. Tim shares Scriptures and hymns that shaped his grief, how his family helped their daughters process loss, and why grief must never become our identity. You’ll also hear practical counsel on balancing honest lament with trust in God’s goodness, and on letting truth shape emotions rather than emotions shaping truth. Resources From This Podcast Tim Challies: Suffering and Our Savior (#1 in series) Tim Challies: Personal Accounts of God’s Goodness in Suffering (#2 in series) On Jordan’s Stormy Banks, performed by Indelible Grace Seasons of Sorrow, by Tim Challies A Manifesto for Times of Suffering- Tim’s “Grief Manifesto” Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy, by Mark Vroegop Tim Challies- Walking Through Deep Sorrow and Loss (Prior podcast interview) ​

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we listen as Tim Challies shares a deeply personal “story of grace” from the aftermath of losing his son, Nick. We hear what those first shocking moments were like, how grief can cloud our thinking and sap our strength, and why it’s essential to let truth—especially what we know about God’s sovereignty and goodness—lead when our emotions feel unsteady. Topics Covered in This Week’s Podcast 03:46 Introduction: Losing and grieving Nick 09:31 Glimpses of grace 15:25 Tim’s manifesto 21:25 Five lessons about grief 29:31 Five ways to help people who are grieving Resources From This Podcast Tim Challies: Personal Accounts of God’s Goodness in Suffering (Previous podcast) Seasons of Sorrow, by Tim Challies Challies.com, Tim’s blog A Manifesto for Times of Suffering Tim Challies- Walking Through Deep Sorrow and Loss (Prior podcast interview)

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we begin a new series by listening to Tim Challies as he helps us think biblically about suffering, sorrow, and the compassion of Christ. Tim walks us through Luke 7:11–17, where Jesus meets a grieving widow in Nain and raises her son, and we’re reminded of three simple, steady truths: death is strong, God is stronger, and one day death itself will die. As we listen, we’re encouraged to trust God’s good purposes in our pain, to remember that Jesus draws near to the brokenhearted, and to anchor our hope in the future comfort and resurrection promised to all who are in Christ.  Topics Covered in This Week’s Podcast 4:01 Introduction 11:18 Death is strong 19:04 God is stronger 25:11 Death will die Resources From This Podcast Seasons of Sorrow, by Tim Challies Tim Challies- Walking Through Deep Sorrow and Loss (Prior podcast interview)Challies.com, Tim’s blog

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we start unpacking three hard topics that come up in conflict: forgiveness, reconciliation, and what some people call boundaries. We walk through a simple peacemaking framework, then clarify two complementary kinds of forgiveness: a heart-level decision to release the moral debt to God, and a relational forgiveness that enables reconciliation when repentance is present. We also talk about how to love people who will not repent, including how to stay open-hearted while setting wise limits that separate wisdom from folly, and how to rebuild trust proportionally over time. Along the way, we look at key passages like Acts 15, Matthew 18, Romans 12, and Luke 17, and we end with practical encouragement to pursue peace in a way that honors Christ. Topics Covered in This Week’s Podcast 01:47 Introduction and review 03:59 Principles of forgiveness 10:29 Inner forgiveness 17:29 Relational forgiveness 22:55 What about someone who will not repent or reconcile? Resources From This Podcast Biblical Conflict Resolution Part 1– Introduction and the Call to Glorify God Biblical Conflict Resolution Part 2– The Call to Get the Log Out of Our Own Eye Biblical Conflict Resolution Part 3- The Call to Go and Restore The Peacemaker, by Ken Sande Pursuing Peace, by Dr. Robert Jones Making Sense of Forgiveness, by Brad Hambrick

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent podcast, we continue our four-part series on biblical conflict resolution. We'll talk about why conflict is part of everyday life and how Scripture helps us respond with wisdom. We review the first two steps from Ken Sande’s The Peacemaker and then focus on the decision point: when should we overlook an offense, when should we submit, and when should we go and gently restore. We walk through helpful criteria for making that call, like impact, responsibility, frequency, seriousness, and whether the issue is public or private. Then we cover practical, Christlike communication that aims for reconciliation, including listening well, asking clarifying questions, speaking humbly, and choosing the best setting for hard conversations.  We also close with a clear warning about gossip and slander, and how to seek wise help without spreading harm.  Topics Covered in This Week’s Podcast 01:20 Review 02:30 Go, overlook, or submit? 11:20 Wisdom for when to approach 18:13 Go and gently restore 39:39 Getting help while avoiding gossip Resources From This Podcast Biblical Conflict Resolution Part 1- Introduction and the Call to Glorify God Biblical Conflict Resolution Part 2- The Call to Get the Log Out of Our Own Eye The Peacemaker, by Ken Sande Pursuing Peace, by Dr. Robert Jones

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent podcast, we continue our four-part series on biblical conflict resolution with part two, focusing on the essential practice of examining ourselves before addressing conflicts with others. We explore Jesus' teaching about removing the log from our own eye before pointing out the speck in someone else's eye, and why this principle is foundational to resolving disagreements in a God-honoring way. We discuss how to conduct an honest self-examination, looking at both our actions and attitudes that may have contributed to conflict. We explore common blind spots like argumentative spirits, passive-aggressive behavior, and the tendency to see ourselves as more righteous than we actually are. We also examine how leaders in particular need to be willing to acknowledge their blind spots and the impact their words and decisions can have on others. In the second half of the episode, we break down Ken Sande's Seven A's of Confession—a practical framework for asking forgiveness in a way that's genuine, specific, and transformative. We learn the difference between saying "I'm sorry" and truly asking for forgiveness, and why details like addressing everyone involved, avoiding qualifiers like "if" and "but," and accepting consequences matter so much in the reconciliation process. Whether you're navigating conflict in marriage, parenting, church leadership, or the workplace, this episode equips us with biblical tools to own our part, confess well, and move toward genuine restoration.  Topics Covered in This Week’s Podcast 02:00 Review 04:49 Principle 2: Get the log out of your own eye 09:34 Questions for self-examination 14:43 Examining our own desires 20:37 Applications 25:46 Confession and forgiveness Resources From This Podcast Biblical Conflict Resolution Part 1- Introduction and the Call to Glorify God The Peacemaker, by Ken Sande Wisdom and Justice vs. Lack of Wisdom and Injustice

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we begin a four-part series on biblical conflict resolution. We explore why conflict is inevitable in relationships—whether between spouses, parents and children, siblings, or within church and workplace settings—and examine what instruction God actually gives us for navigating these difficult situations. We establish that the first and most essential principle in any conflict is to glorify God and please Him above all else. Rather than focusing on controlling outcomes or changing the other person, we learn to ask: "How can I please God in this situation?" This vertical focus keeps us anchored to biblical commands rather than our emotions, and reminds us that we can always control our own response, even when we can't control the conflict's resolution. We conclude by considering the practical question: How would Jesus live in my situation right now? By aiming to act, react, and pray like Jesus—empowered by the Holy Spirit—we position ourselves to grow through conflict and pursue reconciliation in a way that honors God, regardless of the other person's response. Resources From This Podcast The Peacemaker, by Ken Sande Pursuing Peace, by Dr. Robert Jones The True Bounds of Christian Freedom, by Samuel Bolton  Topics Covered in This Week’s Podcast 02:02 Introduction 05:40 The Origin of conflict 09:37 Our God of peace 15:48 Types of conflict 21:18 Glorify God 29:03 Final rewards