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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.

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent, we explore one of life's most avoided topics: death and dying. We'll listen to a recent sermon from Chap where he talks about how Christians shouldn't fear talking about our final departure and what it means to "run through the tape" rather than coast into the finish line.  We examine five biblical principles for facing old age and death with faith and joy, drawing from Paul's final words in 2 Timothy 4. We discuss how death is not the end but a portal to something better, why we should anticipate suffering in our final years, and how to keep our eyes fixed on Christ and heaven even as our bodies decay. We also wrestle with the physical, emotional, and social suffering that comes with aging, and why we should strive for joy instead of becoming sour in our later years. This conversation challenges us to develop a biblical strategy for finishing well, longing for heaven, and glorifying God even in our dying. 

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we explore a biblical understanding of work with a sermon from Jai Paul. In it, we’ll examine how our perception of work shapes not only our own lives but also the values we pass on to our children and grandchildren. Jai explains how work was established by God before the fall as a good and noble calling. Unlike ancient myths that portrayed work as a burden or punishment, the Bible reveals that God Himself is a worker, and that humans were created in His image to work and create. He explores four key questions: Where did work come from?Why is work so hard?Can work be renewed?How should we work? Join us as we discover how our work can honor God and love our neighbors rather than simply serving as a means to personal gain. We also highlight how training our children to serve is one of the seven essential commitments of discipleship parenting.  — To learn more about Jai Paul and JP Cross Ministries visit: www.jpcross.org

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we sit down with Nate Akin to hear his powerful testimony and parenting insights. We explore Nate's journey from growing up in a Christian home to his college basketball career at Murray State, including his participation in the NCAA tournament against Georgia and Illinois. Nate openly shares about his season of rebellion during college years and the pivotal moment of repentance that redirected his life toward ministry. We discuss Nate's leadership with the Pillar Network, a Baptist association focused on church planting that now has nearly 600 churches in almost 50 countries. The heart of our conversation centers on the parenting principles Nate learned from his father and mother that he's now implementing with his own young children. Nate reveals his parents' simple yet profound approach: "teach them to love Jesus and have fun with them." We unpack how this philosophy manifested through consistent discipleship, creating space for questions, prioritizing church community, and maintaining a balance of clear boundaries with abundant grace. 

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we explore the profound importance of remembering God's works and sharing them with future generations. We examine how memory serves as a beautiful gift that connects our past experiences to present purpose. In this episode, Chap shares a powerful sermon from a church celebrating its 50th anniversary, where he emphasizes that the gospel continues through intentional remembrance and storytelling. We discover how remembering God's interventions—both the miraculous biblical events and the personal moments in our lives—strengthens our faith and keeps us following the Lord. Join us as we explore the vital mission of equipping parents and grandparents to raise children who not only love the Lord but become disciple-makers themselves, taking the gospel to the world. 

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent podcast, we explore the critical balance between children's ministry and parental discipleship in the church. We speak with Jared Kennedy, author of "Keeping Your Children's Ministry on Mission: Practical Strategies for Discipling the Next Generation," who shares his journey from aspiring missionary to children's ministry leader. We discuss how children's ministry is not merely childcare but a vital part of the church's mission to pass faith to the next generation. Kennedy challenges the notion that parents are the sole disciplers of children, arguing that Scripture places this responsibility on the entire covenant community. The conversation highlights how even teaching toddlers is missional work, as they develop crucial vocabulary that forms the building blocks of faith. We also examine how children's ministry serves as a "subversive" training ground for parents to learn discipleship skills they can implement at home. Join us as we navigate the complementary roles of church and family in raising the next generation of believers - not just as disciples, but as disciple makers with hearts for the nations.  ---- Thanks for listening to the Disciple Making Parent podcast. We love offering resources to equip you in family discipleship for free, but we can only do that because of our faithful financial partners. Would you consider joining us? We're a small and lean ministry, and we make your kingdom dollars go far. So head on over to www.thedisciplemakingparent.com/partner --- Sign up for the weekly newsletter at disciplemakingparent.com to receive the complete audiobook free. Part of our mission to help parents raise children who love the Lord and become disciple-makers. --- Resources From This Podcast: Keeping Your Children’s Ministry on Mission, by Jared Kennedy Jared Kennedy at TGC The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible, by Jared Kennedy The Story of Martin Luther, by Jared Kennedy Gospel-Centered Family The Fallen Condition Focus, by Bryan Chapell Read-Aloud Bible Stories, by Ella Lindvall Managing Your Households Well, by Chap Bettis

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we explore the unavoidable reality of conflict in our lives and how to handle it biblically. We're joined by Dr. Robert Jones, author of "Pursuing Peace: A Christian Guide to Our Conflicts," who shares powerful insights about conflict management from a Christian perspective. We discuss how conflict is inevitable in all relationships - whether in marriage, parenting, or church leadership. As Dr. Jones explains, statistically "one out of one people" deal with conflict, and those numbers multiply when you add spouses and children to the mix. We also examine the transformative concept of "pleasing God" as our ultimate goal in conflict situations. Rather than focusing on winning arguments or changing others, we explore how prioritizing what pleases God can radically change our approach to disagreements. This episode offers practical wisdom for anyone experiencing conflict in their relationships and provides a biblical framework for seeing conflict not as something to avoid, but as an opportunity for spiritual growth. ---- Thanks for listening to the Disciple Making Parent podcast. We love offering resources to equip you in family discipleship for free, but we can only do that because of our faithful financial partners. Would you consider joining us? We're a small and lean ministry, and we make your kingdom dollars go far. So head on over to www.thedisciplemakingparent.com/partner --- Sign up for the weekly newsletter at disciplemakingparent.com to receive the complete audiobook free. Part of our mission to help parents raise children who love the Lord and become disciple-makers.

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent, we welcome Brian Croft to discuss the delicate balance between pastoral ministry and family life. We explore practical ways pastors can faithfully serve their church while prioritizing their spouse and children. Brian shares personal stories about adapting his parenting approach to meet each child's unique needs and how these family experiences have made him a more effective pastor. We discuss how receiving honest feedback from family members can improve preaching, and how explaining scripture to children helps create messages that connect with all ages. Brian also offers valuable insights on maintaining meaningful connections with children into adulthood and applying family leadership principles to church leadership. ---- Thanks for listening to the Disciple Making Parent podcast. We love offering resources to equip you in family discipleship for free, but we can only do that because of our faithful financial partners. Would you consider joining us? We're a small and lean ministry, and we make your kingdom dollars go far. So head on over to www.thedisciplemakingparent.com/partner --- Sign up for the weekly newsletter at disciplemakingparent.com to receive the complete audiobook free. Part of our mission to help parents raise children who love the Lord and become disciple-makers. --- Resources From This Podcast The Pastor’s Family, by Brian Croft Practical Shepherding Podcast episode: Marriage Panel: A Real Life Conversation and Encouragement Sermons to Children, by J.C. Ryle Managing Your Households Well, by Chap Bettis

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we continue our look at my newest book, Managing Your Households Well. We’ll explore the vital connection between family and church leadership through Paul's teaching in 1 Timothy 3:5. We discover how leading a family well directly impacts church leadership, examining four key areas: leading effectively, communicating with purpose, handling conflict, and building character. We also discuss how true leadership involves both serving others and maintaining forward momentum in our God-given responsibilities.  Resources Mentioned: Join Newsletter and get The Disciple-Making Parent audiobook for free Managing Your Households Well - Amazon Managing Your Households Well bonuses

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we explore the critical but often misunderstood topic of managing our households well. We're excited to announce the release of Chap’s new book "Managing Your Households Well" which examines how family leadership prepares us for church leadership. This episode unpacks two key insights from first half of the book. Chap discusses the delicate balance of authority and affection in both parenting and pastoring, and why authenticity matters more than maintaining a perfect appearance. Join us as we discover why managing our households well isn't about having a perfect family, but about leading with wisdom, respect, and genuine care.

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we introduce a brand new Q & A format. Together, we’ll look at crucial parenting topics including establishing parental authority in early years, handling temper tantrums, navigating disagreements between spouses on discipline methods, and responding to children's constant "why" questions. We’ll consider practical wisdom on raising children who are both obedient and creative, emphasizing the importance of balancing firm boundaries with warm affection. ----- Featured Resources Parenting with Confidence Video Course: Get free access to this comprehensive parenting course with the purchase of a workbook. Perfect for individual study or small groups, covering topics like discipline, routines, and building authority with affection.The Disciple Making Parent Audiobook: Sign up for the weekly newsletter at disciplemakingparent.com to receive the complete audiobook free. Part of our mission to help parents raise children who love the Lord and become disciple-makers.

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent, we explore the concept of "disenculturation" as an alternative to "deconstruction." We sit down with Collin Hansen, Vice President for content and editor in chief at the Gospel Coalition, to understand how Christians can evaluate their cultural practices through a biblical lens. Through engaging examples from church history, we examine how to distinguish between essential biblical truths and cultural practices that have become intertwined with faith. From worship styles to dress codes, we discuss how different generations navigate these distinctions. We also tackle challenging topics like historical Christian responses to racism and segregation, while offering practical advice for parents and pastors on helping their communities distinguish between non-negotiable faith elements and cultural expressions. Drawing from examples like the Jesus Revolution and contemporary church practices, we learn how to maintain strong biblical convictions while showing grace toward different cultural expressions of faith.  Resources from this podcast: The Gospel Coalition Young, Restless, Reformed: A Journalist’s Journey with the New Calvinists, by Collin Hansen The Gospelbound Podcast Interview with Collin Hansen on Rediscover Church: Why the Body of Christ is Essential Before You Lose Your Faith: Deconstructing Doubt in the Church, by Trevin Wax A God-Sized Vision: Revival Stories that Stretch and Stir, by Collin Hansen The Fabric of Theology, by Richard Lints (origin of his concept of theological vision) TGC Foundation Documents: Theological Vision for Ministry Walking Through Deconstruction: How To Be a Companion In a Crisis of Faith, by Ian Harber Rebecca McLaughlin ---- NEW RESOURCE: "Launch: Biblical Help to Move Your Teen or Young Adult Into the Real World" - A concise one-hour read packed with essential guidance for parents navigating the challenging transition of teens into adulthood. Available on our website and Amazon. FREE AUDIOBOOK: Get "The Disciple Making Parent" audiobook completely free when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter at disciplemakingparent.com. Join our mission to equip parents, grandparents, and pastors with the tools to pass the gospel to the next generation.

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Podcast, we sit down with Melissa Kruger to explore the challenges and joys of raising teenagers in today's world. We discuss how to create meaningful family connections in a tech-saturated age, establish healthy boundaries while showing acceptance, and maintain availability without sacrificing personal boundaries. Through practical examples and heartfelt insights, we learn how to balance rules with grace, consequences with compassion, and discover why our relationship with God remains the foundation for effective parenting. Whether you're navigating the teenage years or preparing for them, this conversation offers encouraging perspectives on raising teens with biblical wisdom in a secular age. ---- Resources From This Week's Podcast: Parenting with Hope: Raising Teens for Christ In a Secular Age, by Melissa Kruger  Walking With God In the Season of Motherhood, by Melissa Kruger The Gospel Coalition The New City Catechism Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell David and Goliath, by Malcolm Gladwell Our new book "Launch: Biblical Help for Moving Your Teen or Young Adult into the Real World" offers practical guidance for parents navigating the transition period, and you can get a free audiobook of "The Disciple Making Parent" by signing up for our newsletter. You can find all of this and more at thedisciplemakingparent.com.

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Podcast, we journey into the powerful testimony of Banele Ndlovu, a young Zulu man from South Africa who assists with translation work at Imprint ministry. We explore his upbringing in a complex spiritual environment, where traditional ancestor worship met Catholicism. Through his mother's battle with cancer and his own search for truth, we witness how a crisis of faith led him from planning to become an atheist to finding authentic Christianity. His story showcases the contrast between the endless cycle of appeasing ancestors and the transformative power of discovering truth through Scripture. From believing he was the only true Christian in the world to finding a community of believers, Banele's journey reminds us of how genuine faith can emerge from the depths of spiritual confusion. --- A brand-new resource is coming this June for pastors, deacons, and aspiring church leaders! Managing Your Households Well: How Family Leadership Trains You for Church Leadership is based on Paul’s wisdom in 1 Timothy 3:4 and is designed for church leadership teams to study together. Pre-order now on Amazon and get ready to strengthen both your home and church leadership!   📖 Pre-order here

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent, we hear an inspiring story of transformation and ministry in South Africa. We meet Tommie Van Der Walt, the executive director of Imprint Ministries, who shares his journey from being a rebellious prodigal to becoming a passionate minister. Through a powerful testimony involving a car accident and faithful friends, we learn how God's grace and a praying mother's persistence led to his dramatic conversion.  After his conversion, Tommie's path led him from teaching English in Thailand to establishing Imprint Ministries, an organization dedicated to training pastors and providing affordable Christian resources across Africa. We also gain fascinating insights into the diverse landscape of South African churches, from traditional denominations to unique cultural expressions of faith. The episode concludes with valuable wisdom on intentional discipleship and the importance of maintaining strong family connections within the church community.  ----- Resources From This Podcast: Imprint  Ligonier Desiring God 9Marks Crossway Don't miss out on these two valuable resources from The Disciple Making Parent: Weekly Family Discipleship Email: Sign up at thedisciplemakingparent.com to receive weekly prompts for family discipleship. As a bonus, you'll get the audiobook of The Disciple Making Parent completely free⁠⁠. The Disciple Making Parent Audio Blog: Listen to over 150 blog posts in audio format, perfect for learning on the go. Find it on your favorite podcast provider by searching "The Disciple Making Parent Audio Blog". Visit thedisciplemakingparent.com today to access these free resources and strengthen your family's discipleship journey.