Advertise on podcast: The PursueGOD Truth Podcast

Christian Zionism is a belief system and movement among some Christians, primarily Evangelicals, who support the right of the Jewish people to return to their ancestral homeland and the modern State of Israel. This support is rooted in a literal interpretation of the Bible, specifically the belief that God’s covenant with Abraham regarding the land is eternal and unconditional. For many Christian Zionists, the establishment of Israel in 1948 is seen as a direct fulfillment of biblical prophecy and a key prerequisite for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. -- The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected]. Donate Now --

Dispensationalism is the theological system that stands as the primary alternative to covenant theology. It teaches that God has worked through different “dispensations”—or distinct periods of time—throughout history, each with its own specific rules and responsibilities for humanity. While covenant theology emphasizes a single, unified plan for one people of God, dispensationalism emphasizes that God has two distinct plans: one for the nation of Israel and one for the church. -- The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected]. Donate Now --

The way you interpret the Bible—specifically whether you lean toward Covenant Theology or Dispensationalism—acts like a pair of glasses. It colors everything you see when you look at a map of the Middle East or read the evening news. Your theology determines whether you view the modern State of Israel as a miraculous fulfillment of biblical prophecy or as a secular nation-state unrelated to the “True Israel” of the church. -- The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected]. Donate Now --

The Bible teaches that Jesus had to die because God is both perfectly holy and perfectly loving. Since every human has sinned, we owe a debt to God’s justice that we cannot pay ourselves. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, died as our substitute, taking the punishment we deserved. His sacrifice satisfies God’s justice while offering us complete forgiveness and eternal life as a free gift. -- The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected]. Donate Now --

In this episode, Pastor Bryan challenges the myth of instant spiritual transformation and explains how real change happens through the slow, often messy process of progressive sanctification—where God works in us over time to shape us into who we already are in Christ. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the same struggles, this conversation offers hope by showing that the struggle itself is actually evidence that God is still at work in you. -- The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected]. Donate Now --

Welcome back! When you become a Christian, your old nature—the person you were apart from God—is legally and spiritually dead, but it is not yet physically destroyed. The Bible teaches that you are a “new creation” in Christ, yet you still live in a fallen body with old habits. While the power of sin is broken, the presence of sin remains, leading to an ongoing internal struggle between your new spiritual identity and your old sinful patterns. -- The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected]. Donate Now --

Welcome back to the Truth Podcast! In this episode, we explore the structural backbone of the entire Bible: The Covenants. From the rainbow over Noah to the cross of Christ, God has used formal, binding agreements to reveal his character and his unfolding plan for salvation. We’ll discuss the difference between a cold legal contract and a relational biblical covenant, and how each major agreement—Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, and Davidic—ultimately finds its fulfillment in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. Whether you are new to the faith or a long-time believer, understanding these divine promises will help you see the "big picture" of God’s unwavering commitment to humanity. -- The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected]. Donate Now --

In part two of this story, Kevin and Jennifer continue their journey as they wrestle with what faithfulness to God looks like after discovering they still had frozen embryos from IVF 20 years earlier. They share how the Lord led them through difficult decisions, unexpected pregnancy in their fifties, and offer thoughtful advice to believers navigating infertility, IVF, and the sanctity of life. -- The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected]. Donate Now -- Links mentioned in epiosde: Kevin and Jennifer's youtube channel. "And the test results are..." Allie Beth Stuckey - Why I’m Glad Alabama Has Banned IVF In part two of this remarkable story, Kevin and Jennifer Gordon share how God led them through an unexpected next chapter decades after their infertility journey first began. After adopting their daughter, welcoming two sons through IVF and natural pregnancy, and leaving frozen embryos untouched for 20 years, they found themselves wrestling with what obedience to God would look like now. What followed was a faith-filled journey of prayer, wise counsel, medical hurdles, and ultimately a pregnancy in Jennifer’s fifties that neither of them would have chosen on their own. This episode is a powerful conversation about life, conviction, and surrender. Kevin and Jennifer reflect honestly on the emotional, spiritual, and practical realities of IVF, frozen embryos, adoption, and trusting God when the path makes no human sense. Their story challenges listeners to think carefully about the sanctity of life, the cost of obedience, and the goodness of God in every season.

In this episode we peel back the layers of the Genesis narrative to reveal a startling truth: Eden wasn't a retirement villa; it was a high-stakes job site. By examining the original Hebrew context, we discover that Adam and Eve were the world’s first priests, stationed in a "Garden-Temple" where the borders of heaven and earth met. We explore how their original mandate to "work and keep" the land was actually a sacred liturgical commission—the same one later given to the Levites in the Tabernacle. From the failure of the "first security guard" to the restoration found in the "Last Adam," this episode reframes your daily 9-to-5 not as a secular grind, but as a holy vocation. You aren't just earning a paycheck; you are an image-bearer called to bring God’s presence into every cubicle, classroom, and corner of the world. -- The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected]. Donate Now How Did Adam and Eve Function Like Priests in Eden?

In this part one episode, Kevin and Jennifer Gordon share their remarkable journey through years of infertility, miscarriage, IVF, and adoption—and how, after decades of trusting God through disappointment and unexpected blessings, they now find themselves stepping into an unbelievable new chapter: a pregnancy at 52. -- The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected]. Donate Now -- Kevin and Jennifer Gordon join Tracy and Bryan on the Family Podcast to share the shocking news that Jennifer is pregnant at 52 years old—and how that moment is the latest chapter in a decades-long journey of infertility, grief, faith, and surrender. They rewind to their early marriage dreams of having 2–3 kids, a heartbreaking miscarriage, and years of “nothing, nothing, nothing,” followed by difficult decisions about fertility treatments they didn’t fully understand and even feared might be “playing God.” Through prayer, unexpected open doors, and wise counsel from a godly mentor, they eventually pursued IVF—while God was also softening their hearts toward adoption. Their story takes a dramatic turn as God redirects them to adopt their daughter from China, then later leads them back to their frozen embryos—resulting in the birth of their son Eli through IVF and another surprise: a natural pregnancy that brought their third child, Ethan. With three kids and years passing, they left remaining embryos frozen, assuming they’d “deal with it later,” even as a quiet conviction lingered. In recent years, new cultural conversations about embryos reignited the issue, and Jennifer sensed God stirring again. The episode ends at a powerful Good Friday service where she realizes she’s been holding a hidden “no” toward God—and she fully surrenders, open to whatever God asks next, even if it means something unimaginable in their 50s.

FAILURE TO LAUNCHBig Idea: Spiritual maturity isn’t about age; it’s about the “launch.” It’s the moment you stop being a consumer of the church and start being a contributor to the mission. In 2018, a bizarre story made national headlines. A 30-year-old man named Michael Rotondo was sued by his own parents because he refused to move out of their house. He didn’t pay rent. He didn’t help with chores. He ignored written eviction notices. Eventually, his parents had to take him to court just to get him to leave. The judge ruled that being a family member doesn’t entitle someone to stay indefinitely without contributing. He was ordered to launch. We laugh at stories like that because they feel extreme. But the author of Hebrews delivers a similar rebuke—not to a lazy adult son, but to churchgoers who refused to grow up spiritually. Hebrews 5:11–14 (NLT) says: “There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen.You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right.Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.”The message is clear: spiritual maturity isn’t automatic. It doesn’t come with time served in church. It comes with intentional growth. Today we see three marks of spiritual “grown-ups” straight from this text. 1. Spiritual grown-ups don’t just read — they study.The author rebukes them for still needing “milk.” Milk isn’t bad. It’s essential for babies. But it’s tragic for adults. Milk is predigested. It requires no effort. Spiritually speaking, “milk” is relying only on what others say about God. It’s surviving on a weekly sermon and never digging deeper. If your only spiritual intake is 30 minutes on Sunday, you’re on a liquid diet. Reading the Bible is good. It’s like taking a scenic drive through beautiful country. Studying the Bible is getting out of the car and reading the historical markers. It means slowing down and asking questions. That’s where inductive Bible study comes in: Observation: What does the text say?Interpretation: What did it mean to the original audience?Application: How does it apply today? The Bible was written to people in a specific time and culture, but it was written for us. Studying moves us from surface-level familiarity to life-shaping understanding. And this leads naturally to the second mark of maturity. 2. Spiritual grown-ups don’t just study — they apply.Hebrews 5:13 says an infant “doesn’t know how to do what is right.” Knowledge without obedience produces immaturity. You can know Greek word studies. You can debate theology. You can listen to endless podcasts. But if you don’t obey, you’re spiritually stalled. Verse 14 says mature believers are those who “through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.” The word “training” comes from the Greek word gymnazō — where we get “gymnasium.” Growth requires exercise. Application is spiritual training. It’s forgiveness when it’s hard. It’s generosity when it’s costly. It’s integrity when no one is watching. Information alone doesn’t transform. Obedience does. If we only “taste” truth without walking in it, our hearts grow dull. Discernment comes from practiced obedience. 3. Spiritual grown-ups don’t just apply — they teach.Hebrews 5:12 says, “You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others.” This is the launch. The goal of maturity isn’t self-improvement. It’s multiplication. Ephesians 4:14 (NLT) says: “Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching.”Teaching others stabilizes your own faith. When you pour out, you grow up. There is a shift every believer must make—from consumer to contributor. From audience to ambassador. From “What am I getting?” to “Who am I helping?” The cure for spiritual dullness isn’t more consumption. It’s contribution. When Michael Rotondo was evicted, he didn’t thank his parents. He said he was outraged. He wanted to stay a child forever. God loves us too much to let us stay spiritually rotund—full but unproductive. He calls us out of comfort and into mission. Don’t fight the launch. Don’t settle for the bottle when God has a feast—and a purpose—waiting for you. Spiritual maturity isn’t about how long you’ve believed. It’s about whether you’ve launched.

In this episode Pastor Bryan challenges the popular but dangerous habit of "narcissistic" Bible reading—treating the Scriptures like a mirror to validate our own feelings rather than a window into the mind of God. By exploring the critical distinction between Eisegesis (reading our own meaning into the text) and Exegesis (drawing God’s meaning out of it), we uncover how misusing "inspiring" verses like Jeremiah 29:11 or Philippians 4:13 can actually silence the Holy Spirit's true intent. Listeners will walk away with a practical four-pillar framework for Hermeneutics, shifting from seeking "nuggets of personal approval" to encountering the transformative, Christ-centered reality of the Word. -- The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected]. Donate Now Keyword: Bible StudyWhat’s the Difference between Eisegesis and Exegesis?What Is Biblical Hermeneutics? --

In this episode, Tracy explains why forgiveness isn’t passive, instant, or pretending the hurt didn’t happen—it’s an active, ongoing choice that makes healing and growth possible in your marriage. She unpacks what forgiveness is (and isn’t), shows what it can look like in real-life scenarios, and challenges both spouses to not only give forgiveness but ask for it with humility. -- The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected]. Donate Now -- Gary Chapman's book: The Five Languages of Apology Video from the Marriage Channel: The F Word that Can Save Your Marriage Forgiveness in Marriage: The Choice That Changes EverythingEvery marriage will face hurt. Expectations will be missed. Words will be spoken in frustration. Sometimes there will even be deep betrayal. The question isn’t if you’ll need forgiveness in your marriage — it’s whether you’ll choose it. Forgiveness is not passive. It’s not pretending the hurt didn’t happen. And it’s not a “magic eraser” that wipes away pain overnight. Biblical forgiveness is an active, ongoing choice. It’s the decision to release the offense so that healing and growth can begin. When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone, Jesus answered, “seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22. That wasn’t a literal number — it was a posture. Forgiveness is meant to characterize the heart of a follower of Christ. What Forgiveness Is1. Forgiveness Is a Choice Forgiveness doesn’t always feel natural. It’s a deliberate decision not to replay the offense over and over or use it as ammunition in the next argument. It’s choosing not to hold your spouse hostage to their failure. 2. Forgiveness Is a Gift You’re giving your spouse space to grow. You’re saying, “You hurt me, but I’m willing to move forward instead of weaponizing this against you.” It creates room for rebuilding. 3. Forgiveness Is Active and Ongoing Some wounds are deep. If there has been infidelity, addiction, or repeated betrayal, forgiveness may not be a one-time event. It may be something you choose daily — even moment by moment — as painful memories resurface. 4. Forgiveness Means Giving Up Vengeance Holding onto bitterness may feel justified, but it poisons your heart. Hebrews 12:15 warns about the “poisonous root of bitterness.” Revenge does not create healing soil for reconciliation. What Forgiveness Is NotForgiveness does not mean forgetting. It does not minimize the offense. And it does not automatically restore trust. Trust and forgiveness are not the same thing. Forgiveness is a proactive gift. Trust is rebuilt over time through consistent behavior. If your spouse betrayed you, forgiveness opens the door for healing — but trust must be earned. God’s Model for MarriageAs followers of Jesus, our ultimate model is God Himself. Ephesians 4:32 tells us to be “kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Psalm 103:10-12 reminds us that God does not treat us as our sins deserve. He removes our sins “as far from us as the east is from the west.” Romans 5:8 declares that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. When we remember how much we’ve been forgiven, it softens our hearts toward our spouse. We’ve offended a holy God far more than our spouse has offended us — yet He forgives with compassion. What Forgiveness Looks Like in Real LifeScenario 1: Missed Expectations Maybe your spouse is chronically late. They forget anniversaries. They don’t plan date nights. Forgiveness here might look like clearly communicating your expectations instead of silently building resentment. It might mean maintaining a posture that wants your spouse to succeed — not secretly hoping they fail so you can feel justified. It also means refusing to live in “negative sentiment override,” constantly focusing on their flaws. Instead, choose to remember the qualities you love about them and invite trusted mentors or counselors to help you grow. Scenario 2: Betrayal (Pornography Relapse or Infidelity) This is heavier. Forgiveness in this case does not mean ignoring the betrayal. It means honest confrontation, outside help, accountability structures, and clear expectations. Forgiveness says, “I’m willing to give you space to rebuild trust.” It does not eliminate consequences, but it removes vengeance from the equation so healing can begin. Many couples have rebuilt after devastating betrayal — but it only happened because the offended spouse was willing to extend forgiveness, and the offending spouse was willing to earn trust. When You Need to Ask for ForgivenessForgiveness isn’t only about giving it. Sometimes you need to ask for it. That requires humility. It means taking responsibility without shifting blame. It means saying clearly what you did wrong and asking for forgiveness. Healthy marriages are built when both spouses know how to forgive and how to repent. The Better Way ForwardBitterness is like gasoline on a fire. Forgiveness is the extinguisher. One destroys; the other creates space for rebuilding. If you want a healthy marriage, forgiveness cannot be optional. Pray for a softened heart. Meditate on how God has forgiven you. Choose forgiveness — again and again. It’s not easy. But it is freeing. And it is God-honoring.

Have you ever wondered if you’re a two-part or a three-part being? While many Christians use the terms "soul" and "spirit" interchangeably, others argue they represent distinct layers of our spiritual anatomy. In this episode, we dive deep into the classic theological debate between Dichotomy (body and soul/spirit) and Trichotomy (body, soul, and spirit). By exploring the Hebrew concept of nephesh, the "parallelism" of Mary’s song, and the "piercing" metaphor in Hebrews 4:12, we uncover why this isn't just a technical word study—it’s a vital look at how God redeems the whole person. Whether you feel like your emotions are at war with your faith or you're trying to map out your "inner self," this conversation clarifies how we are a unified "unity of dust and breath." -- The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected]. Donate Now What Is The “Trichotomist” View Of Human Beings? - The trichotomist view is the theological perspective that human beings are composed of three distinct parts: body, soul, and spirit. While the “dichotomist” view—the idea that man is a unified being of material (body) and immaterial (soul/spirit)—has been the more dominant position throughout church history, trichotomy seeks to make a sharper distinction between our psychological life and our spiritual life. According to this framework, the soul and spirit are not just different words for the same thing, but separate components with unique functions.What Is the “Dichotomist” View of Human Beings? - The dichotomist view is the biblical and theological belief that human beings consist of two distinct parts: the material (the physical body) and the immaterial (the soul or spirit). Unlike the trichotomist view, which argues for a three-part breakdown of body, soul, and spirit, dichotomy suggests that “soul” and “spirit” are simply two different names for the same non-physical essence that lives on after the body dies.Is There a Difference Between Soul and Spirit? - The Bible uses the terms “soul” and “spirit” to describe the immaterial part of a human being, but most biblical scholars believe they refer to the same essence seen from different perspectives. While some argue for a three-part (trichotomist) view, the “dichotomist” view—that humans consist of two parts, a physical body and a unified spiritual soul—is the most consistent way to understand how Scripture describes our inner life. -- Key Discussion PointsThe Vocabulary of Humanity: An introduction to "Theological Anthropology" and why science alone cannot explain the immaterial part of a human being.The Creation Account (Genesis 2:7): Analyzing the "math" of creation—dust (material) plus breath (immaterial) equals a living nephesh (soul).The Trichotomist View: The belief in three parts:Body: Physical relation to the environment.Soul: The seat of personality (mind, will, emotions).Spirit: The capacity for God-consciousness.The Dichotomist View: The belief that "soul" and "spirit" are two names for the same immaterial essence, often used as synonyms or poetic parallelism in Scripture.The "Hebrews 4:12" Dilemma: A closer look at the verse often used to prove a split between soul and spirit, and why it might actually be a metaphor for deep penetration rather than anatomical separation.Holistic Redemption: Why compartmentalizing our "good spirit" from our "messy soul" is a dangerous lie, and how God seeks to redeem our entire being—thoughts, feelings, and bodies.

In this episode, Tracy unpacks the pressure-filled world of youth sports and challenges parents to trade performance-driven parenting for Christ-centered encouragement that builds character instead of insecurity. -- The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected]. Donate Now -- Parenting Your Kids in Sports: Encouragement That Builds CharacterSports can be one of the best training grounds for kids—or one of the most stressful parts of family life. If the thought of your child’s next game already makes you anxious, you’re not alone. Many parents feel pressure (from coaches, culture, other parents, and even themselves) to treat childhood sports like a career path. And if you’ve ever found yourself internalizing your kid’s performance as a reflection of your value as a parent, this topic is for you. Here’s the big reality check: the sports world has changed fast. Not that long ago, kids played multiple sports at their local school and it was mostly about fun, learning skills, and being with friends. But today, it often feels like you have to “choose one sport,” join a competitive club, train year-round, travel constantly, and chase a scholarship—starting in elementary school. That pressure can turn sports from something healthy into something consuming. But before we even talk strategy, we have to talk about heart posture. Many of us are parenting out of baggage we’ve never named. Maybe you had a coach who humiliated you. Maybe your parents were overly intense—or totally checked out. Maybe you were the star athlete and it fed pride. Or maybe you always felt like you were on the outside trying to prove yourself. Whatever your story is, it shapes how you respond to your kid’s wins, losses, effort, attitude, and mistakes. So here’s the question that changes everything: Why do I care so much about my kid’s performance? What does it “say about me” if they play well—or if they don’t? If you can’t answer that honestly, you’ll struggle to parent this area in a healthy way. Because we can’t lead our kids somewhere we haven’t gone ourselves. Next, let’s talk expectations. A lot of sports culture sells a dream: “We’re going to get your kid a D1 scholarship.” But the odds are small. For many sports, only around 1–3% of high school athletes will reach that level. Most kids won’t—and that’s okay. The point of sports isn’t to build a résumé. It’s to build a person. So what should our emphasis be? Instead of obsessing over points, minutes, wins, and rankings, use sports to teach what matters in real life: How to be a good teammateHow to celebrate others’ successHow to handle disappointmentHow to respect authority (even when it’s imperfect)How to show up, work hard, and not quitHow to build resilience after failure These are character lessons your child will carry into friendships, future jobs, marriage, parenting, and faith. And that leads to the biggest “moment” you need to get right: the post-game conversation. Here’s a simple equation that can change your parenting: Positive feedback + criticism = discouragement Parents often think, “I’ll start with something positive, then mention what they need to improve.” But most kids don’t hear it that way. They hear the “but.” They leave the car ride feeling like they failed you—especially if they already feel pressure from coaches, teammates, or themselves. Your job isn’t to be the assistant coach. Your job is to be the safe place. That doesn’t mean you never talk about growth. It means you choose the right time and tone—and you stop piling on when your kid is already carrying weight. In the moment when emotions are high, your words should be steady, supportive, and encouraging. And above everything, let your parenting mirror God’s heart toward you. God doesn’t love you based on performance. He doesn’t withhold affection when you fail. He’s compassionate, patient, and faithful. Psalm 103 reminds us that the Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry, filled with unfailing love—He doesn’t constantly accuse, and He doesn’t deal harshly with us as we deserve. That’s the kind of spirit we want in our parenting, especially in the car ride home. Sports can be fertile soil for discipleship—if we stop buying the lie that our kid has to be in the “1%” to matter. Your child’s identity isn’t “athlete.” That can be part of their story, but it doesn’t need to be the story. The ultimate win isn’t a scholarship. It’s a kid who grows in character, stays grounded in Jesus, and learns how to live faithfully in the real world.