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Over the past several decades, churches have invested enormous amounts of time, creativity, and resources into ministry to children and youth. Yet we have also witnessed a troubling decline in the number of young people continuing in the Christian faith. To understand where we are today, we need to understand how we got here. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we trace the history of faith transmission and child discipleship across thousands of years. From ancient Judaism and the Old and New Testaments to the early church, medieval Christianity, the Reformation, the Industrial Revolution, and the emergence of a distinct youth culture in the 20th century, we examine what has changed and remained the same over time. We explore:  How children were taught the faith in ancient Judaism  The biblical examples of faith transmission The importance of memorization, Scripture engagement, and catechismsThe responsibilities between the church and parents in discipling kids How industrialization began changing family, church, and community life  The emergence of a distinct youth culture in the 1940s and 1950s  How these developments set the stage for the children's and youth ministry models that emerged in the late twentieth century Before asking what children's ministry should look like in the future, this episode looks backward—because some of the practices we need today may be much older than we think. Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

If the way we've been doing children's ministry isn't working, what should we do differently? In Part 2, I'm joined by Matt Markins, President and CEO of Awana, to examine the development of children's ministry from the 1980s through today—and to consider a different way forward. We discuss some of the trends that shaped modern ministry to kids: an increasing emphasis on entertainment, attraction, programs, and age-specific experiences, along with the unintended consequences that can come when these things displace deeper formation. But our conversation isn't simply about criticizing the past. It's about recovering practices that have formed God's people for generations. We discuss:  How children's ministry changed from the 1980s through the 2020s  Well-intentioned ministry trends that may not have produced lasting faith  Why relationships are essential to lasting discipleship  The importance of helping children engage deeply with Scripture  Teaching kids the overarching story and major themes of the Bible  Why memorization still matters  Recovering catechisms, creeds, and other historic practices of Christian formation  What churches and parents can do differently as they disciple the next generation The way forward may, in fact, be an ancient path: deep relationships, deep engagement with Scripture, and intentionally passing the Christian faith from one generation to the next. Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

When and how should children be baptized? What does baptism mean? And what does the Bible teach? In this episode we explore an important moment parents face: When and how should my child be baptized? Rather than beginning with church tradition, we begin with Scripture—tracing the story of baptism from the Old Testament through the intertestamental period and into the New Testament. We discuss:  What baptism is and why Jesus commanded it  The biblical purpose and meaning of baptism  The Old Testament and Jewish background that prepares us for baptism  When and how baptism should be practiced  The historical development of Catholic, Reformation, and Baptist views of baptism  Why I believe Scripture points to believer's baptism Whether you're considering baptism for yourself, your child, or simply want to understand the biblical and historical foundations of baptism, this episode is designed to help you think carefully and faithfully about this important expression of following Christ. Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

Why do families matter so much to God? In this episode, I’m joined by my senior pastor, Dr. David Palmer, to explore the biblical importance of family and the unique role families play in God's redemptive plan. We discuss:  Why families matter to God as seen in Scripture Where we see the importance of family throughout Scripture  Why God so often uses family language to describe His relationship with His people  The connection between our physical families and our spiritual family in Christ Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself as Father, welcomes believers as His children, and forms His people into a family. This conversation explores why those themes matter and how our earthly families help shape our understanding of belonging, discipleship, and life in Christ. Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

How can families, churches, and communities better support children with special needs? And what can we learn from them? In this episode, I’m joined by speech-language pathologist Jocyline Graham to discuss practical ways we can encourage, include, and support children with special needs at home, in the church, and throughout our communities. We discuss:  Why children with special needs matter and reflect the image of God  What children with special needs can teach us about faith, relationships, and community  How parents can support growth and development at home  Ways churches can become more welcoming and inclusive  Practical encouragement for families, ministry leaders, and caregivers We also discuss insights from Sandra Peoples' book Accessible Church and how churches can create environments where children with special needs and their families are welcomed, valued, and able to participate fully in the life of the church. Every child bears the image of God and has unique gifts to offer. This conversation provides practical encouragement for parents, church leaders, and anyone seeking to better support children with special needs while learning from the strengths and perspectives they bring. 📚 Referenced in this episode: Accessible Church by Sandra Peoples 👍 If this episode was helpful, consider subscribing for more conversations on discipling kids with biblical clarity and practical wisdom. Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

How do children learn to share their faith? And what might adults discover when they pay attention to the way children respond to the gospel? In this episode, I’m joined by pastor’s wife and friend Catherine Reynolds for a conversation about evangelism—what it is, why it matters, and how parents can model it in everyday life. We discuss:  What evangelism actually is—and what it isn’t  Why children need to see faith shared, not just taught  Practical ways to involve kids in gospel conversations  How children can become examples for adults in faith and witness  Insights from The Great Dechurching and why intentional faith formation matters now more than ever Children are not only learners—they can often remind us what simple trust, bold faith, and joyful witness look like. As families seek to disciple the next generation, evangelism becomes more than an event—it becomes a way of life that children are invited into and shaped by. Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

What happens when we have to learn fatherhood without having experienced it ourselves? In this episode, I’m joined by scholar and author Dr. Jerry Pattengale for a thoughtful conversation about parenting, storytelling, and helping kids grow to love the Bible. We discuss: Learning how to be a father after growing up without oneWhy storytelling and imagination matter in discipleshipHelping kids engage the Bible in meaningful waysThe role of history, artifacts, and immersive experiences in shaping faithHow parents should think about shows like The Chosen with their childrenDr. Pattengale also shares practical wisdom and encouragement for parents who want to faithfully disciple their kids—even when the journey feels difficult or unfamiliar. Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the world our kids are growing up in—but how should parents think about it? In this episode, I’m joined again by Chris McKenna from Protect Young Eyes to discuss the growing influence of AI on children, families, and everyday life. We talk about the opportunities, dangers, and practical ways parents can begin having wise conversations with their kids about artificial intelligence. We discuss: What AI actually is and why it matters for parentsHow AI is already shaping the lives of kids and teensPotential dangers and concerns families should be aware ofHow parents can talk about AI with wisdom and discernmentWhy discipleship and critical thinking matter in an AI-driven worldAs technology continues to develop rapidly, parents don’t need to respond with fear—but they do need wisdom. This conversation is designed to help families think carefully and biblically about the future our kids are stepping into. 🔗 Learn more about Protect Young Eyes: Watch this interview on YOUTUBE Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

Screens, social media, and technology are shaping our kids in powerful ways—but how should parents respond? In this episode, I’m joined by Chris McKenna from Protect Young Eyes to talk about the real risks of screens and social media for kids—and the practical steps parents can take right now to lead well in a digital world. We discuss: The biggest dangers kids face with screens and social media How technology is shaping their habits, attention, and relationships What the recent concerns around platforms like Meta reveal Practical habits parents can begin implementing today If you’ve ever felt unsure how to navigate screens and social media in your home, this conversation will help you think clearly and act intentionally. Watch on YOUTUBE 📚 Learn more about Protect Young Eyes About the guest: Chris McKenna is the founder of Protect Young Eyes, an organization dedicated to helping families create safer digital environments for kids through education, resources, and practical tools. 👍 If this was helpful, consider subscribing for more conversations on discipling kids. Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

How do everyday habits like sleep, screen time, and physical activity shape not just our kids’ health—but their discipleship? In this episode, I’m joined by pediatrician Dr. RoseAnn Scheller to talk about the importance of healthy habits in the home. From sleep and nutrition to movement, screen time, and discipline, we explore how caring for the body is an important part of raising kids to follow Christ. We discuss: Why the body matters in discipleshipHealthy rhythms for sleep, eating, and physical activityHow screen time impacts kids’ developmentThe connection between discipline, habits, and long-term formation🎥 Watch Dr. Scheller’s full lecture, Healthy Habits of the Household: https://youtu.be/Anu14B6gc54 If you’re looking to build healthier rhythms in your home that support both the body and the soul, this conversation will give you practical guidance and encouragement. 🔗 Learn more about Dr. RoseAnn Scheller’s pediatric practice: https://www.cincinnatipediatrics.com/about/staff/roseann-scheller Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

How should Christian parents think about youth sports—and what role should it play in discipling our kids? In this episode, I’m joined by Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski, co-authors of Away Game, to talk about the opportunities and challenges youth sports create for families. From packed schedules to competing priorities, sports can shape our kids in powerful ways—for better or worse. We discuss: The hidden pressures and pitfalls of youth sports cultureHow sports can compete with (or support) your child’s faithWhat it looks like to disciple your kids in the midst of busy sports seasonsPractical ways to keep what matters most at the centerIf your family is involved in youth sports—or you’re trying to decide how it should fit into your life—this conversation will help you think more clearly and intentionally. 📚 Resource mentioned: Away Game by Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

What do you actually do in the moment when your child or student is overwhelmed, disrespectful, or struggling with big emotions? In this episode, I’m joined by Jen Powers from Tried and True Parenting to continue our discussion on discipline as discipleship. We move from framework to practice, talking through how parents can respond with clarity, consistency, and intentionality. 📚 The Connected Parent  by Karyn Purvis and Lisa Qualls We discuss: The importance of parent self-assessmentPractical scripts you can use in real situationsHow to respond to big emotions and disrespectApproaches that keep discipleship—not just behavior—as the goalIf you’ve ever felt unsure how to handle difficult moments with your kids, this episode will give you practical tools you can begin using right away. This is Part 2 of a 2-part series on using discipline as a tool for discipleship in the home. Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

What if discipline isn’t just about correction—but about discipleship? 📎 View the Pyramid of Discipline HERE: In this episode, we begin a short series on how to think about discipline as a key part of forming our kids spiritually. Rather than focusing only on behavior, we explore a more intentional and biblical framework for discipline. Drawing from Psalm 23, and insights from Justin Earley’s Habits of the Household, as well as The Whole Brain Child we walk through models that help shape how we approach discipline in the home. We’ll cover: A different way to think about disciplineBiblical models that shape how we disciplineHow discipline fits into the larger goal of discipleshipThis is Part 1 of multi-part series on using discipline as a tool for discipleship in the home and classroom. Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

How can you lead a meaningful Passover Seder in your own home with your kids? In this episode, I’m joined by Old Testament scholar, and mom, Dr. Christine Palmer to talk about how families can walk through a Passover Seder in a way that is both faithful and practical. 📎 Download the Family Passover Seder Guide: HERE We discuss: What a Passover Seder is and why it mattersHow to include and engage your kidsSimple, practical ways to lead a Seder at homeIf you’ve ever wanted to make Passover more meaningful for your family but weren’t sure where to start, this conversation will give you clarity and confidence. Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

How do you start discipling your kids in everyday life? In this episode, we talk about what is discipleship, why it matters and how to begin in simple, practical ways at home. If you’ve ever felt unsure where to start, this will help you take clear first steps. We’ll cover: What discipleship is in everyday lifeWhy discipling your kids should be a prioritySimple, practical ways to begin discipling your childrenQuestions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!