The Families First Podcast

Most parents and church leaders are racing to equip children with faith but often miss the crucial depth needed to withstand today’s cultural challenges. Dr. Josh Mulvihill exposes how the next generation’s faith is under attack and reveals simple, effective strategies to build a rooted, confident faith that endures. If you're serious about helping your kids and congregation defend their beliefs and develop biblical worldview skills, this episode is your blueprint for transformation.

Talking to your kids about sex doesn’t have to be awkward—or avoided. In this episode, host Pastor Jonathan Olavarria sits down with Hillary Morgan Ferrer, founder of Mama Bear Apologetics, to share practical, biblical ways to guide conversations about sex, gender, and God’s design. We’ll tackle when to start, how to talk to boys and girls differently, navigating gender confusion, and what to do if you feel like you’ve “missed the moment.” About Hillary: Hillary is the bestselling author of Mama Bear Apologetics and Mama Bear Apologetics Guide to Sexuality. She equips parents to discern truth from lies in today’s culture, drawing from her background in biology and her passion for faith-based family discipleship.  

What do you do when your child asks, “Why does God allow suffering?” or “Is Jesus the only way?” In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Pastor Curtis Dunlap helps parents navigate the hard questions kids are asking about faith, culture, and truth. Pastor Curt serves as the Family Life and Teaching Pastor at Epiphany Fellowship Church in Philadelphia, where he leads ministries for men, marriages, and youth. He’s also the founder of the Resolve Youth Conference and a passionate discipler of the next generation. With a heart for urban ministry and deep experience as a husband, father, and pastor, he brings both biblical depth and practical wisdom.

As Father’s Day approaches, we’re sitting down with three incredible dads and ministry leaders—Bishop Daniel Felipe, Pastor Mark Wagnon, and Pastor Carlos Perez—for a real and refreshing conversation on what it means to father Generation Alpha. From digital distractions to shifting family dynamics, these leaders unpack the joys and challenges of raising kids in today’s world while staying grounded in biblical truth. Whether you’re a dad, a mentor, or a church leader walking alongside parents, this episode offers wisdom, humor, and encouragement for anyone shaping the hearts of the next generation.

In this powerful episode, Arlene Pellicane shares insight on how families can raise emotionally healthy and spiritually strong children in a screen-saturated, AI-driven world. From her book Screen Kids (coauthored with Dr. Gary Chapman) to her wisdom as a mother and advocate for delayed tech, Arlene equips parents and grandparents with practical tools to help kids thrive in real life—not just the digital one. Resources Mentioned:  For information and resources sponsored by Child Discipleship & Faith Formation, visit us at www.cogop.org/children.  Screen Kids by Arlene Pellicane & Dr. Gary Chapman Grandparenting Screen Kids by Arlene Pellicane & Dr. Gary Chapman Arlene’s Podcast: Happy Home Podcast The Social Dilemma (Netflix Documentary)  

In this episode, Pastor Jonathan Olavarria interviews Dr. Brian Dembowczyk, who joins us to discuss practical ways families can cultivate a strong, enduring faith in their children. Tune in to discover how you can guide your children to stand confidently in their faith and stay rooted in God’s Word. Dr. Brian Dembowczyk, associate publisher for Thomas Nelson Bibles and author of Family Discipleship That Works. Dr. Dembowczyk previously served as managing editor of The Gospel Project, a Bible study curriculum reaching over 1.6 million participants each week, and has held pastoral roles focused on discipleship and family ministry. Follow along with SHOW NOTES.  Resources mentioned: Family Discipleship That Works The Gospel: God's Plan for Me 

In this heartfelt episode of the Families First Podcast, hosts Jonathan Olavarria and Joy Hensley sit down with Melissa McDonald—a seasoned children's ministry leader, author, and foster parent. Melissa shares her faith, fostering, and discipleship journey, offering insights on how the church can better support vulnerable children and families. Whether you’re considering foster care, helping someone in the journey, or simply looking to better understand how faith can guide this vital work, this episode is for you.

When you are a kid, you imagine a day when you can do things your way and not like your parents want. However, as many of us have learned, there comes a day when you are thankful for the lessons your parents and grandparents taught. Listen in on this special podcast featuring Bishop Duke & Shirlene Stone and Bishop Scott & Brenda Gillum as they share the pieces of their faith heritage they received from their parents as well as their hopes and dreams for the future state of parenting and grand-parenting. 

Parenthood is an incredible journey filled with moments of joy, growth, and discovery. For Christian parents, the experience of nurturing girls in the faith is a significant assignment, offering blessings and unique complexities. We all share goals of instilling Christian values, navigating faith, fostering confidence, and nurturing a deep connection to God.  On the second episode of the FAMILIES FIRST PODCAST, special guest Melissa Minter shares her journey—what worked and didn't work—to raise strong, compassionate, and spiritually grounded Godly young women.

In this inaugural episode, we explore the joys and challenges of raising boys. This month's guests, Dr. William and Angela Lamb, share their story of raising three sons who are all now involved in ministry as young husbands and fathers. In this conversation, the Lambs provide insight, inspiration, and practical wisdom for parents, caregivers, and anyone interested in the spiritual upbringing of the next generation.