Raising Christian Kids

Phil and Diane Comer and their son, John Mark, founded Solid Rock: A Jesus Church, a church filled with young families in Portland, Oregon. They also launched Intentional Parents International to help parents raise the next generation of passionate, all-in-Jesus followers. Phil and Diane have been married for over forty years and have four grown children and a growing cadre of grandkids. During this episode, Phil and Diane explore how they have dedicated their lives to equipping parents to raise the next generation of passionate followers of Jesus. They share their journey from new believers to intentional parents and discuss the impactful resources they've created, such as the Intentional Film Series, their book Raising Passionate Jesus Followers: The Power of Intentional Parenting, and unique events like the Motherhood Retreat. They dive into vital topics like cultivating genuine faith at home, maintaining strong biblical values in an anti-Christian culture, and establishing heartfelt family traditions during Christmas. Key Takeaways: Having an authentic relationship with God: As Phil emphasizes, children learn values from what is taught and from what they observe at home. Demonstrating an authentic love for Jesus and integrating faith into everyday life creates an environment where children naturally embrace their faith. Intentional teaching and training: Proverbs 22:6 implores parents to "train up a child in the way he should go." Phil and Diane stress the importance of guiding children intentionally, providing an environment where Jesus remains the central focus. Navigating challenges with faith: Diane's testimony of losing her hearing and wrestling with her faith was an impactful lesson for her children. It showed them the importance of leaning on God through trials and developing an intimate relationship with Him. Creating meaningful traditions: From reading the Christmas story to incorporating family worship, Phil and Diane share practical ways to introduce and sustain faith-based traditions that reinforce biblical teachings and bring the family closer to Christ. In a world increasingly characterized by anti-Christian culture, Phil and Diane's approach provides a beacon of hope for parents striving to keep their children connected to their faith. This episode serves as a reminder that intentionality lies at the heart of successful parenting and that building a strong spiritual foundation at home is crucial for the next generation! Diane & Phil’s Website & Podcast. * * * * * * * * Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

Sandra Stanley received her Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia Tech and Master of Arts from Dallas Theological Seminary. Sandra has a heart for foster kids and foster families, as she and Andy have been foster parents since 2010. Much of her time these days is spent working on various writing projects and continuing her involvement with Fostering Together, the foster care initiative of North Point Ministries. Allie Stanley Cooney graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Communication. She completed the North Point Residency program and simultaneously earned a Master of Christian Education degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. With a decade of experience guiding students along their spiritual journeys, Allie is passionate about empowering middle school, high school, and college students to embrace a life devoted to following Jesus wholeheartedly. During this episode, Sandra and her daughter Allie discuss their inspiring new book, Meet Me in the Middle: 8 Mother-Daughter Conversations about Life and Faith. Delving into the dynamics of the challenging middle and high school years, our conversation centers around fostering strong, faith-driven relationships between mothers and daughters. We explore their book, which provides invaluable insights and practical advice on navigating crucial topics such as identity, comparison, stress, and decision-making, all through the lens of Philippians 4:4-9. Episode Highlights: Navigating teenage years: Sandra and Allie emphasize the importance of open communication during middle and high school years. They explore how building a strong relationship can pave the way for meaningful conversations, especially during challenging times. Biblical wisdom with Philippians 4:4-9: Discover how this scripture provides a roadmap for living out one's identity in Christ, offering practical steps for both mothers and daughters to strengthen their faith and relationship. Tackling real-life topics: The book covers essential topics like comparison, stress, identity, and decision-making. Sandra and Allie offer practical advice on celebrating others, leveraging personal gifts, and guarding one's heart and mind. Resource for all generations: Whether you're a mom, grandma, aunt, or mentor, this book offers valuable insights that can benefit any woman nurturing a young girl's spiritual journey. Sandra’s Website, Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. Allie’s Instagram & Twitter. * * * * * * * * Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

Head of AI at Gloo, Steele Billings is a seasoned professional in faith tech ecosystems. With a career spanning major technology companies and startups alike, Steele has been instrumental in building technology infrastructure for faith causes. He holds a business degree and has roots in computer science and design. Steele is committed to leveraging technology to fulfill God's purpose. Steele lives in Memphis, Tennessee, with his wife, son and daughter. During this episode, Steele dives into the nuances of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on Christian parenting. With his extensive background in technology and faith, Steele helps unravel the many questions parents have about AI, mainly how it influences our children and intersects with our faith. Together, Lee Ann and Steele discuss the concerns surrounding relational bots and the role of the Church in educating families about AI. Key Takeaways: Understanding AI in a faith context: Steele defines artificial intelligence as autonomous computing, likened to a computer's ability to interpret tasks beyond explicit instructions. He highlights the current landscape of AI, discussing how it moves from narrow AI, where machines perform specific tasks, to a potential future of super AI, where machines could surpass human capabilities. Addressing parental concerns: Many parents express uncertainty about artificial intelligence and its influence on children. Steele emphasizes that while AI presents risks, it also offers opportunities for enhancing learning and productivity. Parents are encouraged to seek education on AI, set boundaries, and communicate openly about technology use grounded in faith with their children. Biblical guidance and faithful AI development: Steele stresses the importance of approaching AI with discernment, guided by the Holy Spirit. He introduces Gloo’s mission to create faith-centered AI tools, emphasizing the development of technology that aligns with biblical values and supports relationships between individuals and God. Practical tips for Christian parents: To help manage the risks and harness the benefits of artificial intelligence, Steele suggests parents engage in discussions with their children about AI's role in our lives. A mindful approach can help reinforce the value of human relationships, underpinning interactions with technological advancements. This episode is a valuable resource for Christian parents navigating the complexities of raising children in an AI-driven world. Parents can foster a strong Christian environment that embraces innovation and spiritual growth by incorporating faith into technology discussions.  * * * * * * * * Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

"Understand the design, the blueprint that God gave us for children and recognize that their inherent worth and dignity is found in them being made in the image of God. Not in their behavior. Not in their obedience or disobedience." - Amanda Erickson. Dr. David and Amanda Erickson are the founders of Flourishing Homes & Families, a ministry that educates, empowers, and equips Christian parents to lead their families through parenting principles rooted in Jesus's teaching. With David’s background in theology and Amanda’s love for child development, they’re passionate about helping parents find harmony at the intersection of Jesus-centered theology and modern neuroscience. David previously served as a pastor and spent fourteen years as a seminary theology professor. During this episode, Dr. David and Amanda both discuss their new book, The Flourishing Family, which intricately weaves scripture with neuroscience, offering parents a fresh and insightful approach to raising children in faith. They elaborate on their ministry’s dedication to educating and empowering Christian parents using parenting principles rooted in the teachings of Jesus, combined with insights from modern neuroscience. Key Takeaways: The Ericksons detail their evolution from foster parenting to raising their own children, realizing the importance of aligning parenting strategies with the model Jesus provides for love-filled communication and conflict resolution. They emphasize how concepts like attachment theory align beautifully with spiritual teachings, encouraging a trust-based relationship between parents and children. Addressing common parenting struggles, like discipline and obedience, the Ericksons offer insights on handling typical childhood behaviors without resorting to authoritarian tactics. They advocate for patience and self-control, urging parents to cultivate a desire for obedience rooted in understanding and trust rather than mere compliance. Flourishing Homes and Families provides valuable resources, including a "Child Development for Christian Parents" guide, that help parents understand children's developmental stages and respond with grace and guidance. They also offer group mentorship and one-on-one coaching to support parents on their journey. "We want our children to grow at the pace that God has called them to, at the way that he has designed them to so that they begin to produce the fruit that we are pouring in to see later in their lives." – Dr. David Erickson. The Flourishing Homes & Families Socials – Instagram & Facebook. * * * * * * * * Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

Don & Suzanne Manning have over 30 years of parenting experience and 7 kids of all ages. Together, they are passionate about helping families rethink how they do family, one relationship at a time. During this episode, Don shares his journey of developing Crazy Cool Family, a ministry dedicated to strengthening family relationships through love and intentional parenting. Discover how his book Crazy Cool Family and two guides guidebooks Creating Family Culture and Building Family Relationships, can transform your home into a haven of faith. Key Takeaways: Emphasize relationships: Focus on building strong, loving relationships within your family. Recognize that parenting is not just about rules and discipline but about forming deep, meaningful connections with your children. Adopt a crazy cool family approach: Embrace the concept introduced by Don Manning, which suggests parenting should follow God’s unconventional wisdom—focusing on love and relationships above all. This means sometimes doing the opposite of what the world suggests (e.g., responding with forgiveness when feeling angry). Promote family culture: Work on creating a positive family environment or culture that fosters growth and connection. Think of it as a greenhouse in which strong, healthy relationships can flourish. Model God’s love: Be your child’s first model of God's love. By being forgiving, generous, and loving, you provide them with a solid foundation to understand their identity as beloved children of God. Encourage sibling relationships: Invest in and promote strong sibling bonds. Move from conflict to cooperation by teaching your children how to support and invest in one another. Discipleship focus: Ensure that your parenting emphasizes living out your faith in front of your children. Understand that your children will learn about their faith through both what you say and what you do. Equip yourselves with knowledge: Utilize resources such as books and guides that encourage building family culture and strong relationships. Engage with ministry materials: Consider using structured materials like Crazy Cool Family's session guides for personal reflection or group study to deepen your understanding and implementation of these concepts. Check out Don’s resources here and receive a special offer by using this link: Crazy Cool Family Special Offer. * * * * * * * * Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

Renee Hodge earned her BSN from Bob Jones University (BJU) and worked as an RN for five years. She then joined the staff of Answer’s in Genesis in 2004 and worked as the executive assistant to the CEO for 15 years. The Lord gave Renee a passion for Christian education, which led her to found and launch Answers Academy in 2017, a strong, biblical-worldview, apologetic school. Since then, she has obtained an MS degree in educational leadership from BJU. Laura Allnutt is the director of educational curriculum at Answers in Genesis. She is also an adjunct English professor at Trinity Baptist College and formerly taught at Pensacola Christian College, where she earned a BA in English and an MS in English Curriculum and Instruction. She also holds an MFA in writing from Fairfield University. During this episode, Renee and Laura discuss their amazing curriculum that is revolutionizing Christian education. They both share their journey of developing a curriculum that sets a new standard for Christian education, emphasizing a strong biblical worldview and critical thinking skills. Key Highlights: Unraveling the need for depth: Renee reveals the inspiration behind creating the curriculum, addressing the lack of deep, substantial biblical education prevalent in many Bible classes and homeschooling programs today. Defining the unique edge: Learn how the curriculum differentiates itself by focusing on a comprehensive biblical worldview, starting right at Genesis and extending through tailored grades up to 12th grade. Empowering Christian youth: Discover the impact this curriculum has already made, as parents, students, and churches have provided rave reviews about the profound biblical knowledge and maturity it fosters. A look inside the curriculum: Laura walks us through the structured progression from kindergarten to high school, emphasizing chronological learning, critical thinking, and practical application of biblical truths. Integrating life skills and faith: Both guests underscore the importance of integrating rigorous academic content with strong biblical messages, ensuring that students not only learn the text but also confidently live out their faith. Don't miss out! Tune in and discover how Answers in Genesis is paving the way for a brighter, faith-filled future. * * * * * * * * Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

“The number one factor or force that contributes to influence is time by quite a large margin. Whoever spends the most time with your child is going to have the most influence.” – Israel Wayne. Israel and Brook Wayne are both homeschool graduates and homeschooling parents. They have eleven children ranging in age from 24 to 3. They are the founders of Family Renewal and co-writers of Pitchin' a Fit: Overcoming Angry and Stressed-Out Parenting. During this episode, Israel and Brook share invaluable insights on influencing your child's life, managing parental anger, and instilling a biblical worldview. Israel provides practical tips on reclaiming time and managing media, while Brook offers heartwarming strategies to replace parental anger with positive reinforcement. Key Themes: Building influence through time: Israel kicks off the conversation by highlighting the importance of being the primary influence in your child's life. Time spent together is paramount. The data revealing that the average mother spends only an hour a day with her children—and fathers, a mere 29 minutes—serves as a wake-up call. Israel passionately advocates reclaiming time from other influences, like school and media, to foster stronger parental bonds. Positive affirmation vs. anger: Brook shares personal stories about the pitfalls of using anger as a tool for parenting. Through her journey, she learns that anger does not produce the righteousness of God. Instead, she emphasizes the power of love, gentleness, and positive affirmation to guide kids towards godliness. Managing media and screen time: With technology being a double-edged sword, Israel focuses on teaching children to be producers rather than passive consumers of media. Technology should be used to add value and contribute positively to the world, not just as a source of amusement. Cultivating a biblical worldview: A robust biblical worldview is likened to wearing clear, scripture-tinted glasses. Israel emphasizes the need for parents to be proactive in shaping their children's perspectives through daily interactions and teaching based on God's Word. “For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” – Brook Wayne. Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

Once a month, Lori and Lee Ann will discuss complex topics regarding parenting and disciplining. Lori Wildenberg is a national speaker, a licensed parent-family educator of over 25 years, and an award-winning author of six Christian parenting books. Lori also leads the popular Moms Together Facebook Community Page and Group. During this episode, Lori and Lee Ann tackle some of the most challenging questions kids might ask. From the reality of God to navigating conversations about sex and deciphering the Bible's authenticity, Lori and Lee Ann provide practical advice, valuable insights, and rich resources to help parents nurture a solid Christian foundation in their children. Episode Highlights: Handling Kids’ Doubts About God's Existence: Your child comes home questioning, “Is God real?” Lori and Lee Ann offer invaluable advice in addressing this with both younger and older children. They discuss how to explain the nature of God—His spiritual essence, the historical reality of Jesus, and using examples like the wind and gravity to convey the evidence of God’s presence. Teaching the Importance of Sexual Purity: What do you say when your teenager asserts, “Sex between two people who love each other is okay”? Lori and Lee Ann address this hot-button issue by discussing God’s design for relationships, the spiritual significance of sex within marriage, and the importance of grace and redemption. They reflect on lessons from the purity movement and how to convey God’s high view of marriage without alienating your kids. Combating Perceptions of the Bible as a Fairy Tale: How do you react if your child labels the Bible a fairy tale? Both ladies tackle this question by emphasizing the importance of apologetics, historical validity, and the unique nature of the Bible. They point to resources such as Answers in Genesis and the work of historians. They explore ways to engage your child in meaningful dialogue, reinforcing the Bible’s authenticity and relevance. Key Takeaways: Engage in open, honest conversations with your children. Ask questions to understand their doubts and guide them thoughtfully. Equip yourself and your kids with resources to defend and deepen your faith. Books like Raising Kids to Follow Christ by Lee Ann Mancini offer practical applications for everyday parenting. Recognize and address the pressures from society while providing a foundation of grace and truth in your family discussions. Lori’s Website, Facebook, Moms Together Facebook, Moms Together Facebook Group, and Instagram. RCK social media: Facebook Join our Facebook community group! Instagram Pinterest Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

"Your actions may speak louder than words—let your love for Jesus be the loudest message your children hear." – Rhonda Stoppe Three women of Christ on a mission, Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield, Rhonda Stoppe, and Lee Ann Mancini, have joined together to share empowering Godly advice, information, and encouragement for everyone who is raising the next generation of warriors for Christ. Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield is a national speaker, author, podcaster, and a licensed professional counselor of 27 years. Rhonda Stoppe is a best-selling author, speaker, and podcaster who has helped countless women build “no regrets lives”! During this episode, all three ladies dive into the concept of the parenting toolbox, sharing invaluable tools and cherished experiences that can strengthen your journey as a Christian parent. Key Takeaways: Rhonda’s toolbox- love God with all your being: Rhonda shares how the cornerstone of her parenting toolbox is to love God with every fiber of one's being. She reflects on how her personal journey to deepen her love for Christ—through daily scripture reading and fervent prayer—became the most impactful way to draw her children and grandchildren closer to Jesus. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of a genuine, fervent faith. Michelle’s toolbox- authenticity and sincere faith: Michelle shares heartfelt narratives about her experiences as a grandma and step-grandma. She emphasizes that the greatest tool in any Christian parent's arsenal is authenticity. She recounts instances where her authentic faith spoke louder than words, teaching her grandchildren the essence of true Christian living. Her reflections on 2nd Timothy 1 highlight the enduring influence of a sincere, unmasked faith. Oreo cookie and yes-no sandwich communication: Michelle unveils the Oreo cookie communication technique—an ingenious way to couch constructive criticism between layers of positive reinforcement. Meanwhile, Lee Ann introduces the yes-no sandwich, a method designed to assure children’s desires are acknowledged, even if they can't be immediately fulfilled. Both techniques aim to foster a nurturing and positive family environment. Living simply and loving deeply: Rhonda captivates listeners with the story of her transition from a city dweller to life on a debt-free ranch. She describes the rustic charm and the significant sacrifices made to follow her husband's dream. This story exemplifies faith in God's provision and highlights the profound message of living simply and prioritizing what truly matters. As the episode wraps up, the recurring theme is clear: raising strong Christian kids is about embodying Christ’s love, living out an authentic faith, and employing practical tools to nurture your children's spiritual growth. The discussion is saturated with encouragement and grace, offering hope and practical wisdom to every parent striving to lead their children on the path of righteousness. Resources: Rhonda Stoppe’s books & Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield’s books. * * * * * * * Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.

As an education freedom advocate, Sam’s mission is to help parents and their children emancipate from our modern school system. A successful Hollywood film actress, writer, and producer, Sam stepped back from her own career to immerse herself in the home education of her three young children for over a decade. Recognizing the brokenness of our institutional system led Sam to understand there is much more to education than academics. As a prolific author, podcast, radio host, international public speaker, and home education mentor, Sam is dedicated to teaching families how to educate differently. During this episode, Sam shares invaluable advice for those considering homeschooling, exploring everything from making a flexible plan to understanding that children learn at their own pace. Comparing homeschooling to potty training, Sam reassures parents that they won't "break" their children by providing a customized education. Sam and Lee Ann dig deep into the evolution of homeschooling, critique the traditional school system's focus on creating dependency, and highlight home education's economic and social benefits. Key Takeaways: Public school myths: Sam argues that public schools are intentionally designed to control and standardize education rather than promote individual thought. Real-life success: Many high-profile, successful individuals—often dropouts—testify to the pitfalls of traditional schooling. Financial realities: Homeschooling can be cost-effective, and resources are more accessible now than ever. Encouragement for future homeschoolers: Dive into homeschooling with thorough exploration and keep an open mind. Even if you opt for public schooling, get involved in school boards to positively influence the educational system. So, you want to homeschool but are unsure where to start? --> Connect with the Homeschooling Community: Engage with parents already on the homeschooling journey to gain valuable perspectives and support. Flexible Planning: Create a structured plan for homeschooling, but remain adaptable if certain methods don’t work for your child's unique learning pace. Overcoming Fears: Embrace the idea that children learn at their own speed, likened beautifully to the different timelines seen in potty training. Never fear you will "break" your child by following a paced, relaxed approach. Sam’s Website and books: They’re Your Kids, Teach from Love & Words from Warriors. * * * * * * * * Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.