On today’s episode, I am chatting with Adam Griffin, lead pastor of Eastside Community Church in Dallas, Texas, as we talk about how we can effectively and practically disciple our children. Adam has recently co-authored the book, "Family Discipleship," with Matt Chandler.

Discipleship can be an intimidating. After all, we can be so aware of our own sin and struggles and feel inept and inadequate to lead our children. How beautifully the gospel reminds us the ability to disciple is not sourced in ourselves, but rather Christ! As we grow in our walk with Jesus, we are offered opportunities to invite our children to journey alongside.

What is discipleship and why is it so important? How do we, as parents, begin or even know how to do this? We are talking about practical ways we can disciple and walk into gospel conversation with our children by seizing opportunities within the normal rhythms of our day. Adam is also helping us de-mystify what discipleship is, and how, even unknowingly, we are already discipling our kids on a daily basis in how we treat our spouse, interact with our children and friends and just living life.

Adam has recently co-authored the book, "Family Discipleship," with Matt Chandler. “Pastors Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin have made it their mission to help you develop a sustainable rhythm of gospel-centered discipleship focused in three key areas: time, moments, and milestones. Filled with suggestions, sample plans, and Scripture references, this book begins with the end in mind―equipping you to create a unique plan for your family as you raise your children in the love and fear of the Lord.” (Crossway)

How can we intentionally root ourselves upon the Lord in such a way that when the unexpected comes and rocks us, we are able to remain firm in our faith? How can we practically keep the gospel in front of us on the days where everything seems to weigh heavy and we feel overwhelmed? We are talking about how the Lord tenderly meets us and reminds us of his presence through his word, prayer and the lives of others. How can we partner with others in a way that allows them a safe place to open up and share while also gently offers the hope of the gospel?

On today’s episode, I am chatting with Melanie Matthews, a wife and mother of three, as we continue on in our series on gospel-centered parenting. We’re talking about how we can apply the gospel when life looks different than we envisioned.

What is the Lord’s design and purpose in grandparenting? What should we strive for in terms of our lasting legacy - both in our family and community? Scripture advocates the importance of “dying to self”…how does this impact our marriages, parenting and grandparenting? What have you discovered over the years that keeps you connected and thriving in your marriage? These are some of the questions we will target in this episode along with their transparency of things they wish they did differently, what the Lord is currently teaching them and how they are choosing each day to come before the Lord and ask “What is it that you would have me to do today?”

How can we balance work, activities outside the home and service to others while also being tuned into the hearts of our kids? How does the Lord use his word to guide us in our role as parents? As our children began to marry, is there a process in learning to let them go….how do we navigate through this or better yet, how does the Lord lead us? They also have a specific word for those walking through infertility and the new mom out there who may feel overwhelmed.

On today’s episode, I am chatting with Bill and Pam Mutz, parents of 12 and grandparents of 27. We dive into life, marriage and raising children with a focus on becoming “difference makers” for the sake of the gospel. This conversation is packed with rich gospel truth and encouragement, practical ways to bring the gospel into our homes and parenting, lots of laughter and even tears as we witness how the Lord can and does work in our hearts.

Today's episode is focusing on the empty nest years and how God can work and use this season of our lives for continued eternal impact. How does the Lord prepare us prior to “officially” entering these years? How can we know what he would have for us? What about the concerns we hear voiced such as becoming "reacquainted with our spouse" or feeling like we have lost our “purpose” with our children gone? For those of us with kids still in the home, how can we set up safeguards in these areas of understandable concern? How might this season allow us to embrace the call of mentorship found in Titus 2 and 2 Timothy 2?

On today’s episode, we are talking about some common perceptions of the teen years but what this season can be looking through the lens of the gospel.  How we can walk alongside and shepherd our children’s hearts in these years?  How can we help them navigate this transition into adulthood?  If more is “caught than taught,” how can we strive to live out an “authentic faith”, an overflow of who Jesus is to us, in front of them?  What about those of us who feel we are too far into these years and have lost too much ground…is there any hope?

It can be easy to set our eyes “outside the home” in terms of “doing important things” but how can we be mindful of our primary mission field being first within the walls of our home? How can we practically lean into walking in the Spirit versus the flesh as we parent-what influences the direction we choose? How does Scripture help us navigate through the times when we mess up and feel like a complete failure? What are some “end goals” of parenting and how might this shape how we fill and walk out our days?

How we can recognize opportunities to present and keep the gospel in front of our children…where do we start in even knowing how to do this? We are also talking about hard days: how do we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, to not only parent but to do it with His joy and ability? How can we take the truths of scripture and fully stand upon God’s promises of not leaving us and finishing the work he has begun in us? Please join us as laughter, transparency, but most of all gospel-hope and truths are woven throughout this episode!