Adam, Cassie, and Chelsea talk about different approaches Christian parents take to talking with their kids about Santa Claus. 

Questions that we discussed in this episode:

• What are the different approaches Christian parents are taking toward Santa?
• Is telling kids about Santa lying to them?
• Does Santa distract us from what we celebrate at Christmas?
• How do American Christmas traditions help us point our family to Christ?
• Is there anywhere in the bible where the celebration of the Christmas holiday is a command given to Christians?

Resources we’d recommend based on this episode

• Santa Strategically by Jen Wilkin
• Thoughts for Parents Who Don’t Do Santa by Thabiti Anyabwile

To keep up with the Family Discipleship Podcast, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. 

To read more about family discipleship, check out the book Family Discipleship: Leading Your Home Through Time, Moments, and Milestones by Adam Griffin and Matt Chandler. 

The Family Discipleship Podcast is a Christian parenting podcast from Training the Church. 

Sponsors:

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The Family Discipleship Podcast is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon.

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Adam Griffin wraps up season 7 with a monologue episode to discuss the importance and call of family discipleship.

Questions Covered in This Episode:

• What is the solution to the “burden” of family discipleship?
• What do we loose when we dont emphasize family discipleship because parents are overwhelmed?
• What opposition do we face when we fight for family discipleship?
• What are we called to?
• What does it look like to train to lead your family spiritually?

Sponsors:

To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.

Follow Us:
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Our Sister Shows:
Knowing Faith | Tiny Theologians

The Family Discipleship Podcast is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon.

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Adam Griffin is joined by Jordan Raynor to have a conversation about the joy of work and the promises of eternity.

Questions Covered in This Episode:

• Can you tell us some about your work and your family? 
• What kicked off all your thinking and writing about how Christians consider their work?
• How did Genesis 1-2 change the way you thought about being a father?
• What advice would you give to parents who struggle to see the significance of their daily tasks at home in God's larger plan? What encouragement would you offer to parents who feel overwhelmed or undervalued in their role at home?
• How do you cast a vision for your family to view everything they do as unto the Lord?
• Why are so many people afraid or disinterested in heaven?
• What did you write the “The Royal in You”?
• What are the promises in scripture about eternity?
• How do parents answer the questions; are pets and animals in heaven, will mom and dad be in heaven, will I know them?

Guest Bio:

Jordan Raynor is a leading voice of the faith and work movement. Through his bestselling books (The Sacredness of Secular Work, Redeeming Your Time, The Creator in You, etc.), keynote speeches, podcasts, and devotionals, Jordan has helped millions of Christians in every country on earth connect the gospel to their work. In addition to his writing and speaking, Jordan serves as the Executive Chairman of Threshold 360, a venture-backed tech startup which Jordan previously ran as CEO following a string of successful ventures of his own. 

Jordan has twice been selected as a Google Fellow and served in The White House under President George W. Bush. A sixth-generation Floridian, Jordan lives in Tampa with his wife and their three young daughters. The Raynors are proud members of The Church at Odessa.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Genesis 1-2, 1 Corinthians 15, Isaiah 65, Ephesians 2, Colossians 3, Revelation 21-22, Isaiah 11, Isaiah 25, Isaiah 60
• “The Royal in You” by Jordan Raynor

Sponsors:

To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.

Follow Us:
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Our Sister Shows:
Knowing Faith | Tiny Theologians

The Family Discipleship Podcast is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon.

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Adam Griffin and Cassie Bryant are joined by Andrew Peterson to discuss how we can use the art of storytelling and creativity to disciple in our homes.

Questions Covered in This Episode:

• Would you share with us how being a dad has shaped creative spheres for you? 
• What was it like to see an idea go from your mind to paper, to the imaginations of so many families, and then see it translated into an animated series? 
• For families who already love the Wingfeather Saga, what will they find familiar in The Prince of Yorsha Doon, and what’s different about this new project?
• As you were raising your own kids, did storytelling play a role in how you shared your faith? 
• How has being a dad impacted the way you see the gospel story for yourself? 
• Why do you think there is such a shortage of great Christian storytelling?
• What is the inspiration behind The Rabbit Room Ministry?
• How can Christian families cultivate creativity in their own homes?
• How do you deal with the feeling of insecurity or scrutiny?

Guest Bio:

Andrew Peterson is a recording artist, songwriter, producer, filmmaker, publisher, and author of The Wingfeather Saga series and Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making. Peterson is also president of the creative community known as The Rabbit Room and recently launched a film and TV production company, Shining Isle Productions, to produce the animated film based on his books.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• “The Prince of Yorsha Doon” by Andrew Peterson
• “Wingfeather Saga” by Andrew Peterson
• “Wingfeather Tales” by Andrew Peterson
• “The Inklings” by Humphrey Carpenter
• “Adorning the Dark”by Andrew Peterson

Sponsors:

To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.

Follow Us:
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Our Sister Shows:
Knowing Faith | Tiny Theologians

The Family Discipleship Podcast is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon.

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Adam Griffin and Cassie Bryant are joined by Hunter Beless to discuss how you can lead your family in memorizing scripture and why it's important.

Questions Covered in This Episode:

• What does sharing your faith with your kids look like in your home right now?
• What started your passion for teaching kids to memorize scripture?
• You’ve got a great kids book called “Read It, See It, Say It, Sing It.” Will you walk us through how that framework helps kids to memorize scripture?
• Have you seen adults set expectations for kids to memorize scripture without modeling this spiritual discipline themself?
• What scriptures do you think are particularly great for families to memorize?
• What encouragement would you have to offer to a family that is really struggling to get their kids to care about the things of God?
• What do you hope the Lord does through your Journeywomen ministry?

Guest Bio:

Hunter is the founder of Journeywomen Ministries, the author of "Read It, See It, Say It, Sing It!" and "Amy Carmichael: The Brown-Eyed Girl Who Learned to Pray," and she loves doing ministry in her local church context. Hunter and her husband, Brooks, have four amazing kiddos who memorize Scripture way faster than their mama! When they’re not reading, seeing, saying, or singing the Bible, you can find the Beless family camping, riding bikes, or snuggling up with a good book. You can find her at www.hunterbeless.com and on the Journeywomen Podcast.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Matthew 4:4, Genesis 1:1, Psalm 3:3, Psalm 23:1, Psalm 119, Psalm 1, 2 Corinthians 10:9, Romans 8:11, John 11:35, Psalm 56, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 121, Joshua 1:9
• "Read It, See It, Say It, Sing It!" by Hunter Beless
• Topical Memory System

Sponsors:

To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.

Follow Us:
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Our Sister Shows:
Knowing Faith | Tiny Theologians

The Family Discipleship Podcast is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon.

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Adam Griffin and Cassie Bryant are joined by JD Greear to have a conversation about what Family Discipleship looks like for the Greears!

Questions Covered in This Episode:

• If I asked your children to describe you, what kind of things do you think they would say, and, if it’s any different, what kind of things would you hope they would say one day? 
• As you were raising your kids, what did following Christ as a family look like for y’all? What were the rhythms of discipleship for you as a dad?
• What are some of your favorite memories of spiritual conversations in your own home?
• How has your church been a blessing to your kids and your family?
• Would you be willing to share about any times that were particularly difficult for you as you led your home toward Christ?
• How do you answer the question, “I believe in God… why do I still struggle with anxiety?”
• What does it look like in your home to have conversations about salvation, politics, sex, sin, etc.?
• Do you have any encouragement for the pastors and the parents who are feeling insufficient to address all the questions of their churches and families?
• Share with us how Christians might build a better vision for spiritual leadership at home and why that is important?

Guest Bio:

J.D. Greear is the pastor of The Summit Church, in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. Pastor J.D. Greear has authored several books, including but not limited to 12 Truths & a Lie, Essential Christianity, and What Are You Going to Do with Your Life?

Pastor J.D. completed his Ph.D. in Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Chick-fil-A, serves as a Council member for The Gospel Coalition, and recently served as the 63rd president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Pastor J.D. and his wife Veronica are raising four awesome kids: Kharis, Alethia, Ryah, and Adon.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Psalm 127, Psalm 136, Matthew 6, Philippians 4:6, Psalm 127:4
• “Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart” by J.D. Greear
• “Feeding the Mouth That Bites You” by Kenneth Wilgus
• “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt
• The Hang 10 Movement
• “12 Truths & a Lie: Answers to Life's Biggest Questions” by J.D. Greear
• Ask the Pastor
• “The Jesus Storybook Bible” by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Sponsors:

To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.

Follow Us:
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Our Sister Shows:
Knowing Faith | Tiny Theologians

The Family Discipleship Podcast is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon.

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Adam Griffin and Chelsea Griffin are joined by Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler of Risen Motherhood to about their new book “Gospel Mom.”

Questions Covered in This Episode:

• Can you tell us about your ministry changing and what that feels like right now?
• What inspired the new book, “Gospel Mom”?
• Why do you think it’s hard for parents to live like we believe we are free from guilt and fear and ready to battle with sin, instead of other parents?
• What are the spiritual disciplines that God has used to bless you as a mom?
• Can you explain how friendship can be a spiritual blessing and help us understand why so many moms feel so alone?
• Can you share about how Christian parents can “troubleshoot their conscience” as they’re trying to make wise decisions for their families?
• How did you learn to not drive yourself crazy considering your own limits while making the most of your time?

Guest Bio:

Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler are the co-founders of the Risen Motherhood ministry and co-hosts of the chart-topping podcast. They are also in the trenches of motherhood, right alongside their readers. With a combination of accessibility, relatability, and solid biblical knowledge, Emily and Laura have a knack for simplifying complex scriptural truths, helping you relate and apply them to everyday life. God has consistently and powerfully used the voices of these two moms to captivate women around the world with the gospel. As sisters-in-law, Emily and Laura both live in central Iowa with their families.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• “Gospel Mom” by Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler
• “Risen Motherhood” by Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler

Sponsors:

To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.

Follow Us:
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Our Sister Shows:
Knowing Faith | Tiny Theologians

The Family Discipleship Podcast is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon.

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Adam Griffin, Chelsea Griffin, and Cassie Bryant are joined by Kyle Worley to discuss union with Christ.

Questions Covered in This Episode:

• What books do you have coming out and how do people make sure they don’t miss them when they get released?
• Is it okay to say that being a Christian is someone who “Jesus has come to live in their heart?” Does Jesus live in them or do they live in Jesus or is it both?
• What part of your teaching on Union with Christ do you find that people are always responding to or find that it seems new?
• Why is understanding union with Christ important for parents who want to share their faith with their kids?
• How does Home with God relate to our trinitarian theology and can it help us make that clear for our families?
• What’s the benefit right now of union with God?
• What is “not yet” true about us in our union with Christ that we are still looking toward or waiting for?
• Has putting all of this thought and writing into this theological concept affected how you think about your own home – your family?

Helpful Definitions:

• Union with Christ: The believer's unbreakable, unshakeable, unchangeable, union with Christ Jesus. It means that we are now in Christ Jesus and nothing can change that. What can be said of Christ, can be said of us. 
• Communion with Christ: Fellowship with God. The enjoyment of God’s saving benefits, it is shakeable and breakable and you can also deepen it.

Guest Bio:

Kyle Worley is a pastor at Mosaic Church in Texas. He is the host of Knowing Faith Podcast, alongside Jen Wilkin and JT English. He is a teaching fellow and partner for Training the Church. He holds degrees in theology and philosophy from Dallas Baptist University, Redeemer Theological Seminary, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Ephesians 1, Romans 8, Hebrews 12:14-16, Hebrews 10:14
• “Home with God” by Kyle Worley
• “Formed for Fellowship” by Kyle Worley
• “The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross” by Carl Laferton

Sponsors:

To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.

Follow Us:
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Our Sister Shows:
Knowing Faith | Tiny Theologians

The Family Discipleship Podcast is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon.

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Adam Griffin, Chelsea Griffin, and Cassie Bryant celebrate the 100th episode of the Family Discipleship Podcast!

Questions Covered in This Episode:

• What is an unexpected lesson you have earned while hosting this podcast?
• What are the episodes you think you will go back to to hear again?
• Have you had any listener interactions that have had a lasting impression on you?
• If you could go back to the first episode, is there anything you wish you knew?
• Are there any dream guests or topics that you have in mind for future episodes?

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Family Discipleship Podcast
  • In the Eswine Home with Zack Eswine
  • Talking to Kids About Heaven with Joni Eareckson Tada
  • Intentional Fatherhood with Jon Tyson
  • In the Crouch Home with Andy Crouch

Sponsors:

To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.

Follow Us:
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Our Sister Shows:
Knowing Faith | Tiny Theologians

The Family Discipleship Podcast is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon.

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Adam Griffin and Cassie Bryant are joined by Rachel Gilson to discuss how we can parent without panic in an LGBT-affirming world.

Questions Covered in This Episode:

• Can you tell us about you, your family, and your ministry? 
• What inspired you to write, Born Again This Way?
• Why do think living in an LGBT-Affirming World causes so much fear for parents?
• Why do think starting with what sex is, is a good place to start this conversation?
• Why do you think so much of our culture, including Christian culture, talks and acts like romantic relationships are critical for our identity?
• What does it look like for parents to have healthy age-appropriate conversations about sex with their kids?
• Why is it important to have a safe relationship with our kids so important when it comes to this conversation when they hear conflicting messages?
• At the end of each chapter, you have practices and principles, how are you hoping that helps parents?
• How do we keep our kids from seeing people as good and bad based on what they believe and live in regards to this topic?
• Can you explain the “yes, no, yes” framework and how it helps parents navigate this conversation?
• What wisdom do you have to offer a family whose child is saying they are LBGT?

Guest Bio:

Rachel Gilson (M.Div., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) serves on the leadership team for theological development and culture for Cru, and is the author of Born Again This Way: Coming Out, Coming to Faith and What Comes Next as well as Parenting Without Panic in an LGBT Affirming World: Discipling our Kids with Jesus’ Truth and Love. She is pursuing a PhD in public theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• “Born Again This Way” by Rachel Gilson
• “Parenting Without Panic in an LGBT Affirming World”  by Rachel Gilson
• “Love Thy Body” by Nancy R. Pearcey

Sponsors:

To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.

Follow Us:
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Our Sister Shows:
Knowing Faith | Tiny Theologians

The Family Discipleship Podcast is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon.

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Adam Griffin, Chelsea Griffin, and Cassie Bryant are joined by Carl Laferton to discuss his children's books; The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross, and God’s Big Promises Bible Story Prayers: 101 Prayers for Children.

Questions Covered in This Episode:

• Can you tell us about you, your family, and your ministry? 
• Where’d the inspiration for The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross book come from? What’s the story of writing it?  
• Any advice on writing a good Christian kid’s book?
• You’ve got a new book coming out, Bible Story Prayers: 101 Prayers for Children. Can you tell us about the process of taking this idea and putting this together for a resource? 
• Each of the prayers in the book has some element of “Praise (or wow!), Thank you, Sorry, and Please.” Can you tell us a little about how you see that helping families shape their prayers? 
• What’s your process in deciding what stories to tell? What stories from the Bible do you wish we were telling more in books for kids?
• How do you try to teach age-appropriate versions of such deep theology?
• A lot of people might skip the story about Jesus being angry in the temple. Why was it important for you to keep that story in there for kids? 
• Are these prayers glimpses into what it was like when you were putting your kids to bed? What did bedtime prayers look like in the Laferton house? 
• How do you share your faith as a father?
• What are some of your favorite resources that are out there for kids from The Good Book Company or elsewhere?
• Is there anything that you would love to see more of in church kids ministries either in the way they lead kids or in how they equip families?

Guest Bio:

Carl Laferton is executive vice president of publishing at The Good Book Company and best-selling author of The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross. He lives in London with his wife and two children and serves as an elder at Grace Church, Worcester Park.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• “The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross” by Carl Laferton
• “Bible Story Prayers: 101 Prayers for Children” by Carl Laferton
• “Why Do We Say Good Night?” by Champ Thornton
• “Best News Ever” by Chris Morphew
• “Big Truths for Young Hearts” by Bruce A. Ware
• “Women of the Word” by Jen Wilkin
• “The Radical Book for Kids” by Champ Thornton

Sponsors:

To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website.

Follow Us:
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Our Sister Shows:
Knowing Faith | Tiny Theologians

The Family Discipleship Podcast is a podcast of Training the Church. For ad-free episodes and more content check out our Patreon.

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.