In this week's episode, Ron Hunter and Marianne Howard share an update about the strategic future of the D6 Family Ministry Podcast.

In this week’s episode, we are joined by Erica Renaud, a dynamic speaker and passionate writer, and founder of two prayer initiatives. From childhood through adulthood, Erica emphasizes how prayer has been a spiritual grounding in herlife. She passionately discusses how prayer helps kids from merely knowing about Jesus to truly knowing Him, serving as a bridge to a genuine relationship with God.

This week’s episode offers practical ways parents can encourage their children to engage in authentic prayer. Erica suggests ways of preparing children mentally and emotionally to connect with God and expanding their understanding of prayer beyond requests or thankfulness. The episode closes with a reminder of praying and the power of being in God’s presence.

Share this episode to inspire and equip others for their children's spiritual growth.

Get your copy of Erica Renaud’s newest book, Pray with Me: Help Your Children Engage in Authentic and Powerful Prayer, here: https://amzn.to/3UQ54c1

Purchase or learn more about D6 Curriculum at www.d6curriculum.com

Learn more or download a month-long free sample of Elements Kids Worship by D6 Family Ministry here: https://bit.ly/2UOkphG

In this week’s episode, we are joined by Brian Dembowczyk, who is an associate publisher for Thomas Nelson Bibles. He was previously the managing editor of The Gospel Projectand he has also been a pastor, a discipleship pastor, and family pastor. He lives in Tennessee with his wife and three children, and he has a new book called Family Discipleship That Works. 

Brian opens up about the challenges and misconceptions surrounding family discipleship in America. He also shares practical advice on how to integrate discipleship into everyday life, emphasizing that it's never too late to start. He introduces the ACT method (Analyze, Connect, Translate) for studying the Bible and stresses the value of making family worship an enjoyable, but flexible experience.

In this episode, Brian discusses his new book, what family worship and discipleship look like, the importance of viewing the Bible as a story, how to disciple “as you go,” and more. 

Get your copy of Brian’s book, Family Discipleship That Works, here: https://go.d6family.com/FamilyDiscipleshipThatWorks

Register now for D6 Conference 2026 (Seattle in March orNashville in April) here: www.d6conference.com

Sign up for the weekly Top Reads for Busy Leaders email here:https://go.d6family.com/l/1058273/2024-08-13/7171st

Emily Snider, children’s ministry leader from Detroit, Michigan, and a contributing author with INCM and Group Publishing,joined us for this week’s episode to discuss discipling preschoolers, specifically babies and toddlers, and the importance of laying this foundation for spiritual growth.

Through personal stories and shared insights into Erik Erikson’s developmental stages, Emily explained how meeting a child's basic needs through an intentional approach in nursery ministry allows children to learn to trust, learning to hope, which can ultimately lead to faith formation as they develop. She covered practical ways to incorporate intentional ministry into nursery settings, such as speaking truth and love during routines. Order or view a free sample of the First Steps Nursery Program here: https://bit.ly/3TTnOa9

Order now or learn more about D6 Curriculum by visiting www.d6curriculum.com

Give to become a D6 Hero by visiting www.d6hero.com

In this week’s episode, we are joined by Linc Taylor. With 32 years of ministry experience, a D.Min. in Leadership and Family Ministry, and current pastor of Next-Gen and Families at Brentwood Baptist in Brentwood, Tennessee, Linc shares his passion for encouraging families within the church and discusses principles from his new book, The Mystery of the Ordinary: 8 Statements Your Kids Need to Hear...And Why.

Throughout the episode, Linc discusses the importance of reevaluating and measuring your church’s ministry methods and programming for greater effectiveness. He shares that leaders should focus not only on traditional metrics such as budget and attendance, but also on life change and transformation. He encourages churches to equip all members, from children to parents, in having regular and ongoing gospel conversations to be effective in discipleship.

Register your team now for D6 Conference 2026: https://d6family.com/d6conference/

Get your copy of Linc Taylor’s latest book, “The Mystery of the Ordinary: 8 Statements Your Kids Need to Hear…And Why” here: ⁠https://go.d6family.com/mysteryoftheordinary⁠

Equip families in your church by creating a D6 HomePoint Church Resource Center here: https://www.d6homepoint.com/

In this week’s episode, we are joined by Arlene Pellicane, author and host of The Happy Home podcast, to discuss her latest book, Making Marriage Easier. In this episode, Arlene discusses the complexities of marriage, offering guidance on how to navigate the challenges and joys of a lifelong, godly partnership. She shares personal experiences and wisdom while also emphasizing the importance of communication, forgiveness, and the role of faith in nurturing a healthy relationship.

Throughout the episode, Arlene addresses common misconceptions about marriage, highlighting the difference between seeking happiness and building a fulfilling life together. She offers practical strategies for dealing with conflicts, the significance of being open to constructive criticism, and the impact of technology on relationships.

Share this episode and conversation to invite others to tune in to the humor, authenticity, and valuable insights, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to strengthen their marriage.

Learn more about Arlene Pellicane’s ministry and books here: https://arlenepellicane.com/

Order and view free samples of D6 Curriculum here: www.d6everyday.com

Find the right D6 Devotional Study Guides that fit you and your family best here: https://go.d6family.com/d6devoguides

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Shelly Melia, associate dean of the Graduate School of Ministry at Dallas Baptist University. With 25 years as a children's minister and counselor, Dr. Melia shares her insights on preschool ministry, stressing its role beyond mere “child care during adult activities.”

Dr. Melia highlights her principles for engaging preschoolers: hands full, minds open, and hearts engaged. She emphasizes creating a loving, family-like church environment that supports children's cognitive and emotional growth. This episode points out how early spiritual formation is crucial, with the church playing a key role in guiding a child's lifelong faith journey.

Register your team for D6 Conference 2026 at www.d6conference.com

Learn more and download a month-long free sample at www.d6family.com/elements

Dr. Richard Ross, a distinguished figure in student ministry and long-time friend of D6 Family Ministry, joins the podcast this week to discuss the shifting priorities in parenting within theChristian faith.

With a career spanning over 30 years as a student pastor and now a professor at Southwestern Seminary, Dr. Ross has unique insights into family dynamics and spiritual leadership. In thisweek’s episode, he emphasizes that while parents may express a desire to disciple their children in faith, their actions often reveal a different set of priorities.

He touches on the cultural phenomenon of travel sports, highlighting how parents might prioritize these activities over church involvement, sending implicit messages about what is truly important according to each family.

Order and view free samples of D6 Curriculum here: www.d6everyday.com

Sign up for Top Reads for Busy Leaders weekly email here: https://bit.ly/3TriHOm

In this episode, we have Dr. Timothy Paul Jones, a husband, father, pastor, professor, and author. Dr. Jones teaches apologetics at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and serves as a teaching pastor at Sojourn Church Midtown in Louisville, Kentucky. This week’s episode covers creating environments of diversity in the church.

Dr. Jones shares how churches can foster authentic diversity by breaking down barriers and incorporating multi-ethnic, multi-generational, and socioeconomically diverse groups.

Order your copy of In Church as It Is in Heaven, Dr. Timothy Paul Jones, here: https://www.timothypauljones.com/book/in-church-as-it-is-in-heaven/

Learn more about Dr. Jones’ ministry and other resources: https://www.timothypauljones.com/

Register your ministry team for D6 Conference 2026 here: www.d6conference.com  

Become a D6 Hero by giving today at www.d6hero.com

In this week’s episode, we are joined by Kim Botto, an author, speaker, dedicated leader in children's and student ministries, an adoptive mom, and a special needs grandma. Kim shares her belief that every child is a treasure, deserving of love and understanding, regardless of their behavior or unique needs.This episode also provides practical advice for churchleaders, highlighting the need for proactive measures and empathy-building among volunteers to create inclusive spaces for all children.

Get your copy of Kim Botto’s book, Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely, here: https://bit.ly/44xg2sB

Order or learn more about D6 Curriculum here: www.d6everyday.com

Learn more about D6 HomePoint here: http://www.d6homepoint.com

We are joined by Dr. Scott Turansky for this week’s episode. Dr. Turansky is a professor at Concordia University, an author and speaker, pastor for over four decades, and a husband and father of five children. In this episode, Dr. Turansky discusses the importance of addressing emotional challenges in both children and adults within the church. Dr. Turansky provides practical steps for both pastors and parents to help children develop emotional resilience using a heart-based approach aligned with biblical teachings.

Learn more about the Biblical Parenting Coaching Program https://bit.ly/4lhc8cZ

To view the eBooks and other resources for parents and ministry leaders mentioned by Dr. Turansky, visit https://biblicalparenting.org/ebooks/

Register now for the D6 Conference in 2026: http://www.d6conference.com/Order or learn more about D6 Devotional Study Guides here: www.d6everyday.com