This week’s episode features Ben Birdsong, D.Min., an expert in youth ministry and generational research. Dr. Birdsong introduced the differences and characteristics of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, emphasizing the need for ministry approaches to evolve alongside the latest generational shifts. Dr. Birdsongencouraged listeners to have an open heart, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to adapting our methods to truly connect with and disciple the young people in our care.

👥 Share this episode with a Next-Gen ministry leader or parent of a Gen Alpha or Gen Z child.

Links from the episode:

To register for the D6 Conference, visit www.d6conference.com  

Orderyour copy of Discipleship Is Leadership by Rich Griffith here: https://bit.ly/49COByI

Check out Generation Z Unfiltered: Facing Nine Hidden Challenges of the Most Anxious Population by Dr. Tim Elmore and Andrew McPeak here: https://amzn.to/4k9ZNYw

Check out Generation Alpha: Understanding Our Children and Helping Them Thrive by Mark McCrindle and Ashley Fell here: https://amzn.to/4i4YaJE

Brad Rhodes, co-founder of Grace Marriage and author of Grace Marriage: How the Gospel andIntentionality Transform Your Relationship, has been married to his wife Marilyn since 1996. Together, they help churches and ministry leaders with the challenges pastors face in balancing their ministry commitments with a flourishing marriage. In this episode, Brad emphasizes the critical importance of prioritizing marriage. He also touches on the pressures pastors face from their congregations, which can contribute to a workaholic mentality. He concludes by encouraging pastors how it’s never too late to prioritize your marriage!To learn more, view a free sample, and order D6 Curriculum visit www.d6everyday.com 

Check out Brad Rhoads’ book Grace Marriage: How the Gospel and Intentionality Transform Your Relationship here:https://bit.ly/3CMwQkA

Get your copy of Visionary Marriage by Rob and Amy Rienow here: https://bit.ly/3Jdg26X

This podcast episode offers a deep dive into understanding millennials as parents, their challenges, and the role of the church in supporting them.

Brittany Nelson, a children's ministry leader and creator of DeeperKidMin.com, shares valuable insights into how millennials approach parenting and how the church can come alongside them in their faith parenting journeys.

The conversation highlights how millennials, now between the ages of 28 and 43, are navigating parenthood while balancing the pressures of social media, technology, and the desire for mentorship.

To register for D6 Conference, visit www.d6conference.com

Subscribe now to receive Family Faith Moments in your inbox every two weeks: https://bit.ly/3OZcUx1

Check out Brittany Nelson’s book, Time to Update, here: https://deeperkidmin.com/timetoupdatebook/

In this week’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Stephanie Cline, the children’s minister at First Baptist Church in Winter Garden, Florida, and an adjunct professor at Trinity College of Florida. Stephanie is passionate about training ministry leaders and parents to reintroduce spiritual discipline practices in the home.

Stephanie talks about herH.O.M.E. Model, which she created to help parents create easy habits for these spiritual disciplines and establish a culture of discipleship at home. Spiritual disciplines aren’t just for Sunday mornings—they’re a way of life to bring into our homes every day. The model is not about perfection, but inviting God into the everyday moments.

To order D6 Curriculum or check out a free sample, visitwww.d6everyday.com Learn more about D6 HomePoint atwww.d6homepoint.com

For more from Dr. Cline, check outhttps://flbaptist.org/no-place-like-home-creating-a-pathway-for-spiritual-disciplines-in-the-home/

In this episode, Tiger McLuen helps rethink student discipleship and looks at “faith factors” in young adults. Tiger served in student ministry in the local church and oversaw the youth and family ministry programs at Bethel and Luther seminaries. Now the executive director of Youth Ministry Consultants (YMC), who focuses on coaching and training ministry leaders, particularly those in smaller churches who are often under-trained and under-resourced.

Tiger focused on and researched young adults who did not leave the church or the faith to gain insights into rethinking student discipleship. While church attendance may be great, it doesn’t measure faith. He shares his “Seven Faith Factors” findings, specifically with small churches, to encourage discipleship efforts. Tiger reminds us that these factors are not a guarantee, but are key for discipleship and spiritual formation.

He closes the episode by sharing two encouragements, one for families and one for churches to both take an active role in students’ and young adults’ lives.

To register for D6 Conference, visit www.d6family.com/d6conference

Order your copy of "Discipleship Is Leadership" from Dr. Rich Griffith here: https://bit.ly/49COByI

To learn more from Tiger McLuen on the “Seven Faith Factors” for lasting faith, visit https://bit.ly/4hbEN1F

In this episode, we talk with Brad Ransom, denominational leader and author of ⁠Creating Healthy Church Systems.⁠ Drawing from his experience as a pastor and consultant to over 300 churches, Brad shares the importance of building systems tailored to each church's unique identity, instead of copying others.

He emphasizes that church health and growth are not the same—health stems from having strong foundations and honest evaluations, while growth is often a byproduct of health. Brad also shares a powerful analogy, comparing undetected church dysfunction to his personal battle with cancer—both require recognizing symptoms and taking proactive steps before it's too late.

Check out Brad Ransom’s new book, Creating Healthy Church Systems here: ⁠https://bit.ly/4bTER3G⁠

View a free sample and order D6 EveryDay Foundations curriculum here: ⁠https://d6family.com/d6curriculum/⁠

Committed to child discipleship, the next generation, and faith formation, Dr. Denise Kjesbo, Dr. Luz Gálvez de Figueroa, and Shelley Henning share about the launch of their research on the partnership between church and home from their shared work in Partnering Church and Home: Discipleship for the Next Generation. With over 900 respondents from across the globe, they explored the pivotal role of adult discipleship in fostering child discipleship and the need for authentic relationships between ministry leaders and families. While they discuss major differences in Latino and Anglo cultures, their research findings and insights are applicable to every church and family. In this episode, ministry leaders, parents, and “faith influencers” alike will gain wisdom and insights to build bridges for churches to truly partner in relationships (not only resourcing) with parents for discipleship.

Register now for D6 Conference at www.d6conference.com

To check out more resources in Spanish or order a copy of their book (In Spanish), Partnering Church and Home: Discipleship for the Next Generation, visit https://entreninos.com/

Order a copy of their book (In English), Partnering Church and Home: Discipleship for the Next Generation here: https://amzn.to/4haPaCi

Check out the 30 Days app for Parents and Teens on the Google Play store here: https://bit.ly/44Z6ncG

Check out the 30 Days app for Parents and Teens in English on the Apple app store here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/30-days-parents-teens/id6444274201

Check out the 30 Days app for Parents and Teens in Spanish here, store.randallhouse.com/30-days-app-espanol/

For this episode, we sat down with Jon Forrest, a veteran youth minister (30 years in ministry) at Bethel Free Will Baptist Church (TN) and author of The Super Youth Worker Utility Belt. For our conversation, Jon talks about his journey through decades of ministry. He shares practical advice for youth ministry leaders and takes time to offer encouragement. He discusses the importance of slowing down and prioritizing relational discipleship and connection, truly paying attention to the students who are right in front of you in ministry. From handling the weight of ministry responsibility to fostering creativity and joy, his insights are a must-hear for anyone in ministry.

To learn more about D6 Everyday Foundations curriculum, visit d6family.com

Order your copy of The Super Youth Worker Utility Belt here: store.randallhouse.com/product/the-super-youth-worker-utility-belt/

Check out Jon’s book Help! My Games Stink here: store.randallhouse.com/product/help-my-games-stink/

Check out Jon’s Bible study, Fight: Like Your Life Depends On It here: store.randallhouse.com/product/fight/

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Arlene Pellicane to discuss her thoughts on the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in our daily lives, especially its impact on children, families, and the church. Arlene is a speaker, host of the Happy Home Podcast, and author of several books including Parents Rising, 31 Days to a Happy Husband, and Screen Kids. Arlene has been featured on the Today Show, Fox and Friends, The Wall Street Journal, and Focus on the Family. She is definitely a “digital guru” for coaching future generations. From curated social media content influencing children’s thoughts to AI-generated conversations replacing human connections, Arlene challenges us to stay informed and proactive when it comes to the use of AI in our lives. She emphasizes the importance of teaching children foundational skills and discernment, especially for the threatening possibility that AI can replace relationships and faith-centered guidance. Arlene shares a variety of resources and strategies for parents and ministry leaders to equip themselves with practical steps to navigate AI’s influence on families and ministries for the future.

To register for D6 Conference, visit d6conference.com 

To learn more from Arlene and find her resources, visit her website at arlenepellicane.com

Head over to d6family.com to check out Elements Kids Worship Access.

AI in Khan Academy at khanacademy.org

Learn more about “AI Dilemma” here: youtube.com/watch?v=xoVJKj8lcNQ

In this episode, guest Eryn Lynum talks about how nature can be a powerful tool for discipling children and nurturing a deeper connection to God’s creation. She also shares practical ways parents and church leaders can use nature to disciple others—whether through simple activities like gardening or by seeing God’s handiwork in the world around us. She encourages us to reflect on God’s creativity and offers resources, such as her book Rooted in Wonder, to help families integrate these lessons into everyday life.

To learn more and order D6 Everyday Foundations curriculum, visit d6everyday.com

Check out the latest book from Dr. Rich Griffith, Discipleship Is Leadership here: https://bit.ly/49COByI

Tune in to Eryn Lynum’s podcast for kids, Nat Theo, discussing nature lessons rooted in the Bible, visit erynlynum.com/nattheo

To learn more about Eryn’s book "Rooted in Wonder" visit erynlynum.myshopify.com/

We are joined this week by Kurt Bruner. He is a pastor in Texas, author, and founder of Drive Faith Home ministry. In this episode, Kurt shares four key self-examination areas for parents to make brave, countercultural decisions for their kids in areas like discipleship, education, media, and sexual wholeness. With decades of experience helping families thrive, Kurt emphasizes the importance of parents as the primary disciplemakers in their children's lives. This episode is full of practical insights for parents striving to raise their children as distinctive disciples of Christ in today’s counterculture world.

To learn more and register for D6 Conference, visit d6conference.com

Learn more about D6 HomePoint by visiting d6homepoint.com

Visit to learn more about Kurt Bruner’s ministry Tune in to Kurt Bruner’s podcast, Counterculture Parents at https://www.countercultureparents.com/