Christian Parent, Crazy World (Catherine Segars - Christian Culture Author and Speaker on Christian Apologetics for Parents)

Do you ever look at other families and assume that they have it all together and yours doesn’t?

Do you look at other pristine and put-together moms or dads and think that you are a hot mess?

Do you look at the successes of your friends while focusing on all of your failures?

There is a profound and often overlooked aspect of our family life that can sabotage us as parents—the desire to be “normal.”

That family is perfect. Mine is hanging on by a thread.

That mom is beautiful. I’m embarrassed to leave the house.

That friend is a rock star. I’m a fake.

Through a series of poignant, relatable stories, Catherine explores how this quest for normalcy infiltrates our lives, undermining our parenting and our individual purpose. Our deeply personal struggles and wounds—from infertility and abandonment to financial instability and physical imperfections—heighten the longing to be like "everyone else."

But those lives that appear perfect are far from it. Everyone battles their own unique challenges that keep them from this mythical place called “Normal.”

The pervasive desire for normalcy is a dangerous and sabotaging force. Being normal is a fiction, a fairy tale, a farce manufactured by the enemy of our souls. And on some level, we all struggle with it.

We desperately need a shift in perspective.

Our unique struggles and disabilities are precisely what draw us closer to God, if we will let them.

The lie of “Normal” is one of the devil’s greatest hits, but in our deepest needs and struggles, God’s grace abounds and leads us to true fulfillment and strength.

This episode supplies a much-needed pep talk to break free from the quest for normal and embrace God’s grace in every need.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Normal (Blog) by Catherine Segars

Ep. 119: Finding Freedom from Sexual Sin and Brokenness (w/ Dr. Lina Abujamra)

Ep. 120: How the Prosperity Gospel Fueled Purity Culture and Undermined Our Parenting (w/ Dr. Lina Abujamra)

2 Corinthians 12:9

Philippians 4:19

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There is no formula for raising a child to be a lifelong follower of Christ. There is no 5 or 10 or even 20-step program to raising godly kids. Parents have a vital part to play as we commit to raise our children biblically, but we cannot choose the faith for our kids.

So what happens when you do your part as parents. You are diligent about training your kids biblically, and the spiritual formation of your children is first and foremost in your mind. You have gone to church but didn’t leave the responsibility of teaching your kids up to the church.  You have done the devotionals, taught the Bible stories, memorized the Scriptures, and you’ve had the deep conversations…

And you get a different result than you were expecting.

Your child doubts. Your child wanders. Your child takes a different path, perhaps the prodigal path.

What then?

Catherine and her guest DJ Harry cover this tear-jerking territory as they continue to glean parenting wisdom from the book of Daniel. Pastor Harry shares the following powerful parenting lessons from the first chapter of Daniel:

1. We don't get to choose when or how our children's faith will be tested. (Daniel 1:1)
2. A well-rounded education is a necessary part of significant influence. (Daniel 1:4)
3. There was an intentional transfer of faith from Daniel's parents to Daniel. (Daniel 1:8)
4. Daniel knew how to appeal to his ungodly authorities Daniel. (Daniel 1:11-13)

But even when we parent biblically to the best of our ability, even when we apply all these lessons, some kids will choose to wander. That does not absolve parents from our responsibility to train our children in the way they should go, which includes taking to heart these incredible lessons we can learn from the book of Daniel.

But the results are not up to us.

Parents must remember that we are not judged by God for our results. We are judged by God for our faithfulness. And our faithfulness in standing our ground, in maintaining that godly witness as our kids go out on their own, and our faithfulness to pray over our kids every day—that work will not return void.

DJ HARRY’S BIO: DJ and Lorrie Harry have been spent their entire lives ministering to others. Their early years were spent in the classroom where they developed a love for teaching and building relationships. In recent years, DJ has served as the Senior Pastor at Needham’s Grove Baptist Church in Seagrove, NC. Together, they currently host the Better Together podcast and love speaking at couples retreats and parenting conferences. DJ and Lorrie have a desire to encourage and equip young couples as they walk down the road of marriage and parenting. 

OTHER EPISODES IN THIS SERIES:

Episode 96: Raising Kids To Stand Strong in a Godless Culture

OTHER PODCASTS MENTIONED:

Episode 55 – Better Together: Tools To Empower Your Kids against Cultural Pressures

RESOURCES REFERENCED:

DJ Harry’s website

The Better Together Podcast

To receive a free copy of The Prodigal Bundle, subscribe HERE.

Alliance Defending Freedom

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

Daniel 1:1, 4, 8, 11-13

Proverbs 22:6

Ecclesiastes 8:14

Galatians 6:9

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What type of mindset makes us vulnerable to chronic stress, anxiety & depression? When you are stressed, what automatic coping mechanisms have you adopted that don’t help, but diminish your wellness?  What holds you back from getting the rest that you need when you’re stressed?  

In this episode from Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast (another free show from LifeAudio), soul care coach Bonnie shares how to ditch mindsets that keep you stuck in anxiety, worry, and stress and what you can do to stop the stress, when you need it most.

This episode will help you let go of unhealthy thinking patterns and replace them with a healthy biblical mindset to create a new rhythm to stop the stress cycle.

DISCOVER MORE EPISODES OF BREATHE: THE STRESS LESS PODCAST FROM BONNIE GRAY:

• Is Self-Care or Soul-Care Selfish or Unspiritual? - https://apple.co/40lhHxb / https://spoti.fi/3FIg305 
• How to Stop Numbing Your Emotions & Stop Negative Self-Talk with Jesus - https://apple.co/405mcvz / https://spoti.fi/3Z2b0hP 
• Feeling Anxious? Cast Your Cares on God Because He Cares For You - https://apple.co/3FHsQA5 / https://spoti.fi/3ZWQb8R 

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Take the Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com – your FREE personal wellness assessment – to learn which areas of wellness you’re missing most to flourish with God’s peace and joy in your life.
• Grab Bonnie’s new book to lower stress, Breathe: 21 Ways to Stress Less & Transform Chaos to Calm
• Join the FREE Breathe Wellness Book Club to tackle for areas of wellbeing: emotional, physical, spiritual, and social wellness at http://thebonniegray.com/breathe. Get 4 LIVE sessions + community support!
• Want scientific articles mentioned in today’s show? Sign up for the FREE Breathe newsletter https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/
• Get Bonnie’s FREE 7 Prayers & Scriptures to Calm Anxiety here!

FOLLOW BONNIE:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegray
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegray
• Website: http://www.thebonniegray.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We think of sex trafficking as being out there somewhere in the jungles of Central America or in Thailand and Cambodia. And to be sure, it is there. But what we must understand as parents and as Christians is that human trafficking is in every zip code in the United States as well.

What do we need to know as parents to help prevent our children from being sexually exploited?

In this episode, Dr. Rondy Smith shares the shocking way many young girls are being lured by sexual predators. She reads a letter from a young woman with the pseudonym “V” who was sexually exploited for all of her teenage years—and  her parents had no idea even though it was happening under their roof. “V” was lured into a sexually exploitive relationship by a distant family member in his 30s who was posing as a suicidal 12-year-old boy from a neighboring school. Once this predator got his first image, he had control which he used to manipulate “V” for 8 years.

Rondy provides invaluable advice for parents to spot the signs of sexual exploitation. Moms and dads must:

*Heed that still, small voice—if something feels off, trust your instincts.

*If your child panics when denied access to their devices, dig deeper. That could be a sign that they are in a sexually exploitive relationship.

*Know that your child will often take the blame for their abuser and seek to shield others from the pain of what is happening.

*Use extreme caution when posting pictures of children online.

*Learn to think like a predator because they exist.

*Not live in fear, but awareness.

Parents must be “wise as serpents but innocent as doves.” (Matt. 10:16). We must know the threats and the signs in order to prevent the spread of this evil.

Rondy’s bio: Dr. Rondy Smith is Founder & CEO of Rest Stop Ministries, which is a residential restoration program for female survivors of sex trafficking in the Nashville, TN area. Rondy is an ordained minister with a Doctorate in Education from Vanderbilt University in Human & Organizational Development, and she has served 37 years in Corporate, Academic, and Ministry professions.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Rest Stop Ministries, Rest Stop: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

NCOSE: The National Center on Sexual Exploitation

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

Galatians 1:5

Hebrews 10:23

Romans 4:17

Matthew 18:10-14 (the lost sheep)

Psalm 40:1-3

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Many parents face the dilemma of sending their kids to a secular college or university. These institutions claim to be diverse, equitable, and inclusive, and yet they only present one view on the most salient issues of our day. In this episode, Catherine shares her disconcerting experience at her oldest child's college orientation at a state-funded school.

At the student orientation, student leader after student leader after student leader shared their name, their major, and their preferred pronouns. No other political references were made. No other religious beliefs were stated. Yet despite claiming a commitment to rigorous intellectual debate and freedom of thought, this school presented only one view on gender. And while insisting on preparing the next generation to live in the “real world,” university faculty and administrators aren’t even preparing kids to live in their “real bodies.”

When Catherine discussed this blatant progressive evangelism on the part of the university with other Christians at the orientation, parents just shrugged this indoctrination off as being “the way it is.”

When “the way it is” is harming children, we have to speak up.

To lay the foundation for this conversation, Catherine explores perspectives on preferred pronouns from both Christian and secular sources. She highlights:

• Rosaria Butterfield, a former radical lesbian activist turned Christian, who  underscores the impact of using preferred pronouns and affirming false ideologies. Preferred pronouns aren’t a matter of terminology. They are a matter of ideology. No good can come from affirming a false ideology.
• The viral cancelled article "Pronouns Are Rohypnol," which sheds light on the perception shifts and safety implications associated with preferred pronouns.
• The tragic story of Richie Herron, a young man who underwent gender reassignment surgery after being groomed by a gender clinic, who highlights the dangers of promoting gender ideology without recognizing the consequences.

These tragic stories begin with a small word—a simple, loving, culturally-approved preferred pronoun. But they end in unfair and unsafe spaces for women and girls, excruciating pain, infertility, butchered bodies, and broken lives.

Catherine urges listeners to not remain neutral when it comes to the truth about gender. If our state schools want to claim a standard of diversity, equity, and inclusion, then all views should be represented. They must not claim a DEI standard while practicing uniformity, inequity, and exclusion.

The episode culminates with Catherine sharing her open letter to the university, urging them to uphold true diversity by considering all perspectives and challenging the status quo.

“A truly valuable education should challenge one’s ideology and deeply held convictions, not acquiesce or coddle. Not show favor or bias. Not proudly promote DEI while practicing ideological uniformity, preference, and exclusion. Not embrace bandwagons or reject them without rigorous consideration.”

Christian parents must stand firm in their beliefs, resist pressure to conform to harmful ideologies, and speak up. The next generation won’t hear the truth about who they are if we don’t speak it.

EPISODES REFERENCED:

Episode 115: Exposing the Lost Landscape of Higher Education (w/ David Richardson)

Episode 112: Navigating Tough Conversations about Pronouns with Your Kids (w/ Ryan & Bethany Bomberger)

Episode 49: How Does a Committed Church Kid become a Drag Queen? (w/ Blake Howard)

Episode 50: How Does a Drag Queen become a Minister of the Gospel? (w/ Blake Howard)

EPISODE RESOURCES:

“Why I no longer use Preferred Pronouns—and Why You shouldn’t, either” by Rosaria Butterfield

The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert: An English Professor’s Journey into Christian Faith, by Rosaria Butterfield

“Pronouns are Rohypnol,” by Barra Kerr

“Woke Doctors TRICKED me into Gender Surgery—Ritchie Herron” (Andrew Gold/Heretics)

‘I Immediately Experienced Regret’: British Man Recounts Horror of Gender-Transition Surgery,” National Review

“Time to Think—What went wrong at the Tavistock Clinic,” Financial Times

“Transgender to Transformed: Laura Perry's Story,” CBN

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There is no greater discipline that we can teach our children than the daily practice of prayer. Communing with our heavenly Father is the lifeblood of our faith.

But how do we teach our kids to pray?

Catherine wraps up this series on Gen Z by exploring that question.

Joining Catherine to discuss this vital topic is Erica Renaud, author of the brand new book Pray with Me: Help Your Children Engage in Authentic and Powerful Prayer. In addition to being a captivating speaker and writer, Erica is a mother five kids ages 18 to 6, and she is passionate about prayer.

Together, Catherine and Erica investigate what prayer is, why we pray, what prayer accomplishes, how to prepare for prayer, and how to respond when our prayers aren’t answered the way we hoped—all using terminology that your kids can understand. Their conversation is insightful, practical, encouraging, enlightening, and refreshing.

You don’t have to be an expert on prayer to teach your children how to pray... so breathe a sigh of relief, moms and dads! You just have to be willing to guide your kids on a journey to engage with God.

To see clips from this interview and find inspiring supplemental quotes and posts, connect with Catherine on Instagram and Facebook . To receive updates about each new podcast and free resources like Scripture songs, Bible verses to pray over prodigal children, and a topical index of Scriptures for prayer, subscribe to Catherine’s website.

OTHER EPISODES IN THIS SERIES:

EPISODE 55: “The 5 Greatest Cultural Challenges Facing Gen Z” with Dr. Jonathan Morrow

EPISODE 54: “5 Things Every Parent Needs to Know about Gen Z” with Dr. Jonathan Morrow

EPISODE 53: “Practical Ways to Disciple Gen Z” with Dana Che

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Erica’s Website

Erica’s Book: Pray with Me: Help Your Children Engage in Authentic and Powerful Prayer

Erica’s Instagram and Facebook Pages

EPISODES ON PRAYER MENTIONED

EPISODE 13: “4 Types of Prayer Every Believer Should Know”

EPISODE 14: “How To Battle for Your Kids in Prayer”

EPISODE 15: “What Should I Expect When I Battle in Prayer?”

BOOKS MENTIONED:

Watchman Nee: Let Us Pray

Watchman Nee: The Prayer and Ministry of the Church

SCRIPTURE MENTIONED:

2 Chronicles 2:9

Want more on Christian Apologetics for Parents? Visit https://www.crosswalk.com/author/catherine-segars/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sexual sin remains one of the most prolific yet overlooked issues within the Christian community. Despite the prevalence of church teachings on purity and righteousness, hidden struggles with sexual sin abound. Despite Jesus' promise of freedom in Scripture, pornography, illicit romantic novels and television shows, and sexual indiscretions continue to keep many believers in bondage. Statistics reveal a startling reality:

• 50% of American Christians ages 18 to 30 actively seek out porn annually.
• 68% of churchgoing men regularly view pornography.
• 20% of practicing Christians ages 18 to 30 actively seek out porn weekly.
• 15% of Christian women say that they watch porn at least monthly.
• Only 13% of Christian women say that they never watch porn.
• 20 % of youth pastors currently struggles w/ porn use.
• 68% of churchgoing men regularly view porn.
• 50% of pastors regularly view porn.
• 76% of Christians age 18 to 24 actively and regularly spend time searching porn sites.
• The average age kids see porn is 11.
• 95% of kids see porn by 14 .

These hidden battles often lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and a performance-based relationship with God, making it harder to experience His grace, true intimacy, and freedom

In this episode of "Christian Parent/Crazy World," Catherine is joined by Dr. Lina Abujamra, a pediatric ER doctor and founder of Living With Power Ministries, who delves into her own experiences and insights on breaking free from hidden sexual sin. Lina  sheds light on how purity culture's unrealistic expectations can lead to a dangerous form of idolatry, causing individuals to ignore deeper issues and seek fulfillment through temporary distractions.

Key Highlights:

• Purity Culture’s Impact: Lina unpacks how purity culture sets unrealistic expectations about marriage and intimacy, fostering a performance-based relationship with God.
• The Danger of Idolatry: Learn why idolizing a perfect life leads many to overlook deeper issues and lean on temporary distractions like TV, movies, and frivolous novels.
• Dealing with Hidden Sins: Lina emphasizes the necessity of addressing hidden sins openly and highlights the ease of falling into habits like consuming erotic content. Women like Lina have particularly struggled with pornographic novels and desire to be set free.
• The Importance of Safe Conversations: Lina shares her personal experiences, including the emotional hurt she faced within the church, and underscores the need for transparent discussions in our homes and communities.
• Sexual Sin in the Church: Catherine and Lina explore the alarming statistics on porn addiction among Christians, including pastors, and the urgent need for transparency.

Guest Bio: Dr. Lina Abujamra is a distinguished pediatric emergency room doctor, author, speaker, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her dynamic and heartfelt approach, she offers practical biblical insights to help people navigate life's challenges with faith and resilience. She has authored several impactful books, including Fractured Faith: Finding Your Way Back to God in an Age of Deconstruction, Resolved: 10 Ways to Stand Strong and Live What You Believe, and her most recent book, Don't Tell Anyone You're Reading This: A Christian Doctor’s Thoughts on Sex, Shame, and Other Troublesome Issues, which offers a candid look into her sexual struggles and the grace that brought her freedom.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Featured resource: Don't Tell Anyone You're Reading This: A Christian Doctor’s Thoughts on Sex, Shame, and Other Troublesome Issues

Ep. 110 How To Talk To Your Kids about Pornography (w/ Kristen Jensen)

Good Pictures, Bad Pictures: Porn Proofing Today’s Young Kids by Kristen Jensen

What’s Next?

Stay tuned for our next episode, where Lina and I dive even deeper into purity culture, the impact of the prosperity gospel on views of sex and our parenting, and the role of shame in sin. This is a journey toward uncovering freedom and truth, one conversation at a time.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We live in a time when political conversations can be not just divisive, but downright contentious. It feels like maintaining a calm, respectful demeanor amid this politically charged environment is becoming harder by the day, especially with today’s election.

Divisive rhetoric permeates everyday conversations. Families and friendships are straining under political disagreements, and often they break. Television, the air waves, the internet, and social media have become battlegrounds for conflicting political views. With 76% of Americans believing that the country is heading in the wrong direction and 63% of people avoiding political conversations altogether due to potential conflict, our communities and families are under pressure like never before.

Maintaining a grace-filled witness during politically charged conversations is one of the greatest challenges Christians face in today’s polarized world. How do we share our views without losing our cool or compromising our faith?

Catherine tackles the delicate issue of engaging in political discussions in a way that honors Christ by offering 7 practical guidelines. They are:

1. Prioritize people over political positions. Our faith must lead our political views, not the other way around.
2. Listen to understand. Truly hearing out the other side can bring unexpected empathy and insight.
3. Avoid ridicule and demonstrate honor. Respect is key in sustaining any dialogue.
4. Be constructive. Offering solutions instead of criticism can transform the conversation.
5. Critique methods, not motives. This keeps the focus on actions, not personal attacks.
6. Build bridges. Connection, not conversion, should be our goal.
7. Pray for our country and its leaders. This keeps our efforts grounded in faith.

With powerful personal anecdotes, Catherine encourages listeners to embody these principles, offering a path forward for believers to engage in political conversations that reflect Christ’s love. But most importantly, Catherine reminds listeners that neither a donkey nor an elephant can save this country… rather, we need a lamb. A spotless lamb.

To receive a list of Scriptures to pray over our country and a bookmark with our nation’s leaders, subscribe HERE.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

"As a Christian, How Involved in Politics Should I Be?" (by Catherine Segars)

"How The After Party Curriculum Is Sowing Political Confusion in the Church" (by Natasha Crain)

Ephesians 6:12

John 13:35

1 Peter 2:13-17

1 Timothy 2:1-2 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A Christian can struggle with any number of attractions or temptations, including same sex desire and gender confusion. But should a Christian consider that struggle to be part of their identity? Should who we are attracted to or how we feel about our bodies be central to our being? Is our sexuality an immutable characteristic like our race or ethnicity? In other words, should we should claim our sexuality as part of our essence?

And if we do, what are the ramifications of this conclusion theologically and practically?

Christopher Yuan, author of Holy Sexuality and the Gospel, lived for many years as a gay man. He addresses the issue of our Christian identity very clearly saying:

“If I were to identify as a gay Christian, I would be trying to resuscitate my dead man. We should never put our identity in our sin nature or in our flesh. Sin is never meant to be sanctified. It is meant to be mortified.”

Who we are attracted to is part of our experience as human beings here on earth. So is how we feel about our bodies. So are our significant roles—husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter, friend. So is what we do—teacher, doctor, business owner, plumber … fill in the blank. So is what we are afflicted with: depression, anxiety, disease, addiction, abuse. Those are all, sadly, a part of our fallen human experience.

But that is not who we are.

As Christians, we must identify ourselves as sons and daughters of the most-high God. That is our identity. We must lay every other label down and brand ourselves with Christ. Then and only then can we walk in freedom.

Joining Catherine again to discuss the central topic of identity in the Christian life is Melinda Patrick, host of The Bridge Between Us Podcast: Loving Your LGBTQ Identified Child While Not Compromising Truth. As a mother of a same-sex attracted daughter who has embraced an LGBTQ identity and union, Melinda considers identity to be a central component to every Believer’s spiritual journey. To overcome any temptation or obstacle, we must have our identity firmly rooted in Christ.

OTHER EPISODES IN THIS SERIES:

EPISODE 76: An LGBTQ Mom Responds to Andy Stanley

RESOURCES MENTIONED/REFERENCED:

Melinda Patrick’s Website

Melinda Patrick’s email address: melinda@melindapatrick.org

Melinda Patrick’s Instagram Page

The Bridge Between Us Podcast: Loving Your LGBTQ Identified Child Well While Not Compromising Truth

The Even While Podcast: Living Well in the Midst of Waiting

His Wonderful Works: Hope Healing and Freedom

The Freedom March

Catherine Segars email address: catherine@catherinesegars.com

PODCASTS. ARTICLES, WEBSITES REFERENCED:

EPISODE 69: What Question Burns in the Heart of Your Gen Z Child?

ARTICLE: “What Question Burns in the Heart of Your Gen Z Child?” by Catherine Segars

“Sewing Heresy/Mainline Slide: The Push to Accept Homosexuality Gutted Traditional Protestantism. Evangelical churches Are Headed down the Same Road,” by Mary Jackson (World Magazine)

“How to Confidently Minister to Friends Who Experience Same-Sex Attraction and Gender Confusion” Alisa Childers Podcast w/ Christopher Yuan

“The Number of LGBTQ Identifying Adults is Soaring” (Axios/data from Gallup)

Andy Stanley’s Message: “I Love My Church”

Greg & Lynn McDonald: Embracing the Journey

The Unconditional Conference

Debbie Causey’s Website

SCRIPTURES:

Psalm 24:3

Jeremiah 29:11

1 Corinthians 13:6

Proverbs 11:2

John 6:68-69

Psalm 40:1-3

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Gratitude plays a pivotal role in the life of a Christian, serving as a cornerstone for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. It's not just a fleeting feeling of thankfulness, but a profound, daily practice that transforms our perspectives and opens the door to divine blessings. In fact, gratitude has the power to radically change your future and the future of your family.

But a lack of gratitude can change your future as well.

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Catherine dives into the transformative power of gratitude by exploring how the Israelites failure to be grateful led to a 40-year-detour in the desert, where their humble and benevolent leader actually prayed for God to take him out. Gratitude will open the door for God’s blessings and favor to flow, or it can shut the door to the future God has planned.

Key takeaways include:

·       Gratitude in the Bible: The Israelites' ingratitude delayed their entry into the Promised Land by 40 years, showing how a lack of thankfulness can have serious consequences.

·       Negative Impact of Ingratitude: Being ungrateful fosters fear, distrust, and idolatry, affecting our relationship with God and others.

·       Gratitude as Protection: A grateful heart can shield us from sinful behaviors like greed and obscene talk, aligning our focus with God’s goodness.

·       Practical Gratitude: Making a list of things we're thankful for and displaying it can help combat fear and anxiety.

·       Daily Gratitude: Incorporating thankfulness into our daily routines can transform our outlook and unlock God's blessings.

·       Faith in Tough Times: Even when facing difficult circumstances, practicing gratitude can provide peace and open doors for future blessings.

This episode is filled with biblical insights, personal stories, and practical takeaways to help you and your family choose gratitude over grumbling—even when life gets hard.

Reflecting on biblical stories, personal experiences, and scriptural insights, Catherine uncovers how choosing gratitude over grumbling shapes not just our hearts but our destinies.

To receive Catherine’s Prodigal Bundle for parents with estranged children, click HERE.

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

Psalms 100:4

Ephesians 5

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Galatians 6:7

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There is a powerful and pervasive cultural myth being piped into our kids these days, and you are a bad parent if you don’t buy into it. The myth says that our kids can be whoever they want to be in life.

Is this idea BIBLICAL?

Is it TRUE or even REALISTIC?

In this solo episode, Catherine tackles this topic head on to establish what is Biblical and what is cultural when it comes to the dreams that our children pursue in life.

The idea that you can be whoever you want to be is the central theme in countless books, movies, and television shows. If you can dream it, you can be it. So the pressure is on for parents to support our child’s dream no matter what it is. After all, one of the most popular verses in the Bible tells us that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13)

We often fail to note that this verse is cherry-picked out of a section where Paul talks about his countless struggles, sharing how he has learned contentment with little or with much, in hunger or well fed. This verse is often used to promote the pursuit of a glorious dream yielding material success. It is seldom used to console someone whose dream has been crushed. And yet Paul said that in Christ, we can be content in both of those realities.

Can our kid be whoever they want to be in life?

No.

Nor do we want them to be.

But our kids can be who God created them to be in life. And who God has created them to be is the most exciting and fulfilling dream that our kids can pursue. God’s plan is what we should all be aiming for in life. As parents, we should let our kids see us aim for that mark, and hopefully they will learn to do the same.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

World Magazine

“The Hill: Sports film inspires but falls into familiar prosperity Gospel trap” by Collin Garbarino

The Hill (2023)

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

Philippians 4:6

Philippians 4:8

Philippians 4:11-13

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Raising kids to stand strong in the faith while living in a godless culture is the greatest challenge Christian parents face today. In a world where a majority of kids from Christian households leave the faith after leaving the nest, what can Christian parents do to establish a firm spiritual foundation for their children?

Catherine and Pastor DJ Harry look to the book of Daniel to answer that question.

Four young men in this prophetic Old Testament book stayed committed to God in a very dark and godless culture. They stood when everyone else bowed. They prayed to the one true God when it could cost their lives. DJ has identified four lessons that parents can take from Daniel and his friends that will aid in the spiritual formation of our children. The first two lessons are covered in this episode. They are:

1. We don't get to choose when or how our children's faith will be tested. (Daniel 1:1) “In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.”
2.  A well-rounded education is a necessary part of significant influence. (Daniel 1:4) Daniel and his friends were “young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace.”

We don’t know when or how our children will be tested, so we must be diligent about establishing a well-rounded spiritual education for our kids. It is our job as godly parents to be very intentional about the spiritual formation of our children. That preparation is the rich soil from which the seeds of truth can flourish. God plants the seeds. As parents, we nourish the soil and put our kids in environments where that planting can take place.

DJ HARRY’S BIO: DJ and Lorrie Harry have been spent their entire lives ministering to others. Their early years were spent in the classroom where they developed a love for teaching and building relationships. In recent years, DJ has served as the Senior Pastor at Needham’s Grove Baptist Church in Seagrove, NC. Together, they currently host the Better Together podcast and love speaking at couples retreats and parenting conferences. DJ and Lorrie have a desire to encourage and equip young couples as they walk down the road of marriage and parenting. 

Links:

DJ Harry’s website

The Better Together Podcast

To receive a free copy of The Prodigal Bundle, subscribe HERE.

“Most Teenagers Drop Out of Church When They Become Young Adults” Lifeway Research

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

Daniel 1:1, 4

Matthew 24:8

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Studies show that a majority of kids raised in Christian homes are leaving the faith when they leave the nest. It is vital that we understand the primary reasons why young people no longer believe if we want to help them return to the faith.

In this episode, Catherine airs an important conversation she had recently on the Redeeming the Chaos Podcast with Laurie Christine. Catherine and Laurie discuss new research which tells us why young people are bailing on Christianity. Highlighted are the 7 most prominent reasons Gen Zrs cite for walking away from the Christian faith. They are:

1. I have a hard time believing that a good God would allow so much evil or suffering in the world (29%): see EPISODE 66 w/ Dr. Douglas Groothuis

2. Christians are hypocrites (23%)

3. I believe science refutes too much of the Bible (20%) See Dr. Stephen Meyer: Signature in the Cell, The Return of the God Hypothesis, and Darwin’s Doubt; also see Dr. John Lennox (The “God Delusion “ Debate with Richard Dawkins)

4. I don’t believe in fairy tales (19%) see “The Case for Christ” & “The Case for Christ for Kids” by Lee Strobel

5. There are too many injustices in the history of Christianity (15%) see Episode 9: How Does Christian Worldview Creates the World We all Want to Live”, see Episodes 93, 94, & 95 w/ Os Guinness

6. I used to go to church, but it’s just not important to me anymore (12%)

7. I had a bad experience in church/with a Christian (6%) see Episodes 39, 40, 41, & 42; see “When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community from Emotional & Spiritual Abuse” by Dr. Chuck DeGroat

Catherine offers some helpful resources to consult if a child you know has embraced one of these claims about Christianity, and she and Laurie also offer some helpful resources for discipling younger kids in the faith.

BIO: Laurie Christine is an author, podcast host, Biblical Parenting Coach, wife, and mom of four loud, adventurous boys. Her podcast, Redeeming the Chaos, invites moms of boys to join her on the wild, wonderful adventure of raising courageous boys and connecting them with Christ Her new devotional book for boys, Rise of the Enemy, was released on Amazon last year.

RESOURCES REFERENCED AND CITED:

“Emerging Gen Z may deliver huge blow to religion in U.S.” by Jeff Brumley (June 8, 2018)

The American Worldview Inventory in 2022 highlights worldview beliefs of American pastors.

“Only Half of Evangelical Pastors Possess a Christian Worldview: Incidence Even Lower for Most Denominations” (Cultural Research Cente::ACU)

ACU Cultural Research Center Worldview Inventory 2020-current

Foundation Worldview Curriculum (use “CPCW10” code for 10% discount)

Apologia: What We Believe (4 volume set)

EPISODES CITED:

Episode 57: “How To Teach Your Kids the Christian Worldview” w/ Elizabeth Urbanowicz

Episode 58: “7 Lies Culture is Selling Our Kids: Are They Buying?” w/ Elizabeth Urbanowicz

Episode 72: “What Do People Leaving the Faith often Get Wrong about God?” w/ Elizabeth Urbanowics

Episode 84: “How To Learn More Scripture in 2024 Than You Ever Have Before” w/ Zac Fitzsimmons

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

Psalm 78:1-8

Hebrews 10:25

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and according to the CDC, our kids are facing a mental health crisis. Consider these recent statistics:

*Suicide & homicide rates in youth ages 10 to 24 are the highest they have been in decades, since 1968.

*42% of adolescents are feeling sadness and hopelessness, up 50% from 2011 (57% are females).

*22% of all students have considered attempting suicide, up from 36%.

*Youth and young adults (ages 10-24) account for 15% of all suicides, an increase of 52.2% since 2000.

*Suicide has become the second-leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24.

*46% of adolescence ages 13 to 17 say that social media makes their body image worse.

Parents are justifiably concerned, and often they don’t know where to start when a child is struggling mentally.

Catherine’s guest in this episode is Dr. Bill Senyard, a mental health expert who specializes in helping parents reconnect the critical bond with their child to address the foundation of their mental health.

Every child has two primary needs from their parents:

1. They need to feel CONNECTED.

2. They need to feel like they are ENOUGH.

A child must know that their parents have their back, and they must know that they are loved no matter what. If this critical foundation breaks down, a child will become disconnected from their parents and others. They will suffer in all of their relationships and in their mental health.

Bill shares how to reestablish that connection through attunement. If one in every three interactions with our kids attune to their foundational emotional needs, we can reconnect with our child and build a strong mental foundation for life.

Dr. Bill Senyard’s bio: Bill’s career has taken him from being a Chemical engineer, a strategic management consultant, and a co-owner of an Inc. 500 high-tech company to fulltime church ministry where he served multiple congregations as a Lead Pastor for over 35 years. He is a popular conference speaker in the US and Canada as well as abroad. He has written over a dozen non-fiction books and workbooks on a wide range of important topics including, how Christians can effectively and Biblically forgive others, how frustrated parents of teens can be “good enough parents” and most importantly, God’s love for the unlovable. Bill is the creator of The Good Enough Parent, a phenomenal curriculum that has a ton of free resources for parents.

Bill’s Website

Good Enough Parent Curriculum

Attachment Theory For Teens Simplified (video)

Bill’s Book: Tale of the Unlikely Prince

EPISODE RESOURCES:

John 3:16

Romans 8:1

Ephesians 3

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you know what your family's unique purpose or identity is? Can you and your kids name your family’s core values? 

If you feel like a deer in headlights when asked those questions, you aren’t alone.

Families are at the heart of God's plan for the world, serving as unique units designed to fulfill His divine purposes. Yet churches often zoom in on assessing individual callings and miss the bigger picture of the family's role. As a result, most parents never discover their family’s unique God given design or purpose. They never consider what their family’s core values might be.

In this episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, host Catherine Segars chats with Derek England, the Executive Director of Family ID. Together, they unpack God’s timeless design for the family and why understanding your family's unique purpose is vitally important.

Episode Highlights:

• Family Identity and Purpose: Catherine and Derek dive into how each family has a distinct place in God's plan. They talk about the importance of establishing core family values that guide everything from daily decisions to long-term goals.
• From Past to Present: The conversation touches on traditional family roles, modern challenges, and key insights from Nancy Pearcey's book, The Toxic War on Masculinity.
• Creating Core Values: Derek shares his own family's journey in developing core values, values like being radically protective of quality time and maintaining unwavering integrity.
• Living Intentionally: Emphasizing the need to be intentional, Derek offers practical advice on defining and living out your family’s unique identity and values.
• Free Resources for Families: Take advantage of Family ID's free tools and resources, including a family assessment and masterclass, available at family-id.com. These resources are packed with activities, short videos, and worksheets to help you uncover your family's special purpose and core values.

When the family is strong, each individual member is strong. Family ID helps parents embark on a journey of intentional family living, equipping them with invaluable tools and wisdom to foster a stronger, more unified family dynamic that glorifies God. Explore the divine importance of family in God's plan and begin your intentional family journey at www.family-id.com.

Guest bio: Derek England is the Executive director of Family ID, an organization that is dedicated to transforming families by helping them discover and embrace their family identity, purpose, and direction. Family ID is founded on the belief that every family has a distinct role to play in God’s plan. To equip that plan, Family ID provides a ton of practical tools and resources to guide families in discovering their unique identity, purpose, and core values.

EPISODE RESROURCES:

Family ID

Family ID Facebook Page

Family ID Instagram Page

“That the World May Know” with Ray Vander Laan

The Toxic War on Masculinity by Nancy Pearcy

EPISODIES REFERENCED:

“5 Lies about Motherhood That Most Women Believe” – The Girl Defined Podcast

“I don’t want to have kids… I want to pursue my career” – The Girl Defined Podcast

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

Ephesians 5:25-33

John 17:24

Proverbs 29:18

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

King David said, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)

As Believers, we know that we are supposed to hide God’s Word in our hearts, but most of have a really heard time retaining Scripture. We know that a verse is somewhere in a certain book of the Bible, and we sort of know what it says—but we can’t quote it, or even find it without an aid.

What if there were some simple techniques that helped Scripture to stick in your memory and reside in your heart?

There are.

In this special New Year’s episode of CHRISTIAN PARENT/CRAZY WORLD, Catherine shares her tried and true method for memorizing Scripture. Her secret is the power of song. And she welcomes Zac Fitzsimmons, an insanely talented singer/songwriter to share his music with the CP/CW audience.

Zac is devoted to creating powerful, anointed songs from word-for-word passages of Scripture. He sings Psalm 1 and Psalm 8 live in this episode, and Catherine sings harmony. Catherine also shares the proven method she uses for committing Scripture to memory with her kids through song and sign language.

And Catherine issues a challenge to memorize one verse a week this year using a Scripture song—just one verse a week. Even if you fall short of 52 verses in 2024, you will have memorized quite a few and you will have soaked in God’s Word intently and intentionally, and that meditation will bear a lot of fruit in your life and in your family.

So join Catherine’s challenge to learn more Scripture in 2024 than you ever have before!

You can email Catherine to offer feedback and tell her about your Bible memory plan for the new year at catherine@catherinesegars.com.

Zac Fitzsimmons Bio: Zac is a Christian singer/songwriter from Minnesota, USA. He has led various congregations in musical worship for over twenty years and is most known for his ongoing endeavor of writing music and melodies to the Psalms word for word from the English Standard Version of the Bible. These songs are being discovered by people worldwide as valuable tools for soaking in the scriptures in a new way and aiding in scripture memorization. You can find links to the audio, lyric videos and chord charts at www.psalmsongswordforword.com

You can also find Zac on YouTube and Instagram.

To receive downloads of Zac & Catherine’s live perform of Psalm 8, Zac’s performance of Psalm 1, and all of Catherine’s Scripture songs, and pro tips for memorizing the Bible, subscribe at Catherine’s website: https://catherinesegars.com/resources

EPISODE RESOURCES:

See Catherine’s complimentary article on Crosswalk: “Learn More Scripture This Year with This #1 Proven Method”

SCRIPTURE SONG ARTISTS:

The Corner Room

Seeds Family Worship

King Things

Esther Mui

Benjamin NG

The Bigsby Show (for the books of the Bible and the 12 Disciples)

SIGN LANGUAGE RESOURCES:

Hands Speak,  Signs Savvy, ASL Dictionary

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you know that you have a purpose in life? Like beyond parenting. Beyond what you do for a living, even, perhaps. Beyond paying the bills and doing the chores and feeding the kids. You have a purpose in life. Something that God created you to do before you were ever born. God has a very specific part for you to play in the grand story He is writing throughout all of history

In this podcast, I’m going to talk about how to discover why you were born. I will give you the Five P’s of finding your purpose.

Discovering your purpose in life really does tie into your parenting in a big way. Because when your kids see you living your purpose in life, they are going to be inspired to live out theirs.

The majority of people live and die without ever discovering their purpose in life, the reason God created them. Isn’t that sad. But what is even more sad is that the majority of Christians, the majority of people who know the God who created them with a purpose to fulfill for His Kingdom, they never discover that purpose is either. They never realize why they were put on this earth. How sad is that? It is tragic, really.

The 5 P’s to Your Purpose:

People who fulfill their God-given purpose in life are people of prayer.
They are people who plant themselves in Christ’s body, in the church.
They are people who allow God to prune them without losing their faith.
They are people who persevere.
And all the while, they never stop praising God.

The question is not “Do I have a purpose?” Scripture is clear—you do.

The question is, then, “Will I discover God’s purpose for my life?” And then, “Will I fulfill God’s purpose for my life?”

Or…

“Will I usurp God’s purpose for my life with my own?”

I encourage you to fulfill your purpose by praying, planting, allowing God to prune, the persevere, all the while praising God. And as you do this, you will be modeling for your kids how to fulfill their purpose in life too.

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:
Jeremiah 1:5
Isaiah 49:1-2
Psalm 139:13-17
Ephesians 2:10
Isaiah 46:10-11
Proverbs 25:2
Psalm 92:12-13
John 15:1-2
Psalm 144:1

OTHER SOURCES REFERENCED:

John Bevere Devotional

“Jobs Are Hard” video

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Living in an ADHD household is akin to navigating a wild and unpredictable journey, where understanding and strategies are vital. In this enlightening episode of Christian Parent Crazy World, Catherine Segars is joined by Dr. Tamara Rosier to tackle the complexities of family life with ADHD. As the founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan and president of the ADHD Coaches Organization, Tamara offers invaluable insights and strategies drawn from her extensive experience and her latest book, You, Me, and Our ADHD Family.

Managing ADHD isn't merely about sticky notes and planners; it's about comprehending the unique ways these minds work and forging strategies that truly resonate. This episode promises to dive deep into the real-life hurdles of forgetfulness and emotional regulation that ADHD presents within a family, providing science-backed, compassionate solutions.

Fans of the show will appreciate engaging discussions about the emotional rollercoaster ADHD brings and how families can learn to swim through the chaos to healthier relationships. Catherine also reveals how an ADHD diagnosis led to her daughter receiving a full-ride scholarship, showcasing the unexpected silver linings that can accompany neurodivergent thinking.

1. ADHD in the Family: Both Catherine and Tamara explore how ADHD often runs in families, highlighting the importance of understanding its impact across generations. Catherine candidly shares her journey from reluctance to acceptance, ultimately embracing her family's ADHD experiences as a source of strength and opportunity.
2. Emotional Regulation: Catherine and Tamara discuss how ADHD influences emotional regulation, often leading to heightened responses and big emotions. They delve into the metaphor of a family pool filled with these emotions, where learning to navigate these waters is crucial for family dynamics.
3. Harnessing Hyperfocus: Another key topic is the ability to hyperfocus, often seen in individuals with ADHD, which can sometimes make them look like geniuses when they strike the right balance.
4. The Gift of Divergent Thinking: Despite the challenges, Catherine and Tamara celebrate the creativity, passion, and unique perspectives that ADHD individuals bring into the world. They note the importance of recognizing and valuing these gifts, not just within the family but in broader society.
5. Practical Steps for Families: Insights from Tamara’s book and her practices at the ADHD Center of West Michigan offer tangible steps for families to better manage ADHD. These include improving communication, setting realistic expectations, and fostering an environment that embraces inclusion and compassion for divergent thinkers.

For those feeling overwhelmed by an ADHD diagnosis or merely seeking to enrich their understanding of diverse neurotypes, this episode offers both helpful guide and a reassuring embrace.

BOOK GIVEAWAY: Respond to Catherine's post on Instagram for a chance to win Tamara's book You, Me, and Our ADHD Family: Practical Steps to Cultivate Healthy Relationships.

About Dr. Tamara Rosier: Dr. Tamara Rosier is a renowned expert in the ADHD field. She’s the founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan and serves as the president of the ADHD Coaches Organization. Her acclaimed books, Your Brain's Not Broken and You, Me and Our ADHD Family offer a wealth of knowledge and strategies to help families thrive despite the challenges of ADHD.

Other episodes in this series:
Ep. 136: Attention Please! Understanding ADHD in Kids and Adults

Important Links and Resources:

• Tamara’s Author Website
• ADHD Center of West Michigan: MIADHD.com
• Books by Dr. Tamara Rosier:

• Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD
• You, Me, and Our ADHD Family: Practical Steps to Cultivate Healthy Relationships

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

According to recent Barna research, reconciling a good God with an evil world is the number one barrier to the Christian faith for the next generation. As parents, if there is an obstacle to our kids’ faith, we need be prepared with some answers.

Catherine’s special guest for this episode is eminently qualified to help us reconcile any difficult question concerning the Christian faith. Dr. Douglas Groothuis is one of the great apologetic voices in the world today. He is the author of 17 books, including Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith, Walking through Twilight: A Wife’s Illness—A Philosopher’s Lament, and most recently, Fire in the Streets: How You Can Confidently Respond to Incendiary Cultural Topics. He is currently a professor of philosophy and the head of the apologetics and ethics program at Denver Seminary.

Dr. Groothuis has a brilliant mind that he has employed for God’s glory and the good of the church for many decades. But most striking in this conversation is not only how this masterful apologist ponders the great perplexities of life through the lens of our faith, but also how he has employed that faith in the midst of great heartache. Dr. Groothuis shares his own deeply personal experience with suffering in the loss of his late wife, Rebecca. His thoughts are deep, and his journey is powerful and poignant.

Every worldview must wrestle with the problem of evil. The Christian worldview provides philosophical and theological answers that are rational and that resonate with the human experience. But most of all, our faith provides hope, meaning, and redemption in life’s heartache. As Dr. Groothuis says, “We can smelt meaning out of suffering.”  

RESOURCES:

Dr. Douglas Groothuis website

Truth Tribe with Douglas Groothuis (podcast)

Dr. Groothuis speaking request

BOOKS REFERENCED:

Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith  (2nd ed.) by Dr. Douglas Groothuis

Walking through Twilight: A Wife’s Illness—A Philosopher’s Lament by Dr. Douglas Groothuis

RESEARCHED REFERENCED:

Emerging Gen Z May Deliver Huge Blow to Religion in U.S. (Baptist News Global, 6/8/18)

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

Gen. 50:20

Isaiah 50:4

1 Kings 19

John 11:35

Romans 8:28

John 6:68-69

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In a world that is openly hostile to masculinity, does our faith offer a remedy? And what do we as Christian parents need to teach our sons and daughters?

Consider these shocking examples of male-bashing in our culture:

*The Washington Post article by gender studies professor “Why Can’t We Hate Men?”

*The New Stateman featured a British feminist writing, “ You can’t live with them. You can’t shoot them.”

*Trendy hashtag #killallmen

*T-shirts emblazoned with “So many men. So Little Ammunition.”

*Books titled: I Hate Men, The End of Men, and Are Men Necessary?

*A USA Today article states: “At today’s universities, masculinity is almost never discussed except in negative terms, usually with the word ‘toxic’ attached.

*John Stoltenberg, author of Refusing to Be a Man says, “Talking about ‘healthy masculinity’ is like talking about ‘healthy cancer.’”

*Hugh Howey tweeted, “Testosterone is the problem… Women should be in charge of everything.”

*Testosterone is “a toxin that you have to slowly work out of your system,” said James Cameron, director of the movie

*Media researcher, Jim Macnamara, conducted extensive content analysis of more than 2000 mass media portrayals of men (including news, feature articles, talk shows, etc.) found that more than 75% of all media representations of men portrayed them as “villains, aggressors, perverts, and philanderers.”

As parents, we are raising our boys in a toxic stew misandry (hatred, contempt, or prejudice against men or boys), and we should be concerned.

Catherine’s guest in this episode, Nancy Pearcey, has written the quintessential book defining the problem when it comes to masculinity in our culture, and she offers the only viable solution. The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes walks us through this intricate and critical conversation.

Nancy's personal journey from victimization with an abusive father, to agnosticism and radical feminism, to affirming biblical masculinity gives her a unique perspective on this contentious subject. Nancy unpacks the real roots of so-called "toxic masculinity" and discusses why understanding this topic is pivotal for Christian families today.

Nancy’s Bio: Nancy Pearcey's latest book is The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. Her earlier books include Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality, The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and two ECPA Gold Medallion Award Winners: How Now Shall We Live (coauthored with Harold Fickett and Chuck Colson) and Total Truth. Her books have been translated into 20 languages. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. A former agnostic, Pearcey has spoken at universities such as Princeton, Stanford, USC, and Dartmouth. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual."

Nancy Pearcey’s Website

To see full episode highlights, click HERE.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

Origins of Toxic Masculinity: Misconceptions abound about toxic masculinity and its origins. Nancy dismantled the myth that it started with 1960s feminism, explaining its roots in the post-Industrial Revolution era. She explores how men, distanced from home-based work, lost their nurturing roles, which led to more egocentric and aggressive behaviors.

Cultural Hostility Towards Masculinity: The episode delves into societal attitudes, giving examples like misandric merchandise and high-profile statements against men. A shocking survey reveals that a significant percentage of men feel victimized by society's hostility towards typical male behavior.

Positive Masculinity Scripts: Nancy emphasizes the importance of promoting the 'Good Man' script—values of honor, duty, integrity, and responsibility—over the toxic stereotypes often portrayed in media and culture. Encouraging men to recognize their innate capacity for good can be more effective than labeling them toxic.

Pandemic's Impact on Fatherhood: The discussion touches on how the COVID-19 pandemic brought men closer to their families. Nancy shares compelling personal experiences and data showing men’s desire for more flexible work arrangements post-pandemic to stay connected with their children and homes.

Balancing Career and Family: Highlighting the historical perspective, Catherine and Nancy discuss how modern families are finding ways to intertwine economic activities with family life, much like the pre-industrial era. They share inspirational anecdotes of men balancing work and family commitments creatively.

Join Catherine and Nancy as they navigate the contentious and critical topic of masculinity, offering hope, clarity, and actionable insights for Christian parents in today’s chaotic world.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Keeping Christ at the center of Christmas is a huge challenge. Busy parents are constantly pushed and pulled a hundred different directions, especially at the holidays. Our event calendar in December can look like a flow-chart from an international airport with constant departures and arrivals. It is easy to forget Christ in the hustle and bustle of baking, shopping, wrapping, and party-hopping.

How do we keep our families focused on Christ during the hectic holiday season?

Bethany Kimsey, host of the Warrior Mama Podcast, joins Catherine again to discuss how to keep our hearts and our families concentrated on Christ during the Christmas season. These two moms have over 40 years of parenting experience, and in this episode, they share their favorite Christ-centered family traditions. These traditions are:

*Don’t compare yourself to other families.

*Study the names of Jesus.

*Celebrate Advent.

*Watch Christ-centered entertainment.

*Create a Jesse Tree.

*Assign Scripture passages to each family member for Christmas.

*Educate your kids and give to a Christ-centered mission.

*Celebrate Jolaboklaflod (an evening of book-giving) with Christ-centered books.

Employing some of these wonderful family traditions will help counteract the busyness, the commercialism and materialism, and the overall stress of Christmas.

Bethany’s bio: As a mother to 8 children, Bethany Kimsey has seen God radically change her messy motherhood from weary, anxious, and frantic to peaceful, joyful, and triumphant. She helps weary mothers win the battle against worry and fatigue as they understand their identity in Christ and rest in the hope of the Gospel in community with other moms.

Bethany recently authored A Warrior Mama’s Prayer Journal to help mothers pray intentionally over their children and anchor in gospel truths. This can be purchased at  www.Bethanykimsey.co. 

She would love to connect at her website bethanykimsey.com or her Warrior Mama podcast https://whengodbreaksthrough.libsyn.com found on your favorite podcast platform. You can connect with Bethany on Instagram or Facebook as well. 

Get Catherine's original Scripture songs by subscribing HERE. 

OTHER EPISODES MENTIONED:

EPISODE 83: What Huge Lie Does Culture Teach Our Kids at Christmas? (w/ Bethany Kimsey)

EPISODE 81: How Can Celebrating Advent Enrich Your Christmas Season (w/ Laurie Christine)

EPISODE 51: 5 Family-Centered Films for Christmas

Advent Devotional Guide with information on the Jesse Tree (by Laurie Christine)

5 Heartwarming Films You Should Watch This Christmas (article by Catherine Segars)

World Vision’s Gift Catalog

Jolaboklaflod – Icelandic Christmas tradition of giving books.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When we think of heroes, we might picture warriors or kings—but what about mothers? This episode dives into the lives of two extraordinary women who forever changed the course of Israel’s history: Deborah, a national leader, and Jael, a stay-at-home mom. Both women stepped boldly into their God-given roles and proved that no position is too small or too great for God to use.

In this inspiring finale to our series on women in Scripture, Catherine is joined by Dr. Sandra Richter, renowned Bible scholar and creator of the video series The Epic of Eden: Deborah, Unlikely Heroes in the Book of Judges. Together, they shed light on the lives of these women and the profound lessons they offer for today’s believers.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• Deborah: A Mother in Israel
  Discover how Deborah shattered societal norms to lead her nation as a judge, prophet, and military strategist—all while embracing her identity as a "mother in Israel."
• Jael: The Unexpected Hero
  Learn how Jael, armed with nothing but household tools, courageously defeated Sisera, proving that faith and bravery can transform even the simplest actions into acts of divine deliverance.
• God’s Calling Transcends Culture
  Explore the patriarchal backdrop of ancient Israel and how God’s plans for Deborah and Jael defied the expectations of their time.
• A Message for Today
  Whether leading in the public sphere or influencing from the heart of the home, Deborah and Jael show us that God uses mothers to accomplish His purposes. Their stories challenge and encourage us to step boldly into the roles God has called us to.
• Setting the Record Straight
  Gain fresh insights into Barak’s character and how his partnership with Deborah highlights the value of faith-filled collaboration.

Why This Matters:
Deborah and Jael’s stories remind us that God doesn’t measure significance by status or title. From the highest leader in the land to a mother in her tent, God equips and calls women to vital roles in His Kingdom.

Modern Application:
Parents, take heart! These narratives inspire us to lead with courage in our homes and communities, trusting that God can use our actions—big or small—for His redemptive work.

About the guest: Dr. Sandra Richter holds a PhD in Old Testament Studies from Harvard University and  Master of Arts in Theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She is currently the Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College. Dr. Richter has authored several works available on Amazon, including a Bible study on Deborah. Her extensive research seeks to illuminate the scriptures for contemporary audiences.

Connect with Dr. Richter:  Amazon Author Page, Facebook Page, Westmont College Page

EPISODE LINKS:

Resources Referenced:

The Epic of Eden (series) - Deborah: Unlikely Heroes and the Book of Judges

Other Episodes in this Series:

Ep. 134 "Is Our Theology about Women Aligned with Scripture"

Articles by Catherine:

“Why We Should Reconsider What the Bible Really Says about Women in Ministry”

“Does Scripture Oppress or Liberate Women”

“Why Does Paul Tell Women to Be Silent in Church and Not to Teach?”

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Trying to find wholesome entertainment can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. As Christians, the most we usually hope for is entertainment that doesn’t undermine what we believe. But finding entertainment that actually reinforces Biblical values while wrestling through tough issues, does that even exist?

It does.

In this episode, Catherine is joined by author Felicia Ferguson to explore the world of redemptive fiction, a genre that tackles real-life issues from a biblical perspective. Felicia's latest novel, When Secrets Come Calling, could be ripped from today's headlines. The story centers on a dark secret that threatens to destroy the lives of a former couple. Felicia's characters turn to each other and then to God for hope and answers.

Catherine and Felicia also discuss the importance of finding inspiring stories that shine God's light, especially in a world where such content can be hard to come by. Together, they dive into the impact fiction can have in addressing tough topics and encouraging listeners to make a difference for God's kingdom.

Join Catherine and Felicia for a laid-back conversation that offers a refreshing break from the usual tough topics discussed on the show, and find the perfect beach read for your summer vacation.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!: Enter for a chance to win a copy of Felicia’s award-winning debut novel, The Choices She Made by subscribing HERE or responding to Catherine's Instagram post.    

GUEST BIO: Felicia achieved master’s degrees in Healthcare Administration and Speech-Language Pathology, but has written since childhood and dreamed of authoring books that teach and inspire others. An award-winning fiction and non-fiction freelance writer, she has published several devotions and sweet romance short stories. Her passion, however, is writing women’s fiction and romantic suspense with strong female characters who work through their traumas and tragedies using biblical principles and counseling techniques.

She is the past president of the Destin chapter of Word Weavers International, a member of the Pikes Peak Word Weavers chapter, the American Christian Fiction Writers Association, and incoming vice president of ACFW Colorado Springs. In 2024, she served as the conference coordinator for ACFW Colorado Springs’ Write in the Springs Conference. Her radio devotional, Build Faith for the Journey, airs Saturdays on Christian Mix 106.

EPISODE RESOURCES

Felicia Ferguson’s Website & Instagram

When Secrets Come Calling

The Choices She Made (debut novel)

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month. Joining Catherine in a vital conversation to promote awareness is an expert in the field of sexual trauma recovery. Dr. Rondy Smith is the Founder & CEO of Rest Stop Ministries,Tennessee’s first long-term residential restoration program for female survivors of sex trafficking. Rest Stop walks hand-in-hand with victims of sexual trauma through a 3-year recovery program. Graduates are able live happy, healthy, productive lives after completing this God-ordained work.

Catherine’s powerful conversation with Rondy reveals the magnitude of the problem, highlighting the shocking fact that sex trafficking exists in every zip code in the United States. Human trafficking is a world-wide, multi-billion dollar industry that is hidden in plain sight. Here is the alarming reality:

• There are 27 million people enslaved in the world today, more than any time in history.

• 80% are female and 50% of those are children trafficked for sexual exploitation. (That is over 10 million kids.)

• Sex Trafficking is a 34 billion dollar business – it is the 2nd largest criminal enterprise and fastest growing crime in the world.

• Every 2 minutes a child is trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation in the United States (according to the U.S. Department of Justice).

• Almost 300,000 American children are at risk annually for trafficking into the sex industry (according to the U.S. Department of State).

• The average age of entry into prostitution is 13.

• There are girls as young as 5 and 6 years old in the U.S. that are forced to do sexual acts for economic gain by their pimp (U.S. Department of Justice).

(Stats from Rest Stop Ministries.)

The problem is overwhelming, but Rondy points listeners toward practical ways that they can get involved in the fight against human trafficking. Proverbs 24:11 tells us to “ Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.” The imperative from Scripture is clear, and we all have a part to play.

We can’t fix a problem that we refuse to look at. God hates injustice. So we must take a long, hard look at this problem and become a part of the solution.

RONDY'S BIO: Dr. Rondy Smith is Founder & CEO of Rest Stop Ministries, which is a residential restoration program for female survivors of sex trafficking in the Nashville, TN area. Rondy is an ordained minister with a Doctorate in Education from Vanderbilt University in Human & Organizational Development, and she has served 37 years in Corporate, Academic, and Ministry professions.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Rest Stop Ministries, Rest Stop: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

The Samaritan Women: Institute for Shelter Care

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

Isaiah 61

Proverbs 24:11

Matthew 22:39

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Philosophy Professor Peter Boghossian notoriously claimed that “faith is a cognitive sickness that’s been turned into a moral virtue.” He went on to say that every class is an opportunity to help students lose their faith.

When the instructors our kids sit under in higher education come in with an agenda like that, Gen Z’s sharp exodus from the faith makes sense. A child would have to be well prepared to withstand that kind of onslaught to their faith.

In this episode of "Christian Parent, Crazy World," Catherine delves into the critical question of how higher education is leading Christian kids away from their faith. Her special guest, David Richardson, brings a unique perspective on the landscape of higher education. With over 32 years of experience working with college and university professors, Dave sheds light on the challenges faced by Christian youth in academic settings.

Dave's journey from atheist student to faith in Christ provides a powerful testimony of God's transformative work on college campuses. His insights into the beliefs and attitudes of professors shed light on the disconnect between faith and academia. Catherine and Dave explore the impact of higher education on the youth exodus from Christianity and the role of Christian parents in navigating this challenging terrain.

The conversation delves into the importance of connecting faith to real-world issues and the need for Christians to live out their beliefs authentically. Hypocrisy and the lack of a tangible connection between God and academic disciplines are identified as key concerns for atheist and agnostic professors.

The episode highlights the historical roots of the formalized discipline of science in Western Christian culture and the role of faith in shaping scientific inquiry. The discussion sets the stage for a deeper exploration of core assumptions that influence belief systems in the next episode.

As parents grapple with the decision to send their children to secular institutions, Catherine and Dave offer valuable insights into understanding the challenges faced by Christian youth in higher education. By addressing the disconnect between faith and academia, this episode aims to equip parents with the knowledge and tools to support their children's faith journey in an increasingly secular world.

Guest bio: David Richardson is the founder of the Assumptions Institute and its Chief Executive Officer. Prior to founding the Assumptions Institute, Richardson served for 30 years on the staff of Cru, formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ, devoting most of his ministry to university professors. He holds a B.A. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Portland, and an M.A. degree in Theological Studies from the International School of Theology. Richardson also holds an MTh. degree in Applied Theology from the University of Oxford. His dissertation,

“Accepting Christian Faith in the Academy” was an important exploratory study of the religious attitudes and beliefs of university professors and how to reach them for Christ. He understands education and educators very well. Richardson’s first book, Transparent: How to See Through the Powerful Assumptions That Control You released from Clovercroft Publishing.

EPISODE RESOURCES & LINKS:

Dave's Website: Learn to Discern

Civil Air Patrol (CAP)

5 Views on Apologetics , Steven B. Cowen editor

Expelled: No Evidence Allowed by Ben Stein

Ben Stein Interview with Richard Dawkins

Barna Research: “Emerging Gen Z May Deliver Huge Blow to Religion in U.S.” (6/8/18)

Peter Boghossian interview PragerU: “We Should Burn the University System to the Ground

PSU philosophy teacher wants to question students' faith-based beliefs – The Oregonian 11/10/11)

“Should We Challenge the Beliefs of Our Students?” (Sandwalk, 3/9/12)

“Faith No More: Professor Peter Boghossian on Why You Should Kick Your Faith to the Curb” (Portland Mercury, 4/5/12)

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How can you eat better, sleep better, exercise better, work better, play better, spend better, save better, serve better, worship better, and pray better? Those are very good questions to ask at the beginning of a new year.

But how can you improve your relationship with your kids this year?

Now that’s a question to put at the top of the list.

In this special New Year’s episode, Catherine offers 12 practical ways to improve your relationships with your kids this year.

They are:

1. Cook a Meal Together: Share the joy of creating a dish from scratch, expanding your culinary skills while nurturing your relationship.
2. Read a Book Together: Whether it's fiction or educational, reading a book together provides a platform for bonding discussions.
3. Game Night: Turn off the screens and bring the family around the table for some old-fashioned fun and laughter.
4. Learn Something New: Tackle a new skill with your child, making memories and enriching both your lives.
5. Go for a Walk: Boost both your physical and mental health with a simple stroll while enjoying quality one-on-one time.
6. Show Affection for No Reason: Simple gestures of love and appreciation can reinforce your relationship in powerful ways.
7. Give Daily Encouragement: Recognize and commend your child's efforts and achievements, reinforcing positive behaviors.
8. Make a Date: Schedule regular one-on-one outings to give each child special attention and build lasting memories.
9. Plan a Getaway: Even a brief day-trip can become an unforgettable adventure that strengthens your parent-child bond.
10. Have Regular Heart-to-Hearts: Foster open communication by regularly checking in on your child’s emotional well-being.
11. Ask for Feedback: Be open to your child's perspective on how you can improve as a parent and act on their feedback.
12. Pray the Word of God: Strengthen your family spiritually by regularly praying scripture over your children

LINKS:

Find the Scripture list to pray over children HERE. 

EPISODES REFERENCED:

Episode 22: 13 Ways To Be a Better Parent in 2022 

Episode 13: 4 Types of Prayer Every Believer Should Know

Episode 14: How To Battle for Your Kids in Prayer

Episode 15: What Should I Expect When I Battle in Prayer

Episode 37: 7 Ways To Bless Your Kids with Words

Episode 49: How Do We Combat the Epidemic of Teen Suicide?

Episode 50: What Can We Learn from a Survivor of Teen Suicide? 

GAMES REFERENCED:

Apples to Apples, Settlers of Catan, Rummikub, Lost Cities

Bob Ross Stuffed Doll

BOOK REFERENCED:

Praying God’s Word

SCRIPTURE REFERENCED:

Numbers 6:24-26

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

An astronomical number of Christian young people are leaving the faith after they leave the nest. A recent New LifeWay Research survey shows that two-thirds of Christian youth stop attending church for at least a year between the ages of 18 and 22.

A study from the Assemblies of God shows that “at least half and possibly over two-thirds of Christian young people will step away from the faith while attending a non-Christian college or university.” A similar study from the Southern Baptist Convention “indicates that they are currently losing 70-88% of their youth after their freshman year in college.”

In her recent book, Mama Bear Apologetics, Hillary Morgan Ferrer offers a somber reality when it comes to our Christian teens and twenty-somethings: “Most studies indicate between 45%-48% of youth leave the church after their freshman year in college and never return.” (pg. 27)

If the massive youth exodus we are experiencing in the church doesn’t concern us as parents, it should.

In this “Best Of” re-airing of CPCW’s inaugural episode, Catherine breaks down what is happening to youth in our churches, so we as parents can understand how to counteract this trend. And Catherine offers a very encouraging UPDATE on her journey as a parent of a child who has struggled in the faith. 

RESOURCES & EPISODES REFERENCED:

The Prodigal Bundle (free resource with Scripture list)

Episode 2: What Is the Key for Our Kids to Have an Authentic Faith?

CP/CW Prayer Series:

Episode 12: What To Do if Your Child Walks Away from the Faith

Episode 13: 4 Types of Prayer Every Believer Should Know

Episode 14: How To Battle for Your Kids in Prayer

Episode 15: What Should I Expect When I Battle in Prayer?

BOOKS REFERENCED:

Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies, by Hillary Morgan Ferrer

You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving the Church… and Rethinking Faith by David Kinnaman

Why Christian Kids Leave the Faith by Tom Bisset

ARTICLES REFERENCED:

See Catherine’s supplemental article on Crosswalk: “Christian Kids Are Leaving the Faith. What Can We Do About It?” 

“Most Teenagers Drop Out of Church When They Become Young Adults,” Lifeway Research

“Young adults are dropping out of church in large numbers, survey finds. This is Why,” USA Today

“Are Young People Really Leaving Christianity,” Cold Case Christianity

“The Tops Reasons Young People Drop Out of Church,” by Griffen Paul Jackson, Christianity Today

Find Catherine at https://catherinesegars.com/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As parents, we spend a lot of time and energy ensuring that our kids are safe in their physical spaces. We put up safeguards around hour homes. We go to great lengths to live in a safe neighborhood and send our kids to a safe school.

But what about our kid’s digital spaces?

The threats for our children are as significant in cyberspace as they are in their physical space.

Catherine welcomes back Kristen Jenson, founder of Defend Young Minds, to discuss the threats our children face in cyberspace and how to protect them. Defend Young Minds creates powerful resources to protect children online.

Our culture says that our children deserve privacy online, but no child deserves to face these threats alone. We may think that our child is just upstairs playing a video game, but there are dangers in digital spaces. You wouldn’t drop your child off in Central Park and say, “Have fun! I’ll see you in a few hours…” And yet we often leave our kids vulnerable to dangerous influences from around the world when we hand them an unprotected, unmonitored device.

Some digital dangers that can ensnare kids include:

• Pornography
• Sexting
• Cyberbullying
• Sextortion
• Trafficking

Tackling all the technology surrounding our kids may seem like an insurmountable task, but while our kids may have more tech savvy, we have wisdom. And we must use it to protect our kids.

About the Guest: Kristen A. Jenson, MA is the founder of Defend Young Minds and #1 best-selling author of the Good Pictures Bad Pictures series of read-aloud books which have translations in 10 languages. She is also the executive producer of the Brain Defense: Digital Safety curriculum and the owner and CEO of Glen Cove Press, LLC.

RESCOURCES MENTIONED:

To enter the giveaway for a free set of Kristen’s books, SUBSCRIBE HERE.

Defend Young Minds: All Articles

Defend Young Minds: Tackle the Tech (section)

7 Essential Rules for New Tech to Safeguard Your ChildDo Kids Deserve Digital Privacy? 3 Myths Debunked for Smart ParentsBrain Defense: Digital Safety (curriculum)

Good Pictures, Bad Pictures Book Series

CPCW Episode 105: Social Media and Our Kids: What Every Parent Needs To Know

Defend Young Minds Website

How To Talk to Kids about Pornography (free guide)

My Kids Saw Porn, Now What (guide)

TECH RESOURCES:

Gryphon Parent Control Router

Canopy Filtering Software

The Ultimate Comparison of the Best Smartphones for Kids in 2023: Pinwheel, Gabb, Troomi, Bark and MMGuardian

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As parents, we have a central role to play in passing on faith and freedom to the next generation. The spiritual soil of our kid’s lives is nurtured first and foremost by us through modeling the biblical life, through education and prayer, and through the stories we pass on to our kids about the faith.

Catherine wraps up a trilogy of conversations with world-renowned freedom expert, Os Guinness, author of The Magna Carta of Humanity: Sinai’s Revolutionary Faith and the Future of Freedom. In this episode, they discuss:

• The origin and DNA of ordered freedom.
• The magnitude of the Genesis declaration that we are made in God’s image.
• The decline of the west leading to a need for renewal.
• The power of the creative minority.
• How parents have the greatest part to play in passing on freedom, equality, human dignity, and faith.

What makes the greatest difference in human history?

It is the stories parents tell our children. It is the truth we instill in them. It is the faith they see lived day in and day out from us as ordinary parents planting the seeds of an extraordinary God in the hearts of our kids. This simple but profound work is what makes the difference in the lives of our children, our communities, our country, and our world.

OS GUINNESS' BIO: Os Guinness is an author, social critic, and great-great-great grandson of Arthur Guinness, the Dublin brewer. Os has written or edited more than 30 books that offer valuable insight into the cultural, political, and social contexts in which we all live. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of London and his D.Phil in the social sciences from Oriel College, Oxford.

Os Guinness WEBSITE

The Magna Carta of Humanity: Sinai’s Revolutionary Faith and the Future of Freedom

OTHER EPISODES IN THIS SERIES:

EPISODE 94: “The Dilemma Christians Face at the Ballot Box”

EPISODE 93: “What Most Americans Don’t Understand about Freedom”

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE:

Deuteronomy 11:18-21

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you wake up anxious first thing in the morning? Is your mind racing with thoughts of what you need to get done today and what you failed to do yesterday? If this is a pattern for you, we challenge you to break the morning cycle of worry with prayer!

In this episode preview from Teach Us to Pray, host Christina Patterson shares what to pray in the morning for a worry-free day.

Discover More Episodes of 'Teach Us to Pray' with Christina Patterson:

3 Signs God Is Trying to Get Your Attention: https://apple.co/3pmZYHN / https://spoti.fi/42uBdYS 

How to Turn Your Worries into Prayers: https://apple.co/3I4FPgd / https://spoti.fi/3VTyWUO 

How to Pray When You Sense God Moving You In a New Direction: https://apple.co/42tOrVJ / https://spoti.fi/3BoBwIJ 

Why Prayer Is So Hard: https://apple.co/3pz8jZ9 / https://spoti.fi/3LUNSx9

Follow the Show, 'Teach Us to Pray':

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3NBnXgt

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3NXSghL

Want more on Christian Apologetics for Parents? Visit https://www.crosswalk.com/author/catherine-segars 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It is so hard when God’s answer is no—for us and for our kids. There are times in our lives when we pray and we fast and we hope for a miracle and we speak the Word of God over a situation in our lives—and God is still faithful—but He doesn’t give us the answer we hoped for. The answer we prayed for. The answer that this person might have gotten and that person might have gotten, but for some reason we didn’t.

Catherine’s special guest in this episode has walked that path. A devastating diagnosis with his first child blindsided him and led to a four-year battle with depression. But God met him in the most beautiful way, walking with Andy Howard through his darkest hours as a parent. God has truly brought beauty out of what broke Andy. And what he has learned will bless us all.

In this first installment of a two-part interview, Andy share’s his testimony of receiving a life-altering diagnosis with his first child, Payton, at Dallas Children’s Hospital, how he has worked through an answer from God that wasn’t what he prayed for, and how God spoke a powerful message to him that we all need hear. Tune in next week to hear part two where we find out how God has brought so much beauty out of the broken places in Andy’s life, how his daughter Payton is doing now, and how we can help special needs families in the body of Christ.

To see clips from this interview and find inspiring supplemental quotes and posts, connect with Catherine on Instagram and Facebook . To receive updates about each new podcast and free resources like Scripture songs, Bible verses to pray over prodigal children, and a topical index of Scriptures for prayer, subscribe to Catherine’s website.

Andy’s bio: For over 20 years, Andy Howard has served in ministry as a youth pastor and marriage ministry pastor. Andy is an advocate for mental health awareness as he has known the heaviness of depression himself. That battle with depression led Andy to tip the scales at 345 lbs. He was self-medicating a crisis in his family with food. He and his wife, Tiffany, decided to change that, losing over 350 lbs. combined. They have co-founded a health coaching business called Taking Back My Life, where they have helped thousands of people get healthy and well. Andy is also host of the When Words Don’t Come Easy podcast, and he has authored a book with the same name. He lives with his wife, Tiffany, in Bryan, Texas and their three beautiful daughters, Payton, Parker, and Presley.

*Please vote for Catherine to Win a Spark Media Ignite Fan Award in the category of “Best Female Host” here: https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/ignite-2023-awards

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Andy’s WEBSITE

Andy’s podcast: When Words Don’t Come Easy

Andy’s book: When Words Don’t Come Easy

Catherine’s episode with Andy on When Words Don’t Come Easy—From Grief to Redemption: Catherine Segars’ Powerful Story of Faith, Love, and Redemption

CPCW Episode 66: “How Can A Good God Allow So Much Evil and Suffering in the World? (w/ Dr. Douglas Groothuis)”

SCRIPTURE’S REFERENCED:

Matthew 11:6

Job 13:15

Isaiah 61:1-4

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

If we want our kids to stand strong in their faith, we need to have real answers to some of their hardest questions about God and His Word.

Why did God use men to write His book?

In this episode, Catherine unpacks this question and the powerful, life-altering answer. The fact that God used anointed men to write the Bible reveals this unmistakable truth: God's works through human beings to accomplish His will here on earth. This means that God wants to use our lives and the lives of our kids to write His story in our own time. This truth gives us incredible hope and purpose. 

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Intercessory Prayer: How God Can Use Your Prayers to Move Heaven and Earth by Dutch Sheets

Bible Verses Discussed in This Episode:
2 Chronicles 16:9; Matthew 13:54-58

Find Catherine at https://catherinesegars.com/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Brokenness is a reality of life. We all experience it. Something breaks each and every one of us, usually many things. But God promises to use our brokenness to find beauty in this world.

Catherine continues her heart-warming conversation with Andy Howard, a father who received a devastating diagnosis with his first child that broke him. As we heard in the last episode, Andy’s daughter Peyton was born legally blind with 10% brain function. As a baby, Andy was told that she would never walk and would likely never speak. That diagnosis led to a four-year season of depression.

But the skies began to clear on a beach trip when Andy saw a couple picking up sea shells, and whenever they found a broken one, they would throw it back. God spoke so clearly to Andy’s heart that morning, telling him that there is beauty in those broken shells... and Andy has been collecting beautiful broken shells ever since.

In this episode, Catherine and Andy discuss how God is committed to bringing beauty from the broken places in our lives. You will get to peek behind the veil to see what Payton is really experiencing here on earth, and you will learn how to help families who have children with special needs.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

To see clips from this interview and find inspiring supplemental quotes and posts, connect with Catherine on Instagram and Facebook . To receive updates about each new podcast and free resources like Scripture songs, Bible verses to pray over prodigal children, and a topical index of Scriptures for prayer, subscribe to Catherine’s website.

ANDY'S BIO: For over 20 years, Andy Howard has served in ministry as a youth pastor and marriage ministry pastor. Andy is an advocate for mental health awareness as he has known the heaviness of depression himself. That battle with depression led Andy to tip the scales at 345 lbs. He was Self medicating a crisis in his family with food. He and his wife Tiffany decided to change that, losing over 350 lbs. combined. They have co-founded a health coaching business called Taking Back My Life, where they have helped thousands of people get healthy and well. Andy is also host of the When Words Don’t Come Easy podcast, and he has authored a book with the same name. You’ll hear more about that in our conversation. He lives with his wife, Tiffany, in Bryan, Texas and their three beautiful daughters, Payton, Parker, and Presley.

OTHER EPISODES IN THIS SERIES:

EPISODE 70: When God Doesn’t Answer Our Prayers the Way We Hoped He Would

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Andy’s WEBSITE

Andy’s podcast: When Words Don’t Come Easy

Andy’s book: When Words Don’t Come Easy

Catherine’s episode with Andy on When Words Don’t Come Easy—From Grief to Redemption: Catherine Segars’ Powerful Story of Faith, Love, and Redemption

CPCW Episode 66: “How Can A Good God Allow So Much Evil and Suffering in the World? (w/ Dr. Douglas Groothuis)”

SCRIPTURE’S REFERENCED:

Isaiah 61:1-4

Psalm 23

Matthew 7:24-27

Luke 4:14-30

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The Christian worldview is challenged like never before in American culture. With a majority of kids leaving the faith after they leave the nest, Christian parents need to prioritize establishing a biblical worldview in the lives of our children.

Our kids can’t keep what they don’t own, and they can’t own what they haven't received. 

But how do we teach our kids the Christian worldview?

What foundational principles need to be covered and how do we break it down for young minds to grasp?

Catherine’s guest in this episode is an expert at teaching the Christian worldview to children. Elizabeth Urbanowicz holds a B.S. from Gordon College in Elementary Education and Spanish, an M.S.Ed. from Northern Illinois University in Literacy Education, and an M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Biola University.

Several years into her teaching experience, Elizabeth realized that despite being raised in Christian homes, attending a Christian school, and being active in church, her students thought more like the culture than like Christ. Elizabeth began searching for curricular materials that would equip her students to think critically, helping them discover that Christianity is the worldview that lines up with reality. After not finding materials that effectively met this need, she created a curriculum that did.

Foundation Worldview exists to equip Christian parents with the resources they need to train children to soundly interpret Scripture, carefully evaluate every idea they encounter, and understand the truth of the biblical worldview. Elizabeth firmly believes that the Christian youth exodus can be a thing of the past. When kids are equipped to soundly interpret Scripture, they will quickly develop a biblical worldview. When kids are taught to think well, they can carefully evaluate the messages they are exposed to each day.

To see clips from this interview and find inspiring supplemental quotes and posts, connect with Catherine on Instagram and Facebook . To receive updates about each new podcast and free resources like Scripture songs, Bible verses to pray over prodigal children, and a topical index of Scriptures for prayer, subscribe to Catherine’s website.

COUPON CODE:

Use the coupon code “CPCW10” to get $10 off any family license with Foundation Worldview.

CPCW WORLDVIEW SERIES REFERENCED:

EPISODE 6: 5 Reasons You Should Teach Your Kids about Other Worldviews

EPISODE 7: What Worldviews Are Competing with Your Kids Faith?

EPISODE 8: What Sets the Christian Worldview Apart from Other Worldviews?

EPISODE 9: How Does the Christian Worldview Create a World We All Want To Live In

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

“Only 4 Percent of Gen Z Have a Biblical Worldview”, Impact 360/Barna Research

“Atheism Doubles Among Gen Z”, Barna Research

“Do We Live in a Post-Modern Society?”, William Lane Craig

SCRIPTURE MENTIONED:

John 18:37

John 14:6

John 1:1

Want more on Christian Apologetics for Parents? Visit https://www.crosswalk.com/author/catherine-segars/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Media is bombarding our children at every turn, and at the same time the generation gap is widening. Catherine’s special guest, Dr. Walt Mueller specializes in understanding the next generation—their thought processes, their challenges, and the many ways that entertainment and media are bombarding our kids’ lives with deeply concerning messages. As founder and president of The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding, Walt has worked as a cross generational liaison for more than 35 years. 

Threats from the entertainment world have proliferated with endless internet and television inroads and influences. Walt and Catherine discuss concerning messages from:

*Mr. Beast

*Arthur

*Madagascar

*Chip & Potato

*My Little Pony

*Rugrats

*Doc McStuffins

*Ridley Jones

As Walt wisely advises, we must read, listen to, and watch what is engaging the hearts and minds of our kids. We must not to be alarmist, but we must be aware. And we must speak first on all of these topics to establish a foundation of truth for our kids.

Bio: Dr. Walt Mueller is the founder and President of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding, a non-profit organization serving schools, churches, and community organizations around the world in their efforts to strengthen families. Walt has been working with young people and families for over 35 years, and with a Masters of Divinity and a Doctorate in Postmodern Generation from Gordon Cromwell Theological Seminary, he has become a recognized authority on youth culture, family issues, and all things having to do with teens and their world. Walt is also the host of the Youth Culture Matters Podcast.

EPISODE RESOURCES & LINKS:

The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding

Youth Culture Matters Podcast

CPYU Blog The Latest on Teens and Social Media Feb. 23, 2024

EPISODE 81: Can Your Kids Be Whoever They Want to Be in Life?

All Creatures Great and Small (Masterpiece Theater)

Will Mr. Best ‘Indoctrinate Young Children with Trangender Propaganda?,’ SBC Leader Asks

Romper List of Shows with LGBTQ+ Characters

The No-Watch List: Guide to All the Kid’s Shows and Movies that Have LGBTQ Characters and Content (Scott Smith)

FOTF: Plugged In TV & Movie Reviews

Christian Courier: Guidelines for Children’s Entertainment

The Social Dilemma (Netflix)

FAITH BASED SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES FOR KIDS:

Minno

Pureflix Kids

Yippie

Shalom World

Faithlife TV

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The youth exodus is a very real concern for Christian parents. Much of CP/CW’s content is aimed at assuaging this falling away from the faith in our youth.

But what does a parent do when they have a child who is questioning or has left the faith? How do you parent the prodigal child?

Catherine answers these questions with hard-earned, first-hand experience by offering these vital guidelines:

1. Love your child unconditionally, regardless of what they think, say, or do.

2. Rid the obstacles in your child's life in prayer.

3. Recognize and respect what stage of parenting you are in: Caregiver, Cop, Coach, or Counselor.

4. Prayerfully establish Godly boundaries. Blessings come from boundaries.

5. Apologize for mistakes. Humility is a bridge builder.

6. Do not try to convince or convict your child. That is the Holy Spirit’s job.

7. Do not coerce or control your child. That is how the enemy works. 

8. Remember that your child does not need a sermon. They need an encounter with God.

Laced throughout this advice are keen insights and critical direction on how to build a strong relationship with a teen or adult child who is on the prodigal path. There are things that can help to draw a child closer to God, and there are things that may seem right but are, in fact, counterproductive. They may push a child further from God.

When a child questions the faith, we must patiently answer their questions. If they leave the faith, we must love them with no strings attached and fervently pray for them to have an encounter with God. Loving our kids like Christ while not compromising truth is the most important way we can minister to them in a place of wandering or doubt.

Joining Catherine in the hosting chair is Laurie Christine, an author, podcast host, Biblical Parenting Coach, wife, and mom of four loud, adventurous boys. Her podcast, Redeeming the Chaos, invites moms of boys to join her on the wild, wonderful adventure of raising courageous boys and connecting them with Christ Her new devotional book for boys, Rise of the Enemy, was released on Amazon last year.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

EPISODE 14: How To Battle for Your Kids in Prayer

Get Catherine’s Prodigal Bundle including a Scripture Prayer List for Children Who Have Left the Faith: Subscribe HERE

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This Holiday Season, Create a Tradition That Transforms Lives

What if this Christmas, your family could do something more meaningful than decorating the tree or exchanging gifts—something that plants seeds of kindness and changes lives across the globe? Imagine a tradition that not only brings joy to others but also shapes your children’s hearts with a lifelong spirit of generosity.

This holiday, make giving the greatest gift of all.

How can we make this a reality?

Catherine’s guest, Brian Frazier, shares his powerful journey of faith and purpose. With nearly 15 years at World Vision—a Christian humanitarian organization that brings hope to the poor and oppressed—Brian has witnessed firsthand the transformational power of generosity. Inspired by a life-changing trip to India, Brian left a successful career in engineering and banking to dedicate his life to helping others. His commitment even led his family to relocate to Bangalore, India, in pursuit of service.

In this episode, Catherine and Brian explore how families can embrace generosity and make an extraordinary impact through simple acts of giving.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• The Power of Family Giving: Brian shares how involving children in charitable activities—like choosing gifts through World Vision’s gift catalog—can create meaningful family traditions that inspire lifelong habits of giving.
• World Vision’s Global Impact: Learn how World Vision has sparked transformative change—from creating Mongolia’s first Christian radio station to delivering clean water to villages in Rwanda.
• Stories That Inspire Hope: Hear about Rachida, an 8-year-old Sudanese refugee who found hope through World Vision’s efforts after losing her family to war.
• Lives Transformed: Experience the joy of a family in Zambia whose life was forever changed by a goat-herding program, offering them new opportunities and hope for the future.
• Generosity as a Legacy: Discover how small acts—like sponsoring a child or giving a life-changing gift—can instill values of compassion and selflessness in your children, creating a lasting legacy of generosity.
• Building Global Bridges: Reflect on how connecting with those in need—whether across the world or in your community—brings hope, fuels dreams, and reminds us of the profound difference we can make together.

This episode is an invitation to bring your faith to life this Christmas season through actionable, family-focused giving. Together, we can bridge the gap between affluence and need, offering hope to children around the world while creating cherished family traditions grounded in love and service.

For more information, to sponsor a child, or to explore the gift catalog, visit worldvision.org. Start a tradition of generosity today, and let this Christmas be remembered as the season your family gave the gift of hope.

About the Guest: Brian Frazier is the Executive Director of Team World Vision, a program of World Vision that mobilizes individuals—many of them non-runners—to conquer half and full marathons in support of ending the global water crisis in Jesus’ name. In his role, Brian passionately inspires people to take on physical challenges on behalf of the world’s most vulnerable communities. Brian’s unconventional career path began in engineering, transitioned to banking with a focus on microfinance, and ultimately led him to finding his calling in fundraising. Over the course of his career with World Vision, Brian has worked in more than 30 countries. His unique perspective and broad skill set fuel his commitment to advocating for the forgotten and marginalized.

Brian lives in Houston, Texas, with his wife, Colette. Together, they are the proud parents of four wonderful children: Corban, Haddon, Kai, and Niya.

Episode Links:

World Vision Gift Catalog.

Instagram: @worldvisionusa

Facebook: World Vision USA

Twitter: @worldvisionusa

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are the Bible’s perspectives on women outdated and misogynistic, or are they, in fact, revolutionary? In this eye-opening episode, Catherine sits down with Dr. Sandra Richter, a renowned biblical scholar from Westmont College. With decades of research and a passion for making scripture accessible to all, Dr. Richter unpacks the ways the Bible challenges cultural norms and uplifts the status of women from its very first pages.

Together, Catherine and Dr. Richter explore:

• Radical Equality in Genesis 1: How the creation narrative establishes men and women as equally created in the image of God, setting a profound precedent for dignity and value.
• Cultural Critique in Genesis 2: What does it mean for a man to leave his family and cleave to his wife? Dr. Richter reveals how this challenges patriarchal norms of ancient cultures.
• Normative Texts vs. Situational Ethics: Understanding the difference between universal spiritual principles and context-specific instructions is key to navigating scripture’s teachings on women.
• Women as Prophets: From Miriam in the Old Testament to Anna in the New Testament, women played vital and often underappreciated prophetic roles in biblical history.

Addressing Cultural Context:
The conversation also highlights the impact of Hellenistic and Jewish traditions on attitudes toward women in New Testament times:

• Rabbi Eliezer’s shocking statement: “If any man gives his daughter a knowledge of the Law, it is as though he taught her lechery.”
• The Jerusalem Talmud’s severe stance: “Let the words of Torah be burned up, but let them not be delivered to women.”
• Josephus’s commentary: Jewish law regarded women as “inferior to their husbands in all things.”
• The Berakhot’s daily prayer: Jewish men would thank God for not being born a gentile, a woman, or a slave—language reflective of broader Greek cultural influences.

Dr. Richter provides essential historical and theological insights, helping us see how the Bible subverts cultural norms and offers a radical perspective on women’s worth and roles.

Why This Matters for Parents:
In a world where gender roles and equality are hotly debated, understanding the Bible’s revolutionary view of women can profoundly shape how we teach and guide our children. This episode equips parents with a scriptural foundation to affirm the dignity, value, and purpose of every family member—mothers, daughters, sons, and fathers alike.

Don’t miss next week’s continuation with Dr. Richter, where we’ll explore the biblical celebration of motherhood and women’s contributions to faith and family.

Subscribe, Share, and Stay Connected!
If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe on your app at on Catherine’s website, leave a review, and share it with others! Let’s continue the conversation about faith, parenting, and the transformative power of scripture.

About the guest: Dr. Sandra Richter holds a PhD in Old Testament Studies from Harvard University and  Master of Arts in Theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She is currently the Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College. Dr. Richter has authored several works available on Amazon, including a Bible study on Deborah. Her extensive research seeks to illuminate the scriptures for contemporary audiences.

EPISODE LINKS:

Resources Referenced:

The Epic of Eden (series) - Deborah: Unlikely Heroes and the Book of Judges

Why Not Women: A Biblical Study of Women in Missions, Ministry, and Leadership by Loren Cunningham & David J. Hamilton

What Did Paul Really Say about Women by John T. Bristow

Articles by Catherine:

“Why We Should Reconsider What the Bible Really Says about Women in Ministry”

“Does Scripture Oppress or Liberate Women”

“Why Does Paul Tell Women to Be Silent in Church and Not to Teach?”

Other Episodes in this Series:

Ep. 134 "Is Our Theology about Women Aligned with Scripture"

Ep. 135 "Mothers Who Saved a Nation: What Deborah and Jael Teach Women Today"

Scriptures Referenced:

1 Corinthians 11 & 14

Romans 16

1 Timothy 2

Galatians 3:28

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, Catherine continues her riveting conversation Blake Howard, the committed church kid raised in a Christian home who struggled with same sex attraction from a very young age. Then, tragically, Blake was molested and bullied in school for acting gay. So after high school, he became gay. He was also addicted to drugs and was doing drag to receive the love and affirmation that his heart longed for. Blake shares this part of his testimony in Episode 59.

Now you will hear the rest of the story… as Paul Harvey used to say. You will hear about Blake’s dramatic alter-call conversion to belief in Christ, his deliverance from drug addiction through the power of the Holy Spirit, and his continued struggle with homosexuality and eventual complete submission to Christ in that area of his life. You’ll also hear about his marriage and parenting and how he came to be a minister.

It is an incredible story!

And along the way, you will get some priceless, hard-earned advice on how to walk in relationship with the people in your life who struggle with same sex attraction and gender dysphoria… all from a guy who knows exactly what they need because he’s been there.

Blake Howard is the Associate Pastor & Creative Director at Xtreme Harvest Church in San Antonio, TX. Blake graduated from Ramp School of Ministry in Hamilton, AL.

To see clips from this interview and find inspiring supplemental quotes and posts, connect with Catherine on Instagram and Facebook . To receive updates about each new podcast and free resources like Scripture songs, Bible verses to pray over prodigal children, and a topical index of Scriptures for prayer, subscribe to Catherine’s website.

LINKS:

Blake’s Instagram & Facebook Pages

BOOK REFERENCED:

From Mascara to Manhood by Benjamin Blake Howard

Gay Awareness: Discovering the Heart of the Father and the Mind of Christ on Sexuality by Landon Schott

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

Romans 5:8-10

OTHER EPISODES IN THIS SERIES:

Episode 59: How Does a Committed Church Kid Become a Drag Queen?

RELATED PODCASTS WITH BLAKE HOWARD:

Red Pilled America, Episode 149: Bondage, February 10, 2023

Allie Beth Stuckey, Episode 748: From Drag Queen & Drug Dealer to Jesus Follower

CPCW Series on Sexuality:

Episode 45: How Do We Help Our Kids to Understand Biblical Sexuality?

Episode 46: How to Talk to Your Kids about Biblical Sexuality

Episode 47: What is Our Culture Teaching Kids about Sexuality

Episode 48: How Our Culture is Distorting Sexuality and Harming Children

RELATED ARTICLES

“Understanding Biblical Sexuality and How To Talk about It with Your Children” by Erin A. Barry and Catherine Segars

“What Culture Is Teaching Our Kids about Sexuality: 7 Ways to Respond” by Erin A. Barry and Catherine Segars

Want more on Christian Apologetics for Parents? Visit https://www.crosswalk.com/author/catherine-segars/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Keeping Christ at the center of the Christmas season is always a challenge. The hectic pace of life intensifies during December, and often our focus shifts to the never-ending list of responsibilities and chores to complete before the big day.

Strategically celebrating Advent is a wonderful way to keep Christ central in all the commotion of gatherings, parties, concerts, baking, and buying. Utilizing Advent calendars, candles, and books help us to focus on the magnitude of what Christ accomplished in coming to earth while pointing us toward his return.

Catherine’s guest in this episode, Laurie Christine, has accumulated a wealth of devotional resources that will help enrich your Christmas season by celebrating Advent. Catherine and Laurie start by digging into the history of Advent, and then they highlight the great gift of celebrating God’s hope, peace, joy, and love in line with each candle lit. Laurie also offers devotional and book recommendations for all ages to participate in the wonderful celebration of Advent.

Laurie Christine’s Bio: Laurie Christine is an author, podcast host, Biblical Parenting Coach, wife, and mom of four loud, adventurous boys. Her podcast, Redeeming the Chaos, invites moms of boys to join her on the wild, wonderful adventure of raising courageous boys and connecting them with Christ.  In addition to hosting a podcast, Laurie writes devotions and Bible stories for families. Her passion is to raise strong, courageous warriors for the Kingdom of God, and to help families like yours do the same!  Her new devotional book for boys, Rise of the Enemy, just released on Amazon in November.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Laurie Christine's website: https://lauriechristine.com/ 

Laurie Christine's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/laurie.christine.author/?hl=en 

Laurie Christine has created a wonderful resource for CPCW listeners that contains all of the devotionals and books covered in this episode which can be accessed here:

https://lauriechristine.com/podcast-interview-resources/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There are some sins that seem unforgivable… and yet God forgives. But He doesn’t forgive because those sins are okay. He doesn’t brush those sins under the rug and say, “I’ll let it slide this time, but try your best not to torture, rape, or murder anyone again.”  That is not God’s response to these heinous acts.

So what is His response?

His response is the cross. His response was to take that sin upon Himself and pay the price so that every heinous act is punished. Every sin is paid for.

To thoroughly unpack this difficult topic, Catherine continues her conversation with Elizabeth Urbanowicz from Foundation Worldview, concluding last week’s conversation which analyzed some of the complaints and inaccurate portrayals of God in the deconstruction movement. In this episode, Catherine and Elizabeth discuss who God is more fully, in particular the extent of His mercy which forgives all who repent.

The fact that God is willing to forgive horrific crimes against innocent human beings is hard to fathom. But God’s mercy does not mean that the horrible things that happen in this world are not relevant or significant. God is not cavalier about these abhorrent sins. Quite the contrary. He paid the ultimate price to cover these sins.

Understanding all of God’s attributes is necessary in order to understand who He is. We cannot separate His mercy from His justice. But mercy and justice are perfectly satisfied at the cross in Christ, which enables God to forgive every sin.

Elizabeth’s bio: Elizabeth Urbanowicz holds a B.S. from Gordon College in Elementary Education and Spanish, an M.S.Ed. from Northern Illinois University in Literacy Education, and an M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Several years into her teaching experience, Elizabeth realized that despite being raised in Christian homes, attending a Christian school, and being active in church, her students thought more like the culture than like Christ. Elizabeth began searching for curricular materials that would equip her students to think critically, helping them discover that Christianity is the worldview that lines up with reality. After not finding materials that effectively met this need, she created a curriculum that did.

Foundation Worldview exists to equip Christian parents with the resources they need to train children to soundly interpret Scripture, carefully evaluate every idea they encounter, and understand the truth of the biblical worldview. Elizabeth firmly believes that the Christian youth exodus can be a thing of the past. When kids are equipped to soundly interpret Scripture, they will quickly develop a biblical worldview. When kids are taught to think well, they can carefully evaluate the messages they are exposed to each day.

To see clips from this interview and find inspiring supplemental quotes and posts, connect with Catherine on Instagram and Facebook . To receive updates about each new podcast and free resources like Scripture songs, Bible verses to pray over prodigal children, and a topical index of Scriptures for prayer, subscribe to Catherine’s website.

COUPON CODE:

Use the coupon code “CPCW10” to get $10 off any family license with Foundation Worldview.

Foundation Worldview Website: https://foundationworldview.com/

OTHER EPISODES IN THIS SERIES:

Episode 72: What Do Deconstructionists Often Get Wrong about God?

RESOURCES CONSULTED:

Presbyterians’ Decision to Drop Hymn Stirs Debate (USA Today, 8/5/13)

SCRIPTURE REFERENCED:

Romans 8:28

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How can you eat better, sleep better, exercise better, work better, play better, spend better, save better, serve better, worship better, and pray better? Those are very good questions to ask at the beginning of a new year.

But how can you improve your relationship with your kids this year?

Now that’s a question to put at the top of the list.

In this special New Year’s episode, Catherine specifically talks about how we can improve our relationships with our kids.

CPCW spends a lot of time counteracting the onslaught of secular ideology and theology that is coming against our children in an attempt to subvert their faith, and that is critically important work for us to do. But we can’t really help our kids with those ideas if we don’t have a solid relationship with them to start with.

So this episode is all about improving our relationship with our kids. Catherine offers 12 ways that you could do that—including the question every parent needs to ask their child—to provide a great way to start off the new year in our families.

To see clips from this interview and find inspiring supplemental quotes and posts, connect with Catherine on Instagram and Facebook . To receive updates about each new podcast and free resources like Scripture songs, Bible verses to pray over prodigal children, and a topical index of Scriptures for prayer, subscribe to Catherine’s website.

LINKS:

Scripture list to pray over children: https://catherinesegars.com/

EPISODES REFERENCED:

Episode 22: “13 Ways To Be a Better Parent in 2022” https://bit.ly/3G5Ng58

Episode 13: “What Should I Expect When I Battle in Prayer” https://bit.ly/3C8NVRR

Episode 14: “How To Battle for Your Kids in Prayer” https://bit.ly/3i4MNYI

Episode 15: “What Should I Expect When I Battle in Prayer” https://bit.ly/3CewNKN

Episode 37: “7 Ways To Bless Your Kids with Words” https://bit.ly/3WwN4mi

Episode 49: “How Do We Combat the Epidemic of Teen Suicide?” https://bit.ly/3Z2zwjY

Episode 50: “What Can We Learn from a Survivor of Teen Suicide?” https://bit.ly/3WALZtP

GAMES REFERENCED:

Apples to Apples: https://amzn.to/3Z3f5Dy

Settlers of Catan: https://amzn.to/3VBilmL

Rummikub: https://amzn.to/3YYYMb1

Lost Cities: https://amzn.to/3FY4H7y 

Other Game Recommendations:

For families: Do You Really Know Your Child? https://amzn.to/3CcsBez

For couples: The Date Deck https://amzn.to/3IdPrWR

Bob Ross Stuffed Doll: https://amzn.to/3WVOoip

BOOK REFERENCED:

“Praying God’s Word” by Beth Moore: https://bit.ly/3VA1fWu

SCRIPTURE REFERENCED:

Numbers 6:24-26

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

One prevailing question burns at the heart of each generation—one question keeps them up at night. Understanding this question helps us know how to reach people of every age, especially our kids.

For the Baby Boomers, people born in the 40s, 50, and 60s, that question is:

What is TRUE?

Like the great philosophers of old, this generation was preoccupied with truth.

For Gen X, born between 1965 and 1980, that question is:

What is REAL?

This generation invented reality TV because they are preoccupied with finding authenticity.

For Millennials, born between 1981 and 1995, that question is:

What is GOOD?

This generation is deeply concerned about the environment, justice, and contributing to the greater good.

Which brings us to our kids, to Gen Z. What question burns at the heart of this generation? They want to know:

What am I?

Or “Who am I?”

Our kids are preoccupied with understanding their identity.

In this episode of CPCW, Catherine expertly navigates each of these questions in the light of Biblical truth. Every generation is asking a vital question, but they aren’t necessarily asking them in the right order. We cannot know who we are, our true identity, unless we understand what is good. And we can’t understand what is good if we don’t know what is real. And we can’t know what is real unless we first know what is true.

Without a foundation of Biblical truth, we can’t arrive at the correct answer for any of these crucial questions. But when you start with the right question, you can arrive at the correct answer for each generation. Truth is paramount. This is why Jesus’ primary purpose in coming to the earth was to proclaim the truth. Christ said,

“For this purpose I was born. For this purpose I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth.” (John 18:37)

Truth leads to an accurate definition of reality, which leads to the correct definition of what is good, which leads to the proper understand of who we are, our identity.

Moms & Dads, this is the prevailing issue of our kid's day. Identity is it. We must understand what our kids are facing, and how to lead them back to truth.

LINKS:

Read Catherine's new article on Crosswalk: What Question Burns in the Heart of Your Gen Z Child?

RESOURCES REFERENCED/CONSULTED:

CPCW Episode 68: “What Critical Foundation Do Many Parents Miss When Discipling Their Kids?” (w/ Robby Angle, 8/21/23)

CPCW Episode 23: “What Is the Biggest Threat to Our Faith and Culture Today?” (1/31/22)

The Truth Project (Focus on the Family)

“Powerlifter Reacts To Biological Male Taking Women’s National Record: ‘Completely Unfair’” (The New York Post, 8/16/23)

Midland Public Schools October 2021 Board of Education Meeting (Midland Public Schools, 10/25/21)

“No Litter Boxes for Students Who Identify As Cats: Superintendent” (Patch.com, 2/26/22)

“Kentucky School District: Students Are Dressing and Acting like Cats” (WLWT Channel 5, 8/25/21)

“What’s the Deal with Furries?” (Psychology Today, 7/24/17)

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

John 18:37

John 14:6

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Cancel culture is nothing new. We see it all throughout Scripture. The enemy loves to cancel people. He tried to cancel Jesus, but it didn’t work. Satan never stops trying to silence the truth.

In this episode, Catherine investigates the shocking roots of the new political movement that has codified cancel culture in our society. Where does it come from?

Catherine’s special guest has written a brilliant response to the radical ideology at the heart of cancel culture, an ideology that has set our cities on fire and exacerbated the racial divide. Dr. Douglas Groothuis has authored dozens of books and scholarly articles and is a leading expert on philosophy, theology, history, religion, and culture. His recent book, Fire in the Streets: How You Can Confidently Respond to Incendiary Cultural Topics, expertly traces cancel culture back to its Marxist roots.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Marxism & Neo-Marxism

Repressive Tolerance

Racism

Black Lives Matter

Defund the Police

Cancel Culture

Standpoint Epistemology

Intersectionality

Dr. Groothuis takes us on a journey to dig up the toxic roots of cancel culture and points us toward the liberating truth at the heart of the Gospel.

DR. GROOTHUIS’ BIO: Dr. Groothuis holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy (University of Oregon, 1993) has served a Professor of Philosophy and the head of the apologetics and ethics program at Denver Seminary since 1993. He is looking forward to a new chapter as the distinguished university research professor of apologetics and Christian worldview at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the author of nineteen books, including the popular and voluminous textbook, Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith, 2nd ed.(IVP Academic, 2022), as well as a poignant memoir, Walking Through Twilight: A Wife’s Illness—a Philosopher’s Lament(InterVarsity, 2017), and a bold critique of Critical Race Theory, Fire in the Streets (Salem Books, 2022).

Dr. Groothuis’ website

Dr. Gruuthuis’ podcast: Truth Tribe

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Episode 66: How Can a Good God Allow So Much Evil & Suffering in the World?

Articles on Morgan Bettinger:

Reason Magazine: How an Ill-Informed Internet Mob Ruined a UVA Student's Life

The NY Post: BLM Activist Ruined White Univeristy of Virginia Student’s Rep over Misheard Remark

Daily Mail: Celebrated BLM Activist Ruthlessly Destroyed White Woman’s Life

The Woodson Center

“Repressive Tolerance” by Herbert Marcuse

Heather MacDonald – The War on Cops: How the New Attack on Law and Order Makes Everyone Less Safe

Hosea 4:6

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We've all heard the story of a kid in the church youth group who is now on a destructive path. Many parents are living this story. Sometimes the lessons we teach our kids don’t stick. The faith we hand down doesn’t become their own. They have outside influences that erode the foundation that us parents seek so diligently to build.

In this episode, Catherine shares a cautionary tale of a young man who was raised in the church, in the Bible belt, and yet he chose a very destructive path. Blake Howard found love and affirmation under layers of make-up and pounds fake body parts. There are a lot of lessons that parents can learn from his story. Catherine and Blake discuss:

• Why we need to talk to our kids about sex early, and how to go about that.
• The effects of bullying on kids who are struggling in the area of sexuality.
• How the church often reinforces unhealthy ideas about gender.
• How to help our kids understand masculinity and femininity.
• The effects of worldly affirmation.

Along the way, you will see how a church kid can slowly descend into a life of sexual confusion and gender dysphoria, all from a guy who has been there and has a lot of wisdom to offer.

And while today’s tale is tragic, in the very next episode you will hear how this same young man went from being a drag queen to being a minister of the Gospel.

 Only God could write a story like that!

Blake Howard is the Associate Pastor & Creative Director at Xtreme Harvest Church in San Antonio, TX. Blake graduated from Ramp School of Ministry in Hamilton, AL.

To see clips from this interview and find inspiring supplemental quotes and posts, connect with Catherine on Instagram and Facebook . To receive updates about each new podcast and free resources like Scripture songs, Bible verses to pray over prodigal children, and a topical index of Scriptures for prayer, subscribe to Catherine’s website.

Episode Links:

Blake’s Instagram & Facebook Pages

BOOK REFERENCED:

From Mascara to Manhood by Benjamin Blake Howard

God’s Design for Sex Series (4 books) by Stan & Brenna Jones

PODCASTS REFERENCED:

Red Pilled America, Episode 149: Bondage, February 10, 2023

Allie Beth Stuckey, Episode 748: From Drag Queen & Drug Dealer to Jesus Follower

CPCW Series on Sexuality:

Episode 45: How Do We Help Our Kids to Understand Biblical Sexuality?

Episode 46: How to Talk to Your Kids about Biblical Sexuality

Episode 47: What is Our Culture Teaching Kids about Sexuality

Episode 48: How Our Culture is Distorting Sexuality and Harming Children

ARTICLES REFERENCED:

“Understanding Biblical Sexuality and How To Talk about It with Your Children” by Erin A. Barry and Catherine Segars

“What Culture Is Teaching Our Kids about Sexuality: 7 Ways to Respond” by Erin A. Barry and Catherine Segars

Want more on Christian Apologetics for Parents? Visit https://www.crosswalk.com/author/catherine-segars/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As a Christian parent, you can never have too many resources! Hear compelling segments from three fascinating LifeAudio shows hosted by Christian homeschooling moms and discover a new podcast you'll love! 

Subscribe to the featured shows below & listen to more of their episodes!

Empowering Homeschool Conversations with Peggy Ployhar: https://apple.co/3rStaIj / https://sptfy.com/P4uL 

Real Refreshment with Rachael Carman: https://apple.co/400Tq00 / https://sptfy.com/P4uJ 

Homeschooling Families with Leslie Nunnery: https://apple.co/45y46UT / https://sptfy.com/P4uK 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The problem of pain has plagued humanity since the beginning of time. Many great apologists have grappled with the reality of suffering, endeavoring to form a theologically sound answer to life’s hardest question.

In this poignant exchange, a couple of moms wrestle with pain and suffering from a distinctly maternal point of view. Catherine and her guest from across the great pond, Ruth Jackson, have a conversation that is real, raw, and refreshingly honest.

Miscarriage. Postpartum depression. Premature death.

When suffering these heartbreaking realities, the temptation is to ask WHY… and yet answering the WHY doesn’t meet our deepest need.

The Christian faith does offer an apologetic for suffering, but more importantly our faith tradition presents a God who came to earth and was broken on our behalf. He is intimately acquainted with suffering. He meets us in our grief. And when we weep, He weeps with us.

As believers in Christ, we know who suffered for us. We know who suffers with us. And we know who will wipe away every tear and make all things new.

RUTH JACKSON'S BIO: Ruth is a producer and youth specialist for Premier Christian Radio's Unbelievable radio programme and podcast, which brings Christians and non-Christians together for dialogue. ue. Ruth studied theology at Oxford University before working at the BBC’s flagship children’s television show Blue Peter. She then moved to the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, where she helped set up the youth apologetics strand Reboot. Ruth contributed to Hope Rising 365, a book for young women. She also plays bass guitar in award-winning all-girl rock ‘n roll band The Daisy Chains.

Ruth’s Instagram

Premier Christian Radio’s Unbelievable

Unapologetic Podcast

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Episode 66: How Does a Good God Allow So Much Evil and Suffering in the World? w/ Dr. Douglas Groothuis

Article: “Joy To The World” by Ruth Jackson

Article: “God Is Good but This Isn’t” by Catherine Segars

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

John 11:35

Isaiah 61

Isaiah 49

John 1

Habakkuk 3

Lamentations 3

Psalm 56:8

Psalm 84:4-7

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Statistics show that one in five Gen Z children are identifying somewhere on the LGBTQ spectrum. One in five. Parents must realize that all of our children are dealing with this issue, because even if our kids aren't personally struggling in their sexuality, their friends are. This issue affects every parent and every child. 

The church needs to have a loving and truthful approach for families facing this issue.

One of the largest and most influential churches in the United States, North Point Community Church, pastored by one of the most influential ministers in the world, Andy Stanley, just went on the record telling us about his church’s approach. Stanley’s message, along with the Unconditional Conference for parents of LGBTQ identifying children held at North Point, signify a substantial departure from where the evangelical church has stood on this issue.

Does Stanley have the right approach? Is it Biblical? Should we be concerned?

Catherine’s guest in this episode has been ministering to parents of children in the LGBTQ community for many years because she is one. As a mother of a same-sex attracted daughter who has embraced an LGBTQ identity and union, Melinda Patrick is precisely the kind of parent that the Unconditional Conference was trying to reach. But she has deep concerns about this conference and Stanley’s teaching.

Together, Catherine and Melinda break down the troubling aspects of this conference and the message that Andy Stanley presented to his church.

Melinda's Bio: Melinda Patrick is the Director of Parent Support for His Wonderful Works and is host of The Bridge Between Us Podcast: Loving Your LGBTQ Identified Child While Not Compromising Truth and The Even While Podcast: Living Well in the Midst of Waiting. Melinda has parented a same-sex attracted child for twelve years and is passionate about helping moms and dads build strong relationships with their children while not compromising truth.

RESOURCES MENTIONED/REFERENCED:

Melinda Patrick’s Website

Melinda Patrick’s email address: melinda@melindapatrick.org

Melinda Patrick’s Instagram Page

The Bridge Between Us Podcast: Loving Your LGBTQ Identified Child Well While Not Compromising Truth

The Even While Podcast: Living Well in the Midst of Waiting

His Wonderful Works: Hope Healing and Freedom

Catherine Segars email address: catherine@catherinesegars.com

“The Number of LGBTQ Identifying Adults is Soaring” (Axios/data from Gallup)

“The Train is Leaving the Station” by Albert Mohler Jr.

Andy Stanley’s Response: “I Love My Church”

Greg & Lynn McDonald: Embracing the Journey

The Unconditional Conference

Debbie Causey’s Website

The Freedom March

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

John 3:16-21

Matthew 10:34-36

John 18:37

John 14:15

John 15:14

John 15:1

John 8:30-31

Matthew 18:7

Matthew 7:21-23

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Romans 6:23

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Deconstruction is a growing trend within evangelical circles. With a majority of Christian kids leaving the faith after they leave the nest, the number of young people sharing stories of how they are dismantling their faith is on the rise. Many of these stories have inaccurate or incomplete depictions of God.

Richard Dawkins opens the second chapter of his New York Times best-selling book The God Delusion describing the God of the Old Testament as “arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully.”

With false depictions of God rampant in our culture, a proper understanding of who God is according to His Word is vital for our children’s spiritual foundation, and for ours.

Catherine’s guest in this episode is a good friend of CPCW. Elizabeth Urbanowicz is founder and CEO of Foundation Worldview, a biblically-based curriculum for teaching children the Christian worldview. Elizabeth joins Catherine to have a deep conversation about who God is, His intrinsic attributes, while addressing some of the most popular complaints about God shared in these deconstruction stories.

We must understand all of God’s attributes. We cannot isolate his mercy and his love from his justice and his holiness as all of these inherent character traits combine to comprise who God is. This conversation will help parents and kids understand the totality of God by addressing some of the most misunderstood parts of the Bible.

Elizabeth’s bio: Elizabeth Urbanowicz holds a B.S. from Gordon College in Elementary Education and Spanish, an M.S.Ed. from Northern Illinois University in Literacy Education, and an M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Several years into her teaching experience, Elizabeth realized that despite being raised in Christian homes, attending a Christian school, and being active in church, her students thought more like the culture than like Christ. Elizabeth began searching for curricular materials that would equip her students to think critically, helping them discover that Christianity is the worldview that lines up with reality. After not finding materials that effectively met this need, she created a curriculum that did.

Foundation Worldview exists to equip Christian parents with the resources they need to train children to soundly interpret Scripture, carefully evaluate every idea they encounter, and understand the truth of the biblical worldview. Elizabeth firmly believes that the Christian youth exodus can be a thing of the past. When kids are equipped to soundly interpret Scripture, they will quickly develop a biblical worldview. When kids are taught to think well, they can carefully evaluate the messages they are exposed to each day.

To see clips from this interview and find inspiring supplemental quotes and posts, connect with Catherine on Instagram and Facebook . To receive updates about each new podcast and free resources like Scripture songs, Bible verses to pray over prodigal children, and a topical index of Scriptures for prayer, subscribe to Catherine’s website.

COUPON CODE:

Use the coupon code “CPCW10” to get $10 off any family license with Foundation Worldview.

Foundation Worldview Website: https://foundationworldview.com/

RESOURCES REFERENCED:

EPISODE 57 - How To Teach Our Kids the Christian Worldview (w/ Elizabeth Urbanowicz)

EPISODE 58 - 7 Lies Culture is Teaching Our Kids: Are They Buying? (w/ Elizabeth Urbanowicz)

Richard Dawkin’s quote about the God of the Old Testament from The God Delusion

Portia’s monologue on mercy and justice from The Merchant of Venice

Natasha Crain: A Christian Response to a Viral Deconversion Post

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Throughout history, women’s stories have often been overlooked—but the Bible offers a different narrative, one that uplifts and honors the contributions of women. Join Catherine and renowned biblical scholar Dr. Sandra Richter as they dive deep into the often-overlooked yet powerful roles women play in Scripture, and consider whether the Bible’s representation of women is fully embodied in the church today.

Episode Highlights:
🌟 Women’s Vital Presence in the Bible: Sandy explains how the Bible’s acknowledgment of women as gifted leaders and contributors transcends time, challenging interpretations that have minimized their roles.

🌟 Understanding Cultural Context: Sandy unpacks the importance of reading Scripture in its historical and cultural context, offering a fresh perspective on passages often misunderstood or misapplied.

🌟 Profiles of Biblical Trailblazers: Meet extraordinary women like Sarah, Hagar, Deborah, Hannah, and Huldah from the Old Testament—and discover the influential roles of New Testament women like Mary, Priscilla, Phoebe, and Junia, who shaped the early Christian Church.

🌟 Modern Lessons from Ancient Texts: The conversation addresses contemporary challenges, including restrictive attitudes within parts of the church today. Sandy shares how the Gospel’s message of equality calls for partnership, not hierarchy, between men and women.

🌟 Debunking Myths from Genesis: From the term "helpmate" to the meaning of “ezer kenegdo,” Sandra breaks down misconceptions about women’s roles in Genesis, revealing the equality and partnership God intended.

🌟 Prophetic Voices and Leadership: The episode highlights women like Deborah and Miriam, whose leadership shaped Israel’s history, and explores Huldah’s pivotal role during King Josiah’s reign.

🌟 Resources to Dig Deeper: Explore Sandra’s recommended reading list, including works by Judy Gundry, Dr. Lynn Cohick, and Beth Felker Jones, as well as her teachings at Westmont College.

This eye-opening discussion challenges traditional interpretations and celebrates the indispensable contributions of women throughout Scripture.

✨ Don’t Miss Next Week’s Episode! Catherine and Dr. Sandra Richter will dive deeper into the story of Deborah—perfect for modern families and women looking for inspiration.

About the guest: Dr. Sandra Richter holds a PhD in Old Testament Studies from Harvard University and  Master of Arts in Theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She is currently the Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College. Dr. Richter has authored several works available on Amazon, including a Bible study on Deborah. Her extensive research seeks to illuminate the scriptures for contemporary audiences.

Connect with Dr. Richter:  Amazon Author Page, Facebook Page, Westmont College Page

EPISODE LINKS:

Resources Referenced:

The Epic of Eden (series) - Deborah: Unlikely Heroes and the Book of Judges

Why Not Women: A Biblical Study of Women in Missions, Ministry, and Leadership by Loren Cunningham & David J. Hamilton

What Did Paul Really Say about Women by John T. Bristow

Other Episodes in this Series:

Ep. 133 "Is the Bible's View of Women Outdated or Revolutionary?"

Ep. 135 "Mothers Who Saved a Nation: What Deborah and Jael Teach Women Today"

Articles by Catherine:

“Why We Should Reconsider What the Bible Really Says about Women in Ministry”

“Does Scripture Oppress or Liberate Women”

“Why Does Paul Tell Women to Be Silent in Church and Not to Teach?”

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Does the concept of worldview have a fatal flaw baked into the premise? Could the Christian worldview possibly be leading kids away from the faith?

David Richardson, author of Transparent: How to See Through the Powerful Assumptions That Control You, reveals the shocking origin of this term and challenges the way it is used by almost everyone in our culture. There is an inherent flaw in the term “worldview” that we need to be aware of, and we need to make sure our kids don’t fall for it.

Those of us who profess a Biblical worldview recognize the underlying concept of absolute truth. However, inherent in the term “worldview” is the idea that the way each individual person views the world is where truth is found. Reality is defined by what we perceive. It is defined by our senses. It is defined by the worldview glasses we choose to put on. So, in other words, reality is defined by our worldview and our worldview is what we choose for it to be. That makes truth subjective, even if our particular worldview maintains that truth is universal.

We have to realize that subjectivity is baked into how most people use the term worldview. We’re not on the same page. We’re not even in the same universe.

In this episode, Catherine and Dave dive into the origins of the term worldview, which was a concept coined by the German Philosopher Immanuel Kant. Then Dave encourages parents to adopt a more nuanced and effective approach based on assumptions rather than rigid and subjective worldviews. 

Looking ahead, the podcast promises to delve deeper into the three primary assumption types and their implications for navigating diverse beliefs and perspectives. By equipping parents with a fresh way to engage with differing worldviews, the upcoming episode aims to empower listeners to guide their children's faith journey with clarity and understanding.

Guest bio: David Richardson is the founder of the Assumptions Institute and its Chief Executive Officer. Prior to founding the Assumptions Institute, Richardson served for 30 years on the staff of Cru, formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ, devoting most of his ministry to university professors. He holds a B.A. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Portland, and an M.A. degree in Theological Studies from the International School of Theology. Richardson also holds an MTh. degree in Applied Theology from the University of Oxford. His dissertation,

“Accepting Christian Faith in the Academy” was an important exploratory study of the religious attitudes and beliefs of university professors and how to reach them for Christ. He understands education and educators very well. Richardson’s first book, Transparent: How to See Through the Powerful Assumptions That Control You released from Clovercroft Publishing.

Dave's Website: Learn to Discern

EPISODE RESOURCES & LINKS:

Barna Research: American Worldview Inventory 2024 (Release 3) - Explaining America’s 40-Year Drop in Biblical Worldview- And How to Reverse that Decline

Barna Research: American Worldview Inventory 2024 (Release 2) - Millions of Americans Embrace Common Unbiblical Perspectives, Survey Shows

Barna Research, American Worldview Inventory 2024 Release 1) - America Needs Spiritual Renewal More than a Political Majority

Barna Research: “Emerging Gen Z May Deliver Huge Blow to Religion in U.S.” (6/8/18)

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There is a question that many Christian parents never ask God. Catherine and her husband didn’t ask God this question for the first two decades of their marriage, despite attending church weekly, tithing, going so small groups, and having daily devotionals. That question is:

WHAT DOES GOD WANT MY FAMILY TO LOOK LIKE?

We often seek God about where we should work, live, and go to church, what school our kids should attend, and how to raise our children—but many parents never ask God how many kids they should have, adopt, or foster.

Why is that?

In this episode, Catherine explores this topic and then allows listeners to be a fly on the wall of her post-interview conversation with Kirsten Vossler, a mother of nine (soon to be ten). They discuss how the church has been subtly influenced by the world’s perspective on parenting and children.

If Jesus is to truly be Lord of our lives, that means He must be Lord of our families. That doesn’t mean we have to crank out as many babies as possible in our child-bearing years, but it does mean we should seek God’s plan over our personal preference.

Kirsten Vossler’s Bio: Kirsten is a mother of 9, yes you heard that right—9 kiddos. She has been a Children’s pastor, a worship leader, a writer, a conference speaker, and now she is host of the Rejoicing in Motherhood Podcast.

Kirsten’s Website

Kirsten’s Podcast: Rejoicing in Motherhood

RESOURCES & PODCASTS REFERENCED:

“Should God Have a Say in the Size of Your Family” by Catherine Segars

EPISODE 70: “When God Doesn’t Answer Our Prayers the Way We Hoped He Would” (w/ Andy Howard)

EPISODE 71: “How Does God Bring Beauty Out of the Broken Places in Our Lives?” (w/ Andy Howard)

Rejoicing in Motherhood Podcast EPISODE 120 – Dispelling 5 Cultural Myths about Motherhood (w/ Catherine Segars)

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In our culture, the use of preferred pronouns has become ubiquitous among Gen Zers and beyond. As a parent, you may have noticed this trend and wondered how to approach the subject with your children, especially your younger ones. It's crucial to start having conversations about pronouns and gender identity very young as many schools have embraced an agenda to "break the binary" in kindergarten. 

Ryan and Bethany Bomberger, co-founders of the Radiance Foundation, recognize the importance of addressing this issue and have created valuable resources to help parents navigate these conversations. In this episode, the Bombergers share their insights on the topic and discuss their groundbreaking books, She is She and He is He, which aim to reinforce simple, biological truths about gender. Ryan and Bethany emphasize the significance of bridging the gap between personal worldviews and addressing difficult topics with confidence.

Episode highlights:

• The importance of addressing the issue early.
• The "Break the Binary" initiative in kindergarten.
• The importance of reinforcing simple biological truths with young children.
• The rise of the “T” in gender ideology creating a contradiction in the LGBTQ+ community.
• The dangers of hormone blockers and cross-sex hormones on young individuals.
• The deceptive nature of the transgender ideology and its impact on society.
• The role of Planned Parenthood in promoting gender confusion.
• How parental rights are under assault.
• Long-term studies on the effects of sex reassignment.
• Finding freedom in embracing one’s biological gender.
• The power of love, truth, and faith in guiding children towards their authentic selves .

As parents, it is our responsibility to engage in honest, open conversations with our children about the complex issues they face in today's world, including the topics of pronouns and gender identity. By equipping ourselves with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate these conversations, we can help our children understand the importance of embracing their biological sex and the freedom that comes with living authentically as the individuals God created them to be.

Bios:

Ryan Bomberger, Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer, The Radiance Foundation (www.radiance.life). Ryan has been named “one of the 50 greatest pro-life leaders in the last 50 years” in the book “Legacy of Life.” Author of the book “Not Equal: Civil Rights Gone Wrong” (www.notequalbook.com). Co-author of the children’s books “He is He” (www.HeIsHe.org) and “She is She” (www.SheIsShe.com).

Bethany Bomberger, Co-founder and Executive Director, The Radiance Foundation (www.radiance.life). Author of the book “PRO-LIFE KIDS!” (www.prolifekids.com) as well as co-author of the children’s books “He is He” (www.HeIsHe.org) and “She is She” (www.SheIsShe.com).

To learn more information about Radiance Foundation, visit www.radiance.life

Radiance Foundation Social Media Pages:

Radiance Facebook Page (@radiancefoundation): facebook.com/radiancefoundation

Radiance Twitter Page (@lifehaspurpose): twitter.com/lifehaspurpose

Radiance Instagram Page (@radiancefoundation): instagram.com/radiancefoundation

Radiance YouTube Page (RadianceFoundation): youtube.com/user/RadianceFoundation

FULL SHOW NOTES WITH RESOURCES CITED.

Resources cited & consulted:

Long-Term Follow-Up of Transsexual Persons Undergoing Sex Reassignment Surgery: Cohort Study in Sweden (Published in the National Library of Medicine

4 out of 5 kids, who question gender ‘grow out of it’: Transgender expert New York Post

Planned Parenthood: Less Care, No Matter What  (The Radiance Foundation, 1/25/24)

Planned Parenthood, LGBT Inc. and Comprehensive Sex Miseducation (The Radiance Foundation, 4/8/22)

Planned Parenthood Steps Deeply into Transgender Hormones, Including for Minors: Annual Report (The Washington Stand, 4/28/23)

Planned Parenthood Offering Transgender Hormone Therapy to Minors across the Country (KATV, 7/13/22)

Laura Perry Smalts Testimony on The 700 Club

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This is one of Catherine’s most practical podcast and has been selected as a "best of" episode from 2022. In this insightful message, Catherine helps you leave behind the old and embrace the new with a “Dashboard for Life,” which is a report card containing 13 gauges on how to improve in the new year. Catherine walks you through how to examine your faith life, your marriage or dating life, your family life, and nine other areas by offering simple, everyday guidance on how to make effective and lasting change.


This powerful tool for self-assessment will help all of your relationships, especially your parenting relationships. But most of all, it will help improve your relationship with God. And when that relationship is better, all of your relationships are better.

To get the “Dashboard for Life” Report Card, subscribe on Catherine’s website: https://catherinesegars.com/


OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED:


Chris Hodges’ Sermon, The Best Teacher, Dec. 26, 2021: https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/the-best-teacher


Financial class: Financial Peace University: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/ramseyplus/financial-peace


The One Year Bible:
Paperback: https://bit.ly/34RK7GZ
Ebook: https://bit.ly/3A4yesO
Bible Reading Plans: https://bit.ly/3FzgdUM
Life Application Bible: https://bit.ly/3A5iPIN

Episode 17 of our show - “How To Discover Your Purpose in Life,” https://www.lifeaudio.com/christian-parent-crazy-world/how-to-discover-your-purpose-in-life

Spiritual Gifts & Personality tests:
https://giftstest.com/
http://www.humanmetrics.com/personality

Scriptures mentioned:
Psalm 100:4; Psalm 51:10; Romans 8:28; Proverbs 29:18; 2 Corinthians 10:5

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In today's increasingly secular world, many Christians grapple with understanding how to live faithfully amidst cultural changes that stray further from biblical truths. What are the characteristics of a "lost" or "Babylonian" culture, and how can believers navigate these complexities while staying true to their faith?

Catherine welcomes Martyn Iles, the CEO of Answers in Genesis, to delve into these pressing questions.

Drawing from a rich tapestry of primary biblical narratives, Martyn provides a clear analysis of what defines Babylonian culture throughout history and how these traits resonate in modern society. Martyn presents an eye-opening exploration of pride, idolatry, moral decay, and spiritual conflict, offering listeners practical insights and timeless truths for living out their faith in contemporary "Babylon-like" environments.

Martyn notes the striking similarities between ancient Babylon and today's cultural landscape. He emphasizes the need for Christians to recognize these characteristics and remain steadfast, much like Daniel and his friends, who navigated the challenges of living in a godless culture with unwavering faith.

Key Takeaways:

1.     Pride and Rebellion Against God: Modern culture mirrors the pride and rebellious spirit of ancient Babylon, where self-glorification often trumps humility before God.

2.     Idolatry and Self-Worship: Today’s society idolizes self-identity, personal success, and material wealth, paralleling Babylon's historical focus on worshiping created things over the Creator.

3.     Fear and Existential Anxiety: Despite advancements, contemporary society is plagued with existential fear and anxiety, drawing a parallel to the uncertainties of Babylonian times.

4.     Attempts to Usurp Divine Authority: Humanity’s efforts to control nature and exert god-like influence reflect a deeper rebellion against God's sovereignty.

5.     Opposition to the People of God:

o   Both ancient Babylon and modern cultures often stand antagonistically against Biblical values and beliefs.

6.     The Call to Live Faithfully: The story of Daniel offers a model for Christians to maintain faith and integrity amidst societal pressures and hostility.

Navigating a culture that mirrors the lost characteristics of Babylon can feel overwhelming. But just like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we are called to stand firm in our faith, teaching our children to do the same. By recognizing the parallels between ancient and modern times, we can equip our families with the truth and wisdom needed to thrive spiritually in a modern Babylon. We must remember that even in a lost culture, God’s presence and guidance are unwavering.

BIO: Martyn Iles is an Australian-born lawyer, commentator, and the Executive CEO of Answers in Genesis. Previously the co-founder of a not-for-profit law firm specializing in religious freedom cases, he also led one of Australia’s largest grassroots political movements through a 5-year period of remarkable growth. Martyn became known for his many gospel-focused appearances in the Australian mainstream media and for his online programs, Living in Babylon, The Truth of It, and Truth in 10. Martyn has a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland and a Master of Laws from the Australian National University.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

“Most Christians Don’t Know This about Babylon”

Answers in Genesis

Martyn Iles: Youtube Channel, Instagram, Facebook

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Our modern culture often argues that Christian teachings on marriage and femininity are oppressive or out of touch. But if we peel back the layers of history, we discover a different story. The early Christian faith dramatically improved the lives of women.

In this episode of CP/CW, Catherine is joined by prolific author and apologist Nancy Pearcey,  who sets the record straight about the historical impact of Christianity on women. Nancy sheds light on the drastic differences between the treatment of women in ancient societies and the newfound dignity and status they received within the early Christian community.

Key highlights include:

Reformation of Roman Practices: Nancy explains how men in ancient Rome freely exploited women, and how the early church radically opposed this by advocating for the respect and dignity of women in marriage.

Symmetry in Marriage: Hear about the New Testament teachings where Paul promotes equality in marriage, a concept that was unheard of during that time.

Elevated Status: Discover why women found refuge and higher status in the early Christian church compared to ancient Roman society.

Age of Marriage: Learn about how the Christian emphasis on raising the age of marriage from 12 to 18 greatly benefited young girls in the New Testament period.

Jesus' Revolutionary Actions: Nancy takes us through instances in the Gospels where Jesus broke cultural norms by valuing and honoring women, providing a stark contrast to the prevailing views of the time.

Modern Implications: Understand the surprising findings that show committed evangelical couples today experience the lowest rates of divorce and domestic abuse, contradicting the modern stereotype of evangelical men as patriarchal and abusive.

Ongoing Global Impact: Delve into sociological studies that reveal how Christian teachings have empowered poor women more effectively than many modern feminist movements, particularly in developing countries.

Understanding the radical teachings of the New Testament regarding women opens our eyes to the genuine freedom and dignity that Christianity offers. Over centuries, these teachings have profoundly transformed societies, raising the status of women across the globe. The data and historical evidence contradict the contemporary narrative that the Christian faith is oppressive to women. In reality, it provides a transformative power that elevates, empowers, and dignifies women in ways that are both historically and presently significant.

NANCY’S BIO: Nancy Pearcey is the author of The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes, as well as Love Thy Body, The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and Total Truth. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual."

OTHER EPISODES IN THIS SERIES:

Episode 122: Why Does Our Culture Hate Men?

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How has the prosperity gospel influenced purity culture, and what does that mean for parenting today? The connections might surprise you.

Purity Culture, much like the prosperity gospel, promises rewards for adhering to specific behaviors, but it often leads to disappointment and shame. And all too often in the church, parents apply this same type of thinking to their children. Parents assume that they will be rewarded with God-honoring, God-fearing children if they teach their children all the right things and parent the Biblical way. Like with the Prosperity Gospel and Purity Culture, the emphasis is on the outcome, not your child's relationship with God.

In this thought-provoking episode of "Christian Parent/Crazy World," Catherine engages Dr. Lina Abujamra in a candid discussion about the harmful effects of Purity Culture in Christian communities. They highlight how Purity Culture parallels the Prosperity Gospel by creating unrealistic expectations and measuring spiritual worth through outcomes rather than genuine faith and grace.

Episode Highlights:

• Purity Culture and Prosperity Gospel: Lina Abujamra draws parallels between purity culture and the prosperity gospel, noting how both promise material or relational rewards for specific behaviors. While purity culture emphasizes sexual abstinence with the promise of perfect marriages and fulfilling sex lives, the prosperity gospel promises material wealth and success for faithful followers.
• Misplaced Expectations: Both movements often set up unrealistic expectations, leading to disillusionment and shame when life doesn’t unfold as promised. This results in individuals feeling unworthy or questioning their faith when they don’t receive the anticipated rewards.
• Misogynistic Undertones: Lina and Catherine criticize the misogynistic tendencies within purity culture, where women often bear a disproportionate burden of maintaining purity. Object lessons like the chewed gum or wilted flower are used to shame women, implying that they lose their worth through sexual activity.
• Biblical Misinterpretations: Both purity culture and the prosperity gospel teachings divert from Biblical truths, focusing more on human efforts and rewards than on God's grace and the transformative power through a relationship with Christ.
• Impact on Young Believers: Catherine and Lina discuss the generational fallout from purity culture, noting how younger Christians are increasingly rejecting outdated, shaming shaming messages. This shift highlights the need for a more grace-filled, genuine approach to faith that centers on a deep, personal relationship with God.

Key Takeaways:

- Parents should teach their children that faith isn't about earning rewards through good behavior, but about nurturing a genuine, loving relationship with Christ.

  - Rejecting the false promises of purity culture and prosperity gospel can prevent the deep disappointment and shame that arise from unmet expectations.

- A grace-filled approach to faith that acknowledges personal struggles and imperfection can lead to more authentic spiritual growth and fulfillment.

- Both purity culture and prosperity gospel distort the Gospel's core message by equating spiritual worth with specific outcomes, rather than the inherent value found in a relationship with Jesus.

Guest bio: Dr. Lina Abujamra is a distinguished pediatric emergency room doctor, author, speaker, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her dynamic and heartfelt approach, she offers practical biblical insights to help people navigate life's challenges with faith and resilience. Her most recent book, Don't Tell Anyone You're Reading This: A Christian Doctor’s Thoughts on Sex, Shame, and Other Troublesome Issues, offers a candid look into her sexual struggles and the grace that brought her freedom.

OTHER EPISODES IN THIS SERIES:

Ep. 119 "Finding Freedom from Sexual Sin and Brokenness"

EPISODE RESCOURCES:

“A Statement on I Kissed Dating Goodbye” by Joshua Harris

Horatio Gates Spafford - “The Story behind the Hymn It is Well with My Soul”

“The Amazingly Graced Life of John Newton”

Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Butterfield

Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I was and Who God Has always Been by Jackie Hill Perry

A Change of Affection: A Gay Man’s Incredible Story of Redemption by Becket Cook

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

Matthew 5:8

John 13:35

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We all want to have a marriage that thrives, but one-third of Christian marriages end in divorce, a figure that is “statistically identical to that of non-born again adults” according to recent research from Barna.

What critical foundation are so many Christians missing in their marriage that leads to the demise of their primary relationship?

Josh and Katie Walters, authors of the brand new book New Marriage, Same Couple: Don’t Let Your Worst Days Be Your Last Days, identify four essential principles that will help every marriage to thrive. After a devastating season involving an affair that rocked their marriage to the core, Josh and Katie discovered four Biblical mindsets that transformed their relationship. Those mindsets form the word STAY:

S—Start with you.

T—Take quitting off the table.

A—Allow others to be a part of your story.

Y—Yield to God’s vision for your marriage.

The true testament of these mindsets is that they were applied to a dead marriage, and now that marriage is thriving. Catherine, Josh & Katie have a refreshing, raw, and grace-filled conversation about how we allow the enemy to sew seeds of discord and destruction into our relationships, but God has a plan to redeem what the enemy has stolen.

Josh’s Bio: Josh has been on staff at Seacoast Church for the last 14 years where he currently serves as the Executive Pastor for Seacoast Experience. He is a member of the Teaching Team and helps oversee what happens in person and online each weekend.

Katie’s Bio: Katie serves on the Experience Team at Seacoast Church and teaches as well. She is the CEO of Francis and Benedict, a fashion line that creates waxprint clothing hand made by single moms and widows in Togo, Africa.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Josh & Katie’s Website

Connect with them on Instagram & Facebook

New Marriage, Same Couple: Don’t Let Your Days Be Your Last Days

New Marriage, Same Couple Workbook

Josh’s Doppelganger

SCRIPTURE’S REFERENCED:

1 John 1:9

James 5:16

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Raising the next generation presents some very unique challenges. Recent statistics show that half of Gen Z children raised in the church are leaving the faith after they leave the nest. And recent research from Barna shows that only 4% of Gen Z has a Biblical worldview.

How do you disciple them?

How do you relate?

What obstacles do they face and how can you teach them to pray?

Catherine and her guests will answer all of those questions in this new 4-part series on Gen Z.

Joining her for the premier episode of this series is special guest Dana Che, marriage coach and host of Real Relationship Talk, a podcast that delivers authentic, inspirational relationship advice for your most intimate relationships. Dana, a mother of four Gen Z’rs, shares her relationship expertise and hard-earned advice on how to disciple the next generation through everyday conversations with your kids. She shows us how to make an infinite God relatable to our little ones while engaging our teens and adult children through the challenges all around them.

This episode is chocked full of practical advice, wisdom from a wealth of experience, and a lot of laughter as these two mamas get real about discipling Gen Z.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Dana Che’s podcast and website: https://realrelationshiptalk.com/; https://danache.com/

Statistics on Gen Z:

 4% have a Biblical worldview:  https://bit.ly/2EKn7bM

Most leave the faith: https://bit.ly/3XhCXSH

“Unashamed” by LeCrae: https://bit.ly/3ZEB2JD

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

Deuteronomy 11:18-21
Psalm 103:7
Hebrews 11:25
Deuteronomy 30:19
Psalm 103:14

Follow Catherine at her website and on Instagram and Facebook.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The mental health crisis in our country is at critical mass. Children are struggling like never before and parents are concerned, as they should be.

What foundation do we need to have in place to help our kids to be strong mentally?

Catherine’s guest, Dr. Bill Senyard, shares some warning signs that a child is struggling and offers practical ways to establish a strong foundation for your child’s mental health.

Attachment theory, the prevailing psychological theory in child development, emphasizes a child’s emotional bond with their primary caregiver. Dr. Senyard defines the four primary attachment styles that a child can exhibit. They are:

1. Secure—confident, reciprocal, non-reactive, resilient.
2. Anxious—emotional, reactive, volatile.
3. Fearful—composite of anxious and avoidant.
4. Avoidant—isolated, emotionally distant.

One relational style is mentally healthy and strong, the other three are showing signs of distress., of a breakdown in mental health. In this episode, Dr. Senyard gives practical ways to help children who exhibit those unhealthy traits.

Dr. Bill Senyard’s bio: Bill’s career has taken him from being a Chemical engineer, a strategic management consultant, and a co-owner of an Inc. 500 high-tech company to fulltime church ministry where he served multiple congregations as a Lead Pastor for over 35 years. He is a popular conference speaker in the US and Canada as well as abroad. He has written over a dozen non-fiction books and workbooks on a wide range of important topics including, how Christians can effectively and Biblically forgive others, how frustrated parents of teens can be “good enough parents” and most importantly, God’s love for the unlovable. Bill is the creator of The Good Enough Parent, a phenomenal curriculum that has a ton of free resources for parents.

Bill’s Website

Good Enough Parent Curriculum

Attachment Theory For Teens Simplified (video)

Bill’s Book: Tale of the Unlikely Prince

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Episode 85: 8 Words Every Parent Must Say To Their Child

Beyond Consequences by Heather T. Forbes

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Where does discipleship in the home start? Do you use a particular curriculum or a new Bible study or is there a check list that gets the job done? All of those things can be helpful, but they aren’t where discipleship starts. Discipleship needs to begin with a spiritual truth that so many parents miss because often they don’t know it themselves.

That truth is identity.

Understanding our identity in Christ is central to our walk with God, which makes it central to our parenting and our discipleship of our kids and their understanding of who God has created them to be. If we miss the core component of identity, that omission will show up everywhere else.

Joining Catherine to unpack the foundational truth of identity is Robby Angle, President and CEO of Trueface, based in Dawsonville Georgia. A small groups expert, Robby is the author of Embark as well as The Cure for Groups. He also hosts a podcast, Trueface: Beyond The Mask, which helps listeners learn how to increase trust in God and experience his grace.

Robby and his wife, Emily, both worked in professional counseling and aid work, where they served with Samaritan’s Purse in Pakistan and Myanmar overseeing international disaster response teams. They received a Master's in Community Counseling from Appalachian State University, which has equipped them to teach others how to have a deeper relationship with God. They now have 8 children, most of which are adopted.

Together, Catherine and Robby unpack the critical foundation of our shared identity in Christ and then apply that understanding to our children's specific identity, their purpose in life. The theology and practical applications revealed in this episode are indispensable in our parenting and discipling our kids.

EPISODE LINKS:

Robby’s Website: Trueface

Robby’s Podcast - Trueface: Beyond The Mask

More about Robby Angle: Robby’s Bio

BOOKS REFERENCED:

The Cure: What If God Isn’t Who You Think He Is and Neither Are You by John Lynch, Bruce McNicol, and Bill Thrall

The Cure for Parents by Lynch, McNicol, and Thrall

The Practice of the Presence by Brother Lawrence

Humility: The Journey Toward Holiness by Andrew Murray

Living Fearless: Exchanging the Lies of the World for the Liberating Truth of God by Jamie Winship

WEBSITES REFERENCED:

The Giftedness Center – Discovering Your Giftedness: A Step by Step Guide

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Few subjects present a greater challenge for parents than teaching children about God’s design for their identity. How do we start these vital conversations without overwhelming our little ones or feeding them information beyond their comprehension?

Catherine's guest, Elizabeth Urbanowicz, has developed a curriculum that helps parents navigate these challenging waters. Elizabeth is the founder of Foundation Worldview, an organization committed to providing Christian parents, educators, and church leaders with the resources they need to teach children to think critically and biblically.

In this enlightening discussion, Elizabeth introduces her new curriculum aimed at kids ages 4-8 called "God's Good Design." 

This episode emphasizes:

1.     The Importance of Being the First: Introducing children to these topics early helps parents establish authority and provide a biblical perspective.

2.     Maintaining Innocence While Informing: Teaching children about God's good design protects their innocence by providing them with the truth before encountering corrupted versions of identity.

3.     Living in Truth while Loving Others: Both Catherine and Elizabeth emphasize the need to always love those who disagree while we teach our kids God’s truth about their identity.

4.     Resources for Parents and Educators: Foundation Worldview's curriculum and other recommended resources for guiding children and teens in sexuality education from a Christian perspective are highlighted.

Listeners are invited to access these Foundation Worldview resources with a special $10 discount on family licenses using the code PARENT10.

About the Guest Elizabeth Urbanowicz holds a B.S. from Gordon College in Elementary Education and Spanish, an M.S.Ed. from Northern Illinois University in Literacy Education, and an M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Elizabeth created Foundation Worldview to equip Christian parents with the resources they need to train children to soundly interpret Scripture, carefully evaluate every idea they encounter, and understand the truth of the biblical worldview.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

·       God’s Good Design curriculum (Use code PARENT10 for a $10 discount on any family license)

·       “How Should Christians Talk to Their Kids about Sexuality” by Catherine Segars

·       Mama Bear Apologetics Guide to Sexuality by Hillary Morgan Ferrer

·       God’s Design for Sex (series) by Stan and Brenna Jones

·       The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality by Luke Gilkerson

·       The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality

·       The Holy Sexuality Project by Christopher Yuan

Other Episodes with Elizabeth:

Ep. 57: How To Teach Your Kids the Christian Worldview

Ep. 58: 7 Lies Culture is Spreading to Our Kids: Are They Buying?

Ep. 72 What Do Deconstructionists Often Get Wrong about the Faith

Ep. 73: How Can God Forgive Sins Like Abuse, Rape, and Murder?

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Is it possible for a marriage to recover from infidelity? Can the emotional wounds of an affair ever be a thing of the past? Can trust be rebuilt after betrayal?

Catherine’s special guests in this episode answer those questions with a resounding “yes!” Josh and Katie Walters, authors of New Marriage, Same Couple: Don’t Let Your Worst Days Be Your Last Days, had a marriage that was rocked to the core from an affair that nearly destroyed their relationship. Their restoration required grace, forgiveness, hope, and leaning into God like never before, but now their marriage is the epitome of love and fulfillment that we all long for with our spouses.

In this raw conversation, Josh shares how the desperation of his darkest hours fed a hunger for God like never before, and that hunger brought hope and healing. Katie shares how she found in Christ a loving Savior who is kinder than anyone we know. Piece by piece, God put their marriage back together and has given them a ministry to restore other marriages.

The enemy has come to steal our marriages, our children, our families, our futures, but God is committed to bring abundant life into our closest relationships. Josh and Katie Walters have experienced this reality first hand and they seek to share that redemption with others.

Josh’s Bio: Josh has been on staff at Seacoast Church for the last 14 years where he currently serves as the Executive Pastor for Seacoast Experience. He is a member of the Teaching Team and helps oversee what happens in person and online each weekend.

Katie’s Bio: Katie serves on the Experience Team at Seacoast Church and teaches as well. She is the CEO of Francis and Benedict, a fashion line that creates waxprint clothing hand made by single moms and widows in Togo, Africa.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Josh & Katie’s Website

Connect with them on Instagram & Facebook

New Marriage, Same Couple: Don’t Let Your Days Be Your Last Days

New Marriage, Same Couple Workbook

Josh’s Doppelganger

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

John 10:10

Romans 5:3-5

Romans 4:17

John 16:33

Hebrews 11:6

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There are eight critically important words that as parents we need to say to our kids, as often as necessary—and they are hard. They may be the hardest words to say in the English language. They are relationship building words, and words that model what true repentance looks like. If you don’t learn how to say these words, at some point, your relationship with your child will break. Those words are:

“I’m sorry. I was wrong. Please forgive me.”

In this episode, Catherine walks through the vital components of this critically important admission. It isn’t enough to express regret or sorrow. When we have wronged our child, as parents we must also admit culpability, which helps to free our child from the injury and begin the process of healing. Finally, we must ask for forgiveness, which helps our child to actively release the wound to God.

Also in this episode, Catherine shares:

• 3 key objectives that repentance accomplishes
• 2 crucial ways parents can be wrong
• 4 primary stages of parenting
• 8 bonus words to restore your relationship with your child

Talking about what is wrong in the world is the central theme of CPCW, but talking about what is wrong in us is much harder. We can’t effectively address what is wrong out there until we first address what is wrong in us. Expressing humility and true repentance is one of the most important spiritual disciplines we can teach our child. We must teach our kids this vital disciple not just in theory, but also in practice.

SCRIPTURE PASSAGES REFERENCED:

1 Corinthians 13:1-7

John 13:2-17

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Statistics show that a majority of Christian kids are leaving the faith when they leave the nest. That means a majority of Christian parents are parenting a prodigal child. Support for those walking through the prodigal journey is one of the greatest needs for parents in the body of Christ today.

Where does the prodigal parent start?

Joining Catherine to discuss parenting prodigal children in a two-part series is bestselling author Laine Lawson Craft. Laine’s brand new book, The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal, chronicles her 15-year journey with multiple prodigal children who struggled with drugs, sex, depression, suicidal ideation, and so much more.

Parenting has always been hard, but it’s even harder in today’s dark world. Children are bombarded with technology, peer pressures, and substances that can lead to devastating repercussions for not only the child, but also their family. Today’s youth are just one click away from a destructive path.

• How do parents recover from the shock, panic, and guilt they feel when a child chooses a destructive path?
• What can parents do to help their children when they continue making self-destructive life choices? 
• How can parents partner with God, the perfect parent, to win back their child?

In this episode, Catherine and Laine answer these questions while pointing parents to the single greatest weapon we have in the battle to win back a prodigal child—that is prayer.

Laine’s Bio: Laine Lawson Craft is an award-winning author, popular media host, and in-demand speaker. The founder and publisher of WHOAwomen magazine (2010-2018), she regularly hosts online challenges and masterclasses as well as Facebook Live events that reach thousands. Her Livin' Lively with Laine podcast encourages women around the world, and her Warfare Parenting podcast encourages parents of adult children. 

Links:

Laine’s website

Laine’s Instagram Page

Laine’s Facebook Page

Warfare Parenting Podcast

To receive a free copy of “Scriptures to Pray Over Children Who Have Walked Away from the Faith,” subscribe HERE

REFERENCED AND RELATED PODCASTS:

EPISODE 13: 4 Types of Prayer Every Believer Should Know

EPISODE 14: How To Battle for Your Kids in Prayer

EPISODE 15: What Should I Expect When I Battle in Prayer?

EPISODE 26: What Every Parent Needs to Know about the Prodigal Child

EPISODE 12: What To Do if Your Child Walks Away from the Faith

BOOKS REFERENCED:

The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal by Laine Lawson Craft

Intercessory Prayer: How God Can Use Your Prayers to Move Heaven and Earth by Dutch Sheets

RELATED ARTICLES:

 “What Every Parent Needs to Know about the Prodigal Child” by Catherine Segars (3/22/22)

“What To Do if Your Child Has Walked Away from the Faith” by Catherine Segars (11/2/22)

"Christian Kids Are Leaving the Faith. What Can We Do about It?" by Catherine Segars (2/9/22)

Lifeway Research: “Most Teenagers Drop Out of Church When They Become Young Adults” (1/15/19)

Cold-Case Christianity: “UPDATED: Are Young People Really Leaving Christianity” by J. Warner Wallace (1/12/19)

Barna Research: “Atheism Doubles Among Gen Z” (1/24/18)

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED: 

Deuteronomy 20:4 

Matthew 16:19, 18:18 

Mark 11:23 

Luke 10:19 

John 10:10 

James 1:5 

Romans 8:28 

Want more on Christian Apologetics for Parents? Visit https://www.crosswalk.com/author/catherine-segars/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In the last episode, Catherine highlighted the five primary apologetic approaches for defending the Christian faith. While varying greatly on inception points, strategy, philosophy and subject matter, all of the approaches agree on the superiority of one defense.

That is—EXPERIENCE.

A person’s experience with God is powerful and preeminent. Offering a personal testimony of how God has transformed your life is the one defense that no one can dispute, because it is your experience. A personal encounter with God solidifies one’s faith, making it rational, robust, and enduring.

So how can we have a practical encounter with God?

Catherine walks us through 10 practical ways that we can experience God:

1. Make God your priority (engage with God’s Word, worship, and prayer daily).
2. Plant yourself in the local church.
3. Practice honest reflection and repentance.
4. Fast regularly.
5. Shake up your schedule with sacrifice.
6. Get involved with a mission or ministry.
7. Go on a mission’s trip.
8. Go on a nature walk.
9. Start a spiritual journal.
10. Read a biography on a missionary or great Christian leader.

The items on this list are not revolutionary, but implementing them are. Start with the first three, which need to be a part of every believer’s daily discipleship, and then choose a few others to try. As you commit to prioritizing God, you will experience Him in new and exciting ways.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Resource on church wounds: Episode 44 – Have You Or Your Kids Been Wounded in the Church?

Driven By Eternity: Make Your Life Count Today and Forever by John Bevere

Fasting: Open the Door To a Deeper, More Intimate, More Powerful Relationship with God by Jentezen Franklin

The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boon

A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael by Elisabeth Elliott

The Intercessor  (Reese Howell) by Norman Grubb

The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun

Hero Tales: A Family Treasury of True Stories from the Lives of Christian Heroes by Dave and Neta Jackson

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

Matthew 6:21 & 33

Hebrews 20:25

Psalm 62:5-8

2 Tim. 1:6-7

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

May is mental health awareness month, and more families than ever are battling challenges in this area of health. Catherine and her special guest, Peyton Garland, dive deep into the topics of OCD, anxiety, and depression in this episode to offer unique insights, education, and encouragement to weary parents.

Peyton has a powerful testimony of how God is using a mental health disorder in her life for her good and for His glory. Having dealt with obsessive compulsive thoughts since early childhood, Peyton breaks down the four primary types of “sticky thoughts” that people who battle OCD contend with. They are:

1. Mental Thoughts & Taboo Rituals (a.k.a. Religious OCD)
2. Symmetry
3. Contamination
4. Harm

Peyton expertly navigates the detours and dead ends associated with these compulsive thoughts, and Catherine shares the victory she has experienced in her 17-year battle with clinical depression, highlighting the most dangerous prayer you can pray as a Christian! Along the way, these ladies offer hope while pointing families that deal with mental health disorders towards healing.

Peyton Garland is an author and coffee shop hopper who loves connecting people to a grace bigger than expected. Her debut book, Not So by Myself, was ranked on Kharis Publishing's 2021 Bestseller List. Meanwhile, Wipf & Stock recently released her second title: Tired, Hungry, & Kinda Faithful. Outside the writing world, Peyton is a pilot's wife, dog mom, and soon-to-be boy mom who loves reading WWII fiction and faithfully defending the Oxford comma. 

LINKS:

Peyton’s website

Peyton’s blog: Uncured & Okay

Peyton’s Instagram & Facebook Pages

BOOKS REFERENCED:

Tired, Hungry, and Kinda Faithful: Where Exhaustion and Exile Meet God by Peyton Garland

Not So By Myself: A safe space where God doesn’t fix the loneliness but sits with you instead by Peyton Garland

The Book of Mysteries by Jonathan Cahn (day 191)

ARTICLES REFERENCED:

“To the Mama with a Mental Health Disorder” by Peyton Garland

“A Few Not So Stereotypical Thoughts on OCD” by Peyton Garland

“What I Wish People Knew about Mental Illness” by Catherine Segars

“What I Wish People with Mental Illness Knew” by Catherine Segars

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

Psalm 40:1-3

2 Corinthians 10:5

1 Timothy 2:7

Want more on Christian Apologetics for Parents? Visit https://www.crosswalk.com/author/catherine-segars/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Biblically parenting a child who struggles in their sexuality requires resting on a bedrock foundation of truth while always operating in a spirit of love, humility, and surrender to Christ. We must never deny God’s truth, but a child struggling in this area must first be completely secure in their parents’ unconditional love. Focusing on the relationship is paramount. That relationship is secured by practicing unconditional love, the same love that God gives to us.

What can parents do to build a strong relationship with a child struggling in their sexuality? Incorporate this guidance:

*Commend your child’s courage for sharing their struggle with you.

*Express your unconditional love for your child. Say, “There is nothing you can think, say, or do that will change my love for you. I love you unconditionally, and so does God.”

*Pray fervently. Use the Word of God to pray over your child daily. (Find Scriptures to pray over you child HERE.)

*Listen. Listen. And when you’re done listening to your child.… listen some more.

*Humbly hold fast to Biblical truth on sexuality.

*Speak truth when prompted by the Holy Spirit. Don’t turn every conversation into a sermon. Instead, rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your communication.

*Walk in HUMILITY. The LGBTQ community has adopted PRIDE as their virtue, so we must walk in the opposite spirit.

*Model a surrendered life for your child.

*Model repentance for your child. You won’t parent your child perfectly, so when you mess up, tell them you are wrong and ask for forgiveness.

*Forgive yourself for your parenting mistakes and allow God to redeem them.

Catherine’s guest in this episode has been ministering to parents of children in the LGBTQ community for many years because she is one. Melinda Patrick is a mother of a same-sex attracted daughter who has embraced an LGBTQ identity and union. Melinda shares the successes and failures of this parenting journey, and her advice will bless, encourage, and convict us all.

Melinda Patrick’s bio: Melinda is the Director of Parent Support for His Wonderful Works and is host of The Bridge Between Us Podcast: Loving Your LGBTQ Identified Child While Not Compromising Truth and The Even While Podcast: Living Well in the Midst of Waiting. Melinda has parented a same-sex attracted child for twelve years and is passionate about helping moms and dads build strong relationships with their children while not compromising truth.

RESOURCES MENTIONED/REFERENCED:

Melinda Patrick’s Website

Melinda Patrick’s email address: melinda@melindapatrick.org

Melinda Patrick’s Instagram Page

The Bridge Between Us Podcast: Loving Your LGBTQ Identified Child Well While Not Compromising Truth

Catherine Segars email address: catherine@catherinesegars.com

Debbie Causey’s Website  & Speaker bio

Renovus website

Greg & Lynn McDonald: Embracing the Journey

The Unconditional Conference

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

2 Corinthians 5:11-21

Matthew 11:28-30

John 8:31

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Let’s be honest… sometimes we blow it as parents. We lose our temper and fly off the handle. It is vital that we know how to reset when we do. All the hard work we do as parents to strategically establish a solid spiritual foundation for our kids will be severely comprised if our relationship is broken.

Catherine’s special guest in this episode is a pro on the parenting front. With nine kids, Kirsten Vossler is devoted to mothering full-time, and she imparts her hard-earned wisdom weekly on The Rejoicing in Motherhood Podcast. Kirsten shares with the CPCW audience seven vital steps that we should take when we blow it with our kids. Those steps are:

1. Stop. (Easier said than done, but shut your mouth.)

2. Get alone. Remove yourself physically from the crazy situation.

3. Cry out to God. Be honest.

4. Ask God what He wants to say to you. Not to your kids. To you. He will bring identity, clarity, and perspective to you and the situation.

5. Repent to God first.

6. Repent to your child. Humble yourself. Say “I messed up. Jesus would never talk to you like that.” Acknowledge their pain. Say “I’m sorry.” And ask for forgiveness.

7. Be tender with your child as they are healing.

These steps walk us through the full cycle of repentance. Committing to this process is a critical part of discipling our kids because not only will it help to heal the damage we have caused in the parent-child relationship, it also models for our kids what true repentance looks like.

Kirsten Vossler’s Bio: Kirsten is a mother of 9, yes you heard that right—9 kiddos. She has been a Children’s pastor, a worship leader, a writer, a conference speaker, and now she is host of the Rejoicing in Motherhood Podcast.

Kirsten’s Website

Kirsten’s Podcast: Rejoicing in Motherhood

Bible Verse Referenced:

Psalm 90:4

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Every generation has faced challenges from the culture, but the intensity and ferocity of the challenges facing Gen Z is new. These challenges are pummeling the next generation like waves, one after another after another.

What are the cultural waves facing Gen Z?

We can’t respond to them if we don’t know what they are.

Joining Catherine again to discuss these cultural waves is Dr. Jonathan Morrow, the director of cultural engagement and student discipleship at Impact 360 Institute. Jonathan has been equipping students and parents in biblical worldview, apologetics, and culture for over 16 years and is passionate about seeing a new generation build a lasting faith. He holds a Master of Divinity, a Master of Philosophy of Religion and Ethics, and a Doctorate in Worldview and Culture from Talbot School of Theology. An adjunct professor of Christian apologetics at Biola University, Jonathan has authored several books on apologetics and resides near Atlanta with his wife of 20 years and three kids.

In this episode, Jonathan dives deep into his area of expertise to illuminate and connect these cultural waves. They are:

Scientism

Relativism

Tribalism

Sexual Revolution 2.0

Progressive Christianity

Each successive wave builds on the one that precedes it. Understanding these waves will help parents, grandparents, mentors, and guides of Gen Z to better equip and disciple them.

To see clips from this interview and find inspiring supplemental quotes and posts, connect with Catherine on Instagram and Facebook . To receive updates about each new podcast and free resources like Scripture songs, Bible verses to pray over prodigal children, and a topical index of Scriptures for prayer, subscribe to Catherine’s website.

OTHER EPISODES IN THIS SERIES:

EPISODE 54: “5 Things Every Parent Needs to Know about Gen Z” with Dr. Jonathan Morrow

EPISODE 53: “Practical Ways to Disciple Gen Z” with Dana Che

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Jonathan Morrow’s website

Impact 360 Institute

BOOKS & ARTICLES MENTIONED:

The Magician’s Twin: C.S. Lewis on Science, Scientism, and Society by John G. West

The “A Study Has Found…” Fallacy by Martin Cothran

BOOKS BY JONATHAN MORROW:

Welcome to College: A Christ-Followers Guide for the Journey

Questioning the Bible: 11 Major Challenges to the Bible’s Authority

Is God Just a Human Invention?: And Seventeen Other Questions Raised by New Atheists

Want more on Christian Apologetics for Parents? Visit https://www.crosswalk.com/author/catherine-segars/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Our culture is selling a pack of lies to the next generation. Are your kids buying?

Joining Catherine again in this episode is Elizabeth Urbanowicz, creator of Foundation Worldview, a Christian worldview curriculum for kids ages 14 to 4. Elizabeth has distilled the catalog of cultural falsehoods into a best-of list containing the top seven most prevalent lies being sold to our kids.

They are:

1. If I feel it, it must be true.
2. Follow your heart.
3. Love is affirming everything we feel.
4. Faith is the opposite of knowledge.
5. Humans are the products of blind, unguided evolution.
6. You are the one you’ve been waiting for.
7. A good God wouldn’t judge.

In this episode, Catherine and Elizabeth break down each lie and offer ways that you can teach your children to recognize them, reject them, and stand for what is true. We’ve got to know what these lies are if we want to help our kids not to fall for them.

Elizabeth Urbanowicz holds a B.S. from Gordon College in Elementary Education and Spanish, an M.S.Ed. from Northern Illinois University in Literacy Education, and an M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Elizabeth created Foundation Worldview to equip Christian parents with the resources they need to train children to soundly interpret Scripture, carefully evaluate every idea they encounter, and understand the truth of the biblical worldview. Elizabeth firmly believes that the Christian youth exodus can be a thing of the past. When kids are equipped to soundly interpret Scripture, they will quickly develop a biblical worldview. And when kids are taught to think well, they can carefully evaluate the messages they are exposed to each day.

To see clips from this interview and find inspiring supplemental quotes and posts, connect with Catherine on Instagram and Facebook . To receive updates about each new podcast and free resources like Scripture songs, Bible verses to pray over prodigal children, and a topical index of Scriptures for prayer, subscribe to Catherine’s website.

COUPON CODE:

Use the coupon code “CPCW10” to get $10 off any family license with Foundation Worldview.

STUDIES & QUOTES:

Lord Acton Quote: “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

Ligonier Ministries Bi-annual State of Theology Report

Richard Dawkins’ quote from The Blind Watchmaker

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

Jeremiah 17:9

Psalm 52:5-8

1 Corinthians 15:14

Matthew 11:1-6

Mark 12:30

Hebrews 11:1

To receive my free Scripture songs including Psalm 52:5-8, subscribe HERE.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Mama Bear Apologetics

The Discovery Institute

The Gospel Project by Lifeway

Dr. Stephen Meyer, Signature in the Cell

Want more on Christian Apologetics for Parents? Visit https://www.crosswalk.com/author/catherine-segars/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There's a topic that the church rarely addresses because it challenges long-held beliefs and practices. That topic is...

Domestic abuse.

And the failure of some church to protect victims.

The statistics and stories are heartbreaking. Churches should be sanctuaries, yet when it comes to domestic abuse, this isn’t always the case. Despite Biblical teaching on love, care, and justice, domestic abuse remains a hushed reality in some Christian communities. Victims often face isolation, shame, and a lack of genuine support inside their faith communities, making it difficult for them to find safety and healing.

In this episode, Catherine is joined by Nancy Pearcey, an acclaimed scholar and author known for dissecting cultural issues from a Christian perspective. Nancy shares her insights on transforming churches into safe havens for women, particularly those experiencing domestic abuse. Her book The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes explores the damaging cultural narratives about men and calls for a more biblical understanding of masculinity.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

Eileen Gray's Case: The episode opens with the heart-wrenching story of Eileen Gray, illustrating some churches’ failure to support victims of abuse.

Financial Dependency of Churches: Catherine and Nancy discuss how financial dependencies can influence churches to prioritize abusers over victims.

35-Year Longitudinal Study: Nancy mentions a study that found fathers have a significant impact on their children’s faith, especially when they are positively involved.

Critique of Darwinian Theory: Nancy discusses how Darwinian theory and societal stereotypes have contributed to harmful views of masculinity.

Impact of Cultural Influences: The episode looks at cultural figures like Andrew Tate and Myron Gaines, who promote toxic masculinity ideals, and the need for a biblical response.

Biblical Understanding of Masculinity: Both Catherine and Nancy advocate for a healthy, biblical view of masculinity and firmly condemn any form of abuse.

Call to Action for Listeners: Listeners are encouraged to ensure their churches are safe havens and to leave any church that advises victims to stay in abusive relationships.

Our churches should be sanctuaries, not battlegrounds for justice. If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic abuse, or you’re passionate about creating safer church environments, don’t miss this compelling discussion.

FULL SHOW NOTES

NANCY’S BIO: Nancy Pearcey is the author of The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes, as well as Love Thy Body, The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and Total Truth. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual."

EPISODE RESOURCES ON SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE CHURCH:

EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur Shamed, Excommunicated Mother for Refusing to Take Back Child Abuser (March 8, 2022)

EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur’s Church Supported Convicted Child Abuser & Pedophile, Records Show (March 17, 2022)

MacArthur Ministry Employees Defend Child Abuser, Dismiss ‘Screeching’ Pushback (March 24, 2024)

Head of Counseling at John MacArthur’s School: Wife Should Endure Abuse Like Missionary Endures Persecution April 5, 2022Former Elder at John MacArthur’s Church Confronts Awful Patterns of Endangering Abuse Victims (Feb. 9, 2023) 

OTHER EPISODES IN THIS SERIES:

Ep. 122 Why Does Our Culture Hate Men?

Ep. 123 How Christianity Transformed the Status of Women

RESOURCES REFERENCED: 

The Moral Animal: Why We Are the Way We Are: The New Science of Evolutionary Psychology by Robert Wright

Men and Marriage by George Gilder

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When it comes to blowing up at our kids, it’s not a matter of if. It’s a matter of when. It happens to the best of us. But often the inciting incident isn’t the real issue because the thing that sets us off isn’t the root of the problem. We’ve got to dig up the root if we want to get rid of the bitter fruit.

In this episode, Catherine continues her encouraging and incredibly practical conversation with Kirsten Vossler, a mother of 9 and host of the The Rejoicing in Motherhood Podcast. Together, these mamas dig deep to find out what is really going on when that one last nerve is raw and exposed and we just can’t seem to keep it together. They also discuss how to exercise restraint and not indulge that fleshly desire to yell at our kids. The key is leaning into the Holy Spirit.

Using the 7 steps that Kirsten outlined in Episode 74, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us and control our tongues, and getting to the root of what is really bothering will help us to mature as parents and believers. And as we commit to these steps, we will blow it a lot less with our kids.

Kirsten Vossler’s Bio: Kirsten is a mother of 9, yes you heard that right—9 kiddos. She has been a Children’s pastor, a worship leader, a writer, a conference speaker, and now she is host of the Rejoicing in Motherhood Podcast.

Kirsten’s Website

Kirsten’s Podcast: Rejoicing in Motherhood

OTHER PODCASTS/EPISODES REFERENCED:

EPISODE 74 – 7 Steps to Reset When You’ve Blown It with Your Kids (w/ Kirsten Vossler)

Rejoicing in Motherhood Podcast EPISODE 120 – Dispelling 5 Cultural Myths about Motherhood (w/ Catherine Segars)

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Many people look at the Christian faith as just a religion of do’s and don’ts.

Is it?

This is a question we need to be very clear on as parents., for ourselves and for our kids. If our children think that the faith is just about all the things we can’t do and all the things we have to do, then they don’t really understand what Christianity is all about. And they probably won’t stick around. They will become a part of the majority of kids who are leaving the faith when they leave the nest.

God never intended for our relationship with Him to be a labor-intensive checklist that is more of a burden than a delight. If this is how your kids approach the faith, chances are at some point they will chuck it for a belief system that doesn’t make them feel like they must constantly perform to be acceptable. 

So what are all those do’s and don’ts about in Scripture?

Catherine explains that the do’s and don’t are about protecting us, not making us acceptable to our heavenly Father. Christ’s atoning work on the cross makes us acceptable to God. The don’t list isn’t comprised of a bunch of good stuff that God inexplicably doesn't want us to do—it contains what leads us to bondage. And God’s overwhelming heart is not to condemn us; it is to free us.

Scripture shows how Christ is the Good Shepherd who leaves the 99 sheep who are doing the do’s to go after the one sheep being wounded by the don’ts. The Gospel of John depicts God as a passionate father who longs for his lost, don’t-doing child to come home. The list of do's and don'ts in Scripture are an expression of God's love for his children, his concern to protect his children, and his desire for them to thrive.

Enjoy the re-airing of this favorite early episode of CP/CW and tune in next week for a very special 100th episode of the show!

EPISODE RESOURCES:

The tree of knowledge of good and evil: Genesis 2:15-17

Church of the Highlands: Freedom Curriculum

The Parable of the Lost Sheep: Luke 15:1-7

The Parable of the Lost Son: Luke 15:11-32

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The Surgeon General came out with a very troubling report recently on social media usage among children that should concern us as parents. What are those warnings and what do we as parents need to know to safeguard our kids?

Catherine has invited Dr. Walt Mueller back to break it all down for us.

Covered in this episode:

*Often overlooked good things to celebrate in the area of technology and social media.

*The shocking statistics and serious warnings contained in the recent Surgeon General’s Report on children and social media usage.

*Warning signs of device addiction.

*Important questions to ask ourselves regarding our device and social media usage as parents.

*How to have meaningful conversation with our kids on the topic of social media.

*Vital guidelines for protecting our kids from social media and device addiction.

Bio: Dr. Walt Mueller is the founder and President of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding, a non-profit organization serving schools, churches, and community organizations around the world in their efforts to strengthen families. Walt has been working with young people and families for over 35 years, and with a Masters of Divinity and a Doctorate in Postmodern Generation from Gordon Cromwell Theological Seminary, he has become a recognized authority on youth culture, family issues, and all things having to do with teens and their world. Walt is also the host of the Youth Culture Matters Podcast.

EPISODE RESOURCES & LINKS:

The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding

Youth Culture Matters Podcast

Youth Culture Matters: Episode 179 “Teens, Tech, and Social Media – A Youth Worker Roundtable”

Social Media and Youth Mental Health – The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory 2023

Pew Research Center: Teens, Social Media and Technology (2022)

The Social Dilemma (Netflix)

Tony Renke: 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You

Greg Luukianoff & Jonathan Haidt: The Coddling of the American Mind

Jean Twenge: IGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy—and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood

CPYU Parent Prompt: Social Media & God’s Glory

Unplugged (FOTF)Effective Strategies: Tips for Influencing Your Child’s Social Media Use

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In a world where cultural pressures challenge our faith every single day, how can we stay true to our beliefs and be a light in dark times?

Catherine is joined once again by Martyn Ilse, CEO of Answers in Genesis, for a powerful discussion on living faithfully in a "lost culture." Together, they dive into the biblical story of Daniel and his friends in Babylon, using it as a guide for standing firm in our faith despite societal pressures and shifting cultural values.

Martyn draws fascinating insights from the experiences of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, explaining how their time in Babylon mirrors the challenges we face today. He discusses how Daniel and his friends were subjected to intense indoctrination, with even their names being changed as an attempt to erase their God-given identities. Catherine explains the meanings of their original Hebrew names versus their Babylonian names, showing how lost cultures always attempt to reshape beliefs by changing the meaning of names.

Despite this, Daniel and his friends held onto their faith. Martyn points out that their story reminds us of the power of staying rooted in our convictions, even when external influences try to sway us.

So, how do we resist compromise and live faithfully today? Martyn offers some practical advice:

• Decide ahead of time. Just like Daniel determined not to compromise, setting clear boundaries beforehand can help us stand firm when faced with temptation.
• Let God shape your future. Daniel didn’t try to plan everything; he trusted God to guide his steps.
• Live by God’s principles. Focus on doing the right thing and leave the consequences to Him.
• Live for God’s approval. Instead of seeking validation from others, prioritize God’s opinion and stay mindful of His presence.

These timeless lessons are especially valuable for parents, offering wisdom to help prepare the next generation to navigate today’s challenges with faith and courage.

About the Guest: Martyn Iles is an Australian-born lawyer, commentator, and the Executive CEO of Answers in Genesis. Previously the co-founder of a not-for-profit law firm specializing in religious freedom cases, he also led one of Australia’s largest grassroots political movements through a 5-year period of remarkable growth. Martyn became known for his many gospel-focused appearances in the Australian mainstream media and for his online programs, Living in Babylon, The Truth of It, and Truth in 10. Martyn has a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland and a Master of Laws from the Australian National University.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Other Episodes in this series:

Ep. 126: "What Most Christians Don't Know about Living in a Lost Culture"

“Most Christians Don’t Know This about Babylon”

Answers in Genesis

Martyn Iles: Youtube Channel, Instagram, Facebook

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:

Daniel 3

Matthew 5

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

ADHD is more than just a label – it’s a complex condition that impacts how our brains process information, manage emotions, and respond to the world around us. Whether you're a parent dealing with ADHD yourself or raising kids who are, understanding this condition is a crucial first step in creating a supportive and thriving family environment.

In this insightful and, at times, hilarious episode of "Christian Parent/Crazy World," Catherine welcomes Dr. Tamara Rosier, the brilliant mind behind the ADHD Center of West Michigan and the author of Your Brain's Not Broken and her newest gem, You, Me and Our ADHD Family. Tamara's expertise and warmth shine through as she unveils the intricacies of ADHD, making the seemingly complex condition understandable and relatable.

In this episode, Tamara shares some mind-blowing insights:

• What ADHD Really Is: Catherine and Tamara dive deep into the nitty-gritty of ADHD, exploring its hereditary nature and how it affects both kids and parents. Spoiler: If your kids have ADHD, chances are you might be dealing with it too!

• Common Misconceptions: ADHD is often misunderstood, and it’s not just about being hyper or inattentive.

• Navigating the Chaos at Home: Tamara explains the unique way ADHD brains function compared to neurotypical brains, leading to those seemingly insurmountable everyday tasks. Don't worry, you're not alone!
• Convergent vs. Divergent Thinking: Ever wonder why you (or your kids) think differently? Learn how neurotypical folks rely on convergent thinking while those with ADHD often excel in divergent thinking, looking at the big picture and making unexpected connections.
• Embracing Challenges with Grace: Discover how to ditch the negative self-talk and motivate yourself compassionately when you live with ADHD.
• Living Out Our Faith: Tamara shares practical ways to integrate your faith into your daily routine, accommodating ADHD tendencies without feeling like a second-rate Christian.

This episode brims with empathy, expertise, and actionable advice, making it an essential listen for anyone navigating life with ADHD. Tune in to feel inspired and equipped to create a flourishing family dynamic.

Exciting Giveaway! Get ready to win! Tamara is generously giving away a copy of her transformative book, Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD. To enter, follow the instructions on THIS INSTAGRAM POST.

About Dr. Tamara Rosier: Dr. Tamara Rosier is a renowned expert in the ADHD field. She’s the founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan and serves as the president of the ADHD Coaches Organization. Her acclaimed books, Your Brain's Not Broken and You, Me and Our ADHD Family offer a wealth of knowledge and strategies to help families thrive despite the challenges of ADHD.

Important Links and Resources:

• Tamara’s Author Website
• ADHD Center of West Michigan: MIADHD.com
• Books by Dr. Tamara Rosier:

• Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD
• You, Me, and Our ADHD Family: Practical Steps to Cultivate Healthy Relationships

Join Us Next Time: Stay tuned for the next episode where Catherine and Tamara will dive even deeper into managing a home where ADHD is a significant factor. They’ll share practical steps to cultivate healthy relationships and keep your sanity intact amidst the ADHD chaos.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.