Let's Parent on Purpose: Christian Marriage, Parenting, and Discipleship

In this episode of Let’s Parent on Purpose, Jay sits down with Seth Troutt to explore a biblical vision of authentic masculinity and what it means for parents who want to intentionally disciple their children. Drawing from his book Authentic Masculinity: Leaving Behind the Counterfeits for God’s Design, Seth explains why Christian masculinity must begin with humility rather than comparison with women or attempts to prove strength. His masculinity pyramid identifies four core virtues: humility, discipline, responsibility, and chivalry. Seth explains how these qualities flow from a proper understanding of who we are before God and how they shape the way men live as sons, brothers, makers, husbands, and fathers.The conversation also addresses one of the most important challenges facing Christian families today: the difference between abusing power and abdicating responsibility. Seth explains how biblical masculinity calls men to use their strength to serve, protect, intercede, and take responsibility rather than dominate or withdraw. For parents, he offers practical insight into discipling children through affection, blessing, and correction, emphasizing that children often absorb what they see more than what they are told. Seth shares how he uses warmth, play, stories, spiritual disciplines, and everyday conversations to cultivate faith and character in his young children. The episode also explores the complementary nature of biblical masculinity and femininity, including Seth’s framework of nurturing for women, giving Christian parents a thoughtful foundation for teaching their children a biblical vision of manhood and womanhood.Key Takeaways• Biblical masculinity begins with humility and recognizing that man is not God.• Authentic masculinity is marked by humility, discipline, responsibility, and chivalry.• Discipline should flow from rightly ordered desires and a desire to become more like Christ.• Responsibility means not only owning what is ours, but also being willing to help address problems that are within our sphere of influence.• Chivalry means using strength to honor, serve, protect, and intercede rather than abuse power.• Male abdication, or the failure to use God given strength and responsibility, can be deeply damaging to families.• Fathers influence the spiritual temperature of their homes and should pursue warm, engaged, joyful leadership.• Effective discipleship begins with affection, followed by blessing and appropriate correction.• Children often learn biblical character through what they observe in their parents, not simply through formal teaching.• Parents can use stories, play, everyday conversations, spiritual disciplines, and intentional moments to disciple their children.About Seth TrouttSeth Troutt is the Teaching Pastor at Ironwood Church in the Phoenix metro area and has been pastoring full time since 2011. He holds a doctorate focused on digital technology, Generation Z, and gender identity and writes about the intersections of theology, technology, and culture. His ministry seeks to equip Christians with biblical wisdom, courage, and faithfulness for navigating the challenges of contemporary life.Seth is the author of Authentic Masculinity: Leaving Behind the Counterfeits for God’s Design, a book that presents a clear biblical vision of manhood for men who want to reject cultural counterfeits and embrace God’s design. His website also offers resources for men and fathers, including the Seven Day Sloth Killer and the 40 Day No More Deadbeat Dad Challenge.Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.orgResources & Links:Grab a copy of Authentic Masculinity: Leaving Behind the Counterfeits for God’s Design on Amazon. For more info, visit their website: sethtroutt.com/Follow Seth Troutt on Instagram: @seth_trouttMore Resources & Links:Get Jay's new devotional, Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal Use it solo, with your small group, or as a family for daily Scripture-based prompts to foster gratitude and closeness to Christ.Text "THINGS" to 66866 for free high-quality resources from Jay, including fun family conversations, a 52-week Scripture memory system, dating questions for kids, marriage tools, and more.Check out www.youthministry.coachDaily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.netJoin my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

In this conversation, Jay Holland and Rita Diapoules discuss the framework of children's ministry, focusing on the 'Ages and Stages' concept that helps parents understand how to guide their children spiritually as they grow. They emphasize the importance of habit stacking in daily routines to reinforce biblical truths, the significance of teaching biblical concepts appropriate to each age group, and the necessity of creating high-value touch points for families. Rita shares practical tips for parents to integrate spiritual discussions into their daily lives and the importance of partnering with the church for the spiritual growth of children.TakeawaysChildren's ministry should focus on long-term spiritual growth.The 'Ages and Stages' framework helps parents guide their children.Habit stacking can integrate spiritual teachings into daily routines.Parents are the primary disciplers of their children.Regular spiritual conversations are crucial for faith retention.Teaching should be age-appropriate and build on previous knowledge.Creating a community helps parents feel supported in their roles.Parents should actively engage with their church's children's ministry.Simple reminders can help reinforce biblical truths at home.Prayer and Bible reading should be prioritized in family life.Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.orgResources & Links:Ages and Stages: A Discipleship Framework for Church and Home Check out www.youthministry.coachDaily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.netJoin my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

In recent days, our children have experienced another horrific act of evil with the assassination of Charlie Kirk. There are some ways in which Charlie’s murder was unique - his explicit Christian faith, the motives behind the murder, and its brutal public nature caught on video for the world (and our children) to see. In other ways, this is just one more horrible act of traumatic violence that our children are exposed to. In this episode, Jay shares four helpful guidelines for moms and dads to help their children process this (and other) wickedness. He then shares his recent episode of Guided by Faith, where he directly addresses young people to help them process the murder. Listen as Jay shares the following wisdom for moms and dads:Be compassionate Grieve for somebody whose life was cut short.Grieve for the friends and families of those affected. Grieve with your child that they had to be exposed.Be curious Can you tell me what you heard or saw?Who was with you when you heard? What was their reaction?What was your reaction? What do you remember feeling right away? What are you thinking and feeling about it now?The Lord promises to be with us. In what way was the Lord with you when you heard about this?Be cautious Don’t fan the flame of fear.Don’t fan the flame about contempt.Don’t fan the flame of vengeance.Pay attention to how obsessed you are getting with the situation.Pay attention to how obsessed your child is getting. You might need to make time for more conversations, or let them talk to a pastor or other trusted counselor. Be courageous Your children will remember your tone and your spirit more than your specific words. Ground your hope and emotions in the reality that Christ has overcome the world. Remind your children that Christ has overcome the world, and that he is coming back to set all things new. Until then he’s promised us that the world will have trouble, but he’s also called us to be his salt and light in the world. We don’t have to live afraid when we are living out God’s mission.Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.orgResources and links mentioned:How to Walk With Loved Ones Through Trauma with Eliza Huie Part 1: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/part-1-how-to-walk-with-loved-ones-through-trauma-with-eliza-huie/How to Walk With Loved Ones Through Trauma with Eliza Huie Part 2: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/part-2-how-to-walk-with-loved-ones-through-trauma-with-eliza-huie/Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.netJoin my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

What if the “Jesus” you’ve been following isn’t the Jesus of the Bible? In this episode of Let’s Parent on Purpose, Jay Holland talks with Shane Pruitt—National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board and author of the brand-new Bible study Not My Jesus: Reclaiming the Truth, Rejecting the Idols—about how cultural counterfeits of Jesus can creep into our homes, churches, and parenting.Shane shares powerful insights from decades in student ministry and parenting six children (four through adoption), along with stories of walking through profound joy and deep grief. Together, Jay and Shane explore:Common false versions of Jesus such as: Eternity-Only Jesus – cares only about your afterlife, not your daily walk.American Dream Jesus – blesses comfort, accumulation, and nationalism over mission.Non-Judgmental Jesus – loves but never calls for repentance.Comfortable Jesus – keeps life safe and easy, rather than calling us into obedience and sacrifice.National Jesus – conflates the Kingdom of God with any earthly nation.How parents may unintentionally model a counterfeit Christ through their attitudes and actions.Why your family’s faith is “caught” more than it’s taught.How to lead your kids in authentic discipleship by living consistently for Jesus at home and in public.The danger of making comfort the measure of God’s blessing—and how to evaluate if you’re living beyond yourself on mission.A biblical view of love that both accepts us as we are and calls us to holiness.Shane and Jay also talk about practical ways to stay anchored in Scripture, model genuine faith for your kids, and resist the cultural pull to create a Jesus in our own image.About Shane PruittShane serves as the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board, leading ministry to students and young adults across more than 50,000 churches. He’s a sought-after conference speaker, podcast host, and the author of 9 Common Lies Christians Believe and Calling Out the Called. His latest Bible study, Not My Jesus, is available in both student and adult editions and helps believers spot cultural distortions of Christ and embrace the true Savior found in the Gospels.Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.orgResources mentioned:Resources & Links:Check out www.youthministry.coachDaily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.netGet Not My Jesus (adult and student versions): https://amzn.to/4mPefFTFollow Shane Pruitt: Instagram | X/Twitter | WebsiteJoin my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

Join host Jay Holland as he introduces a new parenting tune-up resource designed to help parents evaluate and adjust their parenting strategies. This episode dives into the complexities of parenting across different life stages and offers biblical encouragement and practical questions to guide parents in nurturing their children.Key Points:Introduction to the Parenting Tune-up resource. Importance of adapting parenting strategies as children grow. Biblical encouragement from Psalms, Proverbs, Ephesians, and Deuteronomy. The "Oxygen Mask Principle" for self-care in parenting. Reflecting on and celebrating positive traits in children. Course correction strategies for evolving family dynamics. Long-term and short-term visioning for family growth.Upcoming:Look forward to an interview with Pastor Max Lucado in mid-August.Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.orgResources mentioned:Access the Parenting Tuneup tool by texting "THINGS" to 66866. Check out the "Guided by Faith" podcast for daily devotionals. Join my Things for Thursday Email List to get a copy of the Parenting Tune-Up tool!Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

In this conversation, Jay Holland, Ed Uszynski, and Brian Smith discuss the complexities of youth sports culture, emphasizing the need for a shift in perspective among parents and coaches. They explore the concept of the 'youth sports industrial complex,' the impact of parental influence, and the importance of character development in sports. The discussion highlights the detrimental effects of snowplow parenting and the need for intentional discipleship opportunities within the youth sports experience. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of instilling gratitude and character in youth sports, contrasting the focus on competition and statistics with the value of personal growth and relationships. They emphasize the need for parents to support their children in a balanced way, encouraging them to appreciate the joy of sports while also recognizing the pressures of year-round competition and early specialization. The discussion culminates in a vision for families to engage in sports as a means of discipleship and community building.TakeawaysThe youth sports industrial complex is a billion-dollar industry.Parents need to be the first to be discipled in sports culture.Character development in sports is influenced by the adults involved.Snowplow parenting inhibits children's ability to think independently.Winning is often prioritized over character in youth sports.Discipleship opportunities arise from observing sports interactions.Parents should teach their kids to notice others in sports.The culture of sports can shape our values and beliefs.Coaches have a significant impact on children's development.We need to reform our thinking about youth sports. Training kids to thank referees and spectators is vital.The GOAT debate highlights character over statistics.Living with gratitude leads to a more joyful life.Pursuing excellence doesn't mean sacrificing compassion.Recognizing marginalized teammates fosters inclusivity.Year-round competition is not necessary for success.Early specialization can be detrimental to athletes.Parents should focus on enjoying the game with their kids.Remove anxiety from the sports experience for children.Sports can be a platform for discipleship and community.Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.orgBioAbout Brian Smith Brian Smith is the author of several books including his latest Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports and The Christian Athlete: Glorifying God in Sports. He has been on staff with Athletes in Action since 2008. A graduate of Wake Forest University, Brian has a master’s degree in Theology and Sports Studies through Baylor University. He lives in Lowell, Michigan, with his wife and three kids. Social Media: Website: www.thechristianathlete.comTwitter: @BrianSmithAIAInstagram: @brianlinseyAbout Ed Uszynski Ed Uszynski is an author, speaker, and sports minister with over three decades’ experience discipling college and professional athletes. His latest book is Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports. He’s written articles, essays, and training manuals at the intersection of faith and sport and is the lead strategist for Content Mercenaries. He has two theological degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a PhD in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University. He and his wife Amy have four children and live in Xenia, Ohio.Social Media: Website: www.untanglingcrt.comTwitter: @uszynski32Facebook: @ed.uszynski.3Resources mentioned:Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports: https://amzn.to/43QFoQIAthletes in Action: https://athletesinaction.org/ Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

For the first time in the history of the Barna Research, more young women are leaving the faith than young men. Jay Holland and Cicely Corry discuss the work of Barna, focusing on the intersection of church and culture. They explore the methodologies used in their research, the importance of data for parents and leaders, and the concerning trend of young women disengaging from faith. Cicely shares insights into the reasons behind this trend, including social dynamics and perceptions of safety within church communities. The discussion emphasizes the need for churches to create welcoming environments for young women and the role of community in fostering faith. This conversation explores the dynamics of friendships between genders, the importance of intentionality in building relationships, and the empowerment of young women in leadership roles. It discusses the challenges faced by Gen Z in navigating faith and spirituality, emphasizing the need for mentorship and community support. The dialogue highlights the role of parents in fostering curiosity and community among their children to help them thrive in their faith journey.TakeawaysParents can benefit from Barna's insights to raise their children in faith.Young women are increasingly identifying as having no faith, a concerning trend.Social dynamics and safety perceptions impact young women's engagement with church.Community and friendship are vital for youth engagement in church.Churches need to create safe spaces for young women.Men's friendships often thrive on shared interests. Women tend to have more complex social dynamics in friendships.Shared experiences help deepen connections among individuals. Visible female leadership in churches empowers young women.Mentorship plays a significant role in young women's development.Gen Z shows intrigue in spiritual matters despite declining church affiliation.Parents should engage in curious conversations with their children.Community involvement is essential for faith retention.Encouraging young people to step out of their comfort zones fosters growth.Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.orgBioCicely Corry is Editorial Director at Barna Group, where she leads online content strategy to help Christian leaders understand key trends affecting the Church. Previously, she managed social media strategy and content for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and wrote for the Christian Broadcasting Network. Cicely has served in student ministry for over 10 years, and founded Three Minute Study, an online Bible study community helping others understand, enjoy and apply God’s wordShe holds a M.A. in journalism from Regent University and a B.A. in print journalism and marketing from Hampton University. Cicely is an Atlanta native now living in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband and two sons.Resources mentioned:Barna site: https://www.barna.com/ Gen Z Vol. 3 Study: https://www.barna.com/gen-z-volume-3/ Barna’s Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/barnagroup/?hl=en Barna Access Plus: https://www.barna.com/access/ Cicely Corry's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/cicelycorry/ Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

In this conversation, Jay and Virgil explore the importance of character development over mere skills in leadership and parenting. They discuss the need for experiential learning in faith and the role of community in nurturing youth. The conversation emphasizes that discipleship should primarily occur in the home, supported by a network of relationships that foster growth and understanding.They also discuss the importance of building significant relationships, particularly in the context of youth ministry. They explore the influence of social media on young people's lives, emphasizing the need for adults to step in and provide positive guidance. The discussion highlights the role of desire in shaping behavior and the necessity of intentional connections in youth ministry. They also address the importance of encouraging risk-taking and resilience in young people, advocating for experiential learning over theoretical knowledge. The conversation concludes with practical advice for parents on how to engage in transformative conversations with their children.TakeawaysLeaders often have more information than formation.Character is more important than skills in leadership.Experiential learning is crucial for true understanding.Discipleship must happen primarily in the home.Community plays a vital role in faith development.Youth often leave the faith due to lack of relational engagement.Knowing about something is different from truly knowing it.Parents' involvement in faith practice significantly impacts youth retention.Building a supportive network for youth is essential.Teaching faith should be experiential, communal, and narratively situated. Aim for at least seven significant adult relationships.Social media influences youth in unhealthy ways.Desire drives behavior more than cognition.Intentional connections can impact youth positively.Encouraging risk-taking helps build resilience.Experiential learning is more effective than theoretical knowledge.Transformative conversations can lead to deeper understanding.Modeling behavior is crucial for youth development.Recognizing and affirming individual strengths is important.Learning from failure is a valuable experience.Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.orgBioAs the Senior Director of OneTree, Virgil is responsible for leading the team to help mission, marketplace, and ministry leaders thrive holistically, do beautifully integrated work, and become everything God dreamed them to be, believing this to be a primary means for stewarding the reviving life of God through His people into the world.Virgil holds a B.S. in Biology, an M.A. in Religion and Cross Cultural Studies, and an MEd. in Curriculum and Instruction. He is presently working on an EdD in Christian Leadership.Resources mentioned:https://www.onetreeministries.org/Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/