The Disciple-Making Parent

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast Chap Bettis sits down with associate pastor Travis Rymer for a candid conversation about biblical parenting and family discipleship.They discuss the goal of Christian parenting, why parents may hesitate to ask for help, whether it’s possible to over-disciple children, and how the local church can support families. Along the way, Chap offers encouragement to rely on God, seek wisdom with humility, cultivate joyful homes, and keep the true “North Star” of parenting in view: raising children who love Jesus and help others follow Him.---Get your free Disciple-Making Parent Audiobook

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we sit down with Nate Akin to hear his powerful testimony and parenting insights. We explore Nate's journey from growing up in a Christian home to his college basketball career at Murray State, including his participation in the NCAA tournament against Georgia and Illinois.Nate openly shares about his season of rebellion during college years and the pivotal moment of repentance that redirected his life toward ministry. We discuss Nate's leadership with the Pillar Network, a Baptist association focused on church planting that now has nearly 600 churches in almost 50 countries. The heart of our conversation centers on the parenting principles Nate learned from his father and mother that he's now implementing with his own young children.Nate reveals his parents' simple yet profound approach: "teach them to love Jesus and have fun with them." We unpack how this philosophy manifested through consistent discipleship, creating space for questions, prioritizing church community, and maintaining a balance of clear boundaries with abundant grace.

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent podcast, we explore the critical balance between children's ministry and parental discipleship in the church. We speak with Jared Kennedy, author of "Keeping Your Children's Ministry on Mission: Practical Strategies for Discipling the Next Generation," who shares his journey from aspiring missionary to children's ministry leader. We discuss how children's ministry is not merely childcare but a vital part of the church's mission to pass faith to the next generation. Kennedy challenges the notion that parents are the sole disciplers of children, arguing that Scripture places this responsibility on the entire covenant community.The conversation highlights how even teaching toddlers is missional work, as they develop crucial vocabulary that forms the building blocks of faith. We also examine how children's ministry serves as a "subversive" training ground for parents to learn discipleship skills they can implement at home.Join us as we navigate the complementary roles of church and family in raising the next generation of believers - not just as disciples, but as disciple makers with hearts for the nations. ----Thanks for listening to the Disciple Making Parent podcast. We love offering resources to equip you in family discipleship for free, but we can only do that because of our faithful financial partners. Would you consider joining us? We're a small and lean ministry, and we make your kingdom dollars go far. So head on over to www.thedisciplemakingparent.com/partner---Sign up for the weekly newsletter at disciplemakingparent.com to receive the complete audiobook free. Part of our mission to help parents raise children who love the Lord and become disciple-makers.---Resources From This Podcast:Keeping Your Children’s Ministry on Mission, by Jared KennedyJared Kennedy at TGCThe Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible, by Jared KennedyThe Story of Martin Luther, by Jared KennedyGospel-Centered FamilyThe Fallen Condition Focus, by Bryan ChapellRead-Aloud Bible Stories, by Ella LindvallManaging Your Households Well, by Chap Bettis

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent, we welcome Brian Croft to discuss the delicate balance between pastoral ministry and family life. We explore practical ways pastors can faithfully serve their church while prioritizing their spouse and children. Brian shares personal stories about adapting his parenting approach to meet each child's unique needs and how these family experiences have made him a more effective pastor. We discuss how receiving honest feedback from family members can improve preaching, and how explaining scripture to children helps create messages that connect with all ages. Brian also offers valuable insights on maintaining meaningful connections with children into adulthood and applying family leadership principles to church leadership.----Thanks for listening to the Disciple Making Parent podcast. We love offering resources to equip you in family discipleship for free, but we can only do that because of our faithful financial partners. Would you consider joining us? We're a small and lean ministry, and we make your kingdom dollars go far. So head on over to www.thedisciplemakingparent.com/partner---Sign up for the weekly newsletter at disciplemakingparent.com to receive the complete audiobook free. Part of our mission to help parents raise children who love the Lord and become disciple-makers.---Resources From This PodcastThe Pastor’s Family, by Brian CroftPractical ShepherdingPodcast episode: Marriage Panel: A Real Life Conversation and EncouragementSermons to Children, by J.C. RyleManaging Your Households Well, by Chap Bettis

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we explore the critical but often misunderstood topic of managing our households well. We're excited to announce the release of Chap’s new book "Managing Your Households Well" which examines how family leadership prepares us for church leadership.This episode unpacks two key insights from first half of the book. Chap discusses the delicate balance of authority and affection in both parenting and pastoring, and why authenticity matters more than maintaining a perfect appearance. Join us as we discover why managing our households well isn't about having a perfect family, but about leading with wisdom, respect, and genuine care.

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent, we explore the concept of "disenculturation" as an alternative to "deconstruction." We sit down with Collin Hansen, Vice President for content and editor in chief at the Gospel Coalition, to understand how Christians can evaluate their cultural practices through a biblical lens.Through engaging examples from church history, we examine how to distinguish between essential biblical truths and cultural practices that have become intertwined with faith. From worship styles to dress codes, we discuss how different generations navigate these distinctions. We also tackle challenging topics like historical Christian responses to racism and segregation, while offering practical advice for parents and pastors on helping their communities distinguish between non-negotiable faith elements and cultural expressions.Drawing from examples like the Jesus Revolution and contemporary church practices, we learn how to maintain strong biblical convictions while showing grace toward different cultural expressions of faith. Resources from this podcast:The Gospel CoalitionYoung, Restless, Reformed: A Journalist’s Journey with the New Calvinists, by Collin HansenThe Gospelbound PodcastInterview with Collin Hansen on Rediscover Church: Why the Body of Christ is EssentialBefore You Lose Your Faith: Deconstructing Doubt in the Church, by Trevin WaxA God-Sized Vision: Revival Stories that Stretch and Stir, by Collin HansenThe Fabric of Theology, by Richard Lints (origin of his concept of theological vision)TGC Foundation Documents: Theological Vision for MinistryWalking Through Deconstruction: How To Be a Companion In a Crisis of Faith, by Ian HarberRebecca McLaughlin----NEW RESOURCE: "Launch: Biblical Help to Move Your Teen or Young Adult Into the Real World" - A concise one-hour read packed with essential guidance for parents navigating the challenging transition of teens into adulthood. Available on our website and Amazon.FREE AUDIOBOOK: Get "The Disciple Making Parent" audiobook completely free when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter at disciplemakingparent.com. Join our mission to equip parents, grandparents, and pastors with the tools to pass the gospel to the next generation.