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As believing parents, we know how important it is to raise our kids with love and intentionality. We want to give our kids a full picture of God's love for them every day! But some days, it's really hard! We are stretched thin, tired, and often feel unequipped. The Christian Parenting Podcast gives parents the space and resources to set aside perfection and grow into the perfectly imperfect parents God made them to be.
Join host Steph Thurling and her guests as they discuss practical tips and spiritual guidance for your parenting journey.
All Episodes:
Rethinking kids spiritual growth and role in the church with Pastor Brian Suter →
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This weeks episode is special because Im sitting down with my friend and pastor, Brian Suter. Brian and his wife Courtney, planted Branch Church here in Minnesota about four years ago, and my family has been part of it since the beginning. Were talking all about how our church approaches kids ministry, and its a little different than what you might expect!
Here are four key takeaways from this episode:
- Every church and family is different, what matters is creating space for kids to grow spiritually.
- At Branch, weve seen firsthand how kids can engage with worship, teaching, and the church body when given the opportunity.
- Church planters and their families need encouragement, prayer, and practical help from their communities.
- Children are capable of profound spiritual insight when we trust them and include them in the churchs life.
Brian Suter is the founding pastor of Branch Church in Minnesota. He leads with a passion for authentic community and intentional discipleship. Alongside his wife, Courtney, Brian has helped shape a church that values family, connection, and spiritual growth for all ages.
This conversation gives a behind-the-scenes look at my own church and how we think about kids and discipleship. I hope it encourages you to think creatively about how your family can grow in faith together.
(00:00) Introduction to Brian Suter and Branch Church
(03:52) The Journey of Church Planting
(09:56) Supporting Church Planters
(11:57) Innovative Kids Ministry at Branch Church
(17:56) Challenges and Benefits of Kids in Service
(28:01) Encouraging Family Discipleship at Home
Resources Mentioned
Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
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Answering kids' hard questions - faith, science, and suffering with Justin Brierley →
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Todays episode is such a fascinating and encouraging conversation. Im joined by Justin Brierley, journalist, author, and Christian apologistand were diving into how we as parents can guide our kids through some of lifes biggest questions about faith, doubt, and belief.
Heres what youll hear in today's conversation:
- Helping kids ask honest questions about God and faith builds a stronger foundation for lasting belief.
- Topics like the resurrection, suffering, and science can be discussed in age-appropriate and meaningful ways.
- How we respond to questions is just as important as the answers we givegentleness builds trust.
- Sharing your personal faith and doubts can create a safe space for kids to explore theirs.
Justin Brierley is a UK-based journalist, speaker, and author who has spent years hosting thoughtful conversations around faith and skepticism. His book, Why Im Still a Christian, explains why he still has faith in Jesus after conversations with skeptics and atheists all across the world. And his book, The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God, explores how faith is making a comeback in surprising ways. Justin is passionate about equipping parents to walk alongside their kids through questions of belief with wisdom and compassion.
Whether your child is full of curiosity or facing doubt, this episode offers the tools and encouragement to walk that road together with faith, honesty, and grace.
(03:02) Engaging Skeptics: Convincing Arguments for God's Existence
(05:54) The Historical Evidence of the Resurrection
(15:01) Addressing the Problem of Suffering
(24:09) God's Response to Suffering and the Hope of Redemption
(25:05) Understanding Suffering Through Faith
(26:36) Navigating Children's Questions on Suffering
(29:58) Engaging with Skeptical Teens
(32:11) Using Science to Explain Faith
(37:17) Embracing Imperfection in Parenting
Resources Mentioned
Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide
How a dice can show that God exists
Connect with Justin
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com
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Gods faithfulness in the midst of grief with Lori Apon →
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Todays episode is powerful, tender, and full of hope. Im joined by Lori Apon, a widow, a single mom of eight, and now a grandmother to twenty! Lori shares her deeply personal story of walking through grief and the chaos of early widowhood, and how Gods promises sustained her through it all.
Heres what youll hear in today's conversation:
- Even in deep grief, Lori shares how clinging to Gods promises brought strength and comfort.
- Building a community of mentors and support is crucialespecially for single parents navigating loss.
- Lori reminds us that healing takes time, and grace for yourself is essential in the process.
- Whether youre walking through loss or supporting someone who is, your presence and encouragement matter more than you know.
(03:05) The Journey of Becoming a Widow
(06:07) Challenges of Single Motherhood
(08:58) Building a Support System
(12:02) Navigating Grief and Community Support
(15:06) The Role of Mentorship in Parenting
(18:02) Faith and Overcoming Fear
(20:53) God's Promises and Their Impact
(23:49) Resources for Parenting Fatherless Kids
Connect with Lori
Raising Fatherless Kids podcast
Resources Mentioned
Moms, Dads, and Grad Gift Guide
Fatherless events and resources
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com
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Helping your kids understand their identity in Christ with Kyle Worley →
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Today Im joined by Kyle Worley, and were breaking down what it actually means to have union with Christ and anchor our childrens identity in God in the middle of a world full of noise, confusion, and competing worldviews.
Heres what youll hear in today's conversation:
- Understanding our connection to God through Jesus gives kids a steady anchor in a shifting world.
- Kyle explains how we can teach our kids that faith is about relationship, not just rules.
- A solid identity in Christ shapes how we parent, how our kids see themselves, and how they respond to the world.
- You dont have to be a theologianKyle shares practical tips and resources to bring these truths into everyday family life.
Kyle Worley is a pastor, theologian, and co-host of the Knowing Faith podcast. Hes passionate about helping families and churches understand deep theological truths in accessible ways, especially when it comes to teaching kids the beauty of the Gospel and their identity in Christ.
This episode is packed with truth and encouragement. Whether theology feels natural to you or totally intimidating, I know youll leave feeling more equipped to guide your kids toward a deep, lasting relationship with Jesus.
(02:26) Cultivating Friendship in Family Dynamics
(04:53) Understanding Union with Christ
(10:24) Fellowship as the Goal of Salvation
(16:41) Communicating the Gospel to Children
(24:06) Identity in Christ: A Foundation for Parenting
(27:39) Encouragement and Resources for Parents
Connect with Kyle
Resources Mentioned
Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Power of Prayer in Every Season with Willa Kane and Sally Breedlove →
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Hello Friends,
Todays episode was such a gift. Im joined by Willa Kane and Sally Breedlove. Their journeyfrom personal tragedy to launching a global prayer movementleft me deeply inspired, and I know it will move you too.
Here are four key takeaways from this episode:
- Whether parenting littles or guiding grown children, prayer and scripture remain the foundation.
- Everyday momentslike carpool lines or worship musiccan become tools for spiritual growth in your family.
- They share honestly about the challenge of being spiritually in sync with your spouse.
- There is deep joy in watching faith grow not only in your kids, but also in your grandkids.
Willa and Sally are the co-authors of the Eighth Day Prayers series, a beautifully crafted resource designed to guide families in intentional, scripture-centered prayer. With years of experience as moms (and now grandmothers!), they speak from the heart and from a place of deep wisdom and faith.
This conversation had me teary more than once. I hope it encourages you to lean into prayer and trust Gods faithfulness in every season of parenting.
With love,
Steph
(08:13) The Meaning Behind Eighth Day Prayers
(17:30) The Impact of Consistent Prayer
(22:00) Encouragement for Busy Parents
(23:30) Practical Tips for Engaging with Scripture
(23:49) Finding Quiet Moments in Parenting
(25:31) Utilizing Carpool Time for Spiritual Growth
(26:46) The Impact of Daily Practices on Future Generations
(29:08) The Power of Music in Faith Transmission
(30:15) Observing Faith in the Next Generation
(31:39) Navigating Challenges in Parenting
(33:18) Trusting God Through Difficult Times
(35:42) Leading with Delight in Parenting
(37:05) Reflecting on Parenting Journeys
(41:24) The Importance of God's Delight in Us
(43:32) Sharing Resources for Spiritual Growth
Resources Mentioned:
Subscribe to Christian Parenting
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
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