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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:
How understanding God's character changes our parenting with Ruth Chou Simons →
As part of our Best of The Christian Parenting Podcast series, were revisiting some of our most helpful and encouraging conversations for families.
Many parents feel the pressure to control outcomes, do everything perfectly, and make sure their kids turn out right. But the Christian life, and parenting within it, is ultimately a journey of trusting God.
In this episode, Ruth Chou Simons shares encouragement for parents who want to root their lives and families more deeply in Gods character. We talk about why following Jesus often feels like a pilgrimage, how time in Gods Word shapes our hearts, and why releasing control and striving can open the door to deeper faith.
Ruth is a bestselling author, artist, speaker, and mom of six boys. Her book Pilgrim: 25 Ways Gods Character Leads Us Onward explores how understanding who God is helps guide us forward in faith and everyday life.
Connect With Ruth
- @ruthchousimons
- @gracelaced
- www.gracelaced.com
- https://pilgrimbook.com/
Resources mentioned:
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Investing in Your Kids Faith with Lisa Clark →
As part of our Best of The Christian Parenting Podcast series, were revisiting some of our most helpful and encouraging conversations for families.
Raising kids in the Christian faith often means balancing many priorities, family life, church involvement, and helping children build their own relationship with God.
In this episode, Lisa Clark shares practical encouragement for parents who want to make faith a natural part of everyday life. We talk about partnering with the church, helping kids prioritize time with God, and why nurturing your own faith is an essential part of guiding your children.
Lisa is a mom and grandmother, co-host of the podcasts Raising Sinners and Wonder, and the author of My Time with God, a devotional created with First15 to help kids develop a daily rhythm of spending time with the Lord.
Connect with Lisa:
- @LisaEClark
- Lisaclarkspeaks.com
- Raising Sinners
- Wonder
Resources mentioned:
Get your copy of My Time With God today!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Discipling the next generation with Jen Wilkin and J.T. English →
As part of our Best of The Christian Parenting Podcast series, were revisiting some of our most helpful and encouraging conversations for families.
One of our most important callings as parents is discipling our kids in the Christian faith. To do that well, we need to understand what we believe, why we believe it, and be familiar with Gods Word.
In this episode, Jen Wilkin and J.T. English join me to talk about the relationship between Bible study and theology and why both matter as we raise the next generation of believers. Together we discuss how understanding theology strengthens our faith, why Bible literacy matters for parents and kids alike, and how these two practices work together to shape a lifelong walk with God.
Jen and J.T., who co-authored You Are a Theologian, also share practical encouragement for discipling kids in different seasons of parenting and helping them grow in their understanding of God.
Connect with Jen
- https://www.jenwilkin.net/
- @jenwilkin
- @knowingfaithpodcast
Connect with J.T.
- @jtenglish
- @knowingfaithpodcast
Links and resources mentioned:
https://www.tinytheologians.shop/
Lives of Faith and Grace series
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Bringing Joy Back to Discipleship at Home with Amanda Jass →
Hey friends,
What if discipling your kids didnt feel heavy but actually felt joyful again?
I dont know about you, but sometimes the pressure to do it right as a Christian parent can slowly steal the fun and freedom out of faith. What starts as a beautiful calling can start to feel like another thing on the list. And thats exactly why this conversation felt so refreshing.
Today Im joined by my friend Amanda Jass, and she brings such a grace-filled, life-giving perspective to what it looks like to disciple our kids in a way that feels natural, joyful, and deeply rooted in Jesus.
Here are four takeaways that I think will really stick with you:
- You can partner with the church without outsourcing discipleship, your home still matters most
- Faith doesnt have to feel overwhelming when we make it simple, approachable, and part of everyday life
- Play, story, and imagination are essential, not extra, when it comes to kids understanding and loving Jesus
- You are not behind, small, consistent moments matter more than getting it perfect
This conversation is such a deep exhale. If youve ever felt like youre not doing enough or you dont even know where to start, I think this will remind you that God isnt asking for perfectionjust presence.
Amanda Joss is a childrens author, illustrator, and longtime kids ministry leader who is passionate about helping families make faith feel joyful and accessible. She is the creator of Adventures in the Friendly Forest, a 30-day storybook devotional that uses imaginative storytelling and biblical truth to help kids grow in their faith in a fun and meaningful way.
Im cheering you on as you create a home where faith feels light, joyful, and lived out together.
With Love,
Steph
Resources Mentioned:
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Rethinking your time with purpose and peace with Elaine Franklin →
Have you ever felt busy all day long but still wondered if any of it really mattered?
This weeks episode is a little different and so special. Im sharing a conversation from another Christian Parenting podcast, Pardon the Mess, hosted by the wonderful Courtney DeFeo. I first heard her interview with Elaine Franklin years ago, and honestly, it stuck with me in such a meaningful way. So when I saw them sit down together again, I knew I had to share it with you.
This conversation is all about time, but not in the way you might expect. Its not about doing more or getting more organized. Its about living with intention, clarity, and peace in the middle of full lives.
Here are four takeaways that really stood out:
- Why understanding your circle of care vs. circle of responsibility can completely shift how you spend your time
- The importance of defining your purpose and mission before building your schedule
- How margin isnt lazy, its protective for your faith, your family, and your well-being
- Why creating a to stop list might be the most freeing productivity tool youve never tried
This episode is packed with practical wisdom, but more than that, its an invitation to step out of the hustle and into a more thoughtful, life-giving rhythm. If youve been feeling stretched thin or a little out of alignment, I think this one will really meet you right where you are.
Elaine Franklin is a speaker, coach, and author who helps individuals and families align their time and priorities with their God-given purpose. Through her teaching, she offers practical and biblical tools for creating margin, setting healthy boundaries, and living with intention in every season of life.
Resources Mentioned
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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