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A Short Q&A on Biblical Parenting and Family Discipleship – Chap Bettis

By Podcast
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. Podcast Transcript Chap Bettis:  I'm Chap Bettis, and…
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How to Help Your Children Build Relationships with Christian Mentors

By Church Life, Parenting: Teens and Beyond
Studies show that one of the most significant factors in a young person walking with the Lord is a quality relationship with a parent or mentor. How can we encourage these relationships in the church? Family-Initiated MentorsOne way to connect others involves helping parents realize the importance of these relationships. Often parents are so busy “doing the next thing” that they are not looking at the bigger picture. But if parents realized how vital these connections are, they would be motivated to find mentors or prayer partners for their children. They will take initiative and make connections themselves.Youth group training material often encourages there…
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What the Bible Says About Spending Less Than You Earn

By Christian Living, Scripture & Scripture Lists
The Bible encourages us to live below our means and not spend all that we earn. I have recently needed this list to help a young man. Maybe it will help with your children as well. There is a lot more that could be said on this issue: being good managers of God’s resources, self-control, contentment, and not caring what others think. But here are few quick verses. Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it (Proverbs 21:20). This is a key verse. Foolishness devours all we have. Wisdom shows restraint and saving.Go to the ant,…
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Psalm 127 – Seeking God’s Blessings – Chap Bettis

By Christian Living, Podcast
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, you’ll hear a recent sermon I preached on Psalm 127. In it, I ask a simple, searching question: what does it look like to actively seek God’s blessing in everyday life? We'll look at the danger of anxious, self-reliant “in vain” work and the comfort of God’s providence that lets us labor faithfully and still rest. Then we'll turn to the second half of the psalm and considers why Scripture calls children a gift from the Lord, how our culture often treats children as a burden, and how the church can cultivate…
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Pure and Undefiled Religion

By Christian Living, Family Discipleship
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:27 As I write this, I am on a plane to visit my 92-year-old mother who increasingly is suffering from serious dementia. Before I left, I asked my wife what she had planned for the week. Among her many plans was to visit her mentor, the widow of a deceased friend and former elder. This godly woman now lives in an assisted living facility because of numerous health issues. Why do I tell…
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Technology Q&A – Tim Challies

By Christian Living, Discerning Culture, Parenting: Childhood, Parenting: Early Years, Parenting: Teens and Beyond, Podcast
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we sit down with Tim Challies to explore how churches and families can thoughtfully navigate technology. We discuss the shift from hymnals to projectors, the impact of AI and social media on youth, and practical ways to cultivate disciplined discernment in our congregations. Throughout the conversation, we offer concrete ideas for balancing screen time, fostering community, and protecting children while embracing the benefits that digital tools can bring.
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The Porn-Free Family – Tim Challies

By Discerning Culture, Podcast
On this episode of The Disciple‑Making Parent Podcast we hear from Tim Challies on how families can create a truly porn‑free home. We'll hear about the early exposure risks children face online, share practical tools such as filtering, accountability software, parental controls, and open communication, and walk through a step‑by‑step plan—planning, preparing, meeting, and monitoring—to protect our households. Resources From This PodcastSuffering and Our Savior- podcast episode 124 with Tim ChalliesPersonal Accounts of God’s Goodness in Suffering- podcast episode 125 with Tim ChalliesFinding Comfort in Suffering- podcast episode 126 with Tim ChalliesChallies.com- Tim Challies’ blogCovenant EyesOpenDNS Chap Bettis:  I'm Chap Bettis, and…
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The Brilliance of Deuteronomy 6:7- Or Doing Family Discipleship in the Ordinary

By Family Discipleship, Parenting: Childhood, Parenting: Early Years, Parenting: Teens and Beyond
In many ways, teaching and talking about the Scriptures is the bull’s-eye of family discipleship. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus instructs us to make disciples by baptizing them (that is evangelizing them and bringing them into the church) and teaching them to obey all that he commanded. But how do we do that as parents with all the other demands or cultural expectations? Our children have school, sports, music, and other activities. That’s not to mention duties we have as parents. We need to go to work. We should stay connected to our parents and in-laws. Our house and car need to be…
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Tim Challies – Deep Thinking About Helping Our Family with Technology

By Christian Living, Family Discipleship, Podcast
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we talk with Tim Challies about how Christian families can think clearly about technology in a world where screens, social media, and now AI are everywhere. We look at the real numbers shaping teen life, the risks that often stay hidden until it is too late, and three common responses to new tools: enthusiastic embrace, strict separation, and disciplined discernment. We also explore a distinctly Christian framework for technology. We are image-bearers called to create and use tools for good, while recognizing how sin twists every technology toward harm and idolatry. Finally,…
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How Should Christians Think About Patriotism? – Dan Darling

By Discerning Culture, Podcast
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we talk with Dan Darling about what healthy Christian patriotism looks like. We unpack why love of country can be an expression of gratitude and a part of discipleship, and how we can teach children and grandchildren to think biblically about their nation without slipping into cynicism or idolatry. We discuss how to tell the full story of history, including real sins and real progress, and why reform is strongest when it grows out of love for a country’s ideals. We also clarify the difference between patriotism and Christian nationalism, and why…
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