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

This episode of Let’s Parent on Purpose explores a crucial question for Christian parents: what makes faith stick in the lives of our children? Drawing from over 25 years of youth ministry experience, Jay shares five key elements consistently present in students whose faith endures into adulthood. While acknowledging the mystery of God’s work, he emphasizes that intentional discipleship at home plays a primary role. Parents are encouraged not to outsource spiritual formation to the church, but to become the leading spiritual influence in their child’s life. The first two elements—truth kids understand and relationships they trust—highlight the importance of clearly communicating biblical truth in age-appropriate ways and surrounding children with trusted, godly influences who reinforce faith beyond the home.

The episode continues with three additional pillars of “sticky faith”: habits they own, purpose they live, and transforming moments they remember. Jay explains that lasting faith develops when children move from passive participation to personally owning spiritual disciplines like prayer, Scripture reading, and service. He also stresses the importance of helping kids see their faith as a mission, not just a belief system, by living on purpose and engaging in God’s work daily. Finally, both joyful and difficult life experiences can become defining spiritual moments when processed through a biblical lens. This episode equips Christian moms and dads with practical ways to evaluate their home environment, initiate meaningful faith conversations, and intentionally disciple their children for lifelong faith in Jesus.

Key Takeaways for Parents:
Help your children understand biblical truth, not just hear it—encourage questions and discussion.
Cultivate trusted relationships with other godly adults and peers who reinforce your child’s faith.
Model and encourage consistent spiritual habits like prayer, Scripture reading, and service.
Teach your children to live on mission—following Jesus is more than just believing; it’s living with purpose.
Recognize and process significant life moments to help your child see God at work in their story.
Focus on progress, not perfection—discipleship is a lifelong journey, not a quick fix.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources & Links:
Think Orange by Reggie Joiner
Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal by Jay Holland
Check out www.youthministry.coach
Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net
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/

This episode of Let’s Parent on Purpose features a powerful and practical conversation with author Jon Acuff about overcoming procrastination and building a more intentional, purpose-driven life. Drawing from his new book Procrastination Proof, Acuff reframes procrastination not as laziness, but as a mismatch between our intentions and actions, often driven by fear, overwhelm, or misplaced priorities. He introduces a simple but transformative framework—Dream, Plan, Do, Review—that helps parents and leaders move from good intentions to consistent follow-through. For Christian moms and dads seeking to disciple their children well, this episode emphasizes that growth starts with modeling: aligning your own habits, stewarding your time wisely, and making decisions today that serve your future self and family.

The conversation also dives into practical strategies for busy families, including how to “make tomorrow easy today,” prioritize what matters most, and avoid the trap of trying to do everything at once. Acuff’s insights are especially helpful for parents navigating full schedules, offering realistic tools like starting with just 15 minutes a day and focusing on three to five key priorities. The episode closes with a meaningful challenge for Christian parents: to intentionally shape not only their habits but also their children’s mindset about success, time, and stewardship. By addressing concepts like the “acceptable success line,” parents can disciple their kids to pursue God-honoring excellence without guilt, fear, or comparison, equipping them to live faithfully and fruitfully.

Resources Mentioned:
Purchase Procrastination Proof: Never Get Stuck Again by Jon Acuff on Amazon https://amzn.to/4dPSlRF

Visit Jon Acuff’s website at jonacuff.com and follow his podcast: All It Takes Is A Goal

Get Jay's new devotional, Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavl 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.

Guest Bio: Jon Acuff
Jon Acuff is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and leadership expert known for his practical and engaging approach to personal growth and productivity. He has written multiple books, including Procrastination Proof, helping people overcome overthinking, take action, and live with greater purpose. Jon works with individuals, teams, and organizations to build habits that lead to lasting success, all while blending humor, honesty, and real-life application. He lives in Tennessee with his family and is passionate about helping others reach their full, God-given potential.

Key Takeaways from the Episode
Procrastination is a gap between intention and action, not just poor time management

The “Dream, Plan, Do, Review” framework provides a simple, repeatable path to progress

Start small: 15 minutes a day can build momentum and lasting habits

Focus on 3–5 priorities instead of trying to do everything at once

“Make tomorrow easy today” is a powerful discipline for both parents and kids

Model habits first. Discipleship is more caught than taught

Teach kids to think long-term and make decisions that benefit their future selves

Be mindful of the “acceptable success line” and how your beliefs about success shape your children

Celebrate progress and reinforce positive habits in your home

God-honoring productivity isn’t about perfection. It’s about faithful stewardship over time

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

More Resources & Links:
Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal by Jay Holland https://amzn.to/3MLWavl

Check out www.youthministry.coach

Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net

Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! https://tinyurl.com/292kv68y

Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/

In this powerful episode of Let’s Parent on Purpose, Jay welcomes back Dr. Kathy Koch to discuss how Christian parents can raise gender-confident kids in today’s confusing cultural climate. Drawing from her book Raising Gender-Confident Kids, co-authored with Dr. Jeff Myers, Dr. Kathy unpacks the biblical framework behind the “Five to Thrive”—security, identity, belonging, purpose, and competence—and explains how unmet core needs often fuel gender confusion. With compassion and clarity, she equips parents to move from fear to faith, offering practical tools for affirming their child’s God-given design while maintaining strong, loving relationships.

This episode explores how stereotypes distort masculinity and femininity, why social contagion and mental health struggles play a significant role in teen gender confusion, and how parents can proactively build confidence in their children from a young age. Dr. Kathy shares wisdom on affirming a child’s unique strengths through the “Eight Great Smarts,” guarding kids from harmful cultural influences, and responding wisely if a child questions their gender identity. If you’re a Christian parent seeking biblical guidance, practical strategies, and hope in navigating conversations about gender identity, this episode will strengthen your resolve and remind you that God’s design is both intentional and good.

Resources Mentioned:
Purchase Raising Gender-Confident Kids by Dr. Jeff Myers and Dr. Kathy Koch on Amazon or through the Celebrate Kids online store.

Grab a copy of Five to Thrive by Dr. Kathy Koch on Amazon or through the Celebrate Kids online store.

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.

Guest Bio: Dr. Kathy Koch
Dr. Kathy Koch is the founder and president of Celebrate Kids, Inc., and a child development specialist. She is also the author of nine bestselling parent-child enrichment books including her latest book, Parent Differently: Raise Kids with Biblical Character that Changes Culture.For more, visit celebratekids.com.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

Drawing from Lightbulb Moments in Marriage, Dr. Eggerichs and Jay explore transformative "aha" insights for successful and satisfied Christian couples. Here are the highlights:

The Five Core Needs (“Five to Thrive”) – Security, identity, belonging, purpose, and competence must be rooted in Christ to build lasting confidence.

Identity Crisis Often Begins with Security Crisis – When kids don’t know who to trust, they struggle to know who they are.

Gender Confusion vs. Gender Dysphoria – True clinical dysphoria is rare; confusion often stems from deeper identity and belonging issues.

Celebrate Differences Without Stereotypes – Liking math, mechanics, ballet, or sports doesn’t redefine gender. Boys and girls can be multifaceted.

Affirm Early and Specifically – Children become who we tell them they are. Use intentional language to affirm their God-given design.

Guard Against Social Contagion – Social media exposure significantly influences teen identity struggles. Protect hearts, minds, and devices.

Mental Health Matters – Many teens struggling with gender identity are also battling anxiety, depression, or isolation. Address root issues first.

Keep the Relationship Alive – When a child questions their gender, prioritize connection, truth, and long-term influence over fear-driven reactions.

Model Confidence in God’s Design – Parents who embrace their own God-given identity create a powerful example for their children.

Hope for the Future – Research shows most teens experiencing gender confusion resolve it naturally by adulthood without medical intervention.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

More Resources & Links:
Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal by Jay Holland

Check out www.youthministry.coach

Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net

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 inspiring conversation, Jay sits down with Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, renowned author of the bestseller Love & Respect and his latest release, Lightbulb Moments in Marriage. Released in early 2026, the book explores 12 "aha" biblical perspectives to transform marriages from frustration to fulfillment.

Dr. Eggerichs shares profound insights drawn from over three decades of counseling, scientific research, and Scripture, focusing on how lightbulb moments can break the "Crazy Cycle" of unmet needs in marriage. Whether you're a busy parent juggling kids and chaos or seeking deeper intimacy in your Christian marriage, this episode offers practical marriage advice to help you move forward without hitting the eject button. Topics include love and respect principles, communication breakthroughs, and eternal perspectives on relationships.

Listen as Jay and Dr. Eggerichs discuss five to six key lightbulb moments that could revolutionize your marriage. Perfect for couples looking for Christian marriage counseling tips, biblical marriage guidance, or ways to strengthen family bonds.

Resources Mentioned:
Purchase Lightbulb Moments in Marriage by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs on Amazon or visit loveandrespect.com for more marriage resources, conferences, and tools.

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.

Guest Bio: Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

Dr. Emerson Eggerichs is an internationally known public speaker on the topics of marriage, parenting, communication, and male-female relationships. Based on over three decades of counseling, as well as scientific and biblical research, Dr. Eggerichs and his wife, Sarah, developed the Love and Respect Marriage Conference, which they present to live audiences across the country. He is the founder and president of Love and Respect Ministries, with Sarah serving as vice president.

A former senior pastor of East Lansing Trinity Church from 1980 to 1999, Dr. Eggerichs holds a PhD and has authored numerous books, including the New York Times bestseller Love & Respect, a Platinum and Book of the Year award winner that has sold over 2.3 million copies. His work emphasizes Ephesians 5:33, highlighting how wives need love and husbands need respect to thrive. Emerson and Sarah reside in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and have three grown children. For more, visit loveandrespect.com.

Key Takeaways from the Episode
Drawing from Lightbulb Moments in Marriage, Dr. Eggerichs and Jay explore transformative "aha" insights for successful and satisfied Christian couples. Here are the highlights:

God-Given Value, Not Spouse-Driven: Your worth is rooted in Christ, not your spouse's approval. This frees couples from emotional rollercoasters, especially under parenting stress. Shift your identity to Jesus for lasting peace in marriage.

Seeing Jesus Beyond Your Spouse: Treat your spouse as unto Christ to energize love and respect. Visualizing Jesus "beyond the shoulder" of your partner fosters forgiveness and intimacy, even in resentment-filled seasons.

Clarity in Communication: True understanding beats just talking more. Break the Crazy Cycle by decoding "pink" (love-focused) and "blue" (respect-focused) languages. Use tools like word pictures to turn conflicts into connections, ideal for parents arguing over discipline or roles.

Don't Let 20% Define the 80%: Focus on the 80% goodwill in your marriage rather than the 20% frustrations. Pray to magnify strengths and extend grace, helping busy families offset weaknesses like differing parenting styles.

My Response Is My Responsibility: Embrace personal accountability for freedom and strength in Christ. Overcome fears like rejection to model resilience for your kids, transforming victim mentalities into victorious marriages.

Eternal Perspective: View marriage through God's lens for motivation. Live for His "Well done!" knowing every act of faithfulness has eternal significance, preparing your children for healthy relationships.

These biblical marriage tips can wake up stuck relationships and provide the tools needed for forward momentum in Christian parenting and marriage.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

More Resources & Links:
Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal by Jay Holland

Check out www.youthministry.coach

Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net

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/

***Pick up a copy of Jay’s new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal 

How do we raise kids—and grow as parents—who don’t crumble under pressure but become stronger through hardship?

In Episode 402 of Let’s Parent on Purpose, Jay Holland is joined once again by author, missionary, and leadership coach Virgil Tanner for a deep, practical conversation on antifragile faith—the kind of faith Jesus describes as a house built on the rock.

Together, Jay and Virgil explore why anxiety and fragility have become normalized in modern culture, how Christian discipleship often unintentionally reinforces weakness, and what it looks like to intentionally form resilient, grounded followers of Jesus. Drawing from Scripture, neuroscience, leadership formation, and lived experience—from COVID lockdowns to pediatric cancer hospital rooms—this episode offers parents a hopeful and actionable framework for nurturing spiritual, emotional, physical, cognitive, and relational health.

This conversation will challenge how you think about discipleship, parenting, and what it truly means to love God with all of who you are.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why storms don’t reveal weakness—they reveal foundations

How culture has reframed fragility as virtue—and why that’s spiritually dangerous

The difference between changing behavior and changing the story we live in

Why discipleship must be whole-person formation, not just Bible knowledge

The five dimensions of the soul: spiritual, physical, cognitive, emotional, relational

Simple daily practices that cultivate resilience and joy

Why modeling matters more than lecturing when discipling kids

How families can become “houses on the rock” for others

Why noticing emotions comes before managing or forgiving

How loving God with heart, mind, soul, and strength leads to abundant life—not burnout

Key Scriptures Referenced
Matthew 7:24–27 — The House Built on the Rock

Luke 10:25–28 — The Greatest Commandment

1 Corinthians 10:31 — Doing Everything for the Glory of God

John 15:11 — “That My joy may be in you, and your joy may be full”

Practical Takeaways for Parents
Formation happens relationally and communally, not just informationally

Shared and modeled habits shape kids more than rules

Emotional maturity begins with naming emotions without judgment

Gratitude reframes suffering without denying it

Thriving families talk openly about how they’re really doing—not just how they’re performing

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

About Virgil Tanner
Virgil Tanner is a leadership coach, author, and missionary who has spent years equipping leaders and families to cultivate resilient, Christ-centered lives in high-pressure environments around the world. His work focuses on integrated human flourishing and forming leaders who can endure—and thrive—through adversity.

Resources & Links:
Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal by Jay Holland

Soul Tending: Leadership for Strategic Human Flourishing 

Check out www.youthministry.coach

Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net

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/