The Disciple-Making Parent

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, Chap Bettis talks with Dr. Camden Pulliam about the biblical connection between parenting and pastoring. Drawing from Camden’s doctoral research, they explore how pastors serve as father figures who help God’s people grow from spiritual immaturity toward maturity.⁠⁠

Together, they examine the fatherhood language used throughout Scripture, the relationship between managing a household and caring for a church, and the humility required of pastors at every stage of ministry. They also discuss the value of spiritual fathers who have earned the trust to offer honest, practical wisdom.

Resources From This Podcast
Dr. Pulliam’s review of Managing Your Households Well
Paternal Pastors: An Evangelical Approach, Dr. Pulliam’s Ph.D. Thesis
Midwestern Seminary’s For the Church Cohorts
Midwestern Seminary’s Shepherds Fellowship

Topics Covered in This Week’s Podcast
03:20 Dr. Pulliam’s background
07:35 Paternal Pastors: Pastors as fathers within the church
17:16 Applications for young and aspiring pastors
25:58 A pastor’s authority as a father figure
35:17 A father’s impact
41:14 Conclusion, more on Midwestern Seminary

On this episode of This vs. That, we talk with Dr. Ben Phillips about making family discipleship practical through the everyday rhythms we already share with our children.

Ben introduces the TEACH framework—Travel time, Eating time, Arise time, Closing time, and Holiday time drawn from Deuteronomy 6.

Together, we explore simple ways to build faith conversations into car rides, meals, mornings, bedtimes, and celebrations without turning discipleship into an overwhelming checklist. We also discuss the importance of modeling a genuine walk with God, giving children grace as they grow, adjusting our approach through changing seasons, and starting with one sustainable rhythm.

Whether we are beginning family discipleship for the first time or looking to strengthen existing habits, this conversation offers practical encouragement for helping the next generation know, own, and live out their faith.

Topics Covered in This Week’s Podcast
02:59 Introduction: The origin of Dr. Phillips’ desire for discipleship
13:52 Applying TEACH wisely, but not to excess
28:34 Making TEACH work in your unique household
45:49 Encouragement for parents just beginning intentional discipleship

Resources From This Podcast
Dr. Phillips’ Website
Adventures in Odyssey
Jonathan Park Audio Adventures
Article- Am I Overdiscipling My Children?
Article- Five Reasons to Make Dinner an Event
Article- The Power of the Red Plate
Article- Nine Elements of an Effective Donut Date

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, you’ll hear a recent sermon from Chap Bettis as he walks through Psalm 127 and asks a simple, searching question: what does it look like to actively seek God’s blessing in everyday life?

He talks about 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 he turns 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 a child-loving (not child-centered) community.

Finally, we’ll reflect on what it means to form disciples and disciple-makers who can stand with courage and wisdom in the public square while remembering that our hope rests in the Lord who builds and watches over his people.

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent Podcast, we have a Q&A 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.