Entrusting The Faith

Episode Overview

Eric Rutherford sits down with David Michael to explore what it actually means to pass the faith from one generation to the next. They unpack the biblical mandate behind next generation ministry, why churches often miss the mark despite good intentions, and what a practical, vision-oriented approach to discipling children looks like — in both the church and the home. This episode is directly relevant to fathers who want to lead their families with intentionality and theological depth.

Key Points

1. Truth78 is built on Psalm 78 — and so is the mandate. The organization takes its name from Psalm 78, which describes a God-given responsibility to pass a testimony of faith from generation to generation, so that those not yet born would set their hope in God. That multigenerational vision is the driving framework for everything Truth78 produces.

2. Next generation ministry has one primary reason for existing. It is not primarily to attract families, to keep children safe, or to give parents a distraction-free worship service — though those are fine secondary outcomes. The primary reason is to transfer truth about God from one generation to the next. When that gets displaced by secondary concerns, problems follow.

3. Most churches lack an intentional 18-year plan. Churches are generally intentional about presenting the gospel and running quality programs, but few have a structured, long-range strategy for what truth they want children to have by the time they leave home. David argues for what he calls vision-oriented parenting — asking now what you want to be true of your child at 20, 30, or 40, and building backward from there.

4. The Whole Counsel of God — five streams. Drawn from Acts 20 where Paul declares himself "innocent of your blood" because he did not shrink from declaring the whole counsel of God, Truth78 has organized comprehensive discipleship around five streams:

• Gospel Proclamation — a robust, not superficial, understanding of the gospel; many teenagers who grew up in church cannot explain why sin is a problem or how Christ's death solves it
• Biblical Survey — walking children through the full narrative of Scripture, Genesis to Revelation, multiple times over 18 years (the More Than a Story two-volume resource does this in about 750 pages)
• Moral and Ethical Instruction — practical wisdom from Scripture, through the Way of the Wise curriculum
• Systematic Theology — essential doctrines taught accessibly; the ABCs of God covers all of God's attributes in 40 lessons for early elementary students
• Biblical Theology — the redemptive story arc running through all of Scripture, taught through resources like What a Savior

5. Kids are not bored by depth — they hunger for it. A common fear in children's ministry is that heavy content will lose kids. Truth78's experience is the opposite. First graders learning the word "incomprehensible" as an attribute of God love it, use it, and bring it home. Children respond positively to being taken seriously and given something real.

6. Transfer of truth is not merely transactional — it targets mind, heart, and will. The goal is not just filling a child's head with correct theology. Instruction is aimed first at the mind (understanding), then the heart (desire), then the will (obedience). Truth that stays only in the mind loses its power. The framework is: get from the head to the will through the heart.

7. Parents are the primary disciplers — not the church. David is direct: the church and home must partner together, but the discipleship responsibility belongs to parents first. Many parents default to "that's why I take them to church" — essentially outsourcing what is biblically their calling. The church's job is to give parents the vision and tools to do what they are already called to do.

8. Men especially need practical tools, not just a call to lead. David has talked to hundreds of fathers over the years. Not one pushed back on the responsibility. The gap is not desire — it is knowing what to do. Give a man something specific and achievable. One example he offers: make it your aim daily to bring Christ near to your wife and children. That might be a quick prayer at the door before school. It does not require a formal devotional setup to be meaningful.

9. Every church member has two contributions to make. David challenges every person in the pew — not just parents or ministry workers — with two things: set a worthy example and pray. Children are watching adults in the congregation; that influence is happening whether it is intentional or not. And 15 minutes of prayer per week — three minutes a day, five days — focused on the next generation in your sphere could move mountains if done across a whole church.

10. Prayer is the engine — everything else is infrastructure. Perfect curriculum, aligned leadership, committed parents — none of it accomplishes anything unless God moves on the hearts of children. David closes with the example of Jesus praying for Peter's faith not to fail, even though he already knew the outcome. Jesus prayed because God moves in response to prayer. That is the posture Truth78 wants to cultivate in every parent, teacher, and grandparent.

Quotable Moments

"We've been given a testimony. Pass it on to your children. Teach them to teach their children so that the next generation will set their hope in God."

"We have these children from birth and we have them for maybe 18 years. What is our plan for effectively passing the truth on to them?"

"I've talked to hundreds of dads and I have not found one who said, no, that's not my job. It's in their heart to do it. They just need something specific to put in their hands."

"We want to get from the head to the will through the heart."

"I think we pray wimpy prayers for children. Let's pray biblical prayers."

"Prayer is the engine that drives children's ministry in your church."

Resources Mentioned

• Truth78 — truth78.org Full library of curriculum, sample lessons, seminars, and teaching resources for churches and families
• Zealous: Seven Commitments for the Comprehensive Discipleship of the Next Generation by David Michael — a book for church leaders and Sunday school teachers to align around the purpose of next generation ministry (includes a study guide)
• More Than a Story (two volumes, ~750 pages) — takes children through the full biblical narrative from Genesis to Revelation; designed to be worked through 2-3 times over 18 years
• ABCs of God — 40-lesson curriculum covering all of God's attributes for early elementary students
• The Way of the Wise — curriculum focused on moral and ethical instruction from Scripture
• What a Savior — kindergarten curriculum on Jesus rooted in biblical theology
• Big, Bold Biblical Prayers for the Next Generation by David Michael — a resource to help parents and grandparents move beyond general prayers toward prayers grounded in Scripture and God's promises
• Nurturing the Faith of Our Children — seminar resource David developed that churches can use to equip individual parents

Action Steps for Listeners

If you are a father:

• Ask the long view question: what do you want to be true of your child spiritually at 20, 30, or 40? Start planning backward from there
• Daily aim to bring Christ near — a brief prayer at the door, a question about what they are reading in Scripture, a blessing as they leave for school
• Pray specifically and biblically for your children; pick up Big, Bold Biblical Prayers as a starting point

If you are a church leader or pastor:

• Do a six-week teaching series on next generation ministry to build a shared vocabulary and vision
• Pull fathers together by age group (all dads of first graders, all dads with kids in Sunday school) for breakfast and cast vision
• Work toward a culture where anyone in the church could answer, without prompting: "Why does children's ministry exist?"
• Read Zealous with your elder board or children's ministry team

If your church leadership is not there yet:

• Start where you have access — your Sunday school class, your own children, individual parents you know
• Host a small seminar or parent gathering; you do not need institutional buy-in to begin equipping people around you

If you are any member of any congregation:

• Commit to 15 minutes per week praying for the next generation in your sphere — your children, grandchildren, kids in your Sunday school class, children in your neighborhood
• Be the kind of person a child could be pointed to as an example worth following

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Eric Rutherford sits down with Dr. Eric Scalise to tackle one of the most under-addressed areas in faith communities: mental and emotional health. They cover the stigma that still surrounds Christian counseling, the role of AI in making biblical resources more accessible, and why the local church is uniquely positioned to be a first-responder community for people in crisis.

Key Points

1. The stigma around mental health in the church is real, but it's changing. Many Christians wrestle with depression, anxiety, and fear while believing those struggles are signs of weak faith or sin. This creates a culture of silence, where people suffer privately until something breaks. Dr. Scalise argues the church needs to be a place where brokenness can be named — not hidden.

2. The church is a mission field in both directions. Dr. Scalise shared a vivid illustration: a church had a banner reading "Now entering the mission field" as people exited the sanctuary. His challenge to the pastor: it needs to be on the inside too. Broken people are already in the pews. That is equally the mission field.

3. Pastors are not required to be counselors — but they need a plan. Research shows roughly 75% of people in crisis who hold a faith will first turn to their pastor, priest, or rabbi. Yet most seminaries and Bible colleges do little to equip pastors for this. The answer is not to burden pastors with counseling roles they aren't called to, but to identify and train lay people within the congregation who are.

4. The first-responder model for church care. The goal is not to produce licensed therapists in every pew. It is to develop people who can pull someone out of the water, stabilize them, and get them to the right level of help. Practical skills: listening well, creating a safe space, practicing the ministry of presence, knowing some scripture, and knowing when to refer.

5. Relationship is the primary driver of counseling outcomes. In research on lay counseling effectiveness, the single most predictive factor for positive outcomes was not technique or credential — it was the quality of the relationship between the person seeking help and the one providing it. A well-trained lay counselor often achieves comparable outcomes to a licensed clinician. That is a strong case for investing in church-based care.

6. AI as a tool, not a replacement. Hope for the Heart partnered with Pray.com to build the "Hope for the Heart AI Counselor" — a closed AI system that draws only from their 108-topic Keys for Living Library (approximately 15,000 pages of biblically grounded content). Unlike open AI systems that can surface dangerous or unbiblical information, this tool only returns content that has been vetted. Dr. Scalise was clear: AI is a resource and a starting point, not a substitute for human relationship.

7. The closed vs. open AI distinction matters enormously for safety. Open AI platforms pull from the entire internet — which can produce harmful, unbiblical, or even dangerous outputs (Dr. Scalise referenced a real suicide linked to AI responses). Closed systems like the Hope for the Heart AI Counselor draw only from curated, trusted content. That distinction is not a technical detail; it is a safety decision with real consequences.

8. Shame is the deeper barrier — and it can be addressed. Dr. Scalise distinguishes guilt from shame clearly: guilt is about what you have done; shame goes to who you are. Nearly everyone he has counseled carries some degree of shame. AI tools can help lower the initial barrier for people too ashamed to ask questions face to face, giving them a private, anonymous starting point to begin exploring what they need.

9. Core issues vs. connected issues. A presenting problem like depression rarely exists in isolation. Surrounding it are connected issues — abuse history, trauma, grief, family dysfunction, addiction — that also need to be addressed. Every person's story is unique. Effective care requires understanding the whole picture, not just labeling the symptom.

10. Most common topics people seek help with: Anxiety, depression, fear, worry, anger, forgiveness, and abuse. On abuse alone: national statistics indicate 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 4 boys will experience abuse before graduating high school. In any given Sunday service, that means roughly every third or fourth adult has abuse in their background. The church needs a plan for this.

Quotable Moments

"We live in the most technologically sophisticated society ever in history, but also the most relationally disconnected."

"The sanctuary is as much of a mission field as what's outside of it. Brokenness doesn't show those kinds of boundaries."

"In most presenting cases, a competently trained lay counselor has about the same outcome measures as a licensed clinician. The predominant factor is the quality of the relationship."

"Shame off you." — A three-word sermon Dr. Scalise proposed for pastors ready to create a culture of openness in their church.

Resources Mentioned

• Hope for the Heart — hopeoftheheart.org Biblical counseling resources, training programs, and the AI Counselor tool (108 topics, 15,000+ pages of content)
• Foundations of Care training program — practical equipping for lay counselors in the church (available through Hope for the Heart)
• Hope Talks podcast — available on Pray.com
• Hope in the Night radio broadcast — hosted by June Hunt, streamed on Pray.com
• Pray.com — one of the largest Christian media platforms; hosts the Hope for the Heart AI Counselor

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• Buy the book Leading Well at Home: Husbands and Fathers Can Biblically Lead Their Families

What if the simplest, most overlooked act in your faith could shape nations, strengthen your family, and even change your life’s direction?

In this episode of Entrusting the Faith, Eric Rutherford sits down with missionary and Operation World researcher Kyle Eipperle to unpack the power of prayer, global missions, and raising families with a vision far beyond their home.

After nearly 20 years serving in Ukraine, Kyle shares how God redirected his mission back to the U.S., not to slow down, but to multiply impact through one of the most influential global prayer resources in the world.

This conversation will challenge how you think about prayer, expose the spiritual realities most people never see, and equip you to lead your family with purpose.

Highlights:

•  The surprising origin story of Operation World and how it grew into a global movement 
•  What an “unreached people group” really means and why it matters more than you think 
•  Why prayer, not strategy, has always been the foundation of global missions 
•  How entire political systems have shifted because believers prayed 
•  The hidden spiritual battles happening in countries you rarely hear about 
•  How to disciple your kids with a global, gospel-centered worldview 
•  Real stories of people who started praying… and ended up becoming missionaries 

Why This Episode Matters:
Most Christians never think beyond their immediate world. This episode expands your vision.

You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of global missions, a renewed conviction about the power of prayer, and practical ways to lead your family spiritually, starting at the kitchen table.

Bottom Line:
If you want to grow in faith, lead your family well, and understand your role in God’s global mission, this episode will open your eyes in ways you didn’t expect.

https://operationworld.org/

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Why are so many men isolated, passive, and spiritually stuck, even while sitting in church every Sunday? In this powerful episode of Entrusting the Faith, Eric Rutherford sits down with David “Goose” Mills, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and founder of Men's Alliance, to discuss how men are being transformed through challenge, brotherhood, leadership, and practical discipleship.

Goose shares the surprising story of how one moment in church led him to launch a movement now impacting hundreds of groups across multiple countries. He explains why traditional men’s ministry often fails, why men bond through shared struggle, and how churches can better reach husbands, fathers, and sons.

The conversation also dives into Christian apologetics, raising children with conviction, spiritual leadership in the home, and why men need more than comfort, they need purpose.

What You’ll Learn:

•  Why most men’s ministries fail to engage men 
•  How physical challenge creates brotherhood and trust 
•  The origin story of Men's Alliance
•  Why men need standards, growth, and accountability 
•  How fathers can lead spiritually at home 
•  Practical apologetics for everyday family conversations 
•  Why Christian men must stop being passive 

Why Listen:
If you care about biblical masculinity, Christian leadership, discipleship, fatherhood, men’s ministry, or helping men grow spiritually, this episode delivers practical wisdom and real solutions.

https://www.mensalliancetribe.com/

#MensMinistry #ChristianMen #BiblicalMasculinity #Fatherhood #Discipleship #MensAlliance #Apologetics #ChristianLeadership #FaithAndFamily #ChurchGrowth

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Key Takeaways

1. Church has long been perceived as “unmanly” (00:01:29)
For centuries, attending church signaled a step away from traditional markers of masculinity, creating a deep-rooted gender gap that still influences men today.

2. Emotionalism unintentionally pushes men away (00:04:51)
When spiritual maturity is measured by visible emotion, many men feel like they can’t compete—leading to discomfort, disengagement, or withdrawal.

3. Men are quietly disengaging during worship (00:06:04)
Most men aren’t actively participating—they’re standing silently, enduring services that don’t connect with how they’re wired.

4. Faith has been framed with predominantly “feminine-coded” values (00:08:22)
The church often emphasizes relational and emotional traits while underrepresenting strength, purpose, and achievement—values many men resonate with.

5. Churches train passivity instead of action (00:13:42)
The modern church experience often centers on sitting and consuming, rather than engaging men in active, embodied discipleship.

6. Language and worship style can create disconnect (00:18:01)
Romanticized language in worship songs can feel unnatural to men, making it harder for them to genuinely engage.

7. Men need embodied, active discipleship (00:29:30)
Transformation happens when men do, not just hear—through challenge, movement, and shared experience, not just teaching.

8. The future of discipleship is continuous, not weekly (00:33:50)
Reaching men today requires ongoing engagement—meeting them where they already are with consistent, practical content throughout the week.

https://davidmurrow.com/

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Key Takeaways

• Courage is a daily decision, not a personality trait (00:01:07)
  Ann explains that courage isn’t something you achieve once—it’s something you choose every single day in response to what you’re facing. 
• You won’t change until staying the same hurts more (00:10:20)
  Real transformation often begins when the pain of your current reality outweighs the fear of change. 
• Fear and courage are not opposites—they coexist (00:08:44)
  You don’t eliminate fear before acting. Courage is choosing to move forward while fear is still present. 
• True courage: taking a necessary risk and trusting God with the outcome (00:35:34)
  This definition reframes courage from boldness into obedience and trust. 

Resources & Links

• Courage for Life: https://courageforlife.org/
• Book: Courage for Life 
• American Association of Christian Counselors: https://aacc.net/

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Episode Summary

Brad and Heidi Mitchell share why praying together is one of the most overlooked yet transformative practices in marriage and how couples can start, even if it feels awkward or unfamiliar.

Key Takeaways

1. Most couples aren’t praying together—and it’s more serious than you think (00:02:02)
Only about 5% of couples pray together, and even among pastors it’s just 6%. This highlights a major gap between belief and practice.

2. Crisis often reveals the depth prayer was missing (00:05:13)
It wasn’t until a “cataclysmic” season in their marriage that their prayers became authentic, vulnerable, and transformative.

3. Praying together shifts conflict away from “who’s right” (00:07:50)
When couples bring issues before God, the focus moves from winning arguments to seeking God’s direction together.

4. The biggest barrier isn’t theology—it’s fear and insecurity (00:09:18)
Fear of judgment, not knowing what to say, or feeling spiritually inadequate keeps many couples from even starting.

Resources & Links

• Book: Build Your Marriage with Prayer
• Ministry: Build Your Marriage — https://buildyourmarriage.org/

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In this episode of the Entrusting the Faith podcast, host Eric Rutherford explores the historical shift from private to public education in America, drawing insights from Samuel Blumenfield's 1979 article, "Why the Schools Went Public."  The article can be found here: https://reason.com/1979/03/01/why-the-schools-went-public/

The article delves into the early 1800s, when a group of intellectuals pushed for socialized education, challenging the prevailing belief that public education was inherently superior. We examine the ideological battles between Calvinists and Unitarians, highlighting the latter's influence in shaping public education as a tool to fix all of society's evils through education, ignoring sinfulness of human beings. Their goal was to make the state into a god. 

Rutherford critiques the notion that education alone can perfect human nature, arguing that this belief has led to a flawed system. He emphasizes the importance of questioning educational norms and aligning them with biblical principles, urging listeners to critically assess the role of education in shaping society.

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Do all of the following at https://entrustingthefaith.com/ 

• Sign up for the newsletter
• Contact me about speaking opportunities
• Buy the book Leading Well at Home: Husbands and Fathers Can Biblically Lead Their Families

Key Takeaways:

A biblical legacy requires thinking decades or centuries into the future, not just for short-term gains or outcomes.

We must begin with the end in mind and consider what we want our obituary and legacy to convey about our faith.

God has given us resources, talents, opportunities, and his Word to use for his purposes - we will be accountable for what we do with what he has given.

Examples like George Mueller and Dave Eubanks demonstrate the long-term impact one can have by faithfully serving God and equipping others to do the same.

Discussion Highlights:

[00:23:00] - Discussion of the parable of the minas from Luke 19 and what Jesus will ask us to account for regarding what we have done with what he has given us.

[00:32:00] - A friend's experience facing possible death that made him realize he wanted to stand before God having done more than just believed.

[00:35:00] - Description of Jeff Landon's ministry and the ripple effects it continues to have through people like Matt Watson years later.

Resources Mentioned:

The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer

Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Free Burma Rangers ministry of Dave Eubanks

Biographical information on George Mueller's orphanage ministry

Closing Thoughts:

Eric emphasizes the need to plan intentionally and consider our long-term goals for building God's kingdom as we embark on leaving a biblical legacy that will impact generations to come for Christ.

In the show notes, there may be affiliate links. Don't worry--they don't cost you anything to click and they help support the show if you buy something.

Do all of the following at https://entrustingthefaith.com/ 

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