Faith-Filled Families Podcast

Jesus said that in order for us to receive the kingdom of God, we must do so as a child or never enter it.  Our guest, Joy Studer, has built a career shedding a light on the extraordinary ways of teaching children, and adults, to embrace the powerful journey of creating a space where they are free to question and wonder about who God is. 

In this episode we speak with Joy about her personal faith journey, and how she became a pivotal member of the Godly Play Foundation. We also dive into the creative questions that children ask when looking at ways to talk about God, and how children aren’t looking for an expert, but they are looking for trusted adults who will listen, wonder, and walk alongside them. 

Dr. Elisabeth Kimball’s personal journey into faith formation

began in college when she was asked, “When did you first

accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior?” Though she had

been raised to attend church consistently, that question

sparked a determination to go beyond following the habits of

church, and seek an understanding of how being a follower

of Christ changes a person.

This week, we talk with Dr. Kimball, who will retire and end

her tenure as the Vice President for Lifelong Learning at

Virginia Theological Seminary.  She speaks about the origin

of her work, teaching students how to seek a deeper

perspective of discipleship.  She shares with us a core belief

that a person of any age, even an infant, has gifts given by

God to share with us, and how children are not just a part of

the church, but that they are the Church.

A tomato and a cucumber hold a special place in the hearts of every millennial who grew up watching the animated series VeggieTales.  Birthed from the mind of filmmaker and author Phil Vischer, VeggieTales was created as a way to teach children about God. Alongside co-creator Mike Nawrocki came an iconic television show that transformed the way the gospel could be shared with young children and adults.

Phil Vischer joins us to talk about how the freedom given to explore the world as a child, with a Super 8mm camera and Legos, helped to set him on a path of wonder and creativity in forging his place to share Jesus with the world. He also speaks to us about why boredom nurtures creativity and the special meaning of having intergenerational relationships among the young and old within the church.  

On our season premiere of the Faith-Filled Families Podcast, we sit down with Bishop Michael Curry to launch a conversation centered on the faith formation of children. Bishop Curry shares the many ways parents and church leaders can help guide children as they grow into followers of Christ.

He reflects on his own childhood, shaped by the faithful examples of family during a season of great loss, and how those early experiences formed him spiritually. Curry also talks about how creating simple routines—especially around dinnertime with his daughters—helped to establish a rhythm of prayer in their home. He highlights the importance of godparents, who can serve as advocates and sources of support during times of struggle.

Join us for this meaningful conversation on the Faith-Filled Families Podcast.

Donna Sweeting & Rev. Dr. Missiouri  McPhee are the host the Faith-filled Families Podcast, a show dedicated to helping parents, guardians, and care-givers nurture Christian practices with children ages 2-5.

Each month will feature a special guests to help provide guidance and care for abundant parenting. The season premiere launches February 11, 2026.

Music for podcast is provided by: Roa

Production & Editing: Veronica Smith