Hey Mama Bears! In this episode, Hilary and Amy tackle a growing trend we’ve seen online: calling out churches in a way that crosses from accountability into straight-up bashing. One post in particular claimed that churches without special needs ministries are leading people away from God—and whew, we’ve got thoughts. We unpack the difference between genuine concerns and unfair criticism, especially when it comes to things like flashy worship, big congregations, and limited resources. Are we pointing out sin, or just style differences?

We want to explore this topic with grace, wisdom and discernment. So we invite you to ROAR through the claims made in the article we open with. With our usual dose of humor, biblical grounding, and mama bear honesty, we talk emotional maturity, grace-filled critique, and how to have real conversations that build up the Body of Christ instead of tearing it down.​

Main Points Covered

• Why Everyone’s Suddenly Mad at the Church
• When Critique Turns into a Tantrum
• Calling Out vs. Tearing Down
• Ministry Ain’t Easy—Show Some Grace!
• Accountability or Condemnation?
• How to Call Things Out Without Being a Jerk
• Building a Culture of Healthy Accountability
• Cheering for the Church While Still Being Honest

Thanks to our Sponsor

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Editing and Support by The Good Podcast Co. If you are interested in being a supporting sponsor of the show, please email [email protected]

Hey Mama Bears! Today, we’re tackling some big misconceptions about the Holy Spirit. He’s not just a mystical force or a gut feeling—He’s a person, fully God, with wisdom, and power. And getting this right matters! A.W. Tozer and R.A. Torrey remind us that a faulty view of the Holy Spirit can lead to serious theological errors. So, let’s dive into Scripture—Acts, Romans, and Galatians—to see who He really is and what that means for us.

Now, what’s the real evidence of the Spirit at work? It’s not just spiritual gifts or dramatic experiences—it’s the fruit of the Spirit (yep, even patience in the middle of toddler tantrums). He’s our Advocate, Comforter, and the One who intercedes when we don’t have the words. And when we look at Stephen in Acts, we see the kind of bold faith the Spirit empowers—exactly what we want for our kids.

So, how do we teach our kids about the Holy Spirit? We’ll break it down into everyday conversations that make sense, tackling tough questions (like the “unforgivable sin”) with biblical clarity. Because theology isn’t just for scholars—it’s for mamas raising the next generation of disciples.

Main Points Covered

• Understanding the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
• The Role of the Holy Spirit
• Presence of the Holy Spirit
• How to Teach Our Kids About the Holy Spirit

Unfamiliar Vocabulary

• Omnipotence: An attribute belonging solely to God. The property of being all-powerful.
• Omniscience: An attribute belonging solely to God. The property of being all-knowing.
• Omnipresence: An attribute belonging solely to God. The property of being ever-present.
• Blasphemy: to speak with contempt about God or to be defiantly irreverent.
• Unforgivable Sin: Complete hardening of one’s heart and rejection of God, belittling and mockery of the world of the HS unto death

People and Resources Mentioned

• Grasping God’s Word by Duvall & Hays
• Theology for Today by Elmer Towns
• Women of Faith Devotional
• Happy Lies - Melissa Dougherty 
• Josh Howerton Sermon
• Visit our website for a list of Scriptures

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Editing and Support by The Good Podcast Co. If you are interested in being a supporting sponsor of the show, please email [email protected]

Hey Mama bears (and Papa Bears too!), let’s talk about something super important—how we read the Bible. It’s not just about opening the pages and hoping for a divine light bulb moment. Nope! If we’re not careful, we can end up twisting Scripture to say what we want it to say instead of what God actually meant.That’s why we’re diving into biblical interpretation—what it is, why it matters, and how it impacts both our faith and our kids’. We’re navigating the difference between Exegesis (drawing out what Scripture actually says) and Eisegesis (reading our own ideas into Scripture). The truth is, we all have biases, and if we don’t recognize them, we might end up just looking for verses to back up what we already believe instead of letting God shape our beliefs in the first place.

And let’s be real—sometimes we get stuck in our own echo chambers. That’s why we need honest, truth-loving friends who challenge us to see Scripture clearly, even when it’s uncomfortable. (Yes, that means being open to correction.) We’ll also unpack how to find theological principles in Scripture and apply them to life today—because let’s face it, human nature hasn’t changed much since biblical times. The same struggles, the same need for God. Our goal? To teach our kids how to read the Bible wisely, grounding their faith in truth, not trends.

So grab your coffee, cozy up, and join us as we chat about how biblical interpretation can shape not only our personal faith but also the next generation. Because if we don’t teach them how to handle Scripture rightly, the world will be more than happy to teach them how to do it wrong. Let’s get equipped, Mama Bears!

​

Main Points Covered

• Exegesis vs Eisegesis
• How does what’s being said relate to the original audience?
• What are the differences between the original audience and us?
• What is the theological principle within the text?
• How does this principle fit within the rest of the Bible?
• How should christians today live out this principle?
• What if we disagree?

People and Resources Mentioned

• Grasping God’s Word by Duvall & Hays
• Bible Hub
• Logos Bible Study Software
• 2 Timothy 2:15
• John 16:13

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Editing and Support by The Good Podcast Co. If you are interested in being a supporting sponsor of the show, please email [email protected]

In this episode, we’re exploring the intersection of Christian values and politics in a divided world. How do we apply our faith in the political realm? We’ll discuss the importance of humility in conversations, especially with teens who are forming their own views.

We’ll also examine the roles of government and church in issues like border policies through the lens of Scripture, looking at Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter. And we discuss essential rules and tools for how to navigate these, very oftentimes, difficult conversations with those you disagree with — emphasizing the importance of clear definitions, humility, and empathy in discussions. Drawing on tactics from historical movements, we’ll discuss how specific, actionable goals are more effective than vague ones. We hope to remind you to stay grounded in faith, engage in face-to-face conversations, and approach these issues with wisdom and grace.

​

Main Points Covered

• Navigating Christian Principles and Politics
• Government, Church, and Morality Debate
• Specificity vs. Generalization in Discourse
• Navigating Emotional Responses in Dialogue
• Seeking Truth and Humility in Dialogue
• Building Relationships Through Respectful Dialogue

People and Resources Mentioned

• Border Stats
• Basic Requirements for Unlawful Immigrants 
• Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky
• Acts 5:29
• Romans 13:1-5
• 1 Peter 2:13-17
• Romans 13:1-7
• 1 Timothy 2:1-3
• Ephesians 6:12

Thanks to our Sponsor

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AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee so if you don’t love it, just send it back for a refund, minus shipping! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code MBA and you’ll receive up to $300 off air purifiers! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value! Lock this special offer by using our promo code MBA at checkout!

—

Editing and Support by The Good Podcast Co. If you are interested in being a supporting sponsor of the show, please email [email protected]

Join us in this episode as we explore the insights from Wesley Huff's impactful interviews, notably his appearances on Joe Rogan's podcast as well as a pivotal discussion with Billy Carson, hosted by Mark Maynard. We highlight how Huff's composed and respectful defense of faith amidst hostility serves as a remarkable model for teaching children critical thinking and biblical love. On this episode, we will explore five things we can practice in becoming better apologists, emphasizing the importance of preparing for and engaging in challenging conversations.

We will wrap up with how parents can effectively engage with their children on matters of faith and spiritual growth, encouraging a model of Christ-like interactions with those holding different views. We hope this episode equips you in training your children in apologetics and preparing them for having a defense for their faith.

​

Main Points Covered

• Overview of the Joe Rogan and Billy Carson interviews
• Hermeneutics matters
• Honor each person’s Imago Dei while addressing falsehoods and mistakes
• Don’t lose sight of the main thing
• Humility in correcting errors
• Prepare for pushback
• Encouragement and tips for parents

Unfamiliar Vocabulary

• Hermeneutics - The study and interpretation of biblical texts.
• Textual Criticism - The scholarly study and analysis of manuscripts to determine the original text.
• Apocryphal - Referring to writings or reports not considered genuine or canonical.
• Pseudepigraphal - Texts written by unknown authors who falsely attribute their work to someone more famous.
• Imago Dei - A theological term, Latin for "Image of God," used to describe the belief that humans are created in God's image.
• Ziggurats - Ancient Mesopotamian structures that resemble a terraced step pyramid with a flat top.
• Exegesis - Critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially scripture.
• Scribal Culture - The practices and norms associated with the copying and transmission of texts by scribes.

People and Resources Mentioned

• Wes Huff & Billy Carson Interview
• Joe Rogan & Wesley Huff Interview
• Mark Minard response to Billy Carson attacks
• Grasping God’s Word by Scott Duvall and Daniel Hays
• Spiritual Warfare with Dr. Karl Payne Podcast
• 1 Peter 3:15
• Colossians 4:6
• Ephesians 4:2
• Proverbs 19:11
• Ecclesiastes 7:9
• John 14:12-28 

Thanks to our Sponsor

AirDoctor

Americans take about 20,000 breaths a day and spend an average of 90% of their time indoors. The indoor air that we breathe can be up to 100 times MORE polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA. AirDoctor is the air purifier that filters out 99.99% of dangerous contaminants so your lungs don’t have to.

AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee so if you don’t love it, just send it back for a refund, minus shipping! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code MBA and you’ll receive up to $300 off air purifiers! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value! Lock this special offer by using our promo code MBA at checkout!

—

Editing and Support by The Good Podcast Co. If you are interested in being a supporting sponsor of the show, please email [email protected]

Join us as we kick off the new year with a conversation about prayer, featuring Julie Loos, co-author of "Honest Prayers for Mama Bears." We explore the challenges that mothers face, such as the guilt from busy schedules and the fear of missing opportunities to teach children about prayer. Julie's story is a testament to the power of prayer in personal faith and spiritual warfare, offering encouragement to mothers eager to strengthen their prayer lives and pass on a legacy of faith.

Throughout the episode, we discuss the unique nature of each child's faith journey and the importance of tailoring spiritual guidance to individual personalities. Reflecting on Proverbs 22:6, we consider how to train children in ways that align with their strengths. By modeling prayer habits and encouraging creative expressions such as journaling and art, we can engage children in a meaningful connection with God. Whether you're a parent looking to enhance your family's prayer practices or seeking tools for teaching kids to pray, this episode offers invaluable tools and insights in how to incorporate prayer regularly in your family rhythms.

​

Main Points Covered

• Teaching Kids Intentional Prayer
• Navigating Prayer and Daily Challenges
• Walking Through The Lord's Prayer
• Structured Family Prayer Ideas
• Fostering Personal Prayer in Children
• Accountability and Community in Prayer

Unfamiliar Vocabulary

• Supplication: This is a form of prayer where one makes a humble and earnest request or petition to God.
• Intercession: This type of prayer involves praying on behalf of others. It's a form of petition for someone else's needs or issues.

People and Resources Mentioned

• Video by The Bible Project
• Every Moment Holy Book
• Honest Prayers for Mama Bears Book
• Pray by The Daily Grace Co.
• Moms in Prayer Website
• Ephesians 6:18
• Luke 18:1
• Mathew 26:41
• Philippians 4:6
• Matthew 6:9-13
• Luke 11:2-4
• Matthew 6:6

Thanks to our Sponsor

AirDoctor

Americans take about 20,000 breaths a day and spend an average of 90% of their time indoors. The indoor air that we breathe can be up to 100 times MORE polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA. AirDoctor is the air purifier that filters out 99.99% of dangerous contaminants so your lungs don’t have to.

AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee so if you don’t love it, just send it back for a refund, minus shipping! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code MBA and you’ll receive up to $300 off air purifiers! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value! Lock this special offer by using our promo code MBA at checkout!

—

Editing and Support by The Good Podcast Co. If you are interested in being a supporting sponsor of the show, please email [email protected]

Have you ever faced the heart-wrenching challenge of having your child walk away from their faith? On this episode, Mary Comm joins us to share her profound journey of learning to love and relate to her adult prodigal child. With authenticity and vulnerability, Mary opens up about her own past as a prodigal, shedding light on the nuanced differences between genuine estrangement and simple familial disagreements. This episode promises a wealth of guidance for parents navigating these emotionally charged waters, especially within the Christian community. We discuss the spiritual battles faced by families, drawing wisdom from biblical stories like the prodigal son and Job. We examine how these challenges can test not only the faith of children but also of parents, particularly those serving in ministry. Feelings of shame and guilt often accompany these experiences, isolating parents and making them question their roles. By fostering openness and honesty within church communities, we hope to dismantle these barriers, providing a safe space for mutual support and healing.

Our conversation also touches on the importance of setting healthy boundaries and maintaining love and compassion amidst differences. Through Mary's wisdom, we emphasize the vital role of prayer and resilience in parenting. Whether it's through modeling authentic faith or utilizing support systems like Uncommon Love Ministries, we aim to reassure parents that their role and ministry are never truly over. Join us as we offer encouragement and practical advice, demonstrating that parents can navigate the complexities of their children's paths without losing hope.

Main Points Covered

• What tools does the enemy use against parents?
• Navigating relationships with Prodigal Children
• Navigating boundaries with Prodigal Children
• Practical tips for parents of young kids.
• Practical tips for parents of Prodigal Children.

Unfamiliar Vocabulary

• Prodigal: A child who chooses to leave or reject their family.

People and Resources Mentioned

• Christ over Culture by Andrea Crum
• Mama Bear Apologetics Book
• Uncommon Love Ministries

Thanks to our Sponsor

AirDoctor

Americans take about 20,000 breaths a day and spend an average of 90% of their time indoors. The indoor air that we breathe can be up to 100 times MORE polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA. AirDoctor is the air purifier that filters out 99.99% of dangerous contaminants so your lungs don’t have to.

AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee so if you don’t love it, just send it back for a refund, minus shipping! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code MBA and you’ll receive up to $300 off air purifiers! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value! Lock this special offer by using our promo code MBA at checkout!

—

Editing and Support by The Good Podcast Co. If you are interested in being a supporting sponsor of the show, please email [email protected]

This episode of Mama Bear Apologetics takes you on a journey through the creative landscape of the new Netflix movie "Mary," directed by D.J. Caruso. Drawing inspiration from the pseudo-evangelical book of James, we dissect how this film reimagines the Christmas story, providing parents with guidance on navigating its differences from biblical accounts. Our goal is to equip you with the insights needed to foster meaningful conversations with your kids about faith, scripture, and the importance of historical and theological contexts.

We consider the creative liberties taken by the filmmakers and how these narrative choices can serve as conversation starters with our kids about faith and scripture. By comparing these portrayals to traditional biblical texts, we invite families to appreciate the strength and courage of Mary and Joseph's story, often overlooked in Protestant narratives, and reflect on the film's helpful and harmful perspectives. As the Christmas season unfolds, let's consider how to engage your children in Christ-centered conversations that rise above the holiday hustle and bustle.

 

Main Points Covered

• Summary of Netflix's Mary
• What is the message of the film
• Good and problematic elements of the film
• How to help kids discern the message
• How to reinforce the true message found in scripture

Unfamiliar Vocabulary

• Pseudo-evangelical: The book claims to be written by the brother of Jesus, but in fact is not.
• Apocryphal: Not divinely inspired and filled with historical and theological inaccuracies.

People and Resources Mentioned

• Mary on Netflix
• Matthew 1:21
• Proverbs 3:5
• Psalm 118:8-14
• John 15:5
• Book of Luke
• Book of Matthew
• Isaiah 7:14
• James 1:2-4
• Interview by Mama's Geeky with Noa Cohen and D.J. Caruso
• The Very First Noel by Exclaim Entertainment
• The Birth of Jesus depicted in the mini-series “The Bible” by Lightworkers Media
• Referenced quotes found

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Editing and Support by The Good Podcast Co. If you are interested in being a supporting sponsor of the show, please email [email protected]

Join us in this thought-provoking episode of the Mama Bear Apologetics podcast as we tackle the challenging task of discussing racism and social justice with children from a biblical perspective. We're excited to welcome our friends and esteemed guests, Krista Bontrager and Monique D

uson, authors of the insightful book "Walking in Unity." Together, we explore how to communicate love, justice, and racial unity amidst today's tense political climate. We emphasize the importance of defining terms clearly and understanding their roots in social sciences, ensuring that parents and educators can engage in meaningful conversations with the younger generation.

We also examine the complexities of systemic racism and the role of power in societal structures, urging critical analysis before attributing disparities solely to racism. We critique contemporary models of racial reconciliation, highlighting the biblical concept of unity through faith in Jesus, and explore the themes of identity beyond race. This discussion is designed to equip parents with the tools needed to guide their children in understanding their identity in Christ while celebrating their cultural heritage.

Main Points Covered

• Defining Racism and Bias Biblically
• Biblical Unity vs. Racial Reconciliation
• Understanding Identity Beyond Race
• Navigating Disparities and Racial Injustice
• Equipping Kids on Biblical Identity

Unfamiliar Vocabulary

• Social Justice: the idea that everyone should have equal rights, opportunities, and treatment, regardless of their race, class, gender, sexuality, or other identity. Often accompanied with programs/legislation for advancement.
• Institutional/Systemic Racism: a system of policies, practices, and beliefs that results in the unfair treatment of people based on their race.
• Racial Reconciliation: holds many of the same tenants as anti-racism. It is a works based system aimed and unity across races and socioeconomic classes.
• Creation Identity: Things that are true about us, from God’s perspective, for all humans, at all times, in all places.
• Salvation Identity: An identity gained through putting your faith, hope, and confidence in Jesus.

People and Resources Mentioned

• Visit: centerforbiblicalunity.com
• Buy: Walking in Unity
• Download: Center For Biblical Unity app
• John 17
• John 1
• Genesis 1-3

Thanks to our Sponsor

AirDoctor

Americans take about 20,000 breaths a day and spend an average of 90% of their time indoors. The indoor air that we breathe can be up to 100 times MORE polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA. AirDoctor is the air purifier that filters out 99.99% of dangerous contaminants so your lungs don’t have to.

AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee so if you don’t love it, just send it back for a refund, minus shipping! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code MBA and you’ll receive up to $300 off air purifiers! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value! Lock this special offer by using our promo code MBA at checkout!

—

Editing and Support by The Good Podcast Co. If you are interested in being a supporting sponsor of the show, please email [email protected]

Our culture is heavily evangelistic in shaping our child’s worldview identity, which is why we Christian parents are called to speak up! In this first episode of a two-part series, Amy interviews Ricky Chelette of Living Hope Ministries on how to raise gender healthy boys.

In Raising Gender Healthy Girls, Ricky graciously addressed the girly-girls and the tomboys of the group. He debunks the cultural stereotype that parents are helpless on-lookers when girls get emotional, but instead offers tangible ways both mom and dad are to nurture their growing daughter to help her be secure in her womanly identity. Funny, accessible, and filled with practical steps, listeners will be empowered to know their daughter better and raise her up to the glory of God.

Main Points Covered

• The importance of nurturing gender healthy kids today
• Understanding your Girl(s)
• What individual girls need from Mom and Dad
• Suggestions for when you're struggling to connect with your girl
• What can dads and families do when they don’t have a present/stable mother figure within the home?

Unfamiliar Vocabulary

• Girly Girl: Love all the things classically associated with femininity.
• Tomboy Girl: More sporty and outdoorsy and “girly things” are less appealing to her.

People and Resources Mentioned

• www.livehope.org
• www.biblicalsexuality.net
• www.mamabearapologetics.com

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Editing and Support by The Good Podcast Co. If you are interested in being a supporting sponsor of the show, please email [email protected]