In this episode, recorded live at the 2024 Child Discipleship Forum, Jay Kim discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by technology in ministry, particularly for emerging generations. Drawing parallels between the evolution of art and the digital age, he emphasizes the need for church leaders to resist resignation and reimagine their approach to discipleship. Jay highlights the importance of forming gospel-centered desires, cultivating wisdom, and fostering strength and skill in ministry.

SHOW NOTES

See the video of Jay Kim’s 2024 CDF talk.

Find more Child Discipleship resources at ChildDiscipleship.com.

Learn more about the 2025 Child Discipleship Forum.

The post Navigating Child Discipleship in a Digital World, with Jay Kim appeared first on Child Discipleship.

In this episode, recorded live at the 2024 Child Discipleship Forum, Sean McDowell discusses the critical role of apologetics in children’s ministry, emphasizing the need to equip kids with the ability to understand and defend their faith. He highlights the cultural shifts and challenges that today’s youth face, including increased secularism, the rise of Islam, and the impact of technology on relationships and beliefs. McDowell argues that while timely questions evolve, the fundamental inquiries about faith remain constant. He encourages creating an environment where questions are welcomed and emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in faith transmission.

SHOW NOTES

Find more Child Discipleship resources at ChildDiscipleship.com.

Learn more about the 2025 Child Discipleship Forum.

The post Empowering the Next Generation: The Role of Apologetics with Sean McDowell appeared first on Child Discipleship.

In this episode of the Child Discipleship Podcast, Melanie Hester and Dee Dee Meyer discuss the importance of family connection and the challenges faced by today’s parents. They explore the role of the Boone Center for the Family in supporting families, the impact of social media and technology on parenting, and the need for resilience and responsibility in children. The conversation emphasizes the importance of empowering parents and children to navigate a complex world while fostering healthy relationships and spiritual growth. Ultimately, they advocate for a community approach to parenting, where families support one another in raising purpose-driven children who can navigate the complexities of modern life with faith and resilience.

SHOW NOTES

The Formational Home Event Kit

The post Empowering Families for a Resilient Future appeared first on Child Discipleship.

In this special episode, we join Melanie Hester as she speaks with Kenneth Padgett, the director of Dwell Kids, about the importance of discipleship, family engagement with scripture, and the role of storytelling in shaping children’s faith. Kenneth shares his journey into family discipleship and emphasizes the need for accessible resources to help families connect with God’s word. In this conversation, Melanie Hester and Kenneth Padgett explore the complexities of family discipleship, emphasizing the challenges parents face in nurturing their children’s faith.  The conversation highlights practical steps families can take to create meaningful discipleship moments at home, particularly during significant times like Holy Week.

Show Notes:

Download your copy of our Journey Through Holy Week guide.

Sign up for a free trial of the Dwell Kids app.

The post Bonus Episode: Creating Discipleship Moments at Home This Easter appeared first on Child Discipleship.

In this conversation, Melanie Hester speaks with Kenneth Padgett, the director of Dwell Kids, about the importance of discipleship, family engagement with scripture, and the role of storytelling in shaping children’s faith. Kenneth shares his journey into family discipleship and emphasizes the need for accessible resources to help families connect with God’s word. In this conversation, Melanie Hester and Kenneth Padgett explore the complexities of family discipleship, emphasizing the challenges parents face in nurturing their children’s faith.  The conversation highlights practical steps families can take to create meaningful discipleship moments at home, particularly during significant times like Holy Week.

Show Notes:

Download your copy of our Journey Through Holy Week guide.

Sign up for a free trial of the Dwell Kids app.

The post Creating Discipleship Moments at Home This Easter appeared first on Child Discipleship.

In this episode, recorded from the 2024 Child Discipleship Forum, Diane Comer dives into the heart of church ministry, unpacking its challenges, rewards, and deep spiritual significance. She shares candid reflections on the emotional toll of leadership, the inevitability of conflict, and the sacrifices required to embrace a life of service. Diane emphasizes the importance of understanding personal wounds, cultivating self-awareness, and recognizing the adversary’s attempts to discourage us. Through it all, she reminds us that God invites us into ministry—not demands it—and that we are seen as beloved, even in our flaws. Tune in for practical wisdom, spiritual encouragement, and a call to reflect on your own journey and God’s invitations in your life.

SHOW NOTES

Find more Child Discipleship resources at ChildDiscipleship.com.

Learn more about the 2025 Child Discipleship Forum.

The post Embracing the Call to Discipleship, with Diane Comer appeared first on Child Discipleship.

In this live episode from the 2024 Child Discipleship Forum, Mark Sayers unpacks the rising anxiety epidemic among today’s youth, tracing its cultural roots and the amplifying role of technology. He discusses the shift from community to individualism, the confusion of the “gray zones” between past and future, and the transformative power of wilderness experiences in spiritual growth. Mark challenges parents to trust their children to Jesus, pass down faith and knowledge, and engage in prayer as a way to nurture intimacy with God. Despite the challenges, Mark offers a hopeful perspective on the spiritual potential of the next generation and their ability to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

SHOW NOTES

Find more Child Discipleship resources at ChildDiscipleship.com.

Learn more about the 2025 Child Discipleship Forum.

The post Finding Peace in an Anxious World, with Mark Sayers appeared first on Child Discipleship.

In this episode of the Child Discipleship Podcast, Sean Sweet, speaking from the 2024 Child Discipleship Forum, explores how to empower preteens to take ownership of their faith. Sean highlights the unique developmental stage of preteens, explaining how their growing ability to question, wrestle with beliefs, and interpret Scripture creates opportunities for deeper spiritual engagement. Sean emphasizes the importance of balancing mentorship with independence, encouraging leaders to “let go and run alongside” preteens as they navigate their faith journey. He shares practical strategies for creating spaces where preteens can explore their beliefs, lead in meaningful ways, and develop a personal relationship with God. This episode offers actionable insights for church leaders, mentors, and parents who are passionate about fostering faith ownership, biblical worldview development, and spiritual growth in preteens.

SHOW NOTES

Find more Child Discipleship resources at ChildDiscipleship.com.

Learn more about the 2025 Child Discipleship Forum.

The post The Crucial Middle, with Sean Sweet appeared first on Child Discipleship.

In this episode of the Child Discipleship Podcast, Justin Whitmel Earley, a featured speaker at the 2024 Child Discipleship Forum, unpacks the power of habits in shaping faith and identity within the home. Drawing from his expertise and personal experience, Justin explores how everyday rhythms—like bedtime liturgies, family meals, and intentional screen time practices—create opportunities for grace, growth, and spiritual formation. Justin shares practical insights on cultivating a household rooted in love and reconciliation, viewing discipline as an act of discipleship, and embracing ordinary moments as opportunities to connect with God and each other. This episode is an inspiring call for parents to intentionally shape their families’ habits and create a home environment that reflects the transformative love of God.

SHOW NOTES

Find more Child Discipleship resources at ChildDiscipleship.com.

Learn more about the 2025 Child Discipleship Forum.

The post Habits of the Household, with Justin Whitmel Earley appeared first on Child Discipleship.

In this episode of the Child Discipleship Podcast, recorded live at the 2024 Child Discipleship Forum, Awana President and CEO Matt Markins dives into the critical themes shaping childhood faith formation. From the surprising early stages of spiritual development to the layered, intentional process of nurturing lasting faith, Matt unpacks the miraculous outcomes that arise from the seemingly mundane practices of discipleship. He explores how cultural influences shape children’s beliefs, drawing thought-provoking parallels between faith formation and the evolution of music. This episode is a powerful reminder that shaping a child’s faith is the most important work on the planet.

SHOW NOTES

Find more Child Discipleship resources at ChildDiscipleship.com.

Learn more about the 2025 Child Discipleship Forum.

The post Mixtape: The Intentionally Layered Tracks that Form Childhood Faith, with Matt Markins appeared first on Child Discipleship.