Upside-Down Parenting

Why do so many teens seem to lose spiritual interest, disconnect from faith, or drift into apathy? And what can parents do about it?

In this episode of the Upside-Down Parenting Podcast from Summit Ministries, hosts Matt Jones and Janel Greig open with real-life stories to highlight the surprising moments when God uses ordinary experiences to shape our kids' hearts.

Then they dive into the rising challenge of spiritual apathy among teens. Instead of simply blaming attitude or immaturity, Matt and Janel explore the deeper heart issues behind apathy and unpack key reasons today's teens disengage spiritually. They discuss how parents can use these reasons as "heart check-ups" to understand what's really going on beneath the surface.

Along the way, they discuss practical parenting stories—humility in parenting, asking forgiveness without excuses, heart-motivation conversations, managing fear when a teen pulls away, and creating rhythms of honesty, grace, and discipleship in the home.

But there is hope! apathy doesn't happen overnight, and neither does growth—but God meets parents and teens in the middle of the mess. Next week, they'll turn to what parents can do to help reignite a teen's desire for God.

If you have a question you'd like answered on a future Q&A episode, email [email protected] and include "Upside-Down Parenting" in the subject line.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Five Reasons for Spiritual Apathy in Teens: What Parents Can Do to Help—Rob & Amy Rienow

*The 4 Questions That Shape a Teen's Faith

*Visionary Parenting: Capture a God-Sized Vision for Your Family—Rob & Amy Rienow

Today, we're thrilled to share a special episode of the Upside-Down Parenting podcast with you. Several times a year, we host livestreams at Summit specifically for parents—and a few months ago, Dr. Jeff Myers and Dr. Kathy Koch joined us for one of those events to discuss their latest book, Raising Gender-Confident Kids: Helping Kids Embrace Their God-Given Design.

In this conversation, Dr. Jeff and Dr. Kathy equip and encourage parents to navigate today's gender confusion with both clarity and compassion—always grounded in biblical truth.

And here's some fantastic news: you can actually get a free copy of their book by visiting Summit.org/Parents. Be sure to check it out! With that said, let's jump into the discussion.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Raising Gender-Confident Kids: Helping Kids Embrace Their God-Given Design—Dr. Jeff Myers and Dr. Kathy Koch

*Resilient Kids: Raising Them to Embrace Life with Confidence—Dr. Kathy Koch

*Parent Kit: Sexuality & Identity

Welcome to the Upside-Down Parenting podcast from Summit Ministries. Parenting is one of the greatest adventures ever, yet we all know that parenting can also feel overwhelming and confusing. The great news is you don't have to do it alone. We're here to walk with you as you raise your kids to embrace God's counter-cultural truth, his upside-down kingdom, and champion a biblical worldview.

On this episode, we're continuing our conversation about apathy—and how we can push back with courage and purpose. As parents, how can we resist the tide of indifference and step boldly into action? How can we help our kids avoid falling into the same trap? The call to action may look different for each of us, but the heart is the same: pick up the mic. Don't defer, delay, or disengage. Step in. Speak up. Be part of shaping a worldview grounded in truth, courage, and love. So, let's dive in!

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Faith of the Fatherless: The Psychology of Atheism—Paul Vitz

*What Do I Say When . . . ?: A Parent's Guide to Navigating Cultural Chaos for Children and Teens—Andrew T. Walker & Christian Walker

*How Parents' Modeling Faith Shapes Their Child's Beliefs—Dr. Jason Barker

Welcome to the Upside-Down Parenting podcast from Summit Ministries. Parenting is one of the greatest adventures ever, yet we all know that parenting can also feel overwhelming and confusing. The great news is you don't have to do it alone. We're here to walk with you as you raise your kids to embrace God's counter-cultural truth, his upside-down kingdom, and champion a biblical worldview.

On this episode, we're talking about a rallying cry for parents—and really, for all of us—to push back against apathy and step into action. Whether it's speaking up at a school board meeting, having that tough conversation with your child, really listening to your teen, giving someone else the mic, or re-engaging with an apathetic kid—each moment matters. The call to action may look different for everyone, but the heart is the same: pick up the mic. Don't defer, delay, or disengage. Step in. Speak up. Be part of shaping a worldview grounded in truth, courage, and love. So, let's dive in!

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*2025 American Worldview Inventory Report 1 and Report 2—George Barna

*Almost Half of Practicing Christian Millennials Say Evangelism Is Wrong—Barna Group

*Apathetic Christians—J. Warner Wallace

*Parenting Gen Z: Guiding Your Child Through a Hostile Culture—Gregory Koukl

Welcome to the Upside-Down Parenting podcast from Summit Ministries. Parenting can feel overwhelming and disorienting. But you don't have to do it alone. We're here to walk with you as you raise your kids to embrace God's counter-cultural truth, his upside-down kingdom, and champion a biblical worldview.

Today, we're going to talk about the secret sauce of good parenting and a strong family: your marriage! Prioritizing your marriage may be the most important thing you focus on as you work to be a better parent.

For more practical, biblically-based resources for parents, check out summit.org/parents.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God—Timothy & Kathy Keller

*What Makes a Great Marriage… and Why It's Worth It—Dr. Bob Paul

*What Marriage Has Taught Us About God—Dustin Jizmejian

Welcome to the Upside-Down Parenting podcast from Summit Ministries. Parenting can feel overwhelming and disorienting. But you don't have to do it alone. We're here to walk with you as you raise your kids to embrace God's counter-cultural truth, his upside-down Kingdom, and champion a biblical worldview.

On this episode, we'd love to talk about the day-to-day experience of parenting—how we handle the ups and downs, the changing seasons, and the habits that shape our homes and hearts. We'll explore what it looks like to find healthy rhythms of grace in family life, to stay grounded when life feels chaotic, and to keep your eyes on Christ through it all.

Because in God's upside-down Kingdom, faithfulness matters more than perfection—and every small moment counts.

For more practical, biblically-based resources for parents, check out summit.org/parents.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*The Pilgrim's Progress—Tedd Tripp

*Red Pen Logic with Mr. B—Tim Barnett

*World Watch

*Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God—Timothy Keller

*The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes—Nancy Pearcey

*How Parents' Modeling Faith Shapes Their Child's Beliefs

Welcome to the Upside-Down Parenting podcast from Summit Ministries. Parenting often feels overwhelming and disorienting, but you don't have to navigate it alone. We're here to come alongside you as you raise your kids to embrace God's countercultural truth, live in his upside-down kingdom, and stand confidently in a biblical worldview.

In today's episode, Dr. Matt Jones and Janel Greig introduce themselves and share why they are passionate about equipping Christian parents. You'll hear part of their story, practical parenting advice, and biblical encouragement for raising kids who embrace God's truth. Together, they explore what it means to thrive as a family in today's complex culture.

For more practical, biblically-based resources for parents, check out summit.org/parents.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Shepherding a Child's Heart—Tedd Tripp

*Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family—Paul David Tripp

*Keeping Your Kids on God's Side—Natasha Crain

*Biblical Truths About Your Kid's Identity & How to Help Them Thrive—Christopher L. Reese

In today's episode, we're honored to have J. Warner Wallace is a Dateline featured cold-case homicide detective, popular national speaker and best-selling author. He continues to consult on cold-case investigations while serving as a Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. He is also an adjunct professor of apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, Gateway Seminary, and Southern Evangelical Seminary, and a faculty member and one of our favorites here at Summit Ministries.

For more practical, biblically-based resources for parents, check out summit.org/parents.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*So the Next Generation Will Know: Preparing Young Christians for a Challenging World—Sean McDowell & J. Warner Wallace

*When Your Kids Ask Why: Everyday Apologetics for Parents—Janel Greig

*Responding to Generation Z's Questions about the Bible—Dr. Jason Barker

In today's episode, we're excited to have Andrea Crum join us on the show! Andrea is a leader in biblical worldview, apologetics, and family discipleship, helping families navigate today's cultural chaos with God's truth. A wife and mom of two, she brings her passion for Scripture and family life together by leading Genuine Family Ministries with her husband, Matt, and hosting the Raising Christian Kids Conference.

As the author of Christ over Culture: Raising Christian Kids to Stand in a Postmodern World and a graduate of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, Andrea equips parents with practical insights and strategies to help their children stand up, stand out, and stand apart as followers of Christ in a confusing, postmodern culture.

For more practical, biblically-based resources for parents, check out summit.org/parents.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Christ Over Culture: Raising Christian Kids to Stand in a Postmodern World—Andrea Crum

*Colson Center for Christian Worldview

*Knowing God—J. I. Packer

*Theo of Golden—Allen Levi

*Building Understanding Across Worldviews—Richard Lombard

In this episode, we're joined by Kate Watson, Publisher at Axis—an organization passionate about bridging the generational gap and empowering parents to connect with their kids on today's toughest topics. Kate shares practical insights on how to have sincere, open, and honest conversations about culture, technology, faith, and everyday challenges. Whether you're looking for ways to strengthen your relationship with your kids, talk about difficult issues from a Christian perspective, or simply feel less alone in your parenting journey, this conversation will encourage and equip you.

For more practical, biblically-based resources for parents, check out summit.org/parents.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Axis: Biblical Resources to Help Parents Disciple Their Teens

*Gallup Poll: Gen Zers to Their Parents

*Can Parents Use Technology for Good?—Johnathan McKee

*Pop Culture: How Should A Christian Respond?—Chuck Edwards