In this episode, Chum and Millie sit down with Dave Chiswell, Youth Minister at City on a Hill Geelong, to discuss the daunting topic of dating. Moving away from a purely reactive approach, Dave introduces a "formation" framework, explaining why parents should start these conversations as early as primary school. The discussion covers everything from deconstructing romantic myths in media to the modern complexities of digital intimacy and AI companions, all while grounding the advice in the grace and kindness of the Gospel.

Key Points Covered

• Proactive vs. Reactive: Start talking about the theory of dating (what makes a good relationship) when your children’s friends start dating, rather than waiting until your own child has a partner.
• A Gospel Vision: Move beyond "walls and fences." Instead of just saying "don't," focus on the "better" way Jesus loves us, which provides a more compelling vision for relationships.
• The "Kindness" Test: A simple but profound filter for any potential partner: “Are they kind?” This encourages children to look for character and fruit of the Spirit rather than just surface-level attraction.
• The Digital "Friction" Problem: Digital communication (texting, social media) removes the "eyebrow, "the instant facial and tonal feedback we need to treat others like humans.
• The Rise of AI Companions: Why dating an AI bot is a growing temptation for a digital generation, and how parents can address the underlying loneliness without panicking.
• Information vs. Formation: AI is a tool for information (finding a date spot), but it should never be outsourced for formation (building character and handling conflict).
• Navigating Heartbreak & Sin: How to handle "crashing the car." Dave emphasizes the "Bank of Love," making consistent small deposits of time and trust so you can handle big emotional withdrawals when things go wrong.

Resources Mentioned

• Youth Ministry Futures: An organization co-founded by Dave Chiswell to train and encourage long-term youth ministers in Australia. ymfutures.com.au
• Parenting City Kids Episode: "My Child Saw Porn, Now What?" featuring Christian sexologist Patricia Weerakoon.
• Dave Chiswell’s previous episode: On the Teen Social Media Ban and its effects on connection.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Millie and Chum sit down with Zeek Whitehead, a Church and Community Relationship Specialist at World Vision and an experienced youth pastor, to tackle a question many parents face: How do we cultivate a genuine, lifelong love for the local church in our children? Zeek shares invaluable wisdom on the subtle ways parents unknowingly communicate their own priorities regarding church, from the stress of the Sunday morning scramble to letting attendance slide when life gets busy. He provides practical, grace-filled advice on how to transition kids from high-energy children's ministries into the main service, the vital role of "family worship" at home, and why youth leaders are essential allies during the rebellious teenage years. Finally, Zeek offers a thoughtful framework for how parents can navigate seasons of church disappointment without passing bitterness down to their kids, and how engaging in local missions can radically transform a teenager's faith.

Episode Highlights

• The Silent Messages We Send: How the "Sunday morning scramble" and inconsistent attendance speak louder to our kids than we realize.
• Fathers Leading the Charge: The profound impact a father's church attendance (or lack thereof) has on the entire family's faith trajectory.
• Graduating from Kids' Ministry: Practical steps for preparing children to transition into the main adult service and the lost art of simple family worship at home.
• Plucking Seeds, Not Trees: Why it’s crucial to establish healthy church habits (like standing for worship and opening Bibles) when kids are young, rather than waiting to fight the battle in their teen years.
• The Power of Youth Leaders: Why having a cool, young adult leader speak into your teenager's life can be the ultimate supplement to your parenting—especially when teens are resistant to mom and dad.
• Navigating Church Hurt: How parents can process church messiness, scandals, or splits maturely without letting their frustration build a wall between their children and the gospel.
• Faith Outside the Walls: How exposing teens to local missions and social justice (like feeding the homeless) helps bridge their love for Christ with a genuine love for others.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

• Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor by D.A. Carson – A powerful look at navigating church hardship and leadership with grace.
• Concise Theology by J.I. Packer – A highly recommended, easy-to-read resource for parents looking to grow their theological understanding so they can answer their teens' tough questions.
• Family Worship Bible Guide by Joel R. Beeke – A practical guide for reading scripture and prompting discussion at the dinner table.

In an era defined by cynicism and the constant pressure to perform, what does it truly mean to lead a family with authentic, Christ-like strength? Today, Danny and Chum sit down with Zach Meerkreebs, pastor in residence at Asbury University, author of Lower, and a catalyst for the 2023 Asbury Outpouring. Zach opens up about his personal journey of finding true masculinity not in cultural stereotypes or outdoor conquests, but in the radical humility and belovedness of Jesus.

This conversation dives deep into the "soft parts" of manhood, the danger of performing for our kids, and how to stop finding our identity in how others perceive us. Zach also shares practical wisdom on empowering a strong spouse, implementing a family "Rule of Life" to weather unexpected storms, and adapting ancient Sabbath rhythms to anchor a modern urban family.

Key Takeaways

• Redefining Masculinity: True biblical masculinity doesn't start with performance or rugged stereotypes; it begins with "belovedness" and sonship. We must find our identity in Jesus before we can effectively lead our families.
• The Power of Radical Humility: Humility is not about making yourself small or being passive; it's about choosing yourself less. In marriage, it means having the courage to communicate honestly and consecrating your spouse's unique strengths rather than subduing them.
• Making the Gospel "Good": The modern world is no longer just asking if Christianity is true, but if it is good. Parents and churches must cultivate safe environments where the gentleness and kindness of Christ are visibly lived out.
• Establishing a Rule of Life: To navigate the urgent, unpredictable moments of life (Kairos), families need a strong foundation in their ordinary routines (Chronos). Establishing a family "scorecard" or rhythm keeps you grounded when crises hit.
• Sabbath & Family Discipleship: Zach shares how he integrates his Jewish heritage into his family's weekly rhythm, using a simple Sabbath practice of sharing a meal, reflecting on what to "stop," what to "delight in," and affirming one another.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Book: Lower: Igniting the Spiritual Awakening Through Radical Humility by Zach Meerkreebs
• Scripture References: Psalm 103:13-14, Philippians 2, Philippians 3, Galatians 5 (Fruits of the Spirit)
• Concepts: The Asbury Outpouring (2023), Developing a Rule of Life, Chronos (ordinary time) vs. Kairos (appointed/extraordinary time)

In this episode, Millie and Paul discuss one of the most challenging topics facing parents today: suicide prevention within the Christian home. Our guest, Dr. Karen Mason, is a Professor of Counseling and Psychology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a former manager of the Office of Suicide Prevention for the state of Colorado.

Dr. Mason helps us move past the "spiritual failure" stigma of mental health, reframing suicidal ideation not as a sin, but as a "dark night of the soul" occurring in a broken world. We dive into the practical "red flags" parents should look for, why asking the hard questions doesn't "plant the seed," and how the story of the Philippian jailer in Acts 16 is actually one of the Bible's most powerful examples of suicide prevention. Whether you are currently navigating a crisis or simply want to build a home of "authentic transparency," this episode offers a roadmap of hope and grace.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The "Red Flags": How to distinguish between normal teenage angst and a genuine cry for help, focusing on changes in behavior and big life stressors.
• The "Stop, Drop, and Roll" of Mental Health: Why we need to give our children a plan for suicidal thoughts before they happen.
• Reframing the Stigma: Shifting our theology from "where does the soul go?" to "why is life a moral good?" and treating mental health with the same "common grace" we apply to physical ailments like diabetes.
• The Catholic & Reformed Perspective: How church history and modern theology have shifted toward compassion and "diminished moral responsibility" during depression.
• Acts 16 & Suicide Prevention: A beautiful deep dive into the story of Paul and the Philippian jailer, proving that every life—no matter how "scuzzy"—matters to God.
• The "Hope Box": A practical tool parents and kids can use to internalize their worth and reasons for living.
• Science vs. Faith: Why seeking clinical resources isn't "replacing God," but rather utilizing the tools He has provided through common grace.
• The Proverbs 22:6 Struggle: Counseling parents who feel they've done everything "right" yet are still facing this "dark night" with their child.

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Karen Mason’s Training Resources: Patreon.com/KarenMasonPhD
• Faculty Bio & Publications: Gordon-Conwell Faculty Page
• Recommended Reading: Preventing Suicide: A Handbook for Pastors and Preaching Hope in Darkness by Dr. Karen Mason.

Emergency Support (Australia):

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or needs someone to talk to, please reach out to these 24/7 services:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
• Emergency Services: 000
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

Kevin Van Lant, Clinical psychologist and Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy at Biola University, unpacks the quiet crisis facing modern men, isolation, mental health, and the father wound. This conversation helps parents recognise when struggle is more than “just a phase,” why dads matter more than ever, and how healing men can reshape families for the better.

⁠www.kevinvanlantphd.com

Parents shape faith long before sermons and programs do.

In this deeply pastoral episode, Danny Gamadhi unpacks why children imitate what they see, not what they’re told. From repentance and surrender to everyday modelling, this conversation reframes parenting as discipleship and invites parents to lead with authenticity, grace, and a lived gospel at home.

What happens when love crosses cultures, and parenting brings everything to the surface?

In this honest conversation, Zac (Australian) and Mei Mei (Chinese) share what marriage, family expectations, and raising kids revealed about culture, communication, and faith. From in-laws and language barriers to trust, boundaries, and grace, this episode helps couples navigate difference without losing unity.

What does adoption look like when love comes before control?

In this moving and honest conversation, adoptee Jacci Grace shares her story of open adoption, cultural identity, disability, and grief. From rejecting “saviour” narratives to embracing complexity, this episode invites parents to reimagine adoption as an act of humility, faith, and unconditional love, not rescue.

Raising children doesn’t just stretch parents, it exposes marriages.

Couples pastor and educator Dr Irene Yang unpacks the unspoken vows couples carry into marriage: expectations around communication, culture, parenting styles, emotional needs, and control. This episode helps couples move from reaction to reflection, and rebuild connection before resentment takes root.

Resource:

• Family Discipleship by Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin.

Ever feel like the pressure to create a comfortable, stable, and predictable life for your children is at odds with a life's transition? What happens when courage, not comfort, becomes a family value?

Pastor and father of three Joel Deacon shares how big moves, church planting, COVID disruption, and intentional family rhythms shaped his kids’ hearts. From values and vision to prayer, boundaries, and daily habits, this episode helps parents think less about control, and more about formation.

Resources:

• Intentional Fatherhood by Jon Tyson.
• Raising Passionate Jesus Followers by Phil and Diane Comer.
• Primal Path by Jon Tyson.
• Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp.

Books by Patricia Weerakoon:

• Teen Sex by the Book: For teenagers navigating puberty and sexual ethics.
• Growing Up by the Book: For pre-teens.
• Talking Sex by the Book: A guide for parents on how to have these conversations.
• Birds and Bees by the Book: A set of books for primary school-aged children.
• You and Me by the Book: A picture book for preschoolers about bodies.
• The Best Sex for Life: A book for married couples.
• An upcoming book titled Parenting in the Gender Revolution.

Website: ⁠patriciaweerakoon.com

We sit down with Matt Keller, Executive Pastor of City on A Hill, Geelong, father to five, and a foster parent to over 30 children in the last 14 years. In this episode we talk fostering realities, why busyness quietly disciples your family, how to build a “church village” around parents, and the tension of being a friend to your kids while still providing steady leadership.

1. Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp
2. It Takes a Church to Raise a Parent: Creating a Culture where Parenting for Faith can Flourish by Rachel Turner

Sam and Janet Reeve were missionaries with years of experience raising children and mentoring Christian families. A key highlight of their conversation is their openness in sharing their personal journey supporting their daughter through severe, treatment-resistant depression.

Discover why Sam and Janet believe prioritising your marriage is foundational to a secure family, and gain practical insights into modelling repentance and forgiveness for your children. This is a must-listen for every parent seeking to cultivate a Christ-centred home and navigate mental health challenges with faith and love.

Social media isn’t neutral; it’s forming your teen’s identity, attention, and faith faster than you think.

Teenagers aren’t just “on their phones,” they’re being shaped by them. Youth minister Dave Chiswell unpacks how social media accelerates identity formation, drives comparison and anxiety, and makes faith feel harder in a world of constant noise. Plus: practical ways parents can build trust, start better conversations, and reclaim real-life community.

Our kids are growing up in a world that says: look inside, be true to yourself, express who you are. But what happens when that message collides with the gospel?

1. ISCAST: Science and Christianity - ⁠www.iscast.org/⁠
2. Fuller Youth Institute book: Three Big Questions that Change Every Teenager -www.fulleryouthinstitute.org/3-big-questions#3BQ⁠,
3. www.amazon.com.au/dp/0801093384?ref_=mr_referred_us_au_au⁠ ⁠
4. www.understandingteenagers.com.au/⁠ ⁠
5. www.ridleycollege.transistor.fm/episodes/can-i-buy-myself-flowers-with-dr-fiona-isaacs⁠
6. Youth Ministry Futures: ⁠www.ymfutures.com.au/

What if godly parenting isn’t about getting everything right, but faithfully stewarding children who belong to God?

In this episode, pastor and family ministry leader Rob Keller who has been married to Ruth for 54 years, shares decades of wisdom on biblical family discipleship, the role of parents as primary disciple-makers, and why Scripture, not strategies, must shape our homes.

1. Uncle Arthur Stories: Rob mentions that his mother-in-law gifted him these books, which he used to teach his children about biblical truths and virtues.

In this episode, pastor and researcher Jeff Lloyd helps parents understand Generation Alpha, the hidden ways technology shapes our children’s hearts, and how faith, boundaries, and presence can form resilient kids in a digital age.

Internet Filters:

1. https://www.bark.us/
2. https://www.linewize.io/

Reviews:

1. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

Books:

1. The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt
2. Superbloom, Nicholas Carr
3. The Tech-wise Family, Andy Crouch
4. Scrolling Ourselves to Death, Brett McCracken

Blogs:

1. https://screenstrong.substack.com/
2. https://www.generationtechblog.com/
3. https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/resources
4. https://www.afterbabel.com/

Parenting today can feel overwhelming; screens everywhere, pressure from all sides, and the quiet fear of getting it wrong.

In this episode, Brett and Kate Ryan from Focus on the Family Australia share grounded, hope-filled wisdom on raising resilient kids, strengthening marriage, navigating technology, and parenting with faith in real life.

1. families.org.au: The website for Focus on the Family Australia, where listeners can find a variety of free resources, including videos, courses, downloadable PDFs, and e-books.
2. familycast.com.au: The free video platform mentioned, which offers parenting classes on topics like navigating sexuality, social media, anxiety, and raising pre-teens.
3. Adventures in Odyssey and Radio Theatre: These are specific programs or series available on the Family Cast platform for children.
4. https://families.org.au/article/how-birth-order-affects-your-marriage/
5. https://families.org.au/article/how-birth-order-affects-sibling-conflicts/
6. https://families.org.au/broadcast/how-your-birth-order-shapes-your-marriage/
7. https://families.org.au/broadcast/understanding-how-birth-order-impacts-your-marriage/
8. https://families.org.au/broadcast/understanding-how-birth-order-impacts-your-marriage-0/