In this episode of Season 2, Andy and Kelly sit down with Dr. Stephanie Shackelford to explore one of the deepest longings facing Gen Z today: the search for purpose.

Drawing from research with the Barna Group, this conversation unpacks why so many young people feel pressure to pursue happiness — yet still feel anxious, empty, or directionless.

As Dr. Shackelford explains, happiness was never meant to be the ultimate goal.

Purpose is.

Together, they explore how purpose grows when we focus outward instead of inward, why serving others builds resilience, and how families can help children discover meaning through everyday rhythms of contribution, responsibility, and faith.

From chores around the house to serving at church, hospitality, and caring for neighbors, this episode reminds parents that purpose is often cultivated in ordinary moments — not extraordinary ones.

And while building resilient families isn’t always easy or convenient, it’s deeply worthwhile.

Because flourishing doesn’t come from comfort alone.

It comes from learning to live for something bigger than yourself.

Episode Highlights

[03:30] Why Gen Z pursues happiness — and why it often falls short

[04:30] The connection between purpose, anxiety, and depression

[05:30] The difference between happiness and joy

[06:30] How social media fuels inward focus and hopelessness

[07:30] Why purpose grows through serving others

[08:00] Finding meaning through pain and difficult experiences

[09:00] Helping teenagers discover their gifts and calling

[10:30] Connecting a child’s gifts back to God’s character

[12:00] Breaking out of the cycle of chasing happiness

[12:30] Creating a culture of service inside the home

[15:00] Why serving at church builds resilience and belonging

[16:30] The importance of giving kids responsibility and ownership

[18:00] Three key ingredients for resilient kids: caring adults, life skills, and leadership opportunities

[19:00] Why serving together strengthens families

[21:00] Modeling service as parents instead of just talking about it

[22:00] Why purpose is bigger than finding one perfect calling

[24:00] The importance of intergenerational relationships and grandparents

[27:00] Why the best things in parenting are often harder, not easier

Resources Mentioned

📊 Gen Z Mental Health & Well-Being Research — Barna Group

📖 You on Purpose

🏡 Eagle Ranch

Don’t Miss Out!

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation on helping kids cultivate purpose, resilience, and meaningful connection in a culture that constantly pulls them inward.

Next week, we’ll continue the conversation with a special guest and explore practical ways families can build these rhythms into everyday life.

If this episode encouraged you:

• Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming conversations
• Leave a review on Apple or Spotify
• Share this episode with another parent

And connect with us on Facebook and Instagram — we’d love to hear how your family is creating rhythms of service, purpose, and connection.

You don’t have to navigate modern parenting alone.

Let’s move from desperation to hope — together.

In this episode of It Takes a Family, Andy and Kelly continue the conversation on faith and Gen Z with returning guest Davon Stack. Building on last week’s discussion with Dr. Stephanie Shackelford, this episode focuses on the practical side of helping kids develop lasting faith in everyday family life.

Drawing from years in student ministry, pastoral care, and parenting, Davon shares what he’s seeing firsthand in Gen Z: a deep longing for identity, purpose, connection, and something real to hold onto in a confusing world.

Together, they discuss how parents can create safe spaces for honest conversations, why relationships matter more than perfection, and how small spiritual rhythms can shape a child’s faith over time.

From responding calmly when kids open up, to modeling authentic faith in the ordinary moments, this episode is filled with encouragement for parents who may feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or spiritually inadequate themselves.

Because building faith in your home doesn’t require having all the answers.

It starts with showing up, staying present, and trusting that God is working — even in the small moments.

Episode Highlights

[02:00] Davon’s background in student ministry and pastoral care

[04:30] The biggest struggle Gen Z faces

[06:00] How beliefs shape thoughts, emotions, and actions

[07:00] The impact of comparison and technology on teens

[09:00] Why relationships are key to helping kids open up

[10:00] How parents can respond well when kids share hard things

[11:30] Creating a home environment that nurtures faith

[13:00] Simple spiritual rhythms families can practice together

[15:00] Why serving helps teenagers connect faith to real life

[16:00] Encouragement for parents whose kids resist church or faith

[18:00] The importance of community and trusted adults

[20:00] Why modeling authentic faith matters more than perfection

[22:30] Encouragement for parents who didn’t grow up with faith themselves

[27:00] Finding hope when parenting feels overwhelming

Resources Mentioned

📊 Gen Z Mental Health & Well-Being Research — Barna Group

📖 New Morning Mercies by New Morning Mercies

🏡 Eagle Ranch

Don’t Miss Out!

This episode continues our Season 2 conversation on Gen Z and mental health — exploring how faith, community, and consistent family rhythms can help move families from isolation and fear toward hope and connection.

If this episode encouraged you:

• Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming conversations
• Leave a review on Apple or Spotify
• Share this episode with another parent

And connect with us on Facebook and Instagram — we’d love to hear how your family is building meaningful rhythms together.

You don’t have to navigate modern parenting alone.

Let’s move from desperation to hope — together.

In this episode of Season 2, Andy and Kelly sit down with Dr. Stephanie Shackelford to explore a surprising trend: Gen Z is increasingly open to faith—and even returning to it.

Drawing on research from the Barna Group, this conversation unpacks what’s behind this shift. In a world that feels chaotic, hyper-connected, and often meaningless, many young people are searching for something deeper—something steady.

And they’re finding it in unexpected places.

From renewed interest in church to curiosity around spiritual practices like prayer, Sabbath, and silence, Gen Z is showing a growing desire for meaning, peace, and purpose. But while the interest is there, many lack the structure or guidance to build lasting faith.

That’s where families come in.

This episode invites parents to consider the small, consistent rhythms that shape a child’s spiritual foundation—from attending church together to simple practices like shared meals, prayer, and creating space for rest.

Because building faith doesn’t require perfection or complexity.

It starts with small, intentional steps—lived out together over time.

Episode Highlights

[01:00] Introducing the “Faith Roots” conversation

[02:00] A simple family rhythm: singing the doxology

[05:30] Why small spiritual habits matter more than you think

[06:00] Gen Z’s openness to spirituality

[08:00] The search for truth, meaning, and stability

[10:30] Why silence and stillness are appealing to Gen Z

[12:30] Faith, hope, and love in a generation facing despair

[14:30] The power of attending church as a family

[17:00] Practicing Sabbath in realistic ways

[18:30] How prayer builds resilient families

[20:00] The role of everyday rhythms (like family meals)

[22:00] Why parents must model what they want to pass on

[24:00] Building community and not doing faith alone

[26:00] The importance of intergenerational relationships

[28:00] Choosing priorities: saying no to say yes

Resources Mentioned

📊 Gen Z Mental Health & Well-Being Research — Barna Group https://www.barna.com/mental-health/

🏡 Eagle Ranch https://www.eagleranch.org/

Don’t Miss Out!

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation.

Next week, we’ll move from research to additional ideas of application—exploring how these faith rhythms actually play out in everyday family life.

If this episode encouraged you:

• Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming conversations
• Leave a review on Apple or Spotify
• Share this episode with another parent

And connect with us on Facebook and Instagram—we’d love to hear how you’re putting this into practice.

You don’t have to navigate modern parenting alone.

Let’s move from desperation to hope — together.