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Let's Parent on Purpose: Christian Marriage, Parenting, and Discipleship

Let's Parent on Purpose: Christian Marriage, Parenting, and Discipleship

By: Jay Holland and Christian Parenting
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Let's Parent on Purpose is your essential monthly podcast for strengthening your marriage, parenting, and personal relationship with Jesus. Hosted by Jay Holland, this show blends timeless biblical truths with insightful interviews from leading experts in marriage, parenting, and discipleship. As part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network, Let's Parent on Purpose provides you with the practical and spiritual guidance you need to grow into the parent and spouse you aspire to be. Discover more wisdom and resources at www.letsparentonpurpose.com and www.christianparenting.org

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Episodes
  • Ep. 404: Raising Gender Confident Kids with Dr. Kathy Koch

    Ep. 404: Raising Gender Confident Kids with Dr. Kathy Koch
    Mar 9 2026
    In this powerful episode of Let’s Parent on Purpose, Jay welcomes back Dr. Kathy Koch to discuss how Christian parents can raise gender-confident kids in today’s confusing cultural climate. Drawing from her book Raising Gender-Confident Kids, co-authored with Dr. Jeff Myers, Dr. Kathy unpacks the biblical framework behind the “Five to Thrive”—security, identity, belonging, purpose, and competence—and explains how unmet core needs often fuel gender confusion. With compassion and clarity, she equips parents to move from fear to faith, offering practical tools for affirming their child’s God-given design while maintaining strong, loving relationships.This episode explores how stereotypes distort masculinity and femininity, why social contagion and mental health struggles play a significant role in teen gender confusion, and how parents can proactively build confidence in their children from a young age. Dr. Kathy shares wisdom on affirming a child’s unique strengths through the “Eight Great Smarts,” guarding kids from harmful cultural influences, and responding wisely if a child questions their gender identity. If you’re a Christian parent seeking biblical guidance, practical strategies, and hope in navigating conversations about gender identity, this episode will strengthen your resolve and remind you that God’s design is both intentional and good.Resources Mentioned:Purchase Raising Gender-Confident Kids by Dr. Jeff Myers and Dr. Kathy Koch on Amazon or through the Celebrate Kids online store.Grab a copy of Five to Thrive by Dr. Kathy Koch on Amazon or through the Celebrate Kids online store.Get Jay's new devotional, Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal. Use it solo, with your small group, or as a family for daily Scripture-based prompts to foster gratitude and closeness to Christ.Text "THINGS" to 66866 for free high-quality resources from Jay, including fun family conversations, a 52-week Scripture memory system, dating questions for kids, marriage tools, and more.Guest Bio: Dr. Kathy KochDr. Kathy Koch is the founder and president of Celebrate Kids, Inc., and a child development specialist. She is also the author of nine bestselling parent-child enrichment books including her latest book, Parent Differently: Raise Kids with Biblical Character that Changes Culture.For more, visit celebratekids.com.Key Takeaways from the EpisodeDrawing from Lightbulb Moments in Marriage, Dr. Eggerichs and Jay explore transformative "aha" insights for successful and satisfied Christian couples. Here are the highlights:The Five Core Needs (“Five to Thrive”) – Security, identity, belonging, purpose, and competence must be rooted in Christ to build lasting confidence.Identity Crisis Often Begins with Security Crisis – When kids don’t know who to trust, they struggle to know who they are.Gender Confusion vs. Gender Dysphoria – True clinical dysphoria is rare; confusion often stems from deeper identity and belonging issues.Celebrate Differences Without Stereotypes – Liking math, mechanics, ballet, or sports doesn’t redefine gender. Boys and girls can be multifaceted.Affirm Early and Specifically – Children become who we tell them they are. Use intentional language to affirm their God-given design.Guard Against Social Contagion – Social media exposure significantly influences teen identity struggles. Protect hearts, minds, and devices.Mental Health Matters – Many teens struggling with gender identity are also battling anxiety, depression, or isolation. Address root issues first.Keep the Relationship Alive – When a child questions their gender, prioritize connection, truth, and long-term influence over fear-driven reactions.Model Confidence in God’s Design – Parents who embrace their own God-given identity create a powerful example for their children.Hope for the Future – Research shows most teens experiencing gender confusion resolve it naturally by adulthood without medical intervention.Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.orgMore Resources & Links:Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal by Jay HollandCheck out www.youthministry.coachDaily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.netJoin my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/
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    54 mins
  • Ep. 403: Lightbulb Moments in Marriage with Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

    Ep. 403: Lightbulb Moments in Marriage with Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
    Feb 8 2026
    In this inspiring conversation, Jay sits down with Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, renowned author of the bestseller Love & Respect and his latest release, Lightbulb Moments in Marriage. Released in early 2026, the book explores 12 "aha" biblical perspectives to transform marriages from frustration to fulfillment.Dr. Eggerichs shares profound insights drawn from over three decades of counseling, scientific research, and Scripture, focusing on how lightbulb moments can break the "Crazy Cycle" of unmet needs in marriage. Whether you're a busy parent juggling kids and chaos or seeking deeper intimacy in your Christian marriage, this episode offers practical marriage advice to help you move forward without hitting the eject button. Topics include love and respect principles, communication breakthroughs, and eternal perspectives on relationships.Listen as Jay and Dr. Eggerichs discuss five to six key lightbulb moments that could revolutionize your marriage. Perfect for couples looking for Christian marriage counseling tips, biblical marriage guidance, or ways to strengthen family bonds.Resources Mentioned:Purchase Lightbulb Moments in Marriage by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs on Amazon or visit loveandrespect.com for more marriage resources, conferences, and tools.Get Jay's new devotional, Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal Use it solo, with your small group, or as a family for daily Scripture-based prompts to foster gratitude and closeness to Christ.Text "THINGS" to 66866 for free high-quality resources from Jay, including fun family conversations, a 52-week Scripture memory system, dating questions for kids, marriage tools, and more.Guest Bio: Dr. Emerson EggerichsDr. Emerson Eggerichs is an internationally known public speaker on the topics of marriage, parenting, communication, and male-female relationships. Based on over three decades of counseling, as well as scientific and biblical research, Dr. Eggerichs and his wife, Sarah, developed the Love and Respect Marriage Conference, which they present to live audiences across the country. He is the founder and president of Love and Respect Ministries, with Sarah serving as vice president.A former senior pastor of East Lansing Trinity Church from 1980 to 1999, Dr. Eggerichs holds a PhD and has authored numerous books, including the New York Times bestseller Love & Respect, a Platinum and Book of the Year award winner that has sold over 2.3 million copies. His work emphasizes Ephesians 5:33, highlighting how wives need love and husbands need respect to thrive. Emerson and Sarah reside in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and have three grown children. For more, visit loveandrespect.com.Key Takeaways from the EpisodeDrawing from Lightbulb Moments in Marriage, Dr. Eggerichs and Jay explore transformative "aha" insights for successful and satisfied Christian couples. Here are the highlights:God-Given Value, Not Spouse-Driven: Your worth is rooted in Christ, not your spouse's approval. This frees couples from emotional rollercoasters, especially under parenting stress. Shift your identity to Jesus for lasting peace in marriage.Seeing Jesus Beyond Your Spouse: Treat your spouse as unto Christ to energize love and respect. Visualizing Jesus "beyond the shoulder" of your partner fosters forgiveness and intimacy, even in resentment-filled seasons.Clarity in Communication: True understanding beats just talking more. Break the Crazy Cycle by decoding "pink" (love-focused) and "blue" (respect-focused) languages. Use tools like word pictures to turn conflicts into connections, ideal for parents arguing over discipline or roles.Don't Let 20% Define the 80%: Focus on the 80% goodwill in your marriage rather than the 20% frustrations. Pray to magnify strengths and extend grace, helping busy families offset weaknesses like differing parenting styles.My Response Is My Responsibility: Embrace personal accountability for freedom and strength in Christ. Overcome fears like rejection to model resilience for your kids, transforming victim mentalities into victorious marriages.Eternal Perspective: View marriage through God's lens for motivation. Live for His "Well done!" knowing every act of faithfulness has eternal significance, preparing your children for healthy relationships.These biblical marriage tips can wake up stuck relationships and provide the tools needed for forward momentum in Christian parenting and marriage.Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.orgMore Resources & Links:Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal by Jay HollandCheck out www.youthministry.coachDaily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.netJoin my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/
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    46 mins
  • Ep. 402: Antifragile Faith with Virgil Tanner

    Ep. 402: Antifragile Faith with Virgil Tanner
    Jan 5 2026
    ***Pick up a copy of Jay’s new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal How do we raise kids—and grow as parents—who don’t crumble under pressure but become stronger through hardship?In Episode 402 of Let’s Parent on Purpose, Jay Holland is joined once again by author, missionary, and leadership coach Virgil Tanner for a deep, practical conversation on antifragile faith—the kind of faith Jesus describes as a house built on the rock.Together, Jay and Virgil explore why anxiety and fragility have become normalized in modern culture, how Christian discipleship often unintentionally reinforces weakness, and what it looks like to intentionally form resilient, grounded followers of Jesus. Drawing from Scripture, neuroscience, leadership formation, and lived experience—from COVID lockdowns to pediatric cancer hospital rooms—this episode offers parents a hopeful and actionable framework for nurturing spiritual, emotional, physical, cognitive, and relational health.This conversation will challenge how you think about discipleship, parenting, and what it truly means to love God with all of who you are.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy storms don’t reveal weakness—they reveal foundationsHow culture has reframed fragility as virtue—and why that’s spiritually dangerousThe difference between changing behavior and changing the story we live inWhy discipleship must be whole-person formation, not just Bible knowledgeThe five dimensions of the soul: spiritual, physical, cognitive, emotional, relationalSimple daily practices that cultivate resilience and joyWhy modeling matters more than lecturing when discipling kidsHow families can become “houses on the rock” for othersWhy noticing emotions comes before managing or forgivingHow loving God with heart, mind, soul, and strength leads to abundant life—not burnoutKey Scriptures ReferencedMatthew 7:24–27 — The House Built on the RockLuke 10:25–28 — The Greatest Commandment1 Corinthians 10:31 — Doing Everything for the Glory of GodJohn 15:11 — “That My joy may be in you, and your joy may be full”Practical Takeaways for ParentsFormation happens relationally and communally, not just informationallyShared and modeled habits shape kids more than rulesEmotional maturity begins with naming emotions without judgmentGratitude reframes suffering without denying itThriving families talk openly about how they’re really doing—not just how they’re performingLet’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.orgAbout Virgil TannerVirgil Tanner is a leadership coach, author, and missionary who has spent years equipping leaders and families to cultivate resilient, Christ-centered lives in high-pressure environments around the world. His work focuses on integrated human flourishing and forming leaders who can endure—and thrive—through adversity.Resources & Links:Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal by Jay HollandSoul Tending: Leadership for Strategic Human Flourishing Check out www.youthministry.coachDaily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.netJoin my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/
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    53 mins
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