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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. 391: Living as Light in the Youth Sports Industrial Complex with Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski

    Ep. 391: Living as Light in the Youth Sports Industrial Complex with Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski
    Jul 6 2025
    In this conversation, Jay Holland, Ed Uszynski, and Brian Smith discuss the complexities of youth sports culture, emphasizing the need for a shift in perspective among parents and coaches. They explore the concept of the 'youth sports industrial complex,' the impact of parental influence, and the importance of character development in sports. The discussion highlights the detrimental effects of snowplow parenting and the need for intentional discipleship opportunities within the youth sports experience. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of instilling gratitude and character in youth sports, contrasting the focus on competition and statistics with the value of personal growth and relationships. They emphasize the need for parents to support their children in a balanced way, encouraging them to appreciate the joy of sports while also recognizing the pressures of year-round competition and early specialization. The discussion culminates in a vision for families to engage in sports as a means of discipleship and community building.TakeawaysThe youth sports industrial complex is a billion-dollar industry.Parents need to be the first to be discipled in sports culture.Character development in sports is influenced by the adults involved.Snowplow parenting inhibits children's ability to think independently.Winning is often prioritized over character in youth sports.Discipleship opportunities arise from observing sports interactions.Parents should teach their kids to notice others in sports.The culture of sports can shape our values and beliefs.Coaches have a significant impact on children's development.We need to reform our thinking about youth sports. Training kids to thank referees and spectators is vital.The GOAT debate highlights character over statistics.Living with gratitude leads to a more joyful life.Pursuing excellence doesn't mean sacrificing compassion.Recognizing marginalized teammates fosters inclusivity.Year-round competition is not necessary for success.Early specialization can be detrimental to athletes.Parents should focus on enjoying the game with their kids.Remove anxiety from the sports experience for children.Sports can be a platform for discipleship and community.Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.orgBioAbout Brian Smith Brian Smith is the author of several books including his latest Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports and The Christian Athlete: Glorifying God in Sports. He has been on staff with Athletes in Action since 2008. A graduate of Wake Forest University, Brian has a master’s degree in Theology and Sports Studies through Baylor University. He lives in Lowell, Michigan, with his wife and three kids. Social Media: Website: www.thechristianathlete.comTwitter: @BrianSmithAIAInstagram: @brianlinseyAbout Ed Uszynski Ed Uszynski is an author, speaker, and sports minister with over three decades’ experience discipling college and professional athletes. His latest book is Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports. He’s written articles, essays, and training manuals at the intersection of faith and sport and is the lead strategist for Content Mercenaries. He has two theological degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a PhD in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University. He and his wife Amy have four children and live in Xenia, Ohio.Social Media: Website: www.untanglingcrt.comTwitter: @uszynski32Facebook: @ed.uszynski.3Resources mentioned:Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports: https://amzn.to/43QFoQIAthletes in Action: https://athletesinaction.org/ Join 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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    48 mins
  • Ep. 390: Living the Mission at Home: Practical Ways to Make Disciples as a Family

    Ep. 390: Living the Mission at Home: Practical Ways to Make Disciples as a Family
    Jun 15 2025

    This episode serves as a parental companion to Jay’s Guided By Faith Daily Devotional Podcast series on Living the Mission. In this episode, Jay discusses the importance of living a mission-driven life within the context of family and community. He emphasizes that the Great Commission is not just for missionaries abroad but applies to everyday life. Jay provides practical tips for parents to instill a mission mindset in their families, encouraging them to engage with their neighborhoods, practice hospitality, and serve others. He highlights the long-term impact of these actions and invites listeners to join his series on living the mission.



    Takeaways

    • The Great Commission applies to our daily lives.


    • Living missionally can transform family dynamics.


    • Prayer walking helps engage with the community.


    • Hospitality is a key aspect of living on mission.


    • Serving together as a family fosters unity.


    • Sharing faith authentically normalizes conversations about Jesus.


    • Being rooted in community strengthens faith.


    • Long-term relationships have a greater impact than short-term mission trips.


    • Small, faithful steps lead to significant changes over time.


    • Engaging with neighbors opens doors for ministry opportunities.



    Listen to the episode and let it inspire you to see your summer with fresh eyes—ready to live on mission as a family!


    Resources mentioned:

    Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net

    Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cLI2d7

    Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/4cOVBbK

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedbyFaithPodcast


    Join 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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    27 mins
  • Ep. 389: Why are More Young Women Leaving the Faith with Cicely Corry

    Ep. 389: Why are More Young Women Leaving the Faith with Cicely Corry
    Jun 1 2025

    For the first time in the history of the Barna Research, more young women are leaving the faith than young men. Jay Holland and Cicely Corry discuss the work of Barna, focusing on the intersection of church and culture. They explore the methodologies used in their research, the importance of data for parents and leaders, and the concerning trend of young women disengaging from faith. Cicely shares insights into the reasons behind this trend, including social dynamics and perceptions of safety within church communities. The discussion emphasizes the need for churches to create welcoming environments for young women and the role of community in fostering faith. This conversation explores the dynamics of friendships between genders, the importance of intentionality in building relationships, and the empowerment of young women in leadership roles. It discusses the challenges faced by Gen Z in navigating faith and spirituality, emphasizing the need for mentorship and community support. The dialogue highlights the role of parents in fostering curiosity and community among their children to help them thrive in their faith journey.



    Takeaways


    • Parents can benefit from Barna's insights to raise their children in faith.


    • Young women are increasingly identifying as having no faith, a concerning trend.


    • Social dynamics and safety perceptions impact young women's engagement with church.


    • Community and friendship are vital for youth engagement in church.


    • Churches need to create safe spaces for young women.


    • Men's friendships often thrive on shared interests. Women tend to have more complex social dynamics in friendships.


    • Shared experiences help deepen connections among individuals.


    • Visible female leadership in churches empowers young women.


    • Mentorship plays a significant role in young women's development.


    • Gen Z shows intrigue in spiritual matters despite declining church affiliation.


    • Parents should engage in curious conversations with their children.


    • Community involvement is essential for faith retention.


    • Encouraging young people to step out of their comfort zones fosters growth.



    Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org


    Bio

    Cicely Corry is Editorial Director at Barna Group, where she leads online content strategy to help Christian leaders understand key trends affecting the Church. Previously, she managed social media strategy and content for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and wrote for the Christian Broadcasting Network. Cicely has served in student ministry for over 10 years, and founded Three Minute Study, an online Bible study community helping others understand, enjoy and apply God’s word


    She holds a M.A. in journalism from Regent University and a B.A. in print journalism and marketing from Hampton University. Cicely is an Atlanta native now living in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband and two sons.


    Resources mentioned:


    Barna site: https://www.barna.com/

    Gen Z Vol. 3 Study: https://www.barna.com/gen-z-volume-3/

    Barna’s Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/barnagroup/?hl=en

    Barna Access Plus: https://www.barna.com/access/

    Cicely Corry's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/cicelycorry/


    Join 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/
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins

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