Why we need good Christian shows for kids: A conversation with Minno founder Erick Goss

Erick Goss and Dr. Mark Turman discuss the importance of discipling young children and teens, why he founded Minno, a Christian streaming service for kids, challenging how churches neglect children’s programming, and ideas for how Christians should handle screen time with their kids.

 

Show notes: 

 

Erick Goss begins by sharing his testimony, his time in Naval Academy, his struggle against legalism, and how he rose in the ranks at Amazon (2:01). He moves on to tell the story of how he co-founded Minno, a Christ-centered streaming service for children, how the Lord called him to complete dependence, and why gospel-centered media tailored for kids is so critical (15:53). Goss and Dr. Turman discuss why imagination is so important to Christian faith, what to expect on Minno, and why they include devotionals in addition to cartoons (29:14). Lastly, they turn to a crucial issue for parents: screen time. Instead of authoritarian, fearful rules, Goss recommends discussing media with kids and tailoring screen time to each kid for each age (41:47).

 

Resources and further reading:

 

• Minno’s website
• Minno - Kids Bible Videos - App
• “Social media, screens, and the overindulgence of information” Dr. Mark Mayfield
• Christian Parenting 
• “Why are teens sadder, lonelier, and more depressed than ever before?” Mark Legg

 

About the host 

 

Mark Turman, DMin, is the executive director of Denison Forum. He received his DMin from Truett at Baylor and previously served as lead pastor of Crosspoint Church. 

 

About the guest 

 

Erick Goss holds an MBA from the University of Michigan and an M.A. in international relations from Troy University. He was a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Navy and a spokesperson to the Pentagon. He held senior management positions at Amazon until he moved into the world of Christian media as the Co-CEO of Creative Trust Ventures. In 2018, he became the CEO and co-founder of Minno, a subscription digital media platform with a focus on supporting Christian kids and families. He and his wife Lisa live in Nashville with their three daughters.