Church and Family Life Podcast

Not every son will become an elder, but the requirements for this office (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9) give a great benchmark for every father to strive for as they train their boys. Hosts Scott Brown and Jason Dohm discuss the essence of these qualities with Alexander Strauch. Their summary: All fall into three main categories: (1) evidence of mature Christian character; (2) the ability to manage a household well; (3) and aptness to teach—all targets which sons should be trained to hit as they enter manhood. These qualifications, along with the Book of Proverbs, form a tried-and-try manual for raising boys. 

What makes a good elder’s wife? Thankfully, we’re not left to wonder—as she “must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things” (1 Tim. 3:11). In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm welcome guest Alexander Strauch to break down these four elements. Strauch explains that an elder’s wife must, first, be worthy of respect. Second, she must not hurt others through loose or malicious talk. Third, she must be characterized by sound and stable judgment. And, finally, like the Proverbs 31 woman, she must show herself faithful in all her pursuits (Prov. 31:11). Perfection is not the standard—yet these qualities are what’s needed in an elder’s helpmeet. 

Over the last century, feminism has radically reshaped how the family, church, and state are led. While God’s Word calls on men to helm these spheres, even churches in more “conservative” denominations have compromised, allowing women to take on public roles not condoned in Scripture. Professing Christians have also slid from God’s standards in how they approach authority in the home and civil realm. In this podcast, hosts Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by author Zachary Garris, survey this checkered landscape in light of the Reformers’ testimony. Their charge: rather than bow to the prevailing culture, men and women should buck this trend and joyfully embrace their God-given roles. 

You’ve heard the mantra—men, today, need “to get in touch with their feminine side.” But this is utter nonsense. In this podcast, hosts Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by Carlton McLeod, declare the Scripture’s call for men to “act like men” and “be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13). This doesn’t mean that males are to show no emotion—as Jesus wept (John 11:35), and we’re all charged to be “tenderhearted” to one another (Eph. 4:32). But men aren’t to cow in fear and give way to their emotions. When storms come, they’re to guide their families with calm judgment and bravely lead. 

Men are called by God to labor. Yet the uncertainty of financial markets, as well as the idolization of wealth, can prod men to fretfully toil beyond what is wise. What’s the answer to the problem? In this podcast, hosts Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by Carlton McLeod, turn to Psalm 127 for direction: Don’t fear the economy, but trust God, work with purpose, and sleep well. View your children, not your bank account, as your greatest asset. Instead of laboring in vain, look to God to build your house. 

When push comes to shove, who’s really shaping you in your walk with God? Sadly, most Christians today have “ten thousand instructors,” as Paul wrote, “but not many . . . fathers” (1 Cor. 4:15). The truth is, it’s far easier to look to popular podcasters to guide us, rather than seeking out the interpersonal influence of godly mentors as personal shepherds. But that’s not what the Scriptures prescribe. In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Bill Roach, give this earnest charge—stop stoking superficial manhood and womanhood through man caves and social media chatter, but seek out faithful shepherds who will spur you on to godly living. 

In today’s world, families rarely eat together. Yet this is a far cry from the biblical model, which pictures family mealtime as a blessing, describing “children like olive plants all around [one’s] table” (Ps. 128:3). In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Bill Roach, give ten reasons families should eat together daily: (1) it solidifies family culture; (2) it creates a rhythmic predictability about life; (3) it gets you off the Internet with real people; (4) it facilitates family joy; (5) it creates stories; (6) it surfaces problems; (7) it covers the news and world events; (8) it transmits values; (9) it cultivates belonging; and (10), it is generationally balanced.   So don’t let life’s distractions keep you from the family table—make eating together, each day, a top priority! 

The Western church is in shambles. It has become lukewarm and compromised because of a love for the world, a lack of an awestruck fear of God, and a watered-down view of His grace and sovereignty. In answer to this crisis Kevin Swanson has issued an urgent call-to-arms in his new book, Strong: An Urgent Call to Strengthen the Things that Remain. Pulling no punches, he calls out Christians to reject escapist pursuits—be it through alcohol, sports, the Internet, or other off-ramps from reality—and pursue a stronger grace, a stronger faith, a stronger church, and stronger families.   Join Scott Brown and Jason Dohm in today’s podcast as they break down the book with Kevin.  

Join us on June 20-21 at the Brown Family Farm for this special time of refreshment for dads and their girls. Enjoy outdoor activities, together, such as volleyball, canoe races, and archery, even as you take in practical messages on the beauty of biblical womanhood.  God created women to do particular things—the most wonderful things! They take care of husbands, children, and homes, and selflessly give themselves to raise the next generation. This theme will be the focus at our annual Father and Daughter Retreat as we encourage young women to “lead a quiet life” (1 Thess. 4:11), rather than chase fulfillment elsewhere. Learn more about this event in today’s podcast. 

What should we wear and not wear? When most Christians think about acceptable clothing, they’re inclined to debate a woman’s skirt length or other feminine attire. But the Bible goes much deeper than that. In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Jeff Pollard, discuss Scott’s new book, Beyond Modesty: Tracing the Meaning of Clothing through the Fabric of Scripture. They explain that the doctrine of clothing—which unfolds in Scripture from Genesis to Revelation—goes far beyond matters of modesty in women's clothing; it speaks to the very nature of man's sin and God’s work to clothe sinners in His righteous robes. Once realizing this—whether we’re man or woman—we should seek to reflect Christ in how we dress.  Click Here to Order Beyond Modesty