The Parenting for Faith podcast

How do we know when our child is ready to make a public faith commitment - whether that’s baptism, confirmation or profession of faith? What are the smaller steps along the faith journey that we should be looking out for? How can ‘sacred pathways’ help us nurture our child’s faith in helpful ways? And what can we do if our child is showing no interest in Jesus? Our guest today is Christie Thomas, Western Canadian homeschool mum of three boys, former Children’s Ministry director, and founder of Little Shoots Deep Roots. Christie shares stories from her own parenting journey, as well as ideas for how we approach this area with our own children. We think you’re going to LOVE learning from Christie about the nine ‘sacred pathways’, or different ways of connecting with God, that Christie shares in this episode. This is an incredibly effective tool which can help us discover our child’s pathway, making it much easier for us to journey with them as they pursue Jesus. Christie is also the author of several books for Christian families. Links: Christie’s website: https://littleshootsdeeproots.com/ Follow Christie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littleshootsdeeproots/ Browse Christie’s books: https://www.eden.co.uk/shop/search.php?products%5Bquery%5D=christie%20thomas Sacred Pathways quiz: https://christiethomas.ck.page/a79d922d0e Christie’s e-book: ‘Sacred Pathways for Kids’: https://littleshootsdeeproots.com/sacred-pathways-for-kids/ ‘Wow’ (Dandi Daley Mackall): https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/christian-books-for-children/bible-stories-for-children/age-4-to-7-bible-stories/wow-9781496436429/ - Original Parenting for Faith course online: https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/parenting-for-faith-course-online-2023/ - Pop-up small group with Joanna Adeyinka-Burford: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=602874592057833&set=pb.100070058915946.-2207520000&type=3 - Being God's Child book launch "3 Ways to Connect with God as a Busy Parent" https://www.facebook.com/events/1092804861697964 We loved hearing from Christie today and hope you did too! To be a part of sustaining this podcast so that it can reach hundreds of families, children’s leaders, youth leaders and churches, would you consider partnering with us financially? Even a small one-off gift makes a big difference! Go to https://www.brf.org.uk/donate/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

How do we find time to read the Bible as busy parents? How can we best model this to our kids? And what are the benefits of reading the Bible with friends? In today’s episode, Lucy meets Felicity Carswell and Sarah Dargue - aka Two Sisters and a Cup of Tea. Through their popular podcast, they encourage hundreds of women to read the Bible with a friend (and a cup of tea), share their own insights about the passage, have a giggle and bring alive the joy of God’s Word. Felicity lives near Chicago with her husband Jonathan, founder of 10ofthose, and two boys aged 5 and 7. She spends her time parenting and teaching the Bible locally. Sarah lives in West London with her pastor husband and three children aged 8, 7 and 7. She is the author of ‘Bumps, Babies and the Gospel’. Although they are sisters, Felicity and Sarah came to faith very independently of one another. They share their testimonies in today’s episode, and we think you’ll be hugely encouraged! Links: - Listen to the podcast: https://twosistersandacupoftea.buzzsprout.com/ or search ‘Two Sisters and a Cup of Tea’ wherever you get your podcasts - Two Sisters website: https://www.twosistersandacupoftea.com/ - Follow Two Sisters on Instagram (@twosisters_and_acupoftea) or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Twosistersandacupoftea - Sarah’s book “Bumps Babies and the Gospel” https://uk.10ofthose.com/product/9781913278397/bumps-babies-and-the-gospel-paperback - “The Biggest Story Bible Storybook” https://uk.10ofthose.com/product/9781433557378/the-biggest-story-bible-storybook-hardback - “The Gospel Story Bible” https://uk.10ofthose.com/product/9781936768127/the-gospel-story-bible-hardback - “A Small Book about a Big Problem” https://uk.10ofthose.com/product/9781945270130/a-small-book-about-a-big-problem-hardback We hope you loved hearing Felicity and Sarah’s insights and ideas today! It’s wonderful to be able to produce this podcast, and we are grateful to all who give towards it, however big or small the donation. They make a real difference. To give a one-off or regular gift, go to https://www.brf.org.uk/donate/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

They say it takes a village to raise a child - but what is the significance of having a Christian ‘village’ around you as you bring up your children? How can we support each other well, and what difference does it make? Becky Miles and Helen Smith are today’s guests. Hosts of the ‘Salty Mums’ podcast, which gives a faith-based angle on issues surrounding motherhood, these two women met as new mums at their church, and know first-hand the value of having a supportive village around you in your church family. Links: - Listen to the Salty Mums podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1IMMSpookE0l4gKr2DLFKl or search ‘Salty Mums’ wherever you get your podcasts - Follow Salty Mums on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltymumspod/ - If you have a regular group of parents meeting to support each other, why not consider the Parenting for Faith course? https://www.parentingforfaith.brf.org.uk/course/ Lucy loved chatting with Becky and Helen today - and we hope you enjoyed listening too! Thank you for supporting this podcast financially so that we can continue to make great episodes which bless you as you nurture your kids’ faith. If you don’t give financially but would like to give either a one-off or regular gift, here’s the link: https://www.brf.org.uk/donate/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

If you have a teenager or young adult off to University this Autumn, you’re not going to want to miss this episode! Whether or not they currently identify as a Christian, the student experience offers fresh opportunities to discover their own path of faith, exploring different churchmanships and worship styles, and meeting others whose enthusiasm about Jesus can be infectious. How can we best support our children as they transition into University students? How can we as churches prepare and commission our school-leavers well? And how can we welcome new students into our churches and homes - aside from the obvious lure of offering free food? In today’s bumper episode, Lucy asks Pippa Elmes about all these questions and more. Pippa has been working with churches and students for 15 years, locally and then nationally with Fusion. She loves seeing others come alive in their calling. As part of her Fusion work, Pippa has led the Student Linkup project, helping young people to go as empowered missionaries into university life and equipping parents and churches to champion school leavers as they head off on this great adventure. She still can't get over the great potential and hope in this transition and loves to share that hope with churches, families and students. Pippa is also a wife and mum of two young girls. Links: - Fusion website: www.fusionmovement.org - Connect with churches in your University town: www.studentlinkup.org - Follow Fusion on Instagram (@hellofusionmovement) Facebook (Fusion) or Twitter (@fusion_movement) - Student Linkup box: https://www.fusionmovement.org/resources/product/box - DMC deck: https://www.fusionmovement.org/resources/product/dmc Pippa gave us such practical ideas in this episode, as well as the big picture of what student life looks like today. If you’ve been encouraged, why not join us financially so that we can continue to invite wise guests to share their expertise with us? To give a one-off or regular gift, go to https://www.brf.org.uk/donate/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

In today's bonus episode, host Anna Hawken treats us to excerpts of her new book, 'Being God's Child', which is out TODAY! It's a slim book, comprising ten different ways our children can inspire us to connect with God. Light enough to read on holiday, and perfect for packing in a suitcase! Whether you've struggled to connect with God since becoming a parent, you're just exploring faith for the first time, or you're a seasoned pro at devotional times, this book is sure to give you a treasure chest of ideas to enrich your relationship with your heavenly Father. In addition, each chapter has some corresponding ideas to use with your children, as well as a study guide for using this in a small group. We can't wait to hear your stories of how you've used the book and what God has taught you through it! You can order the book right here: https://www.brfonline.org.uk/products/being-gods-child-a-parents-guide We love producing this podcast, our books, courses and other resources to enrich your family's walk with Jesus. Would you consider financially partnering with us to help make these resources happen? Even £3 makes a difference. Click here to give a one-off or regular gift at www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

This season, we've been thinking about what it means to be God's child. But how do we take this further, inviting our kids and teens to become God's children too? To wrap up this season, Anna speaks with the marvellous Rachel Turner, founder of Parenting for Faith. Rachel answers questions about: - parenting for faith when our partner isn't a Christian - parenting really little children for faith - what to do if our children seem entirely unresponsive to our discipleship - parenting for faith when we're not in a good place, faith-wise Overall, Rachel's encouragement is that we can all help our kids to be God's children - we don't need to be spiritual superheroes! Anna's book, Being God's Child, releases next week! Pre-order here: https://www.brfonline.org.uk/products/being-gods-child-a-parents-guide Links: - "What if my partner doesn't share my faith?" podcast episode https://soundcloud.com/parentingforfaith-brf/s5-ep7-what-if-my-partner-doesnt-share-my-faith - Babies and Toddlers: Nurturing your Child's Spiritual Life https://www.brfonline.org.uk/products/babies-and-toddlers - "What if I'm struggling with doubt?" podcast episode https://soundcloud.com/parentingforfaith-brf/s5-ep3-what-if-im-struggling-with-doubt It's been a great season here at the Parenting for Faith podcast, and we hope you've enjoyed it. Look out for some bonus summer episodes, kicking off with Anna's book launch on July 21st! Season 7 starts 12th September, and we can't wait to share our new theme with you all. If you've been encouraged/equipped/supported by this podcast, why not pay it forward with a small monetary donation to help this ministry reach more families? Even £3 makes a difference. Click here to give a one-off or regular gift at www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

There is ultimate power and authority in the name of Jesus. What a privilege, then, that as Christians, we have the privilege of using Jesus' name to seek God's kingdom - whether that's praying for healing, deliverance, or for situations to change. Today we're hearing from the inspiring Olly Goldenberg. Olly is a dad of five and, together with his wife Helen, founded Children Can, an organisation which helps churches and parents disciple children, believing that they can receive all that God has for them, and minister in amazing ways. Olly is a great believer that children can hear from God in the womb, and has some amazing testimonies of God working in and through children. Like all our episodes this season, today's conversation is loosely based around a chapter from Anna's insightful new book, Being God's Child. Due for release on 21.7.23, you can pre-order it here: https://www.brfonline.org.uk/products/being-gods-child-a-parents-guide Links: - Check out Children Can: https://www.childrencan.co.uk/ We hope you're feeling encouraged and emboldened by Olly's words today. We are grateful for his generosity in sharing his expertise with us, and hope you found this an inspiring episode. If you'd like to be a part of sustaining this podcast, you can do that so easily! Click here to give a one-off or regular gift at www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

Children love to join in with what their parent is doing (even when that's not always very helpful!). We can learn from them in our relationship with God. He is at work in the world doing amazing things - and invites us to join in! Speaking to Anna today about this topic is Jade Farmer, Tearfund's Youth and Emerging Generation's Manager. Jade shares insights into various issues of social justice, how we can join in with what God is doing to eradicate poverty and injustice, and examples of how we can involve our children in this too. Like all our episodes this season, today's conversation is loosely based around a chapter from Anna's insightful new book, Being God's Child. Due for release on 21.7.23, you can pre-order it here: https://www.brfonline.org.uk/products/being-gods-child-a-parents-guide Links: - Check out Tearfund: https://www.tearfund.org/ - Follow Tearfund on Instagram (@tearfund), Twitter (@tearfund) and Facebook (@Tearfund) What a gift Jade was to us today! We are grateful for her generosity in sharing her expertise with us, and hope you found this an inspiring episode. If you'd like to be a part of sustaining this podcast, you can do that so easily! Click here to give a one-off or regular gift at www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

On this week’s episode, we’re thinking about what we learn from our parents, looking at how our children learn from us, and what that can teach us about how we learn from our Heavenly Father. Dr Anita Devi is our guest today. Anita brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from her career in education. She is an education consultant, author, former SENCO, senior leader and school improvement advisor; her teaching career spans from early years to postgraduate education, in the UK and abroad. We are delighted Anita has joined us today to share some insights from her multi-faith background, as well as from her knowledge of child development, how we learn and special educational needs. Like all our episodes this season, today's conversation is loosely based around a chapter from Anna's insightful new book, Being God's Child. Due for release on 21.7.23, you can pre-order it here: https://www.brfonline.org.uk/products/being-gods-child-a-parents-guide? Links: - To connect with Dr Anita Devi: https://www.teamadl.uk/Anita-Devi/ - The Life you Never Expected (Andrew and Rachel Wilson): https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/family/parenting/the-life-you-never-expected/ - Care for the Family additional needs support: https://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/support-for-you/family-life/parent-support/additional-needs-support/ We hope you enjoyed the insights Dr Anita Devi brought to today’s episode. It is such a joy to produce a weekly podcast to encourage and equip parents, carers and leaders of children and young people. More and more people are finding us every week. Will you join us as we get this important content out there? Each episode costs money to produce, and you can be part of this exciting opportunity by giving a one-off or regular gift at www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.

We were so honoured this week to chat with Dr Naomi Graham, occupational therapist and founder of Growing Hope, a charity which offers free therapy to children with additional needs, as well as support to their families, all through the local church. We all seek parental love, comfort and protection - but sometimes there are challenges to experiencing that. Naomi chats about these challenges, as well as the huge lessons to be learnt from our children about how we relate to God and seek his love too. Like all our episodes this season, today's conversation is loosely based around a chapter from Anna's insightful new book, Being God's Child. Due for release on 21.7.23, you can pre-order it here: https://www.brfonline.org.uk/products/being-gods-child-a-parents-guide? Links: - Growing Hope charity: https://growinghope.org.uk/ - When Dreams Change course (for parents): https://growinghope.org.uk/wdcreferrals/ - Siblings Group: https://growinghope.org.uk/siblings/ - Naomi's book: Love Surpassing Knowledge: https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/understanding-the-faith/general-theological-issues/love-surpassing-knowledge/ It is so refreshing to hear of a Christian seeking to share God's love in such practical ways, using their professional qualifications and experience. If you were encouraged today, would you consider making a small donation to support this podcast? Each episode of the Parenting for Faith podcast takes a small team to put together: inviting and briefing guests, writing questions, conducting the interview, creating marketing assets and promoting widely. We are so grateful for your support, without which all this couldn't happen. Find out more about giving a one-off or regular gift at www.brf.org.uk/get-involved/give/ Parenting for Faith is part of the charity, BRF. We are reliant on donations from individuals and churches to make our resources available to as many people as possible. We are grateful for all donations, big or small. They make a real difference. Thank you so much for partnering with us.