The Gospel Shaped Family Podcast

5 Reasons Your Family Should Drink Raw Milk

In this episode, we discuss why our family chose to transition from store-bought dairy to raw milk. We explore the health benefits, the history of pasteurization, and how this choice fits into a lifestyle of biblical stewardship and natural living.
Many parents find that conventional dairy causes digestive issues or allergies. We share our personal journey with these challenges and explain how real, unprocessed milk has improved our family's well-being. Discover how choosing whole, real foods can help you build a healthy foundation for your home.
Book 50 Things Every Child Needs to Know Before Leaving Home: https://bit.ly/50thingspc
Renewanation: https://bit.ly/rangsfpc 
Gospel Shaped Family Homepage: https://bit.ly/gsfhpc 

Navigating the Exciting World of Teen Driving

Teaching a teenager to drive is a significant milestone that often brings a mix of excitement and anxiety for parents. In this episode, Josh and Jen Mulvihill discuss the changing landscape of teen driving, noting that many young people are delaying getting their licenses compared to previous generations. They explore the cultural shifts behind this trend, such as screen-based living and higher costs, and encourage parents to view driving as a key rite of passage into adulthood.
The conversation provides practical strategies for navigating this season, from modeling good habits behind the wheel to establishing clear expectations for car expenses and safety. You will hear about the importance of tailoring instruction to each child’s unique maturity level and ensuring they gain experience in all weather conditions. Whether your child is years away from driving or currently in the training phase, this episode offers biblical wisdom to help you lead your teen toward responsibility and independence.
Book 50 Things Every Child Needs to Know Before Leaving Home: https://bit.ly/50thingspc
Renewanation: https://bit.ly/rangsfpc 
Gospel Shaped Family Homepage: https://bit.ly/gsfhpc 

When Should I Give My Child a Cell Phone?

When should a child get a cell phone? For many parents, the pressure starts earlier than expected. In this episode, Josh and Jen Mulvihill address the question honestly and directly, explaining why their answer is often very different from the cultural norm. They walk through common reasons parents give for early phone access and explain why those reasons deserve closer scrutiny. 
Josh and Jen share their own family experience, including decisions they would change if they could. They explain why a smartphone is not just a phone, but an entire world of adult access placed into a child’s hands. They also discuss why responsibility, not age or peer pressure, should guide the decision, and why they chose to delay phones until driving years.
The episode also highlights key research from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, exploring how screen-based childhood has reshaped attention, sleep, social development, and mental health. Parents will walk away with a clear framework, practical boundaries, and encouragement to choose a slower, more intentional path.
Book 50 Things Every Child Needs to Know Before Leaving Home: https://bit.ly/50thingspc
Renewanation: https://bit.ly/rangsfpc 
Gospel Shaped Family Homepage: https://bit.ly/gsfhpc 
 

Children and Sleepovers: Biblical Wisdom for Parents

Should your child be allowed to attend sleepovers? It’s a common question for Christian parents, and one that often stirs strong opinions. In this episode, Josh and Jen Mulvihill walk through the issue carefully, distinguishing between biblical commands and parental wisdom. They explain why Scripture does not give a direct rule, but why parents still need to think clearly about risk, vulnerability, and responsibility. 
Drawing on pastoral experience, family decisions, and insights from James Dobson, they discuss real concerns parents often overlook, including exposure to sexual abuse, unmonitored media, unhealthy conversations, and situations that tend to happen late at night when adult oversight fades. They also explain why their family chose a clear, consistent rule and how that decision actually created freedom rather than conflict.
This conversation is not about fear or legalism. It is about protecting children, preserving innocence, and choosing what is wise when the risks outweigh the benefits. Parents will come away with a framework to help them make thoughtful, confident decisions for their own families.
Book 50 Things Every Child Needs to Know Before Leaving Home: https://bit.ly/50thingspc
Renewanation: https://bit.ly/rangsfpc 
Gospel Shaped Family Homepage: https://bit.ly/gsfhpc 
 

Digital Discipleship: Navigating Screens with Biblical Clarity

The issue of technology is the most common concern for parents today. Children in the digital age are growing up as "digital natives," often spending between seven and nine hours a day in front of screens. Dr. Josh Mulvihill joins Dr. Jessica Peck to discuss how media acts as a form of digital discipleship, shaping the hearts and minds of the next generation.
Instead of responding with fear or guilt, parents are encouraged to lead with intentionality and ask better questions about what is shaping their children. This conversation offers practical guidance on setting healthy boundaries, such as delaying smartphones and social media as long as possible. By providing compelling real-life alternatives and maintaining strong relationships, parents can steward technology for God's glory.
Key takeaways include understanding the power of algorithms in forming worldviews and the importance of having a predetermined plan for media usage in the home. Dr. Mulvihill emphasizes that while screens can be useful tools, they require proper guidance and training to prevent them from replacing essential flesh-and-blood relationships.
Book 50 Things Every Child Needs to Know Before Leaving Home: https://bit.ly/50thingspc
Renewanation: https://bit.ly/rangsfpc 
Gospel Shaped Family Homepage: https://bit.ly/gsfhpc 

15 Reasons We Homeschool Our Children

Every family makes an education choice, but few slow down to ask what Scripture actually says about education, discipleship, and responsibility. In this episode, Josh and Jen Mulvihill share the real reasons they chose to homeschool their children and how that decision shaped their family life, faith, and daily rhythms. 
Drawing from personal experience as parents, educators, and as a pastor, they walk through fifteen practical reasons for home education. Topics include parental responsibility, worldview formation, academics, socialization, family time, flexibility, and why education is never neutral. This conversation is not about pressure or perfection, but about helping parents think clearly and biblically. 
Whether you are considering homeschooling, already walking this path, or simply want to think more carefully about how education shapes discipleship, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a framework for wise decision-making.
Book 50 Things Every Child Needs to Know Before Leaving Home: https://bit.ly/50thingspc
Renewanation: https://bit.ly/rangsfpc 
Gospel Shaped Family Homepage: https://bit.ly/gsfhpc 

How to Help a Child Develop a Biblical Worldview: Guard Against False Ideas

In this Biblical Worldview episode, Josh and Jessica talk about one of the biggest challenges facing families today. Every child is being shaped by something, and if parents are not intentional, culture will do the shaping for them. Drawing from Colossians 2, they explain how children can be taken captive by false ideas and why grounding them in Scripture is the only way to provide clarity in a confused world. They describe how worldview formation affects identity, purpose, and daily decisions, and how even church environments can introduce ideas that need to be tested against God’s Word. 
Josh walks through common counterfeit beliefs children encounter, the “isms” Paul warned about, and why families must teach truth first and then help children discern error. They explore topics children face today, from social justice slogans to gender questions to the search for meaning and identity. Jessica shares real conversations with teens who struggle to know what is true in a digital world that constantly distorts reality. This episode gives parents and grandparents simple steps for building discernment, talking about hard issues, and strengthening a child’s confidence in Scripture. 
 
Book 50 Things Every Child Needs to Know Before Leaving Home: https://bit.ly/50thingspc
 
Renewanation: https://bit.ly/rangsfpc 
 
Gospel Shaped Family Homepage: https://bit.ly/gsfhpc 
 
Culture Proof Podcast: https://podcast.cultureproof.net/ 
 
The Dr. Nurse Mama Show: https://www.drnursemama.com/show 
 

4 Biblical Characteristics of Discipling Children

What does discipleship actually look like in everyday family life? In this episode, Josh and Jen Mulvihill break down four biblical characteristics that shape children into lifelong followers of Christ. Instead of vague ideas, they offer a clear framework parents can apply at home.
Using the picture of a four-legged chair, they walk through worship, work, study, and service. These rhythms help children love God, develop character, think biblically, and live for others. The conversation includes practical examples from their own family, including family worship, chores, learning habits, and serving together in the church.
If you are a parent or church leader wondering how to disciple children with clarity and purpose, this episode provides a simple, biblical path forward that is both realistic and sustainable.
Book 50 Things Every Child Needs to Know Before Leaving Home: https://bit.ly/50thingspc
Renewanation: https://bit.ly/rangsfpc 
Gospel Shaped Family Homepage: https://bit.ly/gsfhpc 
 
Bible in 365: https://bit.ly/b365gsfpc 
 

6 Ways to Help Children Live According to God’s Word: Training Children to Read and Study God’s Word

This Biblical Worldview episode focuses on one of the most practical needs in every Christian home. Josh and Jessica talk through how children form their beliefs, why those beliefs shape every part of life, and why Bible reading must begin early if kids are going to build a lasting faith. They explain how worldview is formed piece by piece and why Scripture is the foundation that keeps children steady in a shifting culture. 
The conversation moves through real stories, current research, and simple habits that help kids read and apply the Bible. Josh shares the LifeWay findings showing that regular Bible reading in childhood is the strongest predictor of lasting faith. He also gives practical guidance for building rhythms at home, choosing study tools, and teaching children to understand doctrine with clarity and confidence. This episode gives parents and grandparents a workable path to help children know God’s Word and live it out with conviction and joy. 
 
Book 50 Things Every Child Needs to Know Before Leaving Home: https://bit.ly/50thingspc
 
Renewanation: https://bit.ly/rangsfpc 
 
Gospel Shaped Family Homepage: https://bit.ly/gsfhpc 
 
Culture Proof Podcast: https://podcast.cultureproof.net/ 
 
The Dr. Nurse Mama Show: https://www.drnursemama.com/show 

What’s the Big Deal About Grandparenting: A Conversation with Larry Fowler

In this episode of the Gospel Shaped Family Podcast, Dr. Josh and Jen Mulvihill welcome Larry Fowler, founder of The Legacy Coalition, to discuss the vital role grandparents play in the spiritual life of their families. Larry shares from his 50 years of experience in children’s ministry to explain why grandparenting is far more than just a supporting role—it is a biblical calling to impact grandchildren for Christ. Whether you are a parent navigating extended family relationships, a new grandparent, or have been in the role for years, this conversation will help you understand the profound influence you have on your family’s legacy.
Larry and the Mulvihills explore practical ways to build and maintain strong relationships with adult children and grandchildren while passing on a biblical worldview. You will hear about the importance of intentional traditions, tips for parents to better connect with grandparents, and details about the upcoming Legacy Coalition conference. Join us as we learn how to shape hearts and homes around the gospel by empowering grandparents to become active spiritual influencers.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the biblical mandate for grandparents to disciple the next generation.
Practical advice for new grandparents on building lasting relationships.
How to maintain a legacy of faith through family traditions and gospel-centered conversations
 
Book 50 Things Every Child Needs to Know Before Leaving Home: https://bit.ly/50thingspc
Renewanation: https://bit.ly/rangsfpc 
Gospel Shaped Family Homepage: https://bit.ly/gsfhpc