The Gospel Shaped Family Podcast

What the Bible Says About Marijuana, Adulthood, and the Sabbath

In this Ask Josh and Jen episode of the Gospel Shaped Family Podcast, Josh and Jen answer three real questions from listeners—about marijuana use, when children become adults, and how to keep the Sabbath as a family.
They start by examining marijuana according to the Bible, explaining why recreational use doesn’t align with Christian sobriety and what Scripture teaches about medical use and self-control. Next, they tackle the question of adulthood—when it begins, how responsibility prepares children for it, and why our culture often delays maturity. Finally, they explore what it means to rest as God intended, offering practical ways to make one day each week look different from the rest.
In this episode:
Is marijuana use a sin or a wisdom issue?
How to talk with kids about drugs and self-control
Why responsibility—not age—defines adulthood
Practical ways to honor the Sabbath as a family
How weekly rest reminds us of our eternal rest in Christ
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 
 
Culture Proof Podcast: https://podcast.cultureproof.net/ 
 
Air-Popped Popcorn Popper: https://amzn.to/3LCzops
 
White Truffle Salt: https://amzn.to/4p9CUpA
Some links are Amazon affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy through them.

Why Child-Led Parenting Fails and Marriage as a Capstone is Problematic

In this episode of the Gospel Shaped Family Podcast, Josh and Jen address two cultural ideas shaping modern homes—child-led parenting and marriage as a capstone—and help listeners think through both from a biblical perspective.
They discuss why giving children authority in the home leads to confusion, inconsistency, and spiritual harm, and how Scripture calls parents to lovingly lead with truth and discipline that produces holiness.
Then, they turn to the growing trend of delaying marriage as a personal achievement rather than viewing it as a foundation for life. With biblical wisdom and real-life experience, Josh and Jen show why early marriage often leads to stronger families, shared growth, and deeper faith.
In this episode:
What “child-led” parenting gets wrong about human nature
Why biblical discipline is about holiness, not control
How the “capstone” view of marriage distorts God’s design
Research showing the benefits of early marriage
How parents can model God’s order and authority in the 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 
 
Bible in 365: https://bit.ly/b365gsfpc 
 
SchoolHouse Rocked Podcast: https://www.schoolhouserocked.com/episodes 
 
Child Led Parenting: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/10/27/were-doing-child-led-parenting
 
Marriage as a Capstone vs Cornerstone: https://praxiscircle.com/blog/marriage-capstone-event-or-cornerstone-for-life
Marry Early and Flourish Together:  https://ifstudies.org/blog/marry-early-and-flourish-together 
Is Marrying Later Always Better?: https://nationalmarriageproject.org/2022-state-our-unions 
Servant Not Savior by Levi Secord: https://amzn.to/3LLduQK
The Flip Side of Feminism by Suzanne Venker: https://amzn.to/49qr0TI
How to Build a Better Life by Suzanne Venker: https://amzn.to/43BlXvZ
Some links are Amazon affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy through them.

Three Christ-Centered Christmas Traditions for Your Family

What if your Christmas traditions did more than create memories—what if they pointed your family to Christ?
In this episode, Josh and Jen share three simple, timeless traditions that have shaped their family’s Christmas celebrations for more than twenty years. These ideas are meaningful, practical, and work for every stage of family life—from young children to college-age children and even grandchildren.
You’ll learn how to make Scripture reading, music, and worship central to the holiday season with traditions that cost little but leave a lasting spiritual impact. Josh and Jen also explain the true meaning of Advent—why the longing for Christ’s coming still speaks to every heart today—and how to celebrate it intentionally.
Whether you’re starting new habits or refreshing old ones, this episode will help your family focus on what matters most: celebrating the coming of Christ with joy and purpose.
 
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 
 
Culture Proof Podcast: https://podcast.cultureproof.net/ 
 
Legend of the Candy Cane:https://amzn.to/480OE6L
 
If He Had Not Come: https://amzn.to/4oHy8zL
 
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: https://amzn.to/4pfXRiz
 
The Family Under the Bridge: https://amzn.to/43zh6eN
 
Behold the Lamb of God Music: https://amzn.to/4805hzB
 
Some links are Amazon affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy through them.

Discipling Children in a Secularized World: A Conversation with John Piper, Mark Vroegop, David Michael, and Josh Mulvihill

How do we raise children who love God in a culture that no longer acknowledges Him? In this special episode recorded at The Gospel Coalition’s annual Conference, Dr. Josh Mulvihill joins John Piper, Mark Vroegop, and David Michael for a rich conversation about family discipleship in a secular age.
 
Together, they discuss how secularism shapes the way our children think and how parents and churches can counter that influence by modeling authentic faith, cultivating joy in God, and keeping the Bible at the center of daily life. From practical parenting advice to heartfelt stories of faith and perseverance, this episode helps families understand that discipleship isn’t about behavior modification—it’s about heart transformation.
 
You’ll walk away encouraged to lead your family toward a deeper love for Christ and equipped with wisdom to navigate a culture that often pulls hearts away from Him.
 
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 

The Ultimate Christian Christmas Gift Guide for Kids and Teens

It’s Christmas time, and Josh and Jen are talking all things gift-giving! In this fun and practical episode, the Mulvihills share meaningful Christmas gift ideas that go beyond the latest fads and focus on spiritual growth, lifelong usefulness, and family connection.
Discover how to give gifts that help your children grow in faith and character—from Bibles and classic book series to heirloom-quality tools, instruments, and cookbooks that shape young men and women for life. You’ll also hear how their family keeps Christmas day centered on Christ through shared traditions, time together, and generosity that reflects the gospel.
If you’re a parent or grandparent wondering what to buy this year, you’ll walk away inspired and equipped with timeless gift ideas for every age.
Subscribe now and join us as we shape hearts, homes, and churches around the gospel one conversation at a time. Check us out on YouTube, Rumble and anywhere you get audio podcasts.
Subscribe now and join us as we shape hearts, homes, and churches around the gospel one conversation at a time. Check us out on YouTube, Rumble and anywhere you get audio podcasts.
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 
SchoolHouse Rocked Podcast: https://www.schoolhouserocked.com/episodes 
 
Gift Guide Links:
 
Bibles and Bible Accessories:
The Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes, 1981 Edition: https://amzn.to/3JEDTiH
The Big Picture Story Bible: https://amzn.to/3K6cOFa
The Learn to Read Bible: https://amzn.to/4p4kY0d
The Biggest Story Bible: https://amzn.to/4a3U0Rk
ESV Study Bible: https://amzn.to/3K9LIwR
MacArthur Study Bible: https://amzn.to/3LL2HGj
ESV Journaling Bible Set: https://amzn.to/3X1qQL6
Illuminated Scripture Journal Set: https://amzn.to/43A8iFy
Ultra-Fine Micron Bible Pens: https://amzn.to/49Xs7dK
Bible Highlighters: https://amzn.to/4nWpgFj
Bible Book Tabs: https://amzn.to/4i1M316
 
Books to shape your child’s character:
Wingfeater Saga: https://amzn.to/4r6752N
The Chronicles of Narnia Set: https://amzn.to/3JEFWDp
Little House, complete set: https://amzn.to/3X1U0dc
The Moffats: https://amzn.to/48kUhOE
The Mysterious Benedict Society Set: https://amzn.to/47VDW2Z
The Complete James Herriot Set: https://amzn.to/44f8j1I
The Princess and the Goblin: https://amzn.to/4pjd3M1
Father Brown Mysteries: https://amzn.to/3XAOPks
Kingdom Series: https://amzn.to/43z9MQl
Book embosser https://amzn.to/3K3IM4V
Some links are Amazon affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy through them.
 

Helping Children Read and Understand the Bible | Inductive Study Made Simple

The Bible is the foundation of our faith, yet it’s often misunderstood or misapplied. How can parents help their children not only read the Bible but also interpret it correctly? In this episode of the Gospel Shaped Family Podcast, Josh and Jen Mulvihill share biblical principles and practical tools for guiding children into a faithful understanding of God’s Word.
You’ll learn how to teach observation, interpretation, and application through inductive Bible study. Josh and Jen explain why context matters, how Scripture interprets Scripture, and how to avoid twisting verses to fit our own ideas. They also highlight the importance of family discipleship practices that anchor children in truth rather than confusion.
Discover simple steps and study tools—commentaries, dictionaries, concordances, and atlases—that can equip your children to handle God’s Word with confidence and grow in wisdom.
 
Subscribe now and join us as we shape hearts, homes, and churches around the gospel one conversation at a time. Check us out on YouTube, Rumble and anywhere you get audio podcasts.
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 
 
Some links are Amazon affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy through them.
 
ESV Spiral-Bound Journaling Bible:https://amzn.to/4o8l59M
 
The New Strong's Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible: https://amzn.to/4nNEUno
 
Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: 7 Volume Set: https://amzn.to/4h1AXZm
 
Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 Volume Set): https://a.co/d/bZqu4y8 
 
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary: https://amzn.to/3WxPEde
 
Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth: https://amzn.to/4q2wPg0
 

Teaching Children Manners and Etiquette: Practical Skills for Parents

Holidays and family gatherings often bring out the best and sometimes the worst in behavior. How can parents prepare their children to navigate social situations with grace and respect? In this episode of the Gospel Shaped Family Podcast, Josh and Jen share why teaching manners matters and how it reflects the dignity of others made in God’s image
They outline ten essential etiquette skills every child should know, from saying “please” and “thank you” to practicing table manners and making introductions. You’ll also hear practical ways to train children, including simple practice at home, recommended books like Manners Begin at Breakfast and Emily Post’s Etiquette, and even community etiquette classes
Whether it’s preparing for holiday dinners or everyday interactions, this conversation offers biblical wisdom and hands-on strategies to help children grow into respectful, considerate adults.
 
Subscribe now and join us as we shape hearts, homes, and churches around the gospel one conversation at a time. Check us out on YouTube, Rumble and anywhere you get audio podcasts.
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 
 
Some links are Amazon affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy through them.
 
Manners Begin at Breakfast: Modern Etiquette for Families: https://amzn.to/4h5uj4z
 
Emily Post's Etiquette, 19th Edition: Manners for Today:https://amzn.to/4h7xc50
 
Twice Freed by Patricia St. John https://amzn.to/4h5cyCo
 
Patricia St. John Box Set https://amzn.to/3KFhAtc

Cultivating a Purposeful Thanksgiving Holiday | Family Discipleship Ideas

Thanksgiving is one of the most meaningful times of the year—but it can easily slip by with little more than food, football, and family. In this episode of the Gospel Shaped Family Podcast, Josh and Jen Mulvihill share how to make Thanksgiving intentional by centering the holiday on Christ.
You’ll hear practical ways to bring Scripture, gratitude, and worship into your celebration. From reading Psalms and writing notes of thanks, to meaningful family activities like the ABC’s of Thanksgiving and serving others together, these ideas help shift the focus back to God’s goodness.
Discover how to make your Thanksgiving table more than a meal, but an opportunity to disciple your children and grandchildren, pass down biblical truth, and create lasting faith-filled traditions.
Subscribe now and join us as we shape hearts, homes, and churches around the gospel one conversation at a time. Check us out on YouTube, Rumble and anywhere you get audio podcasts.
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 
 
Some links are Amazon affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy through them.
 
The Thanksgiving Book: https://amzn.to/47370Ul
 
Heed the Pilgrims: https://amzn.to/4mTCG4s
 
Of Plymouth Plantation: https://amzn.to/4ofm0Wm
 
The Thanksgiving Story: https://amzn.to/3IBeciv

Helping Children Build Godly Friendships That Last

Friendships shape our children in powerful ways. They can bring great joy or deep hurt, and many parents wonder how to guide their children toward lasting, godly relationships. In this episode, Josh and Jen share practical steps families can take to help children not only form healthy friendships but also sustain them over time.
From creating intentional opportunities at home to making the church the center of relationships, they walk through real examples of what has worked in their family. You’ll also hear how to train children to recognize godly qualities in others, how to balance friendships with non-believers, and why loving God first is the foundation for loving others well.
If you want to equip your children to cultivate meaningful, Christ-centered friendships, this conversation offers encouragement and practical guidance. Check us out on YouTube, Rumble and anywhere you get audio podcasts.
 
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 

Partnering with Grandparents: Biblical Guidance for Families

Grandparents are God’s good design for the family, not an afterthought. In this episode, Josh and Jen Mulvihill explore the vital role grandparents play in passing on faith and supporting parents in discipleship. You’ll hear stories from their own families, practical encouragement for parents, and biblical truth about the influence of grandparents.
Whether you’re a parent navigating grandparent relationships, a future grandparent thinking ahead, or a pastor seeking to equip families, this conversation offers clarity and hope. Discover what the Bible says about grandparents, how to handle family conflict wisely, and why opening the door for godly grandparents can strengthen the faith of the next generation.
Subscribe now and join us as we shape hearts, homes, and churches around the gospel one conversation at a time. Check us out on YouTube, Rumble and anywhere you get audio podcasts.
 
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