The Gospel Shaped Family Podcast

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 

Trusting the Sufficiency of Scripture: Learning to Apply God’s Word to Life

In this  Why Worldview Matters episode, Josh and Jessica explore a question every Christian family faces: Is the Bible enough for real life? They look at why the sufficiency of Scripture matters and how it shapes the way parents and grandparents make decisions, respond to cultural messages, and guide their children. They describe why so many families look everywhere except the Bible for help, and why Scripture offers the clarity, stability, and wisdom our homes need. 
Drawing from Psalm 19 and 2 Timothy, the conversation breaks down six ways God’s Word is sufficient for life. Josh explains how Scripture restores the soul, brings wisdom, produces joy, gives light in dark places, and stands firm when everything else shifts. This episode gives parents practical encouragement for turning to the Bible first, teaching their children to do the same, and building a home where God’s truth is applied with confidence.
 
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 
 

How to Teach Children a Biblical View of Money

Money shapes daily life for every family, yet many parents feel unsure how to teach their children to handle it wisely. In this episode of the Gospel Shaped Family Podcast, Josh and Jen Mulvihill walk through how to ground money conversations in Scripture rather than culture. They explain why money is a heart issue, not just a practical one, and how early habits shape lifelong faith and stewardship. 
You will hear five core biblical principles that help children see money as a tool, not a master. Topics include work, generosity, contentment, debt, and wisdom. Josh and Jen also share real examples from their own family, including jobs, small businesses, budgeting systems, and teaching kids to think carefully before spending.
Whether your children are young or approaching adulthood, this episode gives parents clear, practical ways to disciple their children financially while keeping Christ at the center. 
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 

Understanding the Authority of Scripture: Building a Case for the Trustworthiness of The Bible

This episode continues the Why Worldview Matters series and focuses on one issue every parent and grandparent must understand: the authority of Scripture. Josh and Jessica walk through why the Bible can be trusted, how its authority shapes a child’s worldview, and why families cannot rely on church attendance alone. They describe the crisis of worldview facing today’s kids and explain why parents need to take an intentional role in helping their children root their lives in God’s Word.
The conversation outlines eight reasons the Bible is the Word of God, from manuscript evidence and archaeology to fulfilled prophecy and the unity of Scripture’s message. They share personal stories of facing challenges to the Bible’s authority and how to help children stand firm when Scripture is questioned. This episode gives families simple, practical ways to build their home on the truth of God’s Word.
 
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 

How to Help Your Child Love Reading: Building a Christian Home Shaped by Great Books

Many parents want their children to love reading but feel unsure where to start. In this episode, Josh and Jen Mulvihill explain why a love for books does not begin with pressure or early academics, but with shared stories, patient guidance, and a family culture that values reading.
You will learn why reading aloud matters at every age, how waiting to teach reading can actually help struggling learners, and how parents model a lifelong love of books. Josh and Jen also discuss choosing books that shape imagination and worldview, encouraging physical books over screens, and using biographies and classic stories to build faith.
This conversation offers practical guidance for parents, homeschool families, and church leaders who want to raise children who love truth, think deeply, and grow in wisdom through great books.
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 

Helping Children Develop a Love for the Bible: Beginning with a Strong Foundation

This episode continues the Why Worldview Matters series and focuses on one of the most important pieces of a child’s faith: helping them develop a deep love for the Bible. Josh and Jessica talk about why Scripture must be the foundation of every child’s worldview and why parents cannot assume their children will believe the Bible is true. They walk through common misconceptions, the reliability of Scripture, and the danger of neglecting God’s Word.
They also share personal stories about how their own love for the Bible was shaped, why Scripture has endured through history, and why it has changed so many lives. The conversation gives parents and grandparents practical encouragement for building a home where the Bible is read, trusted, and lived.
Key takeaways include how to talk with children about where the Bible came from, why it is trustworthy, and how doctrines like inerrancy, authority, and sufficiency guide everyday life.
 
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 

A Parent’s Guide to Children’s and Youth Ministry | Biblical Discernment for Christian Families

Children’s and youth ministry has become the default approach in many churches, but few parents stop to ask what role it should actually play in the discipleship of their children. In this episode, Josh and Jen Mulvihill walk through the history of age-based ministry and explain the different forms it has taken over the years.
They offer a clear, Scripture-centered framework to help parents think carefully about children’s and youth ministry without dismissing its value. You will learn how family-first discipleship shapes healthy engagement with the church, why corporate worship matters, and how ministries should function as a supplement rather than a replacement.
This conversation equips parents to ask better questions, stay engaged, and take responsibility for the spiritual formation of their children. It is practical, thoughtful, and grounded in biblical priorities that help families navigate church life with confidence and clarity.
 
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