The Gospel Shaped Family Podcast

Who Shapes Your Child’s Worldview? Exploring the Five Greatest Influencers in the Life of a Child

Most parents want to pass on a strong faith, but many feel pulled in different directions as culture competes for their child’s attention. In this Worldview Wednesday conversation from American Family Radio, Josh explains the five major influences that shape a child’s worldview. Parents, grandparents, teachers, peers, and the church all play a part. Josh and Dr. Jessica Peck walk through the research and share practical ways to be intentional in each area.
This episode helps parents and grandparents recognize where their child is being shaped every day and why a passive approach is not enough. You will hear real stories, common struggles families face, and clear steps to guide children toward a biblical worldview. If you want your home to be a place where faith grows and truth is lived out, this conversation gives you a strong starting point.
Key themes include parental influence, the power of grandparents, education choices, media and screen time, and the church’s role in grounding children in 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 

Building a Strong Marriage: Practical Steps for Husbands and Wives

A strong marriage is one of the greatest gifts parents can give their children. In this episode, Josh and Jen share their own story of 25 years together and discuss the habits, decisions, and biblical principles that have kept their relationship steady through every season. They talk about prioritizing one another, learning to forgive quickly, guarding unity, and protecting marriage from the subtle drift that often happens during the busy years of parenting.
You will hear how Scripture defines the heart of marriage, why oneness matters, and how to build a home where both husband and wife serve one another with joy. They also discuss common challenges couples face and offer practical ways to strengthen communication, deepen trust, and bring more life into the everyday moments of marriage.
This episode gives couples a simple roadmap for growing a marriage that honors God, blesses children, and stands firm when life feels demanding or uncertain.
 
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 
 

What is Biblical Worldview? Six Truths Every Child Must Understand About God’s Word

This episode explains why a child’s worldview shapes every part of life and why parents must take an active role in forming it. Josh walks through what a worldview is, how early it develops, and why kids absorb cultural messages long before parents expect. You will hear how Scripture provides clarity, purpose, and stability in a world where truth is often treated as personal preference.
Josh also outlines six truths children need to understand about God’s Word so they can stand firm as they grow. The conversation gives parents simple steps to begin shaping their child's beliefs at any age, with encouragement for families who feel they are starting late. The goal is to help you guide your children toward a steady, Scripture-rooted view of 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 

When Children Have Crushes: A Biblical Guide for Parents

Crushes begin earlier than many parents expect. Elementary-aged children experience a spark of interest and often have no idea what to do with their feelings. In this episode, Josh and Jen talk about how to guide these early attractions with clarity and wisdom. They explain why crushes are normal, what they reveal about the heart, and how parents can use these moments to shape a child’s view of marriage and relationships.
You will hear how the Bible frames desire, why timing matters, and how Song of Songs helps parents understand when not to awaken love. Josh and Jen share practical conversations they have had with their own children, including how to spot character, how to name feelings without being ruled by them, and how to keep the door open for honest questions.
This episode gives parents a simple way to walk beside their children with wisdom and warmth. It reminds us that crushes are not something to fear. They are invitations to talk about the kind of men and women our children are becoming.
 
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 

Why Worldview Matters: Reasons Why Every Child Needs a Biblical Worldview

In this special episode, Dr. Josh Mulvihill joins Dr. Jessica Peck on American Family Radio’s Dr. Nurse Mama Show to talk about one of the most urgent needs in Christian parenting today—helping children develop a biblical worldview.
Josh shares from his book Biblical Worldview: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Shape the Worldview of the Next Generation, explaining how parents and grandparents can become the primary spiritual influencers in their families. Together, they discuss why the home—not culture, schools, or media—needs to be where faith is formed and passed on, and what it looks like to raise children who trust God’s Word in a world filled with competing voices.
You’ll also hear practical encouragement for building family habits that strengthen faith: reading Scripture together, praying for your children by name, and cultivating relationships that reflect authentic love for Christ.
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or mentor, this conversation will equip you with hope and tools to help the next generation see life through the lens 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 

Healthy in the New Year: How to Remove Processed Foods from Your Family’s Diet

Many families want to eat healthier, but it is hard to know where to start. In this episode, Josh and Jen share the story behind their shift to real food, why they changed their lifestyle, and how they began removing processed foods from their home. Their journey started with simple swaps and grew into raising their own meat, dairy, and eggs. You will hear the practical steps that helped them make lasting change and why it matters for health, stewardship, and family life.
They explain the difference between real food and ultra processed food, why so much of the modern diet creates problems for families, and how Christians can think wisely about caring for their bodies. You will also learn ten simple steps for moving from processed foods to real foods without feeling overwhelmed.
If you want to give your family a healthier year or need a realistic plan for getting processed foods out of your home, this episode gives you a clear starting point you can use right away.
 
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 

Setting Biblical Goals for Your Family in the New Year

The start of a new year provides a natural moment to pause, look at the past season, and set clear goals for the months ahead. In this episode, Josh and Jen share how they assess their home, pray together, and make a simple plan for the growth of each child. Their approach is practical and grounded in Scripture, with a focus on stewardship, purpose, and unity as a couple.
You will learn how to create a small parenting retreat, ask the right questions, and use ten key categories to guide your goals for discipleship and family life. Josh and Jen also walk through real examples from their own home, from spiritual habits to character growth to life skills their children need.
If you want a clearer direction for your family, or you feel the years moving faster than you can keep up, this conversation can help you slow down, think with intention, and prepare for a stronger year of family discipleship.
 
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 

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.