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Upside-Down Parenting

Summit Ministries

Do you feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of helping your kids see the world the way God does? Does parenting sometimes leave you feeling disoriented—like you're spinning upside-down?

You're not alone. We love our kids and want more than anything for them to grow up with flourishing faith. Each episode of this podcast will give you practical insight, biblical wisdom, and encouragement for the journey. We're here to walk through both the hard stuff and the everyday stuff with you. By connecting truth with relationships, we can create a powerful, lasting influence in a child's life. When our kids experience both—the clarity of biblical truth and the security of God's love, and yours—it creates a space for real transformation.

If parenting feels upside-down sometimes, that's okay—following God's design often is upside-down compared to everything around us, and that's exactly what makes it powerful.

Welcome to Upside-Down Parenting from Summit Ministries. Let's journey together.

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Friday · 26 min
How the Great Tech Reset Changed Our Family | Ep. 65
After spending several episodes exploring the challenges of raising kids in a technology-saturated world, what have we learned? What challenged our thinking? And what are we doing differently in our own families? Matt Jones, Janel Greig, and Aaron Klemm reflect on their biggest takeaways and how these conversations have changed the way they approach technology and parenting. Together, they discuss the importance of modeling healthy technology habits, setting intentional boundaries, and why it's okay for Christian families to make countercultural decisions about screens and smartphones. They also explore the growing influence of artificial intelligence, how technology can replace important opportunities for character formation, and why convenience isn't always what's best for our kids. Ultimately, a family tech reset isn't just about reducing screen time. It's about putting technology back in its proper place and making more room for relationships, discipleship, and the things that matter most. Whether you're just beginning to rethink your family's technology habits or have already started making changes, this conversation offers practical encouragement to take the next step. Ready to start your own family tech reset? Get your free copy of The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families by Arlene Pellicane at techresetbook.com.
October 2 · 29 min
Phones, Games & Phones, Oh My! Your Tech Questions Answered | Ep. 64
How can parents protect their kids online without parenting from fear? When does gaming become unhealthy? How should kids use AI without letting it do their thinking for them? In this special Q&A episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones, Janel Greig, and Aaron Klemm tackle some of the questions Christian parents are asking about raising kids in a technology-saturated world. They discuss online safety and exposure to inappropriate content, healthy boundaries around video games, responsible use of artificial intelligence, and how parents can prepare their kids for greater digital responsibility. But technology isn't the only challenge parents face. Matt, Janel, and Aaron also talk about discipline, responding when a teenager begins questioning or rejecting their faith, and the advice they wish they had received when they first became parents. Whether you're navigating smartphones, gaming, AI, faith questions, or everyday parenting decisions, this conversation offers practical encouragement for discipling your kids with wisdom, truth, and grace. Want to go deeper on technology in your home? Order your free copy of Arlene Pellicane's The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families at TechResetBook.com. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families—Arlene Pellicane *The Five Love Languages for Christian Parents: Loving Your Kids Well—Gary Chapman *Are Video Games Good for Kids? A Christian Parent's Guide—Stephen Mapstone *Every Screen Has a Gospel: How Technology Shapes What Your Child Loves, Trusts, & Worships—Danielle Smith
September 25 · 28 min
What Does the Bible Say About Technology? w/ Ryan Pauly | Ep. 63
Is technology just a neutral tool—or is it actually shaping who we and our children are becoming? Smartphones, social media, video games, and artificial intelligence are woven into nearly every part of our kids' lives. But before Christian parents can help their children navigate technology wisely, we need to ask a bigger question: What does the Bible say about technology? In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Ryan Pauly to explore a biblical worldview of technology. They discuss our identity as image-bearers and creators, whether technology is truly neutral, and how our devices can shape our habits, desires, relationships, and even the way we think. Ryan also explores what children may be losing as childhood increasingly moves from face-to-face relationships into digital spaces and how parents can think biblically about artificial intelligence. How can kids benefit from AI without outsourcing critical thinking, creativity, perseverance, and wisdom? Technology isn't going away. The goal isn't simply to embrace it or reject it, but to understand its shaping power and steward it wisely as we prepare our children for life in a technology-saturated world. Want to go deeper? Reclaim your family's attention for what matters most and help your children love real life with God and others more than the counterfeit world technology offers. Order your free copy of Summit's newest parenting resource, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families by Arlene Pellicane at TechResetBook.com. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families—Arlene Pellicane *From the Garden to the City: The Place of Technology in the Story of God—John Dyer *Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age—Samuel James *Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other—Sherry Turkle *AI & Our Kids: Parenting with Purpose in a Tech World—Todd Korpi
September 18 · 24 min
My Parents Limited My Screen Time. I'm Glad They Did w/ Noelle Pellicane | Ep. 62
What is it really like to grow up with parents who limit your screen time? In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Noelle Pellicane, daughter of The Great Tech Reset author Arlene Pellicane, to hear about technology boundaries from a kid's perspective. Noelle shares whether she ever felt left out, what filled her childhood instead of screens, and why she's now grateful for the boundaries her parents put in place. If you've ever wondered whether limiting technology will cause your kids to miss out, Noelle's story offers an encouraging look at what they might gain instead. Want to go deeper? Reclaim your family's attention for what matters most and help your children love real life with God and others more than the counterfeit world technology offers! Order your free copy of Summit's newest parenting resource, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families by Arlene Pellicane at TechResetBook.com. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families—Arlene Pellicane *Parent Kit: Navigating the World of Technology & Social Media *Technology: Tool or Tyrant?—Charlie Meo
September 11 · 29 min
How to Reset Your Family's Relationship with Tech w/ Arlene Pellicane | Ep. 61, Pt. 2
In Part 2 of our conversation with Arlene Pellicane, we move from awareness to action. What does it actually look like to reset your family's relationship with technology? Arlene joins Matt and Janel to share practical ways parents can establish healthy tech boundaries, navigate pushback from kids, create screen-free rhythms, and help children rediscover boredom, creativity, play, and face-to-face connection. They also discuss how parents can model healthy technology habits and navigate screens that may be necessary for school. If your family knows it's time for a tech reset but you're not sure where to begin, this conversation will help you take the first step. Want to go deeper? Reclaim your family's attention for what matters most and help your children love real life with God and others more than the counterfeit world technology offers! Order your free copy of Summit's newest parenting resource, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families by Arlene Pellicane. Get your copy at techresetbook.com. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families—Arlene Pellicane *The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness—Jonathan Haidt *Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones—James Clear *Transformative Household Habits for Families in God's Redemptive Story—Charlie Meo
September 4 · 26 min
Why We Need a Tech Reset w/ Arlene Pellicane | Ep. 60, Pt. 1
Technology is everywhere. It entertains our kids, connects them with friends, and makes life easier. But what is it actually doing to childhood? In this episode, Arlene Pellicane, author of The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families, explores how technology is shaping our kids' attention, anxiety, relationships, habits, and spiritual lives. Arlene unpacks the four "ABCD" harms of technology, explains why parents need to examine their own screen habits, and shares how healthy boundaries can actually bring greater freedom to the whole family. This isn't about fear, guilt, or getting rid of every screen. It's about helping your family develop a healthier, more intentional relationship with technology so your kids can flourish in the real world. Want to go deeper? Reclaim your family's attention for what matters most and help your children love real life with God and others more than the counterfeit world technology offers! Order your free copy of Summit's newest parenting resource, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families by Arlene Pellicane. Get your copy at techresetbook.com! Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families—Arlene Pellicane *How Technology Affects Us (and What to Do About It)—Timothy Fox *Screens and Teens: Connecting with Our Kids in a Wireless World—Kathy Koch
August 28 · 27 min
The Moments That Shaped Our Kids' Faith (And What We Learned as Parents) | Ep. 59
How do the everyday moments of parenting shape your child's faith? In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt and Janel share real stories about raising their kids and the lessons they've learned about Christian parenting, family discipleship, and modeling a biblical worldview. From Bible reading and family traditions to car-ride conversations, apologies, hospitality, and difficult questions about worldview, they explore how ordinary moments can have a lasting impact on a child's relationship with Jesus. You'll hear practical encouragement for modeling authentic faith, having meaningful conversations with your kids, teaching biblical truth, practicing forgiveness, and helping your children discover how God can use their gifts to serve others. Christian parenting isn't built on getting every moment right. It's built through a lifetime of faithful, everyday discipleship. Your kids are watching, learning, and being shaped by how you follow Jesus. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *How Parents' Modeling Faith Shapes Their Child's Beliefs—Dr. Jason Barker *Christianity Tells a Better Story Than "Love Is Love"—Christopher L. Reese *Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good—Steven Garber
August 21 · 26 min
You Can't Parent Alone: The Holy Spirit's Role in Raising Kids | Ep. 58
As Christian parents, it's easy to feel responsible for making our kids believe the right things, make the right choices, and follow Jesus. But changing your child's heart isn't your job. In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig explore the role of the Holy Spirit in parenting. They discuss how the Spirit guides, convicts, teaches, and transforms us, why parents should resist the temptation to control outcomes, and how Scripture, prayer, and repentance help us depend on the Spirit in everyday parenting. You're called to faithfully love, teach, model, discipline, encourage, and pray for your children. But only God can transform their hearts. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *Who Is the Holy Spirit & What Does He Do? *What is the Trinity? *Spiritual Disciplines Series: Prayer – Part 1
August 14 · 23 min
Simple Habits for Raising Resilient, Joy-Filled Kids w/ Dr. Marcus Warner | Ep. 57, Pt. 2
How can Christian parents raise resilient, joy-filled kids who know how to handle big emotions, bounce back from difficult experiences, and grow in wisdom? In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Marcus Warner, author of The Four Habits of Raising Joy-Filled Kids, Matt Jones and Janel Greig explore practical Christian parenting strategies for building emotional resilience in children. Dr. Warner explains how relational joy helps kids "build bounce" and develop the emotional strength to recover from life's challenges. He also shares practical advice for disciplining children with care, helping toddlers navigate big emotions, correcting behavior without shame, and teaching children wisdom and self-control. In this episode, you'll learn: How to build resilience in your kids Why joy is essential for emotional development How to help children regulate big emotions Why correction and discipline aren't the same thing How to correct your child with care How relational parenting helps children develop wisdom and self-control Why parents can't pass on what they don't possess Raising resilient, faith-filled kids isn't about perfect parenting. It's about intentionally building joy, strengthening your relationship with your children, and helping them develop the emotional and spiritual foundations they need to flourish. If you're looking for practical biblical parenting advice for raising Christian kids in today's world, this conversation will encourage and equip you. Missed Part 1? Listen to our first conversation with Dr. Marcus Warner on the secret to raising joy-filled kids. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *The 4 Habits of Raising Joy-Filled Kids: A Simple Model for Developing Your Child's Maturity - at Every Stage—Chris Coursey and Marcus Warner *Building Bounce: How to Grow Emotional Resilience—Marcus Warner and Stefanie Hinman *Raising Resilient Kids: Interview with Alisa Childers
August 7 · 24 min
The Secret to Raising Joy-Filled Kids w/ Dr. Marcus Warner | Ep. 56, Pt. 1
Are your kids truly joyful—or just temporarily happy? Many parents wonder if they're doing enough to help their children develop a faith that lasts. According to Dr. Marcus Warner, one of the greatest gifts we can give our kids isn't another activity, achievement, or gadget—it's joy. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Dr. Marcus Warner, author of The Four Habits of Raising Joy-Filled Kids, to explore why joy is foundational to emotional resilience, healthy relationships, and lasting faith. In this episode, you'll discover: Why joy is different from happiness How unresolved trauma shapes the way we parent Why so many kids today are struggling emotionally The first habit of raising joy-filled kids: Attunement How to understand your child's emotions before rushing to fix them Why emotionally connected parenting builds resilience and lifelong faith Be sure to join us for Part 2, where Marcus unpacks the remaining three habits: Build, Correct with Care, and Develop Discipline Relationally. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *The 4 Habits of Raising Joy-Filled Kids: A Simple Model for Developing Your Child's Maturity - at Every Stage—Chris Coursey and Marcus Warner *The Anxious Generation: How the Gospel Offers Freedom & Hope—Dr. Jason Barker *What Is Joy?—Abby Debenedittis
July 31 · 26 min
Christian Parenting Q&A: Social Media, Horror Movies, & Raising Kids in a Divided Home | Ep. 55
Every parent has difficult questions—and today's episode tackles some of the biggest ones. In this Christian parenting Q&A, Matt Jones and Janel Greig answer real questions from parents about raising children in today's culture. They discuss how to faithfully disciple your children when your spouse doesn't share your faith, whether Christian families should allow horror movies, how to think biblically about social media and smartphones, and practical ways to help kids develop wisdom in a technology-driven world. Whether you're navigating digital parenting, entertainment choices, or spiritual leadership in your home, this conversation offers practical, biblical encouragement to help you parent with confidence. In this episode, you'll learn: How to raise children when you're the only Christian parent in the home Whether Christian kids should watch horror movies A biblical approach to social media and smartphones How to help your children develop discernment instead of simply following rules Practical encouragement for raising kids who thrive in today's culture If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent. Join us each week on Upside-Down Parenting as we help families raise children who thrive in God's upside-down Kingdom. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place—Andy Crouch *[Un]Intentional: How Screens Secretly Shape Your Desires, and How You Can Break Free—Doug Smith *Parent Kit: Navigating the World of Technology & Social Media *Wisely Engaging the Culture in the Way of Jesus—Adam Holz
July 24 · 35 min
The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected w/ Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini | Ep. 54
What happens when parenting doesn't unfold the way you expected? For parents raising a child with special needs, the journey often includes unexpected challenges, deep grief, incredible joy, and a daily dependence on God's grace. In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini, authors of The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected. After more than four decades of caring for a daughter with special needs, Joe and Cindi offer biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for families seeking to thrive—not merely survive—through the unique calling of special needs parenting. Together, they discuss how to embrace God's purpose in unexpected circumstances, strengthen your marriage, faithfully disciple your children while caring for a child with disabilities, build life-giving community, and trust that God is writing a meaningful story through every season. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, caregiver, ministry leader, or someone who wants to better support families with special needs, this conversation will encourage you with hope, wisdom, and practical next steps. In this episode: Embracing the life you never expected Parenting through grief, exhaustion, and uncertainty Modeling authentic faith in difficult seasons Celebrating the dignity and worth of every child Building a thriving marriage while caregiving The importance of church and community support Spiritual habits that sustain families for the long haul Finding purpose and hope in God's greater story Special needs parenting may not be the journey you planned—but you don't have to walk it alone. Be sure to send us your feedback and questions at: Podcast@Summit.org. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected—Joe and Cindi Ferrini *Unexpected Journey: When Special Needs Change Our Course—Joe and Cindi Ferrini *Eyes to See, Ears to Hear: Disability & The Kingdom of God—Charlie Meo
July 17 · 18 min
Raising Kids Who Can Discern the Truth in a Confusing World w/ Kathy Gibbens | Ep. 53, Pt. 2
How do you raise kids who can discern truth in a world full of competing voices? In Part 2 of our conversation with Kathy Gibbens, founder of Filter It Through a Brain Cell, Matt Jones and Janel Greig explore one of the most important skills Christian parents can cultivate: critical thinking rooted in a biblical worldview. Our children are constantly being shaped by social media, school, entertainment, and culture. Rather than simply giving them the "right answers," how can we equip them to ask wise questions, evaluate ideas, recognize truth from error, and develop a faith that remains strong under pressure? In this episode, you'll discover practical ways to make critical thinking part of everyday family life, create a home where questions are welcomed, and help your children become thoughtful, discerning followers of Jesus. In this episode: Why critical thinking is essential for a lasting faith Practical ways to teach your kids how to evaluate ideas How to respond when your children ask difficult questions about Christianity Common mistakes parents make when teaching discernment Helping kids navigate social media, school, and cultural messages wisely Building everyday habits that strengthen biblical thinking Whether your children are young or teenagers, this conversation will encourage and equip you to raise kids who don't just know what to believe—they know why they believe it. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent! Email us your questions at Podcast@Summit.org! Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *Filter It Through a Brain Cell—Kathy Gibbens *The Cognitive Tales: Volume 1: The biases that make us think too fast—S. L. Cressey *Mere Christianity—C. S. Lewis *Establishing a Biblical Worldview of AI—Dr. Maggie Pope
July 13 · 22 min
How to Teach Your Kids Critical Thinking (Without Losing Their Faith) w/ Kathy Gibbens | Ep. 52, Pt. 1
How do you raise children who can think critically, discern truth, and keep their faith in today's confusing culture? In Part 1 of this conversation, Matt Jones and Janel Greig are joined by Kathy Gibbens, founder of Filter It Through a Brain Cell, to explore why critical thinking is one of the most important skills that Christian parents can help their children develop. Rather than simply teaching kids what to believe, Kathy explains how parents can equip them to evaluate ideas, ask thoughtful questions, and develop a biblical worldview that lasts into adulthood. Whether your child is navigating social media, school, entertainment, or difficult questions about Christianity, this episode offers practical, biblical strategies to help them become wise, discerning followers of Jesus. In this episode: Why critical thinking is essential for Christian families How to teach kids how to think, not just what to think Practical ways to build discernment at home Helping children evaluate messages from culture, media, and peers Creating a home where faith and honest questions go together Common mistakes parents make when teaching critical thinking Simple habits you can start using today If you're a Christian parent who wants to raise children with a strong biblical worldview and resilient faith, this conversation is for you. Subscribe for more biblical parenting conversations every week from the Upside-Down Parenting Podcast. Send us your feedback and questions at podcast@summit.org Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *Filter It Through a Brain Cell—Kathy Gibbens *The Fallacy Detective: Thirty-Eight Lessons on How to Recognize Bad Reasoning—Nathaniel Bluedorn and Hans Bluedorn *Five Steps to Making Convincing Arguments—Dr. Jeff Myers
July 3 · 31 min
Preparing Your Child for College (Without Losing Yourself) w/ Dr. Alisa Shanks | Ep. 51
Sending your teenager to college is one of the biggest transitions a family will ever experience. How do you prepare your child for independence without becoming controlling? How do you let go without losing your identity as a parent? And how can you help your teen develop a faith that truly becomes their own? In this episode of the Upside-Down Parenting Podcast, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Dr. Alisa Shanks, Director of the Larry J. Crabb Center for University Counseling at Colorado Christian University, to discuss how Christian parents can confidently launch their children into adulthood. Drawing on decades of experience in college counseling and student mental health, Dr. Shanks shares practical wisdom for raising resilient, independent young adults who are prepared academically, emotionally, spiritually, and relationally for life after high school. In this episode you'll learn: How to prepare your teen for college and adulthood Why overprotecting can unintentionally hinder growth The four stages of parenting: Commander, Coach, Counselor, and Consultant Practical life skills every student should learn before leaving home How to help your child own their Christian faith in college Healthy ways to let go while staying emotionally connected How parents can find their identity in Christ during this new season Whether your child is heading to college this year or is still years away, this conversation will help you parent with wisdom, confidence, and hope. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with another parent preparing for the college years. Be sure to send us your questions and feedback at: podcast@summit.org! Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *Girl Mom Podcast—Kari Kampakis *Release My Grip: Hope for a Parent's Heart as Kids Leave the Nest and Learn to Fly—Kami Gilmour *Empty Nest, Full Heart: 7 Simple Steps to Heal Grief, Rediscover Joy, and Reclaim Your Life After the Kids Leave—Leslie de Graaf
June 26 · 30 min
Christian Dating: A Biblical Guide for Parents Raising Teens | Ep. 50
Dating can feel overwhelming for Christian parents. When should your child start dating? Should you set age limits? What boundaries are wise? And how do you prepare your son or daughter to pursue relationships that honor Christ in a culture with a very different vision of love? In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig explore dating from a biblical worldview. Rather than focusing on rules alone, they discuss how parents can disciple their children toward Christ-centered relationships rooted in wisdom, character, and God's design for marriage. You'll learn how to start conversations long before your child begins dating, navigate crushes and teenage relationships with truth and grace, establish healthy boundaries, and help your kids develop a biblical understanding of love, identity, and commitment. Whether your children are in elementary school, middle school, or high school, this episode will equip you to guide them with confidence through one of the most important areas of discipleship. In this episode: What is the biblical purpose of dating? When should Christian teens start dating? Should parents set dating rules or age limits? How to talk with kids about crushes and relationships Practical dating boundaries for Christian families Helping your child prepare for a Christ-centered marriage Cultural myths about love every parent should challenge Be sure to send us your questions and feedback at: podcast@summit.org! Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *Single, Dating, Engaged, Married: Navigating Life and Love in the Modern Age—Ben Stuart *What the World Gets Wrong in Dating—Sara Starkey *The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God—Timothy and Kathy Keller *Guiding Your Child to Purity in a Culture that Glorifies Sexual Sin—Dr. Jason Barker
June 20 · 24 min
Father's Day: Becoming the Upside-Down Dad w/ Christian Greig | Ep. 49
What does it mean to be a godly father in today's culture? In this special Father's Day episode, Christian Greig shares candid reflections on fatherhood, family, faith, and the challenges of raising children in a rapidly changing world. Together, we discuss the joys and sacrifices of being a dad, the importance of intentional parenting, and how fathers can leave a lasting spiritual legacy for their children. Whether you're a father, grandfather, mentor, or simply someone who cares about the next generation, this conversation offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and a biblical vision for family life. Join us as we celebrate Father's Day and explore how dads can faithfully lead, love, and invest in the lives of their children. Be sure to send us your questions and feedback at: podcast@summit.org Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution—Carl R. Trueman *Family Discipleship That Works: Guiding Your Child to Know, Love, and Act Like Jesus—Brian Dembowczyk *Called to Be Dad: Becoming the Father God Designed You to Be—Mark Pitts *How Parents' Modeling Faith Shapes Their Child's Beliefs—Dr. Jason Barker
June 12 · 31 min
When Adult Kids Pull Away: How to Resolve Conflict & Find Peace w/ Kathy Koch | Ep. 48
Parenting adult children can be one of the most rewarding—and heartbreaking—seasons of life. What do you do when your adult child pulls away, communication breaks down, or family conflict creates distance? How can parents maintain influence without trying to control, and find peace when relationships don't look the way they hoped? In this episode of the Upside-Down Parenting Podcast, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Dr. Kathy Koch, founder of Celebrate Kids and author of Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children. Drawing from decades of experience helping families thrive, Dr. Kathy offers practical, biblical wisdom for navigating conflict, setting healthy boundaries, and staying connected to adult children through life's biggest transitions. Together, they discuss: • How to shift from control to influence as your children become adults • Why active listening and "radical acceptance" can strengthen relationships • Practical ways to navigate marriage, independence, and changing family dynamics • How to establish healthy boundaries without damaging connection • What it means when children become idols—and how parents can recognize it • How grandparents can navigate disagreements about parenting, faith, and values • Strategies for improving communication with adult children right away • The power of forgiveness, prayer, and hope in difficult family relationships • Why Dr. Kathy encourages parents to "parent with a verb only when invited" Whether you're parenting young children, launching teenagers into adulthood, or navigating a strained relationship with an adult son or daughter, this conversation offers encouragement, wisdom, and practical next steps rooted in biblical truth. Dr. Kathy Koch is the founder of Celebrate Kids, Inc., a popular speaker, educational psychologist, and the author of nine books focused on helping parents understand, connect with, and enjoy their children. 📘 Learn more about Dr. Kathy's book: Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children Be sure to send us your questions at podcast@summit.org! Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children: Strategies and Conversations That Work—Dr. Kathy Koch *Rethinking How We Defend the Faith Today with the Rising Generations—Jesse Childress *When Mom Guilt Meets Grace: A Biblical Approach—Dr. Maggie Pope *Passing Godly Faith to Your Kids: Think Small, Win Big—Dr. Jeff Myers *Raising Hopeful Kids in a Post-Christian World—Sarah Stonestreet
June 5 · 16 min
Unearthing Jesus: The Most Important Biblical Discoveries w/ Jeremiah Johnston | Ep. 47, Pt. 2
Can archaeology help strengthen our confidence in the Bible? What do ancient inscriptions, artifacts, manuscripts, and historical discoveries reveal about Jesus and the reliability of the Christian faith? In Part 2 of this conversation on Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig continue their discussion with New Testament scholar and apologist Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, author of The Jesus Discoveries: 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus. Building on Part 1, they explore additional discoveries from biblical archaeology and discuss why historical evidence continues to matter for a generation searching for truth, authenticity, and reasons to believe. As Gen Z and Gen Alpha wrestle with questions about Christianity, history, and the trustworthiness of Scripture, this conversation equips parents and faith leaders to engage those questions with confidence, humility, and compelling evidence. In this episode, we discuss: ✅ Major discoveries in biblical archaeology that illuminate the world of Jesus ✅ How archaeology supports the historical reliability of the New Testament ✅ What ancient manuscripts reveal about the preservation of Scripture ✅ Why evidence matters for younger generations exploring faith ✅ How to navigate doubts and difficult questions about Christianity ✅ The relationship between faith, history, and reason ✅ Practical ways parents can help their children develop a confident Christian worldview Whether you're a parent, pastor, student, or someone exploring the evidence for Christianity, this episode will encourage you to see that the Christian faith is grounded not only in personal experience, but also in history that can be investigated and explored. Guest: Dr. Jeremiah Johnston 📖 The Jesus Discoveries: 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus Subscribe to Upside-Down Parenting for more conversations that help parents raise resilient, Christ-centered kids in today's culture. Send us your questions at podcast@summit.org! Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *The Jesus Discoveries: 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus—Jeremiah J. Johnston *Rethinking How We Defend the Faith Today with the Rising Generations—Jesse Childress *Doubt is a Doorway—Charlie Meo
May 29 · 25 min
10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus w/ Jeremiah Johnston | Ep. 46, Pt. 1
Can archaeology help prove Jesus was a real historical person? What do discoveries like the Shroud of Turin, ancient manuscripts, and archaeological evidence reveal about the life of Christ? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation on Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with New Testament scholar and apologist Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, author of The Jesus Discoveries: 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus. Together, they explore some of the most compelling archaeological discoveries connected to Jesus and discuss how parents can confidently engage their children's toughest questions about faith. As Gen Z increasingly seeks evidence, authenticity, and personal encounters with God, this conversation offers practical tools for helping kids understand that Christianity is rooted in real history, real people, and real events. In these episodes, we talk through: ✅ The truth about the Shroud of Turin ✅ Archaeological discoveries that support the biblical narrative ✅ How to answer children's questions about Jesus and faith ✅ Why doubt can become a pathway to deeper belief ✅ The importance of apologetics in raising thoughtful Christian kids ✅ Why younger generations are asking different questions about Christianity ✅ How faith and evidence work together—not against each other Whether you're a parent, pastor, student, or someone exploring Christianity for yourself, this episode will equip you with confidence that faith in Jesus is intellectually credible and historically grounded. Guest: Dr. Jeremiah Johnston 📖 The Jesus Discoveries: 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus Subscribe to Upside-Down Parenting for more conversations that help parents raise resilient, Christ-centered kids in today's culture. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *The Jesus Discoveries: 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus—Jeremiah J. Johnston *Is the Bible Historically Accurate? Archaeological Evidence Explained—Titus Kennedy *Evidence for the Supernatural—Dr. Jeff Myers

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