011 - When children wander from the faith. With Kat Ashton Israel and Al James.
In this episode we speak with guests Kat Ashton Israel and Al James about the heavy topic of when children wander from the Christian faith. We explore the reasons why Christians can be uncomfortable discussing this topic; the impact it has on parents (and their faith) when a child 'wanders' and how the church can best support families in that situation. We also take an in depth look at the tension between our responsibility as parents to raise our children in the faith and the reality of God's sovereign action in salvation. We explore helpful responses to our children's questions and doubts about Christianity and the positive role that churches can play.Links:Parenting in God's Family: Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Issues, which contains a chapter on 'Teenage faith: doubters, drifters and deserters' by our guest, Kat Ashton Israel.Growing Faith: articles and resources to encourage and equip Christian parents and carers. Related articles:'Building resilient faith in our children' by Al James.'Helping our teens through identity struggles' by Al James.Mothers Union Sydney. Listen to all of the talks from the Mothers Union Seminar on Soundcloud.Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.
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53:59
010 - Equipping our kids to stand firm and stand out. With Al James and Beth Braga
This episode was recorded live at the Mothers Union Sydney Seminar on February 28, 2025 at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney. In the final session of the day, Al James and Beth Braga had a conversation about why teens and young adults are dropping out of church and the Christian faith, and what parents can do about it. They spoke about the key factors that, under the sovereignty of God, have been shown to help kids develop a robust, coherent and liveable faith that stays with them into adulthood. This conversation is packed with helpful research, real life examples and biblical encouragement.Links:Growing Faith: articles and resources to encourage and equip Christian parents and carers. Related articles:'Building resilient faith in our children' by Al James.'Helping our teens through identity struggles' by Al James.Mothers Union Sydney. Listen to the other talks from the 2025 Seminar (and previous seminars).Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.
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44:00
009 - Holidaying well. With Sam Hudson.
In this 'summer edition' we spoke with Sam Hudson from Youthworks' Getaways program about holidaying well as a family. We talked about why we can find it hard to prioritise family holidays, what God's word has to say on the topic and how holidays can strengthen Christian families in their faith and relationships. Finally, we explored some practical tips for holidaying well, even if our budget is tight or things don't go to plan. Links:Youthworks Getaways: offering immersive outdoor adventures and experiences that strengthen family bonds and celebrate God's creation.Growing Faith: articles and resources to encourage and equip Christian parents and carers. Mothers Union Sydney. Listen to past Mothers Union Christian seminars on Soundcloud.Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.
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50:39
008 - Keeping technology in its place. With Daniel Sih.
We spoke with author and podcaster Daniel Sih about why Christian discipleship should include being intentional in our family's use of technology. We talked about the effects of tech overuse on children and their learning, the importance of creating 'tech-healthy' rhythms and 'going slow' with introducing new tech to kids. We finished with an encouraging reminder that no matter what, we can always keep coming back to God's unending grace.Links:Parenting in God's Family: Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Issues, which contains a chapter on 'The art of tech-healthy parenting' by our guest, Daniel Sih.Raising Tech-Healthy Humans book and free online course by Daniel Sih.Growing Faith articles:Advice for raising tech-healthy humans (a review of Daniel Sih's book by Wendy Lin).In a screen-based world, our children need limits.In a screen-based world, our children need to play.What happened when ... we started screen-free Sundays.Mothers Union Sydney. Listen to past Mothers Union Christian seminars on Soundcloud.Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.
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007 - Family rhythms and traditions. With Mary O'Brien and Jocelyn Loane.
In this episode we chat with our guests Mary O'Brien and Jocelyn Loane about what the Bible says about family traditions, how repeated rhythms can benefit our families, and how we can keep our focus on relationships rather than 'rules' amidst it all. We then share some practical ideas and examples of the kind of daily, weekly and yearly rhythms that can draw Christian families closer to God and closer to each other. Links:An Arrival to Celebrate: Fun Advent devotions for busy families unwrapping God’s big Bible plan by David and Janice Whittingham.Parenting in God's Family: Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Issues, which contains a chapter on 'Setting rhythms that point our family to Jesus' by Wendy Lin and a chapter by our guest, Jocelyn Loane.Motherhood: How the gospel shapes our purpose and priorities by Jocelyn Loane Growing Faith articles:Considering Christ with your children at Christmas by Jocelyn LoaneGetting in the Christmas Spirit by Wendy LinMothers Union Sydney. Listen to past Mothers Union Christian seminars on Soundcloud.Theme music: Soul's Getting Wet by Ali Maegraith. Produced by Ali Maegraith and Gerard Masters. Available on SoundCloud.
Real conversations across the generations exploring God's wisdom for modern families.
Find out more:
Growing Faith (a ministry of Youthworks): www.growingfaith.com.au
Mothers Union Sydney: www.musydney.org.au
Australia