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Let's Parent on Purpose: Christian Marriage, Parenting, and Discipleship

Let's Parent on Purpose: Christian Marriage, Parenting, and Discipleship

By: Jay Holland and Christian Parenting
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Let's Parent on Purpose is your essential monthly podcast for strengthening your marriage, parenting, and personal relationship with Jesus. Hosted by Jay Holland, this show blends timeless biblical truths with insightful interviews from leading experts in marriage, parenting, and discipleship. As part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network, Let's Parent on Purpose provides you with the practical and spiritual guidance you need to grow into the parent and spouse you aspire to be. Discover more wisdom and resources at www.letsparentonpurpose.com and www.christianparenting.org

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Episodes
  • Ep. 407: What Every Parent Must Know about Kids and Technology with Chris McKenna

    Ep. 407: What Every Parent Must Know about Kids and Technology with Chris McKenna
    Jun 8 2026
    In this powerful episode of Let’s Parent on Purpose, host Jay Holland sits down with Chris McKenna, founder of Protect Young Eyes and author of The Five Habits of a Tech-Ready Family, for an honest and hope-filled conversation about parenting kids in the digital age. Chris shares how smartphones, social media, pornography exposure, gaming, and AI have created an “experiment” that today’s parents never signed up for. Together, Jay and Chris unpack the emotional and spiritual challenges Christian families face as children navigate addictive technology, online temptation, and constant digital influence. This episode offers biblical wisdom, practical parenting strategies, and encouragement for moms and dads who want to raise disciples of Jesus in a screen-saturated world without leading from fear or shame.Throughout the conversation, Chris explains why Christian parents must move from panic to intentionality by building trust, pursuing authentic connection, and responding with grace first when children fail online. He introduces the five habits of a tech-ready family, including modeling healthy technology use, delaying addictive apps and social media, encouraging real-world play and responsibility, and creating layers of digital protection in the home. Parents will be challenged to think differently about smartphones, social media algorithms, and the emotional realities their children face every day. If you are looking for practical Christian parenting advice on technology, digital safety, online purity, discipleship, and protecting your children’s hearts in the age of AI and social media, this episode is an essential listen.Key TakeawaysKids today are carrying emotional and spiritual burdens online that previous generations never experiencedTechnology companies are intentionally competing for your child’s attention, affection, and habitsGrace-first parenting creates safety for children to confess struggles and mistakesParents should practice calm responses before digital crises happenDelaying addictive technology is not anti-tech parenting, but wisdom-based parentingReal-world play, chores, movement, and face-to-face connection help build resilient kidsHealthy digital boundaries require ongoing conversations, not just parental controlsParents do not need to panic, but they do need a planBuilding digital trust happens “step by step and chat by chat”Protecting children online starts with intentional discipleship at homeBio:Chris McKenna is the Founder of Protect Young Eyes and President of The Better Tech Project. leading voice on digital safety, he testified before the U.S. Senate in 2019, sparking more than 20 hearings on online child protection. Under his leadership, Protect Young Eyes earned the Dignity Defense Award and the Phase Alliance Child Safety Award. He co-authored the Child Device Protection Bill, now law in Utah and Alabama, requiring devices to activate content filters for minors. Chris serves as a technical advisor and represents the Human Change Movement, speaking globally—including at the World Economic Forum—while collaborating with advocates, tech leaders, and legislators. Featured in the film Childhood 2.0, Protect Young Eyes equips families with practical safety tools. His debut book, Five Habits of the Tech-Ready Family, releases on June 16, and according to Publishers’ Weekly, it is “comprehensive,” “illuminating,” and “an informative resource for parents eager to establish digital safety nets for their children.”His greatest treasures remain family life, road trips, running, and adventures with his wife, Andrea, four children, and two dogs. Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.orgResources & Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/protectyoungeyes/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-mckenna-75962211/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/protectyoungeyes Website: https://protectyoungeyes.com/ Visit Christian Parenting’s Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide: https://www.christianparenting.org/gifts/
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    52 mins
  • Ep. 406: What Makes Faith Stick? 5 Keys to Raising Lifelong Followers of Jesus

    Ep. 406: What Makes Faith Stick? 5 Keys to Raising Lifelong Followers of Jesus
    May 11 2026

    This episode of Let’s Parent on Purpose explores a crucial question for Christian parents: what makes faith stick in the lives of our children? Drawing from over 25 years of youth ministry experience, Jay shares five key elements consistently present in students whose faith endures into adulthood. While acknowledging the mystery of God’s work, he emphasizes that intentional discipleship at home plays a primary role. Parents are encouraged not to outsource spiritual formation to the church, but to become the leading spiritual influence in their child’s life. The first two elements—truth kids understand and relationships they trust—highlight the importance of clearly communicating biblical truth in age-appropriate ways and surrounding children with trusted, godly influences who reinforce faith beyond the home.



    The episode continues with three additional pillars of “sticky faith”: habits they own, purpose they live, and transforming moments they remember. Jay explains that lasting faith develops when children move from passive participation to personally owning spiritual disciplines like prayer, Scripture reading, and service. He also stresses the importance of helping kids see their faith as a mission, not just a belief system, by living on purpose and engaging in God’s work daily. Finally, both joyful and difficult life experiences can become defining spiritual moments when processed through a biblical lens. This episode equips Christian moms and dads with practical ways to evaluate their home environment, initiate meaningful faith conversations, and intentionally disciple their children for lifelong faith in Jesus.



    Key Takeaways for Parents:

    • Help your children understand biblical truth, not just hear it—encourage questions and discussion.
    • Cultivate trusted relationships with other godly adults and peers who reinforce your child’s faith.
    • Model and encourage consistent spiritual habits like prayer, Scripture reading, and service.
    • Teach your children to live on mission—following Jesus is more than just believing; it’s living with purpose.
    • Recognize and process significant life moments to help your child see God at work in their story.
    • Focus on progress, not perfection—discipleship is a lifelong journey, not a quick fix.



    Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org



    Resources & Links:

    • Think Orange by Reggie Joiner
    • Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal by Jay Holland
    • Check out www.youthministry.coach
    • Daily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.net
    • Join my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook!
    • Support Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/
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    31 mins
  • Ep. 405: Procrastination Proof Your Life with Jon Acuff

    Ep. 405: Procrastination Proof Your Life with Jon Acuff
    Apr 13 2026
    This episode of Let’s Parent on Purpose features a powerful and practical conversation with author Jon Acuff about overcoming procrastination and building a more intentional, purpose-driven life. Drawing from his new book Procrastination Proof, Acuff reframes procrastination not as laziness, but as a mismatch between our intentions and actions, often driven by fear, overwhelm, or misplaced priorities. He introduces a simple but transformative framework—Dream, Plan, Do, Review—that helps parents and leaders move from good intentions to consistent follow-through. For Christian moms and dads seeking to disciple their children well, this episode emphasizes that growth starts with modeling: aligning your own habits, stewarding your time wisely, and making decisions today that serve your future self and family.The conversation also dives into practical strategies for busy families, including how to “make tomorrow easy today,” prioritize what matters most, and avoid the trap of trying to do everything at once. Acuff’s insights are especially helpful for parents navigating full schedules, offering realistic tools like starting with just 15 minutes a day and focusing on three to five key priorities. The episode closes with a meaningful challenge for Christian parents: to intentionally shape not only their habits but also their children’s mindset about success, time, and stewardship. By addressing concepts like the “acceptable success line,” parents can disciple their kids to pursue God-honoring excellence without guilt, fear, or comparison, equipping them to live faithfully and fruitfully.Resources Mentioned:Purchase Procrastination Proof: Never Get Stuck Again by Jon Acuff on Amazon https://amzn.to/4dPSlRFVisit Jon Acuff’s website at jonacuff.com and follow his podcast: All It Takes Is A GoalGet Jay's new devotional, Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavl Use it solo, with your small group, or as a family for daily Scripture-based prompts to foster gratitude and closeness to Christ.Text "THINGS" to 66866 for free high-quality resources from Jay, including fun family conversations, a 52-week Scripture memory system, dating questions for kids, marriage tools, and more.Guest Bio: Jon AcuffJon Acuff is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and leadership expert known for his practical and engaging approach to personal growth and productivity. He has written multiple books, including Procrastination Proof, helping people overcome overthinking, take action, and live with greater purpose. Jon works with individuals, teams, and organizations to build habits that lead to lasting success, all while blending humor, honesty, and real-life application. He lives in Tennessee with his family and is passionate about helping others reach their full, God-given potential.Key Takeaways from the EpisodeProcrastination is a gap between intention and action, not just poor time managementThe “Dream, Plan, Do, Review” framework provides a simple, repeatable path to progressStart small: 15 minutes a day can build momentum and lasting habitsFocus on 3–5 priorities instead of trying to do everything at once“Make tomorrow easy today” is a powerful discipline for both parents and kidsModel habits first. Discipleship is more caught than taughtTeach kids to think long-term and make decisions that benefit their future selvesBe mindful of the “acceptable success line” and how your beliefs about success shape your childrenCelebrate progress and reinforce positive habits in your homeGod-honoring productivity isn’t about perfection. It’s about faithful stewardship over timeLet’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.orgMore Resources & Links:Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal by Jay Holland https://amzn.to/3MLWavlCheck out www.youthministry.coachDaily Devotional Podcast Guided by Faith: www.guidedbyfaith.netJoin my Things for Thursday Email List and get a free Marriage Snapshot Tool and Fun Family Conversation Ebook! https://tinyurl.com/292kv68ySupport Let’s Parent on Purpose as we help families thrive through the gospel: https://letsparentonpurpose.com/support/
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    48 mins
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