Upside-Down Parenting

Summit Ministries
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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.

  1. How to Teach Your Kids Critical Thinking (Without Losing Their Faith) w/ Kathy Gibbens | Ep. 52, Pt. 1

    14 hrs ago

    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

    23 min
  2. Preparing Your Child for College (Without Losing Yourself) w/ Dr. Alisa Shanks | Ep. 51

    3 July

    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!

    32 min
  3. Christian Dating: A Biblical Guide for Parents Raising Teens | Ep. 50

    26 June

    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

    30 min
  4. Father's Day: Becoming the Upside-Down Dad w/ Christian Greig | Ep. 49

    20 June

    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

    24 min
  5. When Adult Kids Pull Away: How to Resolve Conflict & Find Peace w/ Kathy Koch | Ep. 48

    12 June

    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

    32 min
  6. Unearthing Jesus: The Most Important Biblical Discoveries w/ Jeremiah Johnston | Ep. 47, Pt. 2

    5 June

    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

    17 min
  7. 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus w/ Jeremiah Johnston | Ep. 46, Pt. 1

    29 May

    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

    25 min
  8. How Christian Parents Can Speak Their Child's Love Language w/ Gary Chapman | Ep. 45, Pt. 2

    22 May

    How Christian Parents Can Speak Their Child's Love Language w/ Gary Chapman | Ep. 45, Pt. 2

    What does it actually look like to put the Five Love Languages into practice as a Christian parent? In Part 2 of this conversation, Matt Jones and Janel Greig continue their discussion with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman to explore practical ways parents can speak their child's love language, build deeper trust, and create a Christ-centered home where kids feel seen, valued, and loved. Dr. Gary Chapman is an author, speaker, pastor, and counselor best known for The Five Love Languages, which has helped millions of families and marriages worldwide. He has spent decades helping people build stronger relationships through intentional love and communication. 📘 Learn more about Dr. Gary Chapman: https://www.5lovelanguages.com 👍 If this episode encouraged you, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with another parent. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:  *The Love Language That Matters Most: How to Personalize Love So They Really Feel It—Dr. Gary Chapman and Les & Leslie Parrott *The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers: The Secret to Increasing Joy & Trust with Your Teen—Dr. Gary Chapman *The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively—Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell *What Does It Mean to Love God and Others?—Michael Sherrard

    26 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Summit Ministries
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Upside-Down Parenting

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