Training Them Wisely - discipling kids

TrainingThemWisely
  • 4.8 (8)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join Rene Christensen, author of Training Them Wisely - discipling kids, as she talks to moms, dads, and people in ministry about how to disciple kids. Kids are not being exposed to a biblical worldview through school, friends, YouTube, social media, etc. Biblical literacy is critical. We as parents and as a church must help this next generation stand strong in a world that is increasingly hostile to Christianity. Let’s talk about how to go about parenting in a godly way.

  1. FEB 3

    Ep. 112 Helping Kids Control Their Words

    Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

    13 min

  2. JAN 20

    Ep. 111 Raising Kids Who Serve Others: Teaching a Heart of Humility Every Day

    Episode Summary In this episode, we focus on raising children who reflect the heart of Jesus through humility and service. Serving others is not something reserved for special events or church projects—it is a daily posture shaped through Scripture, modeling, conversations, and intentional discipleship at home. We explore how children can learn to serve willingly, joyfully, and humbly, beginning in the home and extending into their schools, churches, and communities. This episode encourages moms to see everyday moments as powerful opportunities to cultivate servant-hearted children who love others as Christ loves them. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Why serving others is central to following Jesus How humility and service can be taught from an early age Practical, everyday ways to nurture servant hearts at home The importance of modeling joyful service as parents How family conversations reinforce a lifestyle of serving Simple ideas for serving both inside and outside the home Encouragement for moms who are faithfully planting seeds Scripture References Mark 10:45 Philippians 2:3–4 Key Takeaways Serving others is an essential part of following Jesus, not an optional activity Children learn humility and service through daily discipleship, not occasional events Small acts of service build lasting character over time Modeling joyful service speaks louder than instruction alone God uses ordinary, faithful moments to grow Christlike hearts Resources Mentioned Fruit of the Spirit Activity Book Big Bible Words Cards Family Bible studies and discipleship tools available at TrainingThemWisely.com Encouragement for Moms Serving does not need to be big, organized, or impressive to be meaningful. Faithful, everyday acts of love—paired with prayer, Scripture, and example—shape hearts over time. God is at work in the small moments you may never see fully. If today’s episode encouraged you: Like the podcast Subscribe Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

    14 min

  3. JAN 6

    Ep. 110 Be Rooted in the Word

    Episode Summary As we begin a new year, we’re focusing on something every parent longs to see in their children: genuine, Christ-centered kindness. In this episode, we move beyond surface-level “being nice” and talk about the kind of heart-level kindness that flows from biblical love. Kindness doesn’t happen by accident. It is cultivated daily through Scripture, discipleship, modeling, prayer, and real conversations in the everyday moments of family life. Join us as we explore how God grows kindness in our children’s hearts and how moms can faithfully nurture that fruit at home. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Why true kindness starts in the heart, not behavior alone How biblical love from 1 Corinthians 13 forms the foundation of kindness Simple, daily ways to disciple children toward kindness How to use real-life conflicts as heart-shaping discipleship moments The importance of modeling kindness as parents Teaching kindness in school, co-op, and peer settings Encouragement for moms who feel like progress is slow Scripture References 1 Corinthians 13 Galatians 5:22–23 Key Takeaways Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit that God grows as children walk with Him Daily, small moments shape kind hearts more than big events Scripture, prayer, and modeling work together to form lasting character Parents are planting seeds, and God is faithful to bring growth Faithfulness matters more than perfection in the discipleship journey Resources Mentioned What the Bible Says About Love Coloring Book Fruit of the Spirit Activity Book Multi-age Bible studies and family discipleship tools available at TrainingThemWisely.com Encouragement for Moms If kindness doesn’t appear overnight, don’t lose heart. You are shaping hearts day by day through Scripture, conversations, prayer, and example. God is at work in ways you may not yet see. If today’s episode encouraged you: Like the podcast Subscribe so you never miss an episode Visit TrainingThemWisely.com to find discipleship tools designed to help you build Christ-centered character in your children every day Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

    12 min

  4. 12/23/2025

    Ep. 109 The Gift Your Kids Need Most: A Mom Rooted in Jesus

    In the middle of Christmas week—when life feels loud, busy, and overwhelming—we pause to talk about the gift our children need most. More than presents, traditions, or picture-perfect moments, our kids need a mom whose life is deeply rooted in Jesus. In this episode, we address the pressure moms often feel at Christmas and gently redirect our hearts back to what truly matters: walking daily, intentionally, and wholeheartedly with Christ. A mom anchored in God’s Word gives her children a living picture of faith, stability, and the gospel—a gift that lasts far beyond the holiday season. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Why Christmas often places unrealistic pressure on moms The lie that a “perfect” Christmas equals faithful parenting What it truly means to be rooted in Jesus, not just spiritually busy Why your walk with God matters more than any gift under the tree A biblical call to meaningful, unhurried time with the Lord Encouragement for moms in every season—busy, weary, and imperfect Scripture References John 15:5 — “Whoever abides in me and I in him… apart from me you can do nothing.” Ephesians 2:10 — “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…” Key Takeaways Your kids don’t need a picture-perfect Christmas—they need to see you walk with God. Being rooted in Jesus means abiding in Him, not running on spiritual leftovers. Time with God isn’t about convenience or legalism—it’s about love and devotion. Faithfulness, not perfection, is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children. Closing Encouragement Friend, this Christmas, let go of the pressure to make everything magical. Choose what is eternal. Choose faithfulness. Choose to be a mom rooted deeply in Jesus—because that is the gift your children will carry with them long after the decorations come down. Listen & Share If this episode encouraged you, share it with another mom who may need this reminder during the Christmas season. For more family discipleship resources, visit TrainingThemWisely.com. Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

    12 min

  5. 12/12/2025

    Ep. 108 Teaching Kids the True Meaning of Christmas

    Christmas is filled with lights, traditions, and excitement — but the greatest gift we can give our children is a clear understanding of why Jesus came. In this episode, we talk through practical, grace-filled ways to teach kids the true story of Christmas — not just the manger scene, but God’s rescue plan from the very beginning. We’ll explore Scripture, simple discipleship rhythms, and encouraging reminders for moms navigating a busy December. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: •Why understanding the purpose of Jesus’ birth changes everything about Christmas •How Luke 2 and Isaiah 9:6 help kids see that Jesus is the promised Savior •Simple, age-appropriate ways to teach the Christmas story at home •How to keep Christ at the center during full December schedules •Why Christmas discipleship doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful Scripture Focus: • Luke 2:6–20 — The birth of Jesus • Isaiah 9:6 — God’s promise of a coming Savior Practical Ideas We Share: •Reading the Christmas story slowly and repeatedly throughout December •Emphasizing the why behind Jesus’ birth, not just the details •Using songs and hymns as tools for teaching theology •Connecting Christmas to the gospel story, from manger to cross to resurrection •Simple activities that make learning joyful and memorable Encouragement for Moms: You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect Christmas. Faithful, simple moments of Scripture, prayer, and conversation matter more than any tradition or gift. God uses your consistency, even in small moments, to shape your children’s hearts. Resources Mentioned: • Treasured by the King: Names of God & Who I Am in Christ Devotional • Names of God & Who I Am in Christ Devotional for Kids • Multi-age Bible Studies (Preschool through Teens) Find these and more Christmas discipleship resources at  TrainingThemWisely.com Enjoyed This Episode? •Like this podcast •Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode •Share it with another mom this Christmas season Thanks for joining us as we learn to train them wisely — one faithful moment at a time. Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

    16 min

  6. 11/25/2025

    Ep. 107 Why is a biblical worldview important for kids?

    I'm excited to host Karri J. Iverson on our podcast today. I met her in Ohio at a conference that we were both at when I was looking for a science curriculum for my kids. My twelve year old calls this the "fun science curriculum" which I love hearing him say!   themysteryofscience.com https://www.facebook.com/mysteryofsciencebooks   So far we have these subjects for 4-8 grades:   The Mystery of Science: Biology The Mystery of Science: Physics (at the printer)   With these to come:   The Mystery of Science: Chemistry (coming 2026) The Mystery of Science: Earth Science (coming 2026) The Mystery of Science: Astronomy The Mystery of Science: Health and Nutrition The Mystery of Science: Botany The Mystery of Science: Marine Science The Mystery of Science: Forensics   About the book: Simplify your science teaching with our engaging, biblical curriculum!   Developed by a busy, homeschooling mom and science teacher, this unique, open and go curriculum will simplify your lesson and prep time.  Written to emphasize creation, The Mystery of Science provides a solid, biblical foundation in God's intelligent design.  With bold, colorful pictures and lab activities designed to engage your students, they'll be excited to explore science! Karri J. Iverson has been a major influence on the lives of many children and families for more than 20 years. She graduated from Western Michigan University summa cum laude in elementary education with minors in science/math and English. She has used her diverse education as well as her husband’s knowledge and help to homeschool their 5 children. In 1999 Karri recognized a growing need for homeschooled students to have further instruction in English and science, so she began a local homeschool tutorial. She taught classes in many subjects and managed several teachers as the group grew to meet the needs of local homeschoolers. Karri has also taught at other homeschool programs and co-ops and has enjoyed teaching Bible studies at her church. She has given direction and guidance to many parents during their homeschooling journeys and has privately tutored several students throughout their high school years. One of her passions is developing curriculum, which she has done for her own children, local homeschooling groups, the local school district’s summer and extracurricular camps, and private schools. In addition, she has taught for the Summer Institute for the Gifted and has designed her own science and math curriculum for summer camps. In addition, Karri trains and encourages teachers and evaluates programs to make sure they meet scientific objectives. She also loves helping students learn about their awesome Creator! Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

    14 min

  7. 11/11/2025

    Ep. 106 Faith Conversations that Don’t Feel Forced

    💬 Episode Summary Faith isn’t just something we talk about in church—it’s something we live out in car rides, bedtime routines, and unexpected questions from curious little hearts. In this episode, Rene and Rebekah share how to have faith conversations that feel natural—not forced, awkward, or overly scripted, but Spirit-led and deeply meaningful. If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about Jesus in everyday moments with your kids, this is your invitation to start simple, stay present, and trust that God is in the small stuff. 🧭 What You’ll Hear Why Scripture calls us to teach our kids about God as we go How a sunset, rainbow, or hard question can open up spiritual conversations 5 practical ways to weave faith naturally into everyday life How to respond with grace even when conversations are messy or emotional The power of listening well, asking open questions, and letting your kids see your own faith journey ✋ 5 Simple Ways to Make Faith Conversations Flow Use What’s Already Happening Tie God's truth into what you're seeing, hearing, or experiencing—like a rainbow or a movie scene. Ask Open-Ended Questions Spark reflection and dialogue by asking, “What do you think Jesus would do here?” Share Your Own Journey Be real about how you trust God—even in worry, sadness, or uncertainty. Listen More Than You Speak Sometimes the best discipleship happens when you create space for your child to process. Tie Faith to Rhythms Add Scripture to your family’s everyday routines—bedtime, mealtime, car rides. 📖 Colossians 3:17 reminds us: “Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” 💛 Encouragement for Moms You don’t have to have all the right words. You don’t need a theology degree. You just need a heart that’s willing and present. God multiplies our small steps of obedience—even when the conversation is messy or interrupted by spilled juice and toddler questions.   📣 Want More? 💬 If this episode encouraged you, please leave a 5-star review! It helps more moms like you find the show. 📚 Explore more resources at trainingthemwisely.com, and grab Rene’s book, Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids, available on Amazon now.   Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

    16 min

  8. 10/28/2025

    Ep. 105 - What If I Didn’t Start Discipleship Early?

    💡 Episode Summary Maybe your kids are older. Maybe you came to faith later. Maybe life just got in the way. If you've ever wondered, "Is it too late to start family discipleship?" — this episode is for you. Rene and Rebekah bring encouragement and real-world wisdom for parents starting fresh. Whether your children are toddlers, tweens, or teens, God’s grace meets you right where you are—and He can do amazing things, starting today. 🧭 What You’ll Hear 📖 Hope from Scripture reminding you that God can redeem any timeline ❌ Why guilt and comparison have no place in your parenting journey 🛠 4 practical ways to start discipling your kids right now—even if it feels awkward or late 🙌 Encouragement that small steps matter more than perfect plans 🗣 Personal stories of real families who started later and still saw God move powerfully 📖 Key Scriptures Isaiah 43:18–19 – “Forget the former things… I am doing a new thing!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ… the new is here!” Galatians 6:4 – “Each one should test their own actions…” Zechariah 4:10 – “Do not despise these small beginnings.” Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” 🛠 4 Simple Ways to Start (or Restart) Discipleship Start with Prayer Begin by talking to God—and pray with your kids. Start Small Pick one habit Use Everyday Moments Talk about faith during drives, chores, or dinner. Life is the best classroom. Model Authentic Faith Let your kids see you reading your Bible, seeking God, and depending on Him in real time. 💡 Bonus Tip: Try simple Family Faith Goals, and aim for 1 Scripture moment, 1 prayer, and 1 act of kindness each week. ❤️ Encouragement for Parents You don’t need a flawless past—you just need a faithful present. Grace says: “Let’s start here.” Your effort matters. Your presence matters. And it’s never, ever too late to start. 💬 Favorite Quote "You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." — C.S. Lewis (often attributed) 🙏 Closing Encouragement “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” – Philippians 1:6 God is faithful to finish what He starts—including the work of discipleship in your home. 📣 Share + Subscribe Was this episode a breath of fresh grace for you? Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share it with another parent who’s ready to start strong—no matter when they begin. Check out our best-selling discipleship book! Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids has encouraged thousands of parents to grow in their faith with the Lord, model discipleship for their children and grow, and disciple their kids in every age and stage of life. It is practical, encouraging, and you can start working on it right away. You can find it on Amazon, at TrainingThemWisely.com or in Christian bookstores. Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

    15 min
See All (100)

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Join Rene Christensen, author of Training Them Wisely - discipling kids, as she talks to moms, dads, and people in ministry about how to disciple kids. Kids are not being exposed to a biblical worldview through school, friends, YouTube, social media, etc. Biblical literacy is critical. We as parents and as a church must help this next generation stand strong in a world that is increasingly hostile to Christianity. Let’s talk about how to go about parenting in a godly way.

Information