Raising Godly Girls

American Heritage Girls

For over 30 years, American Heritage Girls® has come alongside families and youth ministry leaders in offering Christ-centered, girl-focused character development. Through the Raising Godly Girls® Podcast, presented by American Heritage Girls, listeners get to tap into the advice that seasoned AHG leaders have gleaned over three decades of ministering to girls. Plus, hear from industry experts with solutions to a broad range of issues impacting today's girls. Get Biblically-sound and actionable tips from fellow parents, volunteers, and thought leaders on how to raise up a girl after God's own heart.

  1. Ep. 375 – Faith-Fueled Leadership in Your Girl

    1D AGO

    Ep. 375 – Faith-Fueled Leadership in Your Girl

    What does leadership look like for the next generation of Christian girls and women? In this empowering episode of Raising Godly Girls, Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose dive into a conversation every faith-filled family needs to have: how strong faith fuels confident, wise, Christ-centered leadership.  From ministry leadership and motherhood to the everyday moments where girls learn to step up, this episode reminds listeners that leadership is not reserved for adulthood. God begins shaping leaders early—through growth, mistakes, humility, and courage. Whether your girl is naturally bold or quietly influential, this conversation will help you nurture the gifts God has already placed within her.  Rachael shares a relatable story from childhood about learning through failure (including an unforgettable salt-for-sugar cake mix-up!) and reflects on why safe spaces to fail are essential for growing resilient leaders. Natalie offers encouragement for moms of older girls, reminding parents not to rush in and rescue every difficult moment. Sometimes the most loving leadership lesson is allowing natural consequences to do their work.  In this week's Raising Godly Girls Minute, Patti Garibay speaks directly to girls who may feel too young, too inexperienced, or not yet "ready" to lead. Rooted in 1 Timothy 4:12, this episode reminds girls that God does not wait for a certain age to call someone into Kingdom influence.  Together, Rachael and Natalie unpack three foundational truths every Christian girl leader needs to carry into the world: knowing Whose she is, knowing who she is, and learning to walk in both confidence and wisdom. This episode is a beautiful encouragement for moms raising daughters to lead with grace, humility, and bold faith.  Whether your girl is leading in the classroom, in her friendships, in church, or one day in ministry or the workplace, this conversation will help anchor her identity in Christ first—because godly leadership always begins there.    Three Things to Remember:    Know Whose you are—You belong to the Lord, and your identity begins in Him.   Know who you are—God has equipped and called you with gifts, purpose, and influence.   Move in both confidence and wisdom—Let humility, obedience, and courage shape your leadership journey.     Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    1 Timothy 4:12   Galatians 2:20   1 Peter 3:15   1 Peter 5:5–6   1 Corinthians 13    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.   Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.

    23 min
  2. Ep. 374 – Gratitude & Responsibility: The Heart of Memorial Day with Tim Barton of Wallbuilders

    4D AGO

    Ep. 374 – Gratitude & Responsibility: The Heart of Memorial Day with Tim Barton of Wallbuilders

    Memorial Day is more than a long weekend—it is a sacred invitation to remember.    In this special episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Natalie Ambrose welcomes Tim Barton of WallBuilders to explore the deeper meaning behind Memorial Day and how Christian families can approach patriotism with both gratitude and responsibility. In a culture where love of country can sometimes feel politically charged or divisive, this conversation offers a balanced, Biblically grounded perspective on Christian citizenship.    Together, they reflect on lessons from America's history, the faith convictions that shaped our nation's founding principles, and why the freedoms we enjoy today were purchased with profound sacrifice. Tim shares practical ways families can honor fallen military heroes this Memorial Day weekend—helping daughters understand that freedom is not merely a right to enjoy, but a responsibility to steward with humility, courage, and compassion.    As parents, we are shaping the next generation of women who will live as citizens of heaven while engaging faithfully in their earthly communities. This episode will equip you to raise girls who are grateful for liberty, mindful of sacrifice, and committed to living out their faith with conviction and grace.      Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    John 15:13  Romans 13:1–7  Micah 6:8  1 Peter 2:16–17  Matthew 5:14–16      To learn more about Tim's work at wallbuilders.com    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.

    50 min
  3. Ep. 373 – Connecting Your Family to Your Community through Patriotism

    6D AGO

    Ep. 373 – Connecting Your Family to Your Community through Patriotism

    What does it look like for neighbors to truly come together—linking arms, sharing life, and building something meaningful right where God has placed them?  In this special Memorial Day–focused episode of Raising Godly Girls, Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden shift the conversation away from the noise of cultural division and toward something far more powerful: Christ-centered community. Because while patriotism can stir strong opinions, this episode invites families to focus on what unites us rather than what divides us.  You'll be reminded that as believers, our identity is anchored first in Christ. We are citizens of Heaven before anything else—and from that foundation, we are called to steward our roles in our neighborhoods, communities, and nation with joy, humility, and purpose.  In this week's Raising Godly Girls Minute, Patti Garibay offers a timely word on unity in a divided world. As girls grow up hearing conflicting messages from media and culture, parents have the opportunity to guide them toward a Gospel-rooted perspective—one that prioritizes peace, love, and truth over anger and division.  This episode also brings practical, meaningful ways to live this out during Memorial Day weekend. From simple acts like raising flags with intention to opening your home in hospitality, you'll discover how everyday moments can become sacred opportunities to connect, honor, and reflect God's heart in your community.  Because even in a fractured world, unity is still possible—and it often starts right on your front porch.    Three Things to Remember  Put up the Christian flag and the American flag as a visible reminder of your love for God and gratitude for your country.   Let your home become a gathering place. Hospitality can be a powerful bridge to connection and community.   Honor the Lord and the moment with reverence and gratitude. Take time to pray, reflect, and remember the deeper meaning of Memorial Day.     Scriptures Referenced in This Episode  Psalm 33:12   Romans 8:31    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.   Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.

    26 min
  4. Ep. 372 - Passing Along a Biblical Worldview of Memorial Day to Your Girl

    MAY 19

    Ep. 372 - Passing Along a Biblical Worldview of Memorial Day to Your Girl

    As Memorial Day approaches, many families begin to reflect on what it truly means to love and honor our country. In this meaningful episode of Raising Godly Girls, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden step into a timely and sometimes complex conversation: how do we raise daughters who hold both a deep love for God and a healthy, grounded appreciation for their country?  From heartfelt memories of national unity in the days following 9/11 to personal traditions like placing flags on veterans' graves, this episode invites moms to consider how patriotism is formed—not just in grand gestures, but in quiet, intentional discipleship moments at home.  You'll hear wisdom from AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay in this week's Raising Godly Girls Minute, where she reminds us that patriotism and faith are not at odds—they can beautifully coexist when rooted in truth. By guiding our girls through both the triumphs and the trials of our nation's history, we help them develop a deeper, more honest understanding of what it means to be a Godly citizen.  Rachael and Melissa also offer practical encouragement for navigating today's cultural noise—where opinions about patriotism can feel loud and divided. Instead of fear or confusion, this episode points families toward peace, gratitude, and Biblical clarity. You'll be reminded that while conflict has always been part of the human story, God's design is rooted in peace—and our daughters can be active participants in bringing that peace into their communities.  Whether it's through conversations around the dinner table, participating in Memorial Day traditions, or serving those who have sacrificed for our freedom, this episode equips you to disciple your daughter with both conviction and compassion.    Two Things to Remember:  God's design is peace—even in a world where conflict exists, your family can reflect His heart in your home and community.   Honoring the fallen this Memorial Day helps ensure their sacrifice is remembered and valued for generations to come.     Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:  John 15:13   Galatians 5:22–23   Genesis 1–2    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.   Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.

    28 min
  5. Ep. 371 – Faithful & Fierce: Sustaining Ministry & Life without Burnout with Melissa Mashburn

    MAY 16

    Ep. 371 – Faithful & Fierce: Sustaining Ministry & Life without Burnout with Melissa Mashburn

    For many Christian women, vocational ministry is both a calling and a weight they carry daily. In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Melissa Bearden is joined by ministry leader, speaker, and author Melissa Mashburn for an honest and hope-filled conversation about sustaining ministry without succumbing to burnout or performance culture.    Together, they explore the unique pressures faced by working women and moms in ministry settings, where faith, leadership, family, and expectations often collide. Drawing from New Testament Scripture, personal experience, and pastoral wisdom, Melissa Mashburn helps listeners reframe calling through the lens of faithfulness rather than productivity.    This episode also speaks directly to parents who are raising girls in ministry environments. The conversation offers guidance on how to model healthy rhythms of work, rest, and obedience—so the next generation learns to pursue calling with joy, resilience, and trust in Christ, not exhaustion or striving.    If you've ever felt stretched thin by Kingdom work or wondered how to balance ministry and family without losing your soul, this encouraging conversation will remind you that Jesus invites His servants not only to labor—but also to rest.    Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:  Philemon 1:1-3  Colossians 3:23  Colossians 2:8      For more information on Melissa Mashburn's work, visit melissamashburn.com    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.       Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.

    36 min
  6. Ep. 370 – When Home & Ministry are Mixed Arenas for Your Family

    MAY 14

    Ep. 370 – When Home & Ministry are Mixed Arenas for Your Family

    In this heartfelt episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Melissa Bearden and Natalie Ambrose open an honest, encouraging conversation about what it means to walk in vocational ministry as a woman—especially in the midst of motherhood. Whether your work happens inside the home, within the Church, or out in the world, this episode reminds you that your calling is deeply seen, eternally significant, and worthy of intentional stewardship.  Melissa shares her personal journey from serving in women's and children's ministry to stepping into a full-time vocational role—offering a powerful glimpse into how God often weaves together passion, gifting, and season to shape a calling. Together, Melissa and Natalie explore the evolving language around "career" versus "vocation," encouraging listeners to release identity tied to titles and instead embrace the sacred spaces God has entrusted to them.  As the conversation unfolds, the realities of ministry life come into focus—its unpredictability, emotional weight, and the constant pull to give more. Through the Raising Godly Girls Minute, listeners are reminded that even Jesus modeled the necessity of stepping away to rest, pray, and reconnect with the Father. For the woman in ministry, Sabbath isn't optional—it's essential.  This episode also offers practical, Biblical encouragement for maintaining joy and sustainability in your work. From rejecting the "just a mom" mindset to modeling integrity and dependence on Christ, Melissa and Natalie challenge working moms to reframe their daily efforts as acts of worship. And perhaps most importantly, they remind us that our daughters are watching—learning how to approach work, calling, and faith by the example we set.  No matter your season, this conversation will meet you with grace, truth, and a renewed vision for what it means to serve the Lord through your work.  Three Things to Remember:  God uses us in every corner of His Kingdom—both inside and outside the home.   Sabbath rest is not optional; it is essential for a sustainable life of ministry.   Lasting joy in your work flows from a life of integrity and alignment with God's truth.   Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:  Psalm 77   Romans 12:15   Mark 2:27   Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.   Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.

    31 min
  7. Ep. 369 - Setting a Sustainable Example for Your Girl as a Modern Working Mom

    MAY 12

    Ep. 369 - Setting a Sustainable Example for Your Girl as a Modern Working Mom

    What does it look like to faithfully navigate work, motherhood, and calling—all at the same time?  In this honest and encouraging episode of Raising Godly Girls, co-hosts Melissa Bearden and Natalie Ambrose open the door to a conversation so many moms are living in real time: the journey of being a working mom. Whether you're in the home, in the office, working remotely, or juggling a side hustle, this episode meets you right where you are.  Melissa and Natalie share their own stories—highlighting the ebb and flow of seasons, the factors that shape work decisions, and the reality that for many families today, motherhood and work are deeply intertwined. With over 24 million working mothers in the U.S., this isn't a fringe conversation—it's everyday life for a majority of families.  But instead of debating whether moms should work, this episode focuses on something far more meaningful: how Christian moms can approach work with a Biblical Worldview. That means keeping priorities aligned, avoiding the trap of career as an idol or idleness as an escape, and inviting God into every decision along the way.  In this week's Raising Godly Girls Minute, Patti Garibay speaks to the very real overwhelm modern parents face—and gently redirects hearts back to the Lord. When stress rises and culture offers quick fixes, Scripture reminds us that true peace is found in crying out to God and trusting Him as our steady foundation. And perhaps most importantly—our daughters are watching. They are learning how to respond to pressure, stress, and responsibility by observing us.  You'll also hear practical encouragement for maintaining healthy rhythms as a working mom—from setting boundaries with work, to modeling diligence at home, to embracing Sabbath as a non-negotiable priority. This episode is filled with grace and truth for moms who are striving to honor God in both their calling and their caregiving.  Because at the end of the day, your work matters—but so does the way you live your faith out loud in front of your girl.    Three Things to Remember:  Invite the whole family into the decision of work for mom—it impacts everyone, and shared understanding builds unity.   Keeping Sabbath is a priority—rest is not optional; it's God's design for your well-being.   Be a tour guide for your daughter—help her understand how faith and work intersect in your everyday life.     Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:  Psalm 77   Proverbs 14:1   Exodus 20:8–11    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.   Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.

    36 min
  8. Ep. 368 – Christian Motherhood, Faith, and God's Faithfulness with Rebecca St. James

    MAY 9

    Ep. 368 – Christian Motherhood, Faith, and God's Faithfulness with Rebecca St. James

    In this special Saturday episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, we pause to celebrate Christian motherhood in all its forms—the visible and the unseen, the joyful and the sacrificial, the seasons of waiting and the moments of fulfillment. Host Rachael Culpepper is joined by beloved Christian artist, author, and mom Rebecca St. James for a conversation that honors the sacred calling of mothers and the God who faithfully meets them in every chapter.    Rebecca reflects on how her journey of faith has evolved through marriage and motherhood, sharing how God has shaped her heart through seasons of obedience, surrender, and trust. Drawing from her new book, Lasting Ever: Faith, Music, Family, and Being Found by True Love, co-authored with her husband Cubbie Fink, Rebecca offers encouragement to moms who may feel stretched thin or wonder if their quiet faithfulness truly matters.    The conversation also celebrates the intergenerational impact of Christian witness—from Rebecca's early years in music ministry to her recent time with AHG Girl Members and families at the American Heritage Girls 30th Anniversary Convention. Together, Rachael and Rebecca reflect on the beauty of raising girls rooted in Biblical truth in a culture that often challenges faith and conviction.    This episode is a gentle reminder that God is at work in every role a mother carries—whether nurturing children at home, mentoring girls in her community, or quietly praying behind the scenes. If you're longing for reassurance that your obedience and love are bearing fruit, this conversation will speak hope into your heart.    Pull up a chair, take a deep breath, and join us for this encouraging Saturday reflection on faith, family, and the lasting work God is doing through Christian mothers.    Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Hebrews 11  Isaiah 61:3  2 Corinthians 12:9-11  John 16:33  Isaiah 53:2-3  Philippians 4:8  Titus 2:3      To learn more about Rebecca's new book, Lasting Ever, or her ongoing ministry, be sure to visit rebeccastjames.com    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.        Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.

    44 min
4.7
out of 5
67 Ratings

About

For over 30 years, American Heritage Girls® has come alongside families and youth ministry leaders in offering Christ-centered, girl-focused character development. Through the Raising Godly Girls® Podcast, presented by American Heritage Girls, listeners get to tap into the advice that seasoned AHG leaders have gleaned over three decades of ministering to girls. Plus, hear from industry experts with solutions to a broad range of issues impacting today's girls. Get Biblically-sound and actionable tips from fellow parents, volunteers, and thought leaders on how to raise up a girl after God's own heart.

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