Discipling Kids

John Scheller
  • 4.6 (9)
  • Parenting

Where practical parenting meets practiced theology for families and ministries discipling kids for Christ. 

  1. 3d ago

    Supporting Children with Special Needs at Home, Church, and Beyond (with Jocyline Graham)

    How can families, churches, and communities better support children with special needs? And what can we learn from them? In this episode, I’m joined by speech-language pathologist Jocyline Graham to discuss practical ways we can encourage, include, and support children with special needs at home, in the church, and throughout our communities. We discuss:  Why children with special needs matter and reflect the image of God  What children with special needs can teach us about faith, relationships, and community  How parents can support growth and development at home  Ways churches can become more welcoming and inclusive  Practical encouragement for families, ministry leaders, and caregivers We also discuss insights from Sandra Peoples' book Accessible Church and how churches can create environments where children with special needs and their families are welcomed, valued, and able to participate fully in the life of the church. Every child bears the image of God and has unique gifts to offer. This conversation provides practical encouragement for parents, church leaders, and anyone seeking to better support children with special needs while learning from the strengths and perspectives they bring. 📚 Referenced in this episode: Accessible Church by Sandra Peoples 👍 If this episode was helpful, consider subscribing for more conversations on discipling kids with biblical clarity and practical wisdom. Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

    19 min

  2. May 25

    Modeling Evangelism: Helping Kids—and Learning from Them (with Catherine Reynolds)

    How do children learn to share their faith? And what might adults discover when they pay attention to the way children respond to the gospel? In this episode, I’m joined by pastor’s wife and friend Catherine Reynolds for a conversation about evangelism—what it is, why it matters, and how parents can model it in everyday life. We discuss:  What evangelism actually is—and what it isn’t  Why children need to see faith shared, not just taught  Practical ways to involve kids in gospel conversations  How children can become examples for adults in faith and witness  Insights from The Great Dechurching and why intentional faith formation matters now more than ever Children are not only learners—they can often remind us what simple trust, bold faith, and joyful witness look like. As families seek to disciple the next generation, evangelism becomes more than an event—it becomes a way of life that children are invited into and shaped by. Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

    25 min

  3. May 18

    Learning to Father: Storytelling, Scripture, and Discipling Kids (with Dr. Jerry Pattengale)

    What happens when we have to learn fatherhood without having experienced it ourselves? In this episode, I’m joined by scholar and author Dr. Jerry Pattengale for a thoughtful conversation about parenting, storytelling, and helping kids grow to love the Bible. We discuss: Learning how to be a father after growing up without oneWhy storytelling and imagination matter in discipleshipHelping kids engage the Bible in meaningful waysThe role of history, artifacts, and immersive experiences in shaping faithHow parents should think about shows like The Chosen with their childrenDr. Pattengale also shares practical wisdom and encouragement for parents who want to faithfully disciple their kids—even when the journey feels difficult or unfamiliar. Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

    23 min

  4. May 11

    AI and Our Kids: What Parents Need to Know (with Chris McKenna)

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the world our kids are growing up in—but how should parents think about it? In this episode, I’m joined again by Chris McKenna from Protect Young Eyes to discuss the growing influence of AI on children, families, and everyday life. We talk about the opportunities, dangers, and practical ways parents can begin having wise conversations with their kids about artificial intelligence. We discuss: What AI actually is and why it matters for parentsHow AI is already shaping the lives of kids and teensPotential dangers and concerns families should be aware ofHow parents can talk about AI with wisdom and discernmentWhy discipleship and critical thinking matter in an AI-driven worldAs technology continues to develop rapidly, parents don’t need to respond with fear—but they do need wisdom. This conversation is designed to help families think carefully and biblically about the future our kids are stepping into. 🔗 Learn more about Protect Young Eyes: Watch this interview on YOUTUBE Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

    16 min

  5. May 4

    Screens and Social Media: What Parents Should Know and Do (with Chris McKenna)

    Screens, social media, and technology are shaping our kids in powerful ways—but how should parents respond? In this episode, I’m joined by Chris McKenna from Protect Young Eyes to talk about the real risks of screens and social media for kids—and the practical steps parents can take right now to lead well in a digital world. We discuss: The biggest dangers kids face with screens and social media How technology is shaping their habits, attention, and relationships What the recent concerns around platforms like Meta reveal Practical habits parents can begin implementing today If you’ve ever felt unsure how to navigate screens and social media in your home, this conversation will help you think clearly and act intentionally. Watch on YOUTUBE 📚 Learn more about Protect Young Eyes About the guest: Chris McKenna is the founder of Protect Young Eyes, an organization dedicated to helping families create safer digital environments for kids through education, resources, and practical tools. 👍 If this was helpful, consider subscribing for more conversations on discipling kids. Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

    32 min

  6. Apr 27

    Healthy Habits for Families: Why the Body Matters for Discipleship (with Dr. RoseAnn Scheller)

    How do everyday habits like sleep, screen time, and physical activity shape not just our kids’ health—but their discipleship? In this episode, I’m joined by pediatrician Dr. RoseAnn Scheller to talk about the importance of healthy habits in the home. From sleep and nutrition to movement, screen time, and discipline, we explore how caring for the body is an important part of raising kids to follow Christ. We discuss: Why the body matters in discipleshipHealthy rhythms for sleep, eating, and physical activityHow screen time impacts kids’ developmentThe connection between discipline, habits, and long-term formation🎥 Watch Dr. Scheller’s full lecture, Healthy Habits of the Household: https://youtu.be/Anu14B6gc54 If you’re looking to build healthier rhythms in your home that support both the body and the soul, this conversation will give you practical guidance and encouragement. 🔗 Learn more about Dr. RoseAnn Scheller’s pediatric practice: https://www.cincinnatipediatrics.com/about/staff/roseann-scheller Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

    31 min

  7. Apr 21

    Discipling Your Kids Through Youth Sports (with Brian Smith & Ed Uszynski)

    How should Christian parents think about youth sports—and what role should it play in discipling our kids? In this episode, I’m joined by Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski, co-authors of Away Game, to talk about the opportunities and challenges youth sports create for families. From packed schedules to competing priorities, sports can shape our kids in powerful ways—for better or worse. We discuss: The hidden pressures and pitfalls of youth sports cultureHow sports can compete with (or support) your child’s faithWhat it looks like to disciple your kids in the midst of busy sports seasonsPractical ways to keep what matters most at the centerIf your family is involved in youth sports—or you’re trying to decide how it should fit into your life—this conversation will help you think more clearly and intentionally. 📚 Resource mentioned: Away Game by Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

    55 min

  8. Apr 14

    Discipline as Discipleship (Part 2): Practical Tools for Everyday Parenting (with Jen Powers)

    What do you actually do in the moment when your child or student is overwhelmed, disrespectful, or struggling with big emotions? In this episode, I’m joined by Jen Powers from Tried and True Parenting to continue our discussion on discipline as discipleship. We move from framework to practice, talking through how parents can respond with clarity, consistency, and intentionality. 📚 The Connected Parent  by Karyn Purvis and Lisa Qualls We discuss: The importance of parent self-assessmentPractical scripts you can use in real situationsHow to respond to big emotions and disrespectApproaches that keep discipleship—not just behavior—as the goalIf you’ve ever felt unsure how to handle difficult moments with your kids, this episode will give you practical tools you can begin using right away. This is Part 2 of a 2-part series on using discipline as a tool for discipleship in the home. Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

    35 min
See All (13)

Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Where practical parenting meets practiced theology for families and ministries discipling kids for Christ. 

Information

  • Creator
    John Scheller
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 John Scheller
  • Show Website
    Discipling Kids