Discipling Kids

John Scheller
  • 4.6 (11)
  • Parenting

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

  1. Sep 3

    Where Do We Go From Here? Rethinking Children’s Ministry with Matt Markins (Part 2)

    If the way we've been doing children's ministry isn't working, what should we do differently? In Part 2, I'm joined by Matt Markins, President and CEO of Awana, to examine the development of children's ministry from the 1980s through today—and to consider a different way forward. We discuss some of the trends that shaped modern ministry to kids: an increasing emphasis on entertainment, attraction, programs, and age-specific experiences, along with the unintended consequences that can come when these things displace deeper formation. But our conversation isn't simply about criticizing the past. It's about recovering practices that have formed God's people for generations. We discuss:  How children's ministry changed from the 1980s through the 2020s  Well-intentioned ministry trends that may not have produced lasting faith  Why relationships are essential to lasting discipleship  The importance of helping children engage deeply with Scripture  Teaching kids the overarching story and major themes of the Bible  Why memorization still matters  Recovering catechisms, creeds, and other historic practices of Christian formation  What churches and parents can do differently as they disciple the next generation The way forward may, in fact, be an ancient path: deep relationships, deep engagement with Scripture, and intentionally passing the Christian faith from one generation to the next. Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

  2. Sep 3

    How Did We Get Here? A History of Discipling Kids (Part 1)

    Over the past several decades, churches have invested enormous amounts of time, creativity, and resources into ministry to children and youth. Yet we have also witnessed a troubling decline in the number of young people continuing in the Christian faith. To understand where we are today, we need to understand how we got here. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we trace the history of faith transmission and child discipleship across thousands of years. From ancient Judaism and the Old and New Testaments to the early church, medieval Christianity, the Reformation, the Industrial Revolution, and the emergence of a distinct youth culture in the 20th century, we examine what has changed and remained the same over time. We explore:  How children were taught the faith in ancient Judaism  The biblical examples of faith transmission The importance of memorization, Scripture engagement, and catechismsThe responsibilities between the church and parents in discipling kids How industrialization began changing family, church, and community life  The emergence of a distinct youth culture in the 1940s and 1950s  How these developments set the stage for the children's and youth ministry models that emerged in the late twentieth century Before asking what children's ministry should look like in the future, this episode looks backward—because some of the practices we need today may be much older than we think. Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

  3. Jul 20

    When and How Should Kids Be Baptized?

    When and how should children be baptized? What does baptism mean? And what does the Bible teach? In this episode we explore an important moment parents face: When and how should my child be baptized? Rather than beginning with church tradition, we begin with Scripture—tracing the story of baptism from the Old Testament through the intertestamental period and into the New Testament. We discuss:  What baptism is and why Jesus commanded it  The biblical purpose and meaning of baptism  The Old Testament and Jewish background that prepares us for baptism  When and how baptism should be practiced  The historical development of Catholic, Reformation, and Baptist views of baptism  Why I believe Scripture points to believer's baptism Whether you're considering baptism for yourself, your child, or simply want to understand the biblical and historical foundations of baptism, this episode is designed to help you think carefully and faithfully about this important expression of following Christ. Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

  4. Jun 19

    Why Families Matter to God (with Dr. David Palmer)

    Why do families matter so much to God? In this episode, I’m joined by my senior pastor, Dr. David Palmer, to explore the biblical importance of family and the unique role families play in God's redemptive plan. We discuss:  Why families matter to God as seen in Scripture Where we see the importance of family throughout Scripture  Why God so often uses family language to describe His relationship with His people  The connection between our physical families and our spiritual family in Christ Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself as Father, welcomes believers as His children, and forms His people into a family. This conversation explores why those themes matter and how our earthly families help shape our understanding of belonging, discipleship, and life in Christ. Questions, comments, or feedback? Click Here!

  5. Jun 3

    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!

  6. 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!

  7. 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!

  8. 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!

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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    John Scheller
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 John Scheller
  • Show Website
    Discipling Kids