Gardens in Babylon | Christian Parenting & Family Faith Podcast

Kevin Minnett & Riley Toews | Christian Family & Discipleship
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Author: Kevin Minnett & Riley Toews | Christian Family & DiscipleshipDescription:In a world that often feels hostile to Christians, God calls His people to stop waiting for rescue and start planting gardens right where they are. Inspired by Jeremiah 29, this podcast is for ordinary Christian moms juggling laundry and schedules, dads looking over noisy dinner tables with hungry kids, and parents raising the next generation to love the Lord and find godly spouses. Hosted by Kevin Minnett and Pastor Riley Toews, each episode opens with historic Christian voices on family worship, then dives into real stories, practical wisdom, and joyful encouragement for the modern household. What We BelieveWe believe the home is a "nursery"—a greenhouse where parents act as gardeners, cultivating tender shoots into resilient, fruit-bearing adults. Whether you are navigating the early years of toddlers or the complex challenges of the teen years, we provide a roadmap for building a family that outlasts the cultural shift. Topics We TackleFamily Worship & Discipleship: Practical rhythms for the "Family Altar" (Read, Pray, Sing, Catechize).Home Education & Worldview: Raising kids to think biblically in a secular age.The Family Economy: Moving from a "consumer" home to a "productive" household through homesteading, thrift, and a biblical work ethic.Parenting Teens: Helping Christian teenagers navigate identity, mental health, and social media with a firm foundation.Legacy & Heritage: Wisdom for grandparents and parents on building a multi-generational legacy.A Resource for the Whole FamilyWhile we primarily target moms and dads, we aim to be a teen-friendly Christian podcast that the whole family can enjoy together. From our "Dad Joke" face-offs to deep dives into church history, we believe that family-friendly content should be both deep and delightful. You’ll hear from pastors raising big families, homesteaders building productive households, missionaries, and more—all choosing to build, worship, work, and multiply faithfulness in hard places. Connect With UsNew episodes dropping Spring/Summer 2026. Send us your best family dad jokes or stories of how you're cultivating faithfulness at home—we may share them on the show!Suggest a Guest: Let us know who is planting "gardens" in your community.About this show: Gardens in Babylon is a Christian parenting podcast for moms, dads, and teens interested in family discipleship, home education, and family worship. Keywords: Christian Parenting, Family Discipleship, Home Education, Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, Family Worship, Christian Homesteading, Raising Godly Children, Teen Christian Faith, 1689 Baptist Theology, Family Economy.

Episodes

  1. All My Bones Shall Say, Who is Like the Lord

    16h ago

    All My Bones Shall Say, Who is Like the Lord

    The conversation delves into the challenges and support faced by the Heikoop family, particularly in relation to their son Michael's journey and diagnosis. It also explores the day-to-day life of the family, the lessons learned, and the metaphor of the body as a representation of the value of life and the faithfulness of God. Takeaways Family worship is a trial of the state of our heartsThe duty of family worship is not a legalistic checklist but a reflection of our love for God Faithfulness of GodValue of lifeSupport and communityChallenges and sacrifices Chapters 00:00 The Illusion of Family Worship06:06 Living Out Family Worship in Hardship11:31 The Basics of Family Worship25:15 Light-Hearted Interlude31:21 Desire for a Large Family01:26:46 Metaphor of the Body

    1h 7m
  2. They Called Him Bash - The Streets, The Cell, the Savior

    6d ago ·  Bonus

    They Called Him Bash - The Streets, The Cell, the Savior

    Bashar shares his journey from growing up in a Catholic home in Iraq to escaping persecution and relocating to Canada. He discusses his experiences with faith, family, and the challenges he faced in his youth, including involvement in drug-related activities. Bashar shares his journey from drug dealing to incarceration and his encounter with the gospel. Bashar shares his journey of transformation from a life of addiction and crime to finding faith and grace in Jesus Christ. His encounters with temptation, conviction of sin, and the revelation of God's grace lead to a profound change in his life. He now lives to honor God and shares the gospel with others, reflecting on the parallels with the story of Zacchaeus. Takeaways Grace of God's powerEscaping persecution and relocating to Canada Drug dealing led Bashar into a dangerous lifestyle, involving hard drugs and criminal activities.Incarceration and parole provided Bashar with an opportunity to encounter the gospel and experience a positive community.Bashar's transformation from a life of crime to a life of faith and positivity is a powerful testimony of change and redemption. Grace and faith in Jesus Christ bring transformationPersonal relationship with Jesus brings joy and purposeSharing the gospel with others is a joyful privilege Chapters 00:00 The Grace of God's Power08:03 Escaping Persecution and Relocating to Canada20:03 Involvement in Drug-Related Activities33:34 Entering the World of Drug Dealing39:42 Life in Jail and Encounter with the Gospel53:40 Encounter with the Gospel and Transformation

    1h 25m
  3. Not Whether, But Which; Jesus, Politics, and the Myth of Neutrality

    Jun 1

    Not Whether, But Which; Jesus, Politics, and the Myth of Neutrality

    The conversation delves into the crisis of father-absent households, the dark age for the family, the assault on the family, the role of the family in God's plan, the family as the primary institution, the impact of fatherlessness on society, generational reformation, the importance of faithful families, Tim Bushong's journey to ministry, the growth of Syracuse Baptist Church, and the impact of Battle Hymns and music. The conversation delves into the intersection of music and faith, the role of politics in Christianity, navigating the challenges of modern Christianity, the impact of liturgy and tradition, and living out the Christian faith in today's world. Takeaways The family is under assault, and the crisis of father-absent households is a significant concern.Generational reformation and the role of faithful families are crucial in addressing the challenges faced by the family. Music plays a significant role in strengthening and encouraging people in their faith journey.The relationship between Christianity and politics is a complex and important aspect of modern Christian life. Chapters 00:00 The Crisis of Father-Absent Households05:14 Generational Reformation and Church's Role10:40 Transition to Tim Bushong's Background18:22 Tim Bushong's Journey to Ministry25:18 The Growth of Syracuse Baptist Church46:24 The Impact of Battle Hymns and Music58:55 The Intersection of Music and Faith01:10:11 The Impact of Liturgy and Tradition01:22:58 Living Out the Christian Faith in Today's World

    1h 7m
  4. A Garden to be Kept with Trinity Vandenacre

    May 25

    A Garden to be Kept with Trinity Vandenacre

    In this conversation we discuss stewardship of nature and the earth, as well as the challenges of contemporary education. We delve into the Green Religion movement, the ethical error of human existence, the biblical vision of stewardship, the positive vision of the Dominion Mandate, the productivity and blessing of work, local sourcing and self-sufficiency, an introduction to Trinity Vandenacre, and the concept of the garden to be kept. The conversation delves into the battle for truth in the Bible, the absurdity of evolution, the role of government in land stewardship, the design concept of land management, the impact of media on animal portrayal, understanding dominion mandate and land stewardship, and the impact of land management policies. The subtopics cover nature vs. human management, the role of wolves in nature, the influence of Wall Street on land management, the impact of government policies, the influence of environmental NGOs, the stewardship model, observing nature as design, the influence of media on animal portrayal, the impact of animal portrayal on human perception, the role of animals in nature, the dominion mandate, the impact of human activity on nature, the role of individuals in land stewardship, and the influence of centralized food systems. The conversation delves into the stewardship of nature and the importance of environmental education. It explores the role of dams in water management, the High Lonesome Society and its focus on environmental education, the financialization of nature and the public lands rule, the impact of nature and humans as financial assets, the fight against false guilt and manipulation, and the need to educate people on the connection between environmental and financial aspects. Takeaways Stewardship of nature and the earthChallenges of contemporary education Nature vs. Human ManagementImpact of Wolves on NatureThe Role of Government in Land Stewardship Stewardship of natureEnvironmental education Chapters 00:00 The Green Religion Movement05:36 The Positive Command of the Dominion Mandate19:09 Introduction to Trinity Vanden Aker27:52 Light-Hearted Interlude36:02 Formal Education and Ideologies42:46 The Garden to be Kept51:34 The Design Concept of Land Management01:01:29 The Impact of Land Management Policies01:30:59 The Role of Dams in Water Management01:39:42 The Financialization of Nature and Public Lands Rule01:45:21 Fighting Against False Guilt and Manipulation

    1h 31m
  5. God's Comfort with Ryan and Kelly Tame

    May 18

    God's Comfort with Ryan and Kelly Tame

    The conversation delves into the themes of persistence in prayer, God's sovereignty, the purpose of suffering and waiting, understanding God's will, and the emotional impact of pregnancy loss. It explores the silence of God, the power of prayer, decision making, and the impact of suffering on faith and emotions. The discussion also touches on the expectations and reality of family life, as well as the recovery process after pregnancy loss. The conversation delves into the journey of loss, grief, and faith, highlighting the impact on marriage and the ethical considerations of IVF. It also explores the adoption process, spiritual awakening, and the arrival of Nehemiah as a symbol of hope and comfort. Takeaways Persistence in prayerGod's sovereignty and human actionThe purpose of suffering and waitingUnderstanding God's willThe emotional impact of pregnancy loss Faith and trust in GodThe impact of loss and grief on marriage Chapters 00:00 The Silence of God06:00 God's Sovereignty and Human Action12:51 The Impact of Suffering25:00 Pregnancy Loss and Recovery33:47 Navigating Loss and Grief45:35 Adoption and Spiritual Awakening55:16 Challenges and Ethical Considerations of IVF01:08:06 The Arrival of Nehemiah

    1h 17m
  6. Pillars of Education with Daniel Craig of Generations Ministries

    May 11

    Pillars of Education with Daniel Craig of Generations Ministries

    Episode Summary: In this episode of Gardens in Babylon, host Kevin Minnett and co-host Riley Toews explore the "divine constitution" of the family. Featuring guest Daniel Craig from Generations Ministries, the conversation dives deep into the historical and biblical necessity of family worship. From the streets of 19th-century New York to the modern homeschooling movement, we discuss why fathers must move past "drop-off culture" and embrace their role as the primary spiritual leaders of their homes. Key Discussion Points:The "Breathless Rush": Drawing from James Alexander (1847), we discuss how the busyness of life often serves as an excuse to neglect family devotion.The Problem with "Drop-off Culture": Why relying solely on church programs can implicitly tell children "don't try this at home."A Means of Grace: Understanding family worship not as a chore, but as a channel through which God strengthens the entire household.The 4 Pillars of Generations Ministries:Family Discipleship: The home as the primary center for life preparation.Biblical Worldview: Integrating the Lordship of Christ into every subject, including math and science.Best Books, Best Teachers: Moving beyond Greek foundations to Christ-centered learning.Worship & Life Application: Defining the goal of education as a "love that edifies" rather than just academic knowledge.Gardens in Russia: Daniel Craig shares his formative experiences growing up in an orphanage ministry in Moscow.Notable Quotes:"Where the head of a family is lukewarm or worldly, he will send a chill through the whole house." — J.W. Alexander "Faithfulness is ours; the results belong to God." — Riley Toews "Education is the physical, spiritual, emotional, and intellectual preparation of a young person for good works in this life and in eternity." — Daniel Craig Resources Mentioned:Book: A Theology of the Family by Scott Brown and Jeff Pollard.Article: Thoughts on Family Worship by J.W. Alexander.Ministry: Generations MinistriesCurriculum: Generations K-12 Homeschool CurriculumBook: Always Ready by Greg Bahnsen.About Our Guest:Daniel Craig is a leader at Generations Ministries in Colorado. He is an entrepreneur, musician, and advocate for family-based discipleship. His work focuses on helping families reclaim a holistic, biblical vision for education and life.

    1h 13m
  7. Rescuing Babies, Restoring Hope with Scott Hord

    May 4

    Rescuing Babies, Restoring Hope with Scott Hord

    Episode SummaryKevin and Riley draw a sobering parallel between the "midnight of heathenism" faced by 19th-century missionary John Patton and the spiritual darkness of the modern abortion industry. They discuss the shift from abortion as a "tragic choice" to its celebration as a "sincerely held religious belief" and "secular sacrament." The episode features an interview with Scott Hord, a former pastor now serving full-time on the sidewalk. Scott shares incredible stories of Gospel transformation, from life-threatening encounters to mothers choosing life after a five-minute conversation. Section 1: The Midnight of HeathenismKevin discusses John Patton’s mission to the New Hebrides. The hosts explore how modern society hasn't "outgrown" historic savagery but has simply relocated it to sterile rooms. Religious Abortion: Analyzing Indiana rulings claiming abortion as "religious freedom."Proverbs 24:11: The mandate to rescue those staggering toward slaughter.Section 2: Worldviews & The Mennonite GameKevin and Riley discuss the importance of multi-generational faithfulness and a surprising family connection. Neutrality is a Myth: Why "natural law" fails without a biblical standard.Image of God: The theological foundation for protecting life.The Mennonite Game: A lighthearted interlude discovering that Kevin and Riley share a great-grandfather.Legacy: Cultivating faithfulness that lasts a hundred years.Section 3: Interview with Scott HordScott Hord shares his experience in the ministry of rescue. The Father’s Voice: Why a compassionate male presence is vital for women in crisis.795 Rescues: The stories behind the confirmed lives saved through his ministry.Ministry Framework: Scott’s "Quadrant" for spiritual health: King, Warrior, Friend, and Servant.Transformation: How "Kevin" went from threatening Scott to building crosses for new mothers.Action: Moving the church from the sidelines to the sidewalk.Mentioned in this EpisodeScott Hord Ministries: scotthord.comEnd Abortion Now: endabortionnow.com (Jeff Durbin)The White Rose Resistance: thewhiterose.life (Seth Gruber)Love Life: lovelife.orgOperation Save America: operationsaveamerica.orgQuotes"The midnight of heathenism isn’t a relic of history—it’s our current climate." — Kevin Minnett "I don’t wear sunglasses. I want them to see the compassion in my eyes." — Scott Hord How are you planting "gardens" in the hard places of your community? Join the conversation on our social media. #GardensInBabylon #ProLife #GospelHope #FaithfulInTheFight

    1h 6m
  8. Raising Arrows: The Singing Family as a Fortress with Dale & Lisa Jost

    Apr 27

    Raising Arrows: The Singing Family as a Fortress with Dale & Lisa Jost

    How do we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land? In this deep and delightful episode of Gardens in Babylon, Kevin and Riley sit down with Dale and Lisa Jost, parents of 11 and grandparents of 34. From their homestead in Southern Alberta, the Josts have built a multi-generational heritage rooted in music, fruitfulness, and the "long game" of faithfulness. We explore the reality of raising a "statistically anomalous" large family in a culture that often views children as a burden. Dale and Lisa share how family worship and singing became their armor and their weapon—helping their children grow into productive, creative adults who are now passing the baton to the next generation. In this episode, we cover: Worship as Warfare: Why the song of the Lord is a tool for the wilderness, not just a luxury for the church building.The Singing Family: How to teach your kids harmony (literally and spiritually) to create a bond that survives "Babylon."Raising Productive Arrows: How the Josts encouraged entrepreneurship and individual giftings in their 11 children.Finding Spouses in Exile: Honest advice for parents in isolated communities on trusting God's providence for their children’s futures.The "Compost" of Repentance: Why your past failures, when repented of, become the richest soil for your family’s future growth.Chapters00:00 Worship as Warfare: Why King Jehoshaphat sent singers into battle.02:48 The Family Altar at the Kitchen Table: Lessons from missionary John Patton.10:31 The Van-Trapped Family Singers: Memorable (and hilarious) stories from the touring life.12:57 The Family Economy: Why "Canaan" is built through inventiveness and hard work.19:30 Spiritual Impact of Music: Why the Word of Christ must dwell in us through song.30:09 Countercultural Fruitfulness: Raising 11 kids in a "below-replacement" culture.41:17 First Steps for Frazzled Dads: How to start the journey of generational faithfulness today.

    1h 2m
  9. Kids, Cows, and Kirkers: Raising 9 Kids on a Mission with Pastor Eric Anderson

    Apr 20

    Kids, Cows, and Kirkers: Raising 9 Kids on a Mission with Pastor Eric Anderson

    EPISODE 2: Kids, Cows, and Kirkers with Eric AndersonIs your home just a "rain shelter," or is it a productive nursery for the Kingdom of God? In this episode, Kevin and Riley are joined by Eric Anderson, a pastor and "jack-of-all-trades" from Minnesota, to discuss the theology of the Cosmic Household. Eric shares how his family of nine has moved away from the "therapeutic victim culture" of modern society and toward a robust, productive family economy involving Jersey cows, sourdough side-hustles, and a healthy dose of midwestern thrift. In this episode, we cover:The Gardener Father: Exploring J.H. Merle d’Aubigny’s vision of the home as a nursery and the father as a "husbandman."Gardening in Babylon: Why we need to stop being "armchair prophets" at coffee shops and start cultivating character in our own backyards.The Theology of Thrift: How the Andersons support a large family on a pastor's salary without debt.Jersey Cows & Sourdough: Why reorienting the home toward production changes the spiritual temperature of the family.Character Excellence: Why homeschool kids with a work ethic stand out to secular coaches and employers.Protecting the Marriage: Practical rhythms for sanity, including "unhurried walks" and family rest hours.Resources Mentioned:Book: The Household and the War for the Cosmos by C.R. Wiley.Historical Text: Family Worship by J.H. Merle d’Aubigny.Acronym: Eric’s "THRIFT" framework for family economy. (But we need to get Eric back on the work through this further.)Connect with the Show:Subscribe to Gardens in Babylon on Apple Podcasts.Leave a Review: If this episode encouraged you, please leave a 5-star rating!Follow Us: [Insert Social Media Links/Facebook Group]Notable Quote:"The home is not just a place to train your kids as an alternative to government education... it is a place where economy happens" — Eric Anderson Apple Podcast Search Keywords (Tags):Reformed theology, Christian parenting, homeschooling, family economy, homesteading, thrift, C.R. Wiley, Merle d'Aubigny, 1689 Baptist, multi-generational faithfulness, Christian household. Takeaways Family worship as a powerful means of preparationThe impact of family structure on character formation Family and household visionThrift and productivityCommunity involvementRaising children with purpose Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Family Worship08:01 The Anderson Family Routine37:15 Theological Framework for Family and Work43:40 Thrift and Productivity01:05:39 Raising Children with Purpose Key Topics: Christian Parenting, Family Discipleship, Raising 9 Kids, Homesteading, Character Training for Teens.

    1h 2m
  10. Why Gardens in Babylon?

    Apr 13

    Why Gardens in Babylon?

    Can a faithful family thrive in a "Babylonian" culture? In this debut episode of Gardens in Babylon, pastors Kevin Minnett and Riley Toews explore the biblical foundations for family worship and family discipleship. Whether you are looking for a kids faith podcast or resources for leading your teenagers, this episode reveals why the solution to cultural decay starts at the supper table, not in the senate. Kevin and Riley discuss the "family altar," the historical faithfulness of the Puritans, and how to view your home as a "mini-economy" of the Kingdom of God. What we cover in this episode: The "Family Altar": Why consistent worship in the home is the heartbeat of a resilient family.Work as Worship: Reclaiming the biblical word Avoda to bridge the gap between the sacred and the secular.Raising Godly Kids in Hard Places: Practical ways to use Deuteronomy 6 rhythms in a modern, busy household.Prioritizing the Home: How to audit your schedule to ensure your christian family goals come first.Chapters00:00 The Call to Faithful Households: Lessons from the 1689 London Baptist Confession.06:33 The Integration of Work and Worship: Why mothering and homesteading are "Kingdom Work."10:45 The "Dad Joke" Face-off: Humor, heritage, and the importance of joy.32:43 Identifying Priorities: Setting deliberate goals for family discipleship.39:00 Cultivating Faithful Families: Building a legacy that outlasts empires.Resources MentionedA Theology of the Family – Edited by Scott Brown & Jeff PollardFull-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life – David L. BahnsenFamily Driven Faith – Voddie BauchamFamily Life – Kevin SwansonFamily Worship – Donald Whitney

    1h 15m
  • 10 Episodes

About

Author: Kevin Minnett & Riley Toews | Christian Family & DiscipleshipDescription:In a world that often feels hostile to Christians, God calls His people to stop waiting for rescue and start planting gardens right where they are. Inspired by Jeremiah 29, this podcast is for ordinary Christian moms juggling laundry and schedules, dads looking over noisy dinner tables with hungry kids, and parents raising the next generation to love the Lord and find godly spouses. Hosted by Kevin Minnett and Pastor Riley Toews, each episode opens with historic Christian voices on family worship, then dives into real stories, practical wisdom, and joyful encouragement for the modern household. What We BelieveWe believe the home is a "nursery"—a greenhouse where parents act as gardeners, cultivating tender shoots into resilient, fruit-bearing adults. Whether you are navigating the early years of toddlers or the complex challenges of the teen years, we provide a roadmap for building a family that outlasts the cultural shift. Topics We TackleFamily Worship & Discipleship: Practical rhythms for the "Family Altar" (Read, Pray, Sing, Catechize).Home Education & Worldview: Raising kids to think biblically in a secular age.The Family Economy: Moving from a "consumer" home to a "productive" household through homesteading, thrift, and a biblical work ethic.Parenting Teens: Helping Christian teenagers navigate identity, mental health, and social media with a firm foundation.Legacy & Heritage: Wisdom for grandparents and parents on building a multi-generational legacy.A Resource for the Whole FamilyWhile we primarily target moms and dads, we aim to be a teen-friendly Christian podcast that the whole family can enjoy together. From our "Dad Joke" face-offs to deep dives into church history, we believe that family-friendly content should be both deep and delightful. You’ll hear from pastors raising big families, homesteaders building productive households, missionaries, and more—all choosing to build, worship, work, and multiply faithfulness in hard places. Connect With UsNew episodes dropping Spring/Summer 2026. Send us your best family dad jokes or stories of how you're cultivating faithfulness at home—we may share them on the show!Suggest a Guest: Let us know who is planting "gardens" in your community.About this show: Gardens in Babylon is a Christian parenting podcast for moms, dads, and teens interested in family discipleship, home education, and family worship. Keywords: Christian Parenting, Family Discipleship, Home Education, Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, Family Worship, Christian Homesteading, Raising Godly Children, Teen Christian Faith, 1689 Baptist Theology, Family Economy.

Information

  • Creator
    Kevin Minnett & Riley Toews | Christian Family & Discipleship
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Kevin Minnett & Riley Toews | Christian Family & Discipleship

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