Gardens in Babylon | Christian Faith Podcast

Kevin Minnett & Riley Toews | Christian Family & Discipleship
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Kids & Family

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).Biblical Manhood: What it looks like to become and cultivate faithful manhood.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.

  1. Oct 22

    A Theology of Homesteading: Recovering the Good Life with Kelsey Beck Fernandez

    Can the simple act of growing a tomato or baking a loaf of bread be an exercise in applied theology? In this episode of _Gardens in Babylon_, Kevin Minnett and co-host Eric Anderson sit down with homesteader/theologian Kelsey Beck Fernandez to explore how Christian families can cultivate faithfulness in the midst of "Babylon." Kelsey shares his incredible journey from atheism to the a robust Christian faith, and how his career in the culinary and wine industries opened his eyes to the profound beauty of God's design in agriculture. Discover why homesteading isn't just about survival or "prepping," but about pursuing the good life, taking dominion, and building a resilient, multi-generational faith. Whether you live on ten acres or in a suburban townhouse, you'll walk away with practical steps to start producing, cultivating, and recognizing God's providence right where you are. *In This Episode, We Cover:* * *From Atheist to Homesteader:* Kelsey’s spiritual journey and how learning about multi-generational agriculture through the wine industry reshaped his worldview. * *The "Necessary Good" of Homesteading:* Why learning basic agricultural skills—like gardening, raising animals, and even butchery—can deeply enrich your family's education and understanding of scripture. * *Faithfulness in Deep Blue States:* Why Kelsey (California), Eric (Minnesota), and Kevin (Colorado) have chosen to plant roots and build Christian communities in places that can feel culturally hostile. * *Escaping the "Hunker in a Bunker" Mentality:* Shifting the motivation for preparedness away from dread and fear to a vision of thriving and building a lasting Christian culture. * *Practical Steps to Start Today:* Why learning to sharpen a knife, planting a pot of basil on your balcony, and cooking a whole chicken are the perfect gateway skills for aspiring homesteaders. * *The Birth of Tenfold Tallow:* How a surplus of pork fat led Kelsey to create a clean, nourishing, and farm-fresh skincare product for his wife and family. *Resources & Links Mentioned:* * *Connect with Kelsey Beck Fernandez on Instagram:*https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.instagram.com/kelseybeckfernandez * *Shop Tenfold Tallow (Farm-fresh, handcrafted skincare):*https://tenfoldtallow.com *Listen & Subscribe:* If you were encouraged by this conversation, please rate, review, and subscribe to _Gardens in Babylon_ wherever you listen to podcasts! Share this episode with a friend or family member who is interested in theology, homesteading, or Christian community building.

    A Theology of Homesteading: Recovering the Good Life with Kelsey Beck Fernandez

  2. Oct 14 ·  Bonus

    God’s Medicine Cabinet: Rediscovering Herbs for Your Health with Camilla Johnson

    What if some of the wisdom we need for caring for our bodies has been growing in God’s creation all along? In this episode of Gardens in Babylon, Kevin Minnett talks with Camila Johnson, homeschool mom, former public-school teacher, herbalist, and author of Back to Eden: A Biblical Foundation for Herbal Healing, about herbs, health, and learning to recognize the Creator's wisdom in His creation. Camila's journey into herbalism began with a desire to understand how Christians can care for the bodies God has given us without losing sight of the One who made them. Along the way, she discovered that many approaches to herbalism either leave God out entirely or blur the distinction between the Creator and His creation. Her approach is different. As Camila puts it: “You steward the provision and you worship the Creator.” That simple distinction shapes the entire conversation. We talk about the biblical use of herbs, oils, and other natural substances; what the remarkable design of the human body can teach us about its Designer; and why learning more about how creation works should lead Christians to greater awe of God rather than less. Camila also explains how she has incorporated herbalism into a hands-on homeschool curriculum. Rather than treating herbalism as an isolated subject, her approach brings together science, history, language arts, math, Scripture, and practical skills. Children learn to identify and work with herbs, make simple preparations, and eventually build their own working apothecary—while parents learn alongside them. The conversation also touches on an important distinction that is easy to lose in discussions about natural health: God's creation is a gift to be stewarded, not an object to be worshiped. Whether you have an interest in herbal medicine, natural health, Christian homeschooling, or simply want to think more carefully about the goodness and wisdom displayed in God's creation, this conversation offers plenty to consider. Explore Camila's WorkEden Institute Camila's website includes her herbalism resources, app, quiz, homeschool curriculum, free materials, and information for sourcing herbs. 👉 edeninstitute.health Back to Eden: A Biblical Foundation for Herbal Healing Learn more about Camila's book and her biblical approach to herbalism. 👉 Back to Eden at Eden Institute A Note on Health: This conversation is for educational purposes and should not be taken as individualized medical advice. Herbs can have real effects and can interact with medications or be inappropriate for particular people. Consult a qualified healthcare professional when appropriate. Gardens in Babylon is a podcast about cultivating faithfulness in God's world—from the garden to the city, from family and education to culture, work, health, and everything in between. Because we still live in Babylon. And we still have a garden to tend. #ChristianHerbalism #BiblicalHerbalism #HerbsAndHealth #NaturalHealth #ChristianHomeschool #HerbalMedicine #BiblicalWorldview #GardensInBabylon

    God’s Medicine Cabinet: Rediscovering Herbs for Your Health with Camilla Johnson

  3. Oct 1 ·  Bonus

    Have we Got the Gospel Wrong?

    The conversation delves into the essence of the gospel, emphasizing the importance of understanding and proclaiming it accurately. It explores the lordship of Christ, the nature of the human heart, and the need for a comprehensive gospel presentation. The discussion also touches on the role of believers in advancing the lordship of Christ and the portrayal of this concept in the New Testament. The conversation delves into the essence of the gospel, emphasizing the lordship of Christ and the comprehensive nature of the gospel message. It explores the atonement, the power of the gospel for salvation, and the need for a full proclamation of the gospel message. Takeaways Gospel AccuracyLordship of Christ Lordship of ChristComprehensive Gospel Message Chapters 00:00 The Essence of the Gospel05:30 Misconceptions in Gospel Presentations08:31 The Offensiveness of the Gospel10:05 Understanding Human Depravity13:43 The Lordship of Christ18:12 The Authority of Christ22:01 The Kingdom of Christ26:00 The Triumph of Christ30:03 The Lordship of Christ in the Gospel38:41 The Comprehensive Nature of the Gospel Message44:19 The Atonement and the Power of the Gospel

    Have we Got the Gospel Wrong?

  4. Sep 24

    The Thrift Ecomomy: Building a Home That Lasts

    The conversation covers topics such as church ministry, personal transformation, and the challenges of past experiences. It delves into the themes of redemption, grace, and the complexities of personal history within the context of faith and family life. The conversation delves into the themes of repentance, honesty, and responsibility in dealing with one's past, as well as the importance of thriftiness and building a home together as a couple. It also emphasizes the value of taking unhurried time to dream, plan, and celebrate as a family. The conversation explores the principles of thrift and its application in various aspects of life, including household management, financial stewardship, and family economics. It emphasizes the value of thrift in shaping a vision for beauty, contentment, and purpose within the home, as well as the generational impact of instilling thrift in children. Takeaways Redemption and graceChallenges of personal historyChurch ministry and family life Repentance, honesty, and responsibility are key in dealing with one's pastThriftiness and building a home together as a couple are important aspects of family life Thrift as a lifestyleGenerational impact of thrift Chapters 00:00 Church Ministry and Community Outreach09:13 Personal Transformation and Redemption17:06 Challenges of Past Experiences26:19 Repentance, Honesty, and Responsibility31:03 Building a Home Together50:37 The Value of Thriftiness55:47 The Principles of Thrift56:22 Investing in Household Essentials57:53 Creating Side Streams of Income01:00:50 Improving the Cosmic Household01:02:10 The Value of Thrift in Family Economics01:16:21 Instilling Thrift in the Next Generation

    The Thrift Ecomomy: Building a Home That Lasts

  5. Sep 16

    Always Grateful - Faith After Loosing Her Arms and Legs with Ciara Dierking

    In this deeply moving episode of the Gardens in Babylon Podcast, host Kevin Minnett sits down with Ciara Dierking to explore her journey of faith, strength, and gratitude after surviving a sudden, life-threatening medical crisis that resulted in the loss of her arms and legs. Episode Overview In late December 2023, what seemed like a routine viral illness quickly escalated into severe pneumonia, flu, and strep A, triggering sepsis and organ failure. Miraculously surviving cardiac arrest through ECMO support, Ciara woke up to a reality as a quadruple amputee. Transitioning from a self-described "Type A" perfectionist to leaning entirely on God's grace, Ciara shares how daily gratitude, scripture memorization, and family support sustained her through recovery and inspired a mission-driven life. Key Takeaways Surrendering Control in Crisis: How Ciara shifted from a perfectionist mindset to resting in God's sovereignty and goodness during extreme physical loss.The Discipline of Gratitude: How writing down three daily blessings—inspired by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth’s Choosing Gratitude—became a spiritual life preserver in the ICU.Family & Marriage Resilience: Re-anchoring family roles, encouraging independence in her two young sons, and highlighting her husband David's selfless caregiving.Osseointegration & PT Goals: Navigating advanced bone-anchored prosthetic surgeries and setting a courageous multi-year goal to walk independently.Creative Renewal: Discovering adaptive watercolor painting and running an inspirational apparel line using specialized mobile technology.Featured Resources & Partners Always Grateful Threads: Ciara’s apparel and gift line featuring scripture designs, watercolor prints, and hoodies made to encourage believers and support her daily care needs (alwaysgratefulthreads.com).Bohnet Music Academy: Proud partner dedicated to fostering music education, artistic expression, and creative growth within the community (https://bohnetma.com/).Keeping the Citadel: Featured partner encouraging and equipping believers to build resilient, faith-filled homes and strong family foundations (keepingthecitadel.com)Recommended Reading: Choosing Gratitude by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth and resources from Joni Eareckson Tada (Joni and Friends) and Catherine Wolf (Hope Heals). #GardensInBabylon #CiaraDierking #GratefulThreads #ChristianTestimony #GodsProvidence #Gratitude #FaithInSuffering #HopeInChrist

    Always Grateful - Faith After Loosing Her Arms and Legs with Ciara Dierking

  6. Sep 9 ·  Bonus

    You Are An Instrument

    In this conversation Kevin Minnett and Sean Bohnet the musical nature of creation and worship, the relationship between music and mathematics, the role of singing in worship, and the heavenly language of singing. They explore the idea that music is a reflection of God, the importance of the voice in worship, and the intercreatural language of singing. The conversation delves into the spiritual significance of music and its role as a battleground for spiritual influence. It also emphasizes the importance of musical excellence in the context of worship and spiritual growth. Takeaways Music as a Reflection of GodThe Importance of the Voice in WorshipThe Intercreatural Language of Singing Music as a Spiritual BattlegroundThe Importance of Musical Excellence Chapters 00:00 The Musical Nature of Creation and Worship12:06 The Relationship Between Music and Mathematics18:09 The Role of Singing in Worship24:03 The Heavenly Language of Singing29:39 The Spiritual Battle of Music

    You Are An Instrument

  7. Sep 2

    Keeping the Citadel - Recovering the Beauty of Biblical Womanhood

    Episode Title: Reclaiming Biblical Femininity & Homemaking with Heather Faria Episode Summary: In this episode of Gardens in Babylon, host Kevin Minnett sits down with Heather Faria, creator and founder of Keeping the Citadel magazine and podcast. Together, they discuss the shift away from modern feminism, the limitations of the "trad wife" trend, and how Christian women can cultivate true beauty and order in the home. Heather shares the story behind the name Keeping the Citadel, the importance of biblical womanhood, and practical advice for navigating difficult family dynamics while pursuing kingdom work within the home. Key Takeaways & Topics CoveredThe Story Behind "Keeping the Citadel": How Eowyn’s character arc in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings inspired the vision to redeem womanhood, moving from fighting cultural battles in the wrong arena to embracing the calling of a life-giver and nurturer. Feminism vs. Biblical Womanhood: Unpacking how cultural ideologies have impacted the church and why women are seeking a return to God's original design for the home. The Trad Wife Movement: Evaluating the cultural trend of "trad wives" through a scriptural lens, contrasting superficial or performative homemaking with gospel-rooted Christian stewardship. Practical Advice for Challenging Circumstances: Encouragement for women dealing with past regrets, passive leadership in the home, or the daily chaos of family life. Homemaking as Kingdom Work: Viewing daily household duties not as mundane chores, but as acts of taking dominion, pushing back the curse, and reflecting God’s beauty and order. Featured Links & ResourcesKeeping the Citadel – Official website for the magazine, subscriptions, and issue updates. Keeping the Citadel Podcast – Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Recommended Publishing Resources: Canon Press and New Christendom Press. Guest InformationHeather Faria is a wife of 15 years, mother of two, and the founder and editor-in-chief of Keeping the Citadel. Through her quarterly publication and podcast, she equips and encourages women in biblical femininity, Titus 2 discipleship, and Christian homemaking. #BiblicalWomanhood, #Homemaking, #ChristianMotherhood, #BiblicalFemininity, #Titus2, #KeepingTheCitadel, #GardensInBabylon, #ChristianHomemaker, #ChristianFamily, #TradWife, #ChristianPodcast, #LordOfTheRings, #KingdomWork, #CultureAndFaith

    Keeping the Citadel - Recovering the Beauty of Biblical Womanhood

  8. Aug 26

    Raising Godly Men: Education, Economy, and the Next Generation | John Moody

    What does it take to raise boys who become godly, capable, productive men? In this episode of Gardens in Babylon, Kevin Minnett and Riley Toews sit down with entrepreneur, homesteader, writer, and mentor John Moody for a wide-ranging conversation about biblical manhood, Christian education, raising boys, family economy, work, mentorship, and generational legacy. John argues that one of the truest measures of a man's success isn't simply what he builds during his lifetime—but whether he can faithfully reproduce that success through those who come after him. A farm without the next generation prepared to carry it forward can disappear. A business can collapse when its founder retires. A church can stumble when faithful leadership is not passed on. A man's accomplishments mean little if he has not cultivated faithful people who can preserve and build upon what he began. So what does this mean for Christian fathers? This conversation explores why raising godly sons requires more than protecting them from the world. Boys need meaningful work, responsibility, discipline, challenge, mentorship, and the opportunity to see their fathers live out faithful Christian manhood. John shares why fathers should be actively involved in their sons' education and why practical formation matters alongside academics. The conversation addresses the importance of teaching boys how to work, negotiate, solve problems, handle responsibility, and understand the relationship between labor, value, money, and stewardship. In This Episode• Why a man's success should be measured partly by what he reproduces in the next generation • The importance of raising godly men rather than merely successful boys • Why boys need meaningful work, physical challenge, responsibility, and real-world consequences • The role fathers play in their sons' education and development • How work and shared projects become opportunities for discipleship • Building a productive family economy • Teaching children about work, money, entrepreneurship, and responsibility • Why Christian families should think generationally rather than merely surviving the present • The dangers of both the prosperity gospel and what John calls the "poverty gospel" • Why success and wealth are not inherently opposed to Christian faithfulness • Preparing young men to navigate today's difficult economic environment • How fathers can prepare their sons to become husbands, fathers, providers, leaders, and faithful stewards At the heart of the conversation is a simple question: What are you doing with your sons today that will prepare them to become faithful men tomorrow? The goal isn't simply to produce successful men. It is to raise faithful men whose strength, skills, resources, and influence are submitted to Christ and used for the good of their families, churches, communities, and the generations that follow. That requires fathers who are willing to think beyond childhood—and beyond themselves. If you are a father, grandfather, homeschooler, pastor, or Christian man thinking seriously about the future of the next generation, this conversation is for you. Subscribe to Gardens in Babylon for more conversations about cultivating faithfulness, building strong families, recovering productive households, and faithfully living for Christ in hard places. Connect & EngageShare your thoughts in the comments, and send this episode to a father who needs to hear it. #RaisingGodlyMen #BiblicalManhood #ChristianFatherhood #ChristianParenting #RaisingBoys #ChristianEducation #Homeschooling #FamilyEconomy #BiblicalStewardship #GenerationalLegacy #ChristianMen #JohnMoody #GardensInBabylon

    Raising Godly Men: Education, Economy, and the Next Generation | John Moody
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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).Biblical Manhood: What it looks like to become and cultivate faithful manhood.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
    2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Kevin Minnett & Riley Toews | Christian Family & Discipleship

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