Family Vision: Christian Parenting, Marriage & Family Advice

Dr. Rob & Amy Rienow
  • 4.9 (116)
  • Christianity
  • Weekly

Dr. Rob and Amy Rienow provide practical, encouraging, and real conversations about faith and family. Each episode will give you hope and encouragement to grow in your faith and strengthen your family. Family Vision is the podcast ministry of Visionary Family Ministries. Discover more resources to help your family at visonaryfam.com Questions or comments? Email us at info@visionaryfam.com

  1. 4d ago

    Who is Raising Our Kids?

    Who is really raising your children? In a culture where daycare, nannies, and two-income households have become increasingly common, are we overlooking the importance of parents being personally present in their children's lives? And what might we be sacrificing when we delegate so much of their daily care to others? In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow begin a challenging conversation about parental presence, childcare, and the heart connection God designed between parents and children. Drawing from Malachi 4:6, they explore why raising children involves more than providing for their physical needs—it's about building relationships that can influence their hearts and faith for generations. Amy shares a revealing comparison from Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses, contrasting the poet's heartfelt dedication to his childhood nanny with the brief poem he wrote to his mother. Rob and Amy also discuss the financial decisions that can limit a family's childcare options and why they encourage couples to consider those choices before having children. This conversation isn't about being a perfect parent. It's about recognizing the value of being present, caring for your children through everyday challenges, and intentionally turning your heart toward them. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why Malachi 4:6 connects the hearts of parents and children with God's work across generations - How daycare, nannies, and other childcare arrangements raise important questions about parental presence and attachment - What Robert Louis Stevenson's poetry reveals about the relationships that shaped his childhood - Why Amy believes being present matters more than perfect parenting techniques, schedules, or activities - How financial commitments and dependence on two incomes can limit a family's future choices - Why Rob encourages young couples to plan financially for greater flexibility when children arrive - How mothers and fathers can intentionally strengthen their relationships with their children Featured Resources: Not So Perfect Mom — Amy Rienow shares biblical encouragement for mothers who want to embrace what matters most, strengthen their relationships with their children, and focus on God's priorities for motherhood. Start reading for free: https://visionaryfam.com/mom Visionary Family Raffle — Support Visionary Family Ministries through its special fundraising raffle for a five-star Florida vacation getaway. Find eligibility requirements, official rules, and participation details at https://visionaryfam.com/raffle. Upcoming Events — Join Visionary Family Ministries at upcoming events, including the Visionary Family Conference in Pasadena, California, and the Thanksgiving Ball in the Chicago area. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/events Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, questions, and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.

    Who is Raising Our Kids?

  2. Oct 26

    Location Sharing: Trust or Tracking?

    Should husbands and wives always share their phone locations with each other? Is location sharing a healthy expression of trust and transparency, or can it become a form of control? A simple Facebook post from Rob Rienow sparked a surprisingly passionate debate about privacy, technology, and marriage. In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow explore why a question about phone settings can reveal much deeper issues in a marriage. They discuss the difference between the surface-level disagreements couples experience and the underlying emotions, fears, and trust issues that often drive those conflicts. Drawing from their recent teaching at the Great Marriage Getaway, Rob and Amy share practical ways to communicate more openly, recognize hidden relationship struggles, and pursue the biblical vision of oneness in marriage. Whether you and your spouse already share your locations or have never considered it, this conversation will encourage you to examine the trust, communication, and transparency in your relationship. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why Rob's Facebook post about spouses sharing their locations sparked so much controversy - How sharing your plans and whereabouts can demonstrate consideration and respect for your spouse - The difference between surface-level disagreements and the deeper emotions underneath them - Why location sharing can reveal unresolved issues involving trust, control, or secrecy - How to communicate underlying feelings instead of responding with criticism or sarcasm - Why Rob and Amy believe transparency with finances, passwords, and digital accounts supports biblical oneness - How to approach location sharing as a conversation about trust rather than simply a technology setting Featured Resources: Visionary Marriage — Discover God's design for marriage and practical ways to build a relationship centered on biblical oneness, trust, and unity. Start reading the first 40 pages for free: https://visionaryfam.com/marriage. Upcoming Events — Join Rob and Amy at upcoming Visionary Family events, including the Visionary Family Conference in Pasadena, California, and the Visionary Family Thanksgiving Ball in the Chicago area. View event details at https://visionaryfam.com/events. Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, questions, and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.

    Location Sharing: Trust or Tracking?

  3. Oct 19

    Two Simple Ways to Pursue Your Spouse

    Do you feel like you and your spouse are growing closer together, or are you slowly drifting apart? Oneness in marriage doesn't happen automatically. It requires intentional choices, daily habits, and a willingness to invite God into your relationship. In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow share a message recorded live at the Great Marriage Getaway at Ridgecrest Conference Center in North Carolina. Drawing from their own marriage and family experiences, they explore two practical ways couples can pursue greater unity: praying for one another and speaking words that strengthen rather than damage their relationship. Rob and Amy also share how their family backgrounds shaped their understanding of marriage, why even a short daily prayer can make a difference, and how the words we speak about our spouses—especially when they're not around—can influence our own hearts and attitudes. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why oneness in marriage requires intentional effort rather than simply happening over time - How Jesus helps couples overcome the barriers that divide them - Why praying together, even for just a minute or two each day, can strengthen your marriage - Practical examples of how husbands and wives can pray for one another - Why speaking positive, encouraging words matters even when you don't feel particularly loving - How negative conversations about your spouse can influence your own heart and attitude - What Scripture teaches about the power and consequences of our words Featured Resources: Visionary Marriage — Discover a biblical vision for marriage and practical ways to strengthen your relationship, pursue unity, and build a marriage centered on Christ. Learn more at https://visionaryfam.com. Visionary Parenting — Discover God's purpose for your family and practical ways to help your children follow Jesus. Start reading for free: https://visionaryfam.com/parenting. Upcoming Events — Meet Rob and Amy Rienow in person at a Visionary Family Conference or other upcoming ministry event. View the schedule at https://visionaryfam.com/events. Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.

    Two Simple Ways to Pursue Your Spouse

  4. Oct 12

    Dangerous Viral Parenting Video

    How much influence do parents really have over their children's lives? Are children primarily shaped by genetics, peers, and their environment, or does what happens inside the home make a lasting difference? In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow react to a viral parenting video featuring Dr. Russell Barkley, a clinical neuropsychologist and ADHD researcher. Barkley argues that parents cannot design their children and that influences outside the home play a greater role in shaping their future. Rob and Amy examine these claims through a biblical worldview and discuss why parents have a God-given responsibility to influence their children's faith, character, and spiritual development. While acknowledging that children are born with unique personalities, abilities, and challenges, Rob and Amy challenge the idea that parents have little influence over who their children become. Drawing from Scripture and their own parenting experiences, they encourage mothers and fathers to embrace their calling to disciple their children and intentionally shape the spiritual culture of their homes. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - What Dr. Russell Barkley teaches about genetics, environment, and parental influence - Why children are uniquely created individuals rather than blank slates for parents to design - The difference between shaping a child's character and trying to control their personality or future - Why Rob and Amy believe biblical parenting involves more than providing a healthy environment - How Deuteronomy 6 calls parents to teach God's Word diligently in everyday family life - Why Psalm 78 challenges parents and grandparents to influence the faith of future generations - Practical ways parents can strengthen their spiritual influence through prayer, Scripture, family worship, and personal faithfulness Featured Resources: Visionary Parenting — Discover God's purpose for your family and practical ways to help your children follow Jesus. Start reading for free: https://visionaryfam.com/parenting Visionary Family Raffle — Learn more about the current Visionary Family raffle and participation details at https://visionaryfam.com/raffle. Upcoming Events — Meet Rob and Amy in person at a Visionary Family Conference or other upcoming ministry event. Full schedule: https://visionaryfam.com/events Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode. Content Commentary and Copyright Notice: This episode includes selected excerpts from a publicly available presentation by Dr. Russell Barkley for purposes of criticism, commentary, and education. Visionary Family Ministries does not claim ownership of the third-party video or audio excerpts. All rights in the original material remain with their respective copyright owners. The excerpts are presented alongside original analysis and commentary. Their inclusion is intended as fair use under Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act. This notice does not constitute a legal determination of fair use. The views expressed by Rob and Amy Rienow are their own and do not imply endorsement by or affiliation with Dr. Barkley.

    Dangerous Viral Parenting Video

  5. Oct 5

    A Grandparenting Game Plan with Larry Fowler

    Grandparents have a unique opportunity to influence the faith of the next generation. But how does that role change as grandchildren grow from toddlers to teenagers and adults? And what can grandparents do when distance, strained relationships, or differences in faith create barriers? In part two of his conversation with Larry Fowler of Legacy Coalition, Rob Rienow explores practical ways grandparents can become intentional spiritual influences in the lives of their children and grandchildren. Larry shares why relationship comes before influence, how grandparents can support rather than compete with parents, and why humility can open doors that might otherwise remain closed. Whether your grandchildren live nearby or thousands of miles away, this conversation will encourage you to build strong relationships, create meaningful memories, and intentionally point the generations of your family toward Jesus. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why grandparents have a unique opportunity to disciple their grandchildren - How to build strong relationships with grandchildren when they are young - How grandparenting changes during the teenage and young adult years - What to do when your adult children are struggling in their faith - Why asking forgiveness can help restore relationships with adult children - Why grandparents should remain parents in relationship without continuing to "parent" their adult children unless invited - Practical ways to stay spiritually connected with grandchildren who live far away - How intentional one-on-one time can strengthen your relationship with grandchildren Featured Resources: Never Too Late Video Bible Study — Encouragement and biblical guidance for parents who want to strengthen their relationship with an adult child and encourage them toward Christ. Learn more at https://visionaryfam.com. Use promo code LEGACY50 for 50% off the video Bible study. Legacy Coalition — Find Christian grandparenting resources, the Grandparenting Matters video series, and information about the Legacy Grandparenting Summit at https://legacycoalition.com. Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.

    A Grandparenting Game Plan with Larry Fowler

  6. Sep 29

    Join the Next Shine Group with Elisha Dugone

    In a season of endless to-do lists, it's easy for our time with the Lord to be squeezed to the margins, leaving us running on empty. But God wants to fill you up with His love so His light can shine through you to your family and everyone around you. We are thrilled to announce a new women's Shine small group experience! In this episode of Family Vision, Amy Rienow welcomes Elisha Dugone, a member of the Visionary Family community, wife, mother of four, and ministry volunteer. Elisha shares how the Shine study challenged her personally, strengthened her walk with Christ, and eventually became a resource she could share with other women in her church. Amy and Elisha also introduce the upcoming online Shine study and discuss why Shine is more than a traditional Bible study. It is an opportunity to examine your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and choices in light of God's Word—and allow Him to continue His transforming work in your life. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why spiritual growth requires continually inviting God to search your heart - How complacency can quietly develop even in the lives of mature Christians - Why discipleship involves bringing our thoughts, hearts, emotions, and actions into alignment with God's Word - How God can use Christian community to reveal areas where we need repentance, healing, and growth - Why making time for spiritual growth is worth the sacrifice during busy seasons of life - How ordinary Christian families can become "lighthouse families" who serve and encourage the people God has placed around them Featured Resources: Shine Online Study — Join Elisha Dugone and women from the Visionary Family community for an eight-week online journey through Shine. The study begins Monday, October 19 and is designed to help women examine their hearts, relationships, beliefs, and choices through the truth of God's Word. Learn more and register at https://visionaryfam.com/shine Visionary Family Community — Connect with Christian families who want to follow Jesus and help the families around them do the same. Learn more at https://visionaryfam.com/community Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.

    Join the Next Shine Group with Elisha Dugone

  7. Sep 28

    Weddings, Camp, College & Babies

    Do you ever look at another family and wonder, "Should we have done things differently?" It's easy to compare our marriage, parenting, children, education choices, or family life with what we see around us. But God has a unique path for your family—and He wants to lead you as you seek Him. In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow are finally back together in the studio and catching up on an incredibly full summer. From their daughter Laynie's wedding and two weeks of family camp to sending their daughter Milly to college and welcoming a new granddaughter, they share the joys, transitions, surprises, and challenges their family has experienced. Along the way, Amy shares an important reminder from her own struggle with comparison: another family's path doesn't have to be your family's path. Through prayer, Scripture, and dependence on God, we can trust Him to guide our families through changing seasons and important decisions. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - How Rob and Amy are navigating a season filled with weddings, college transitions, and a new grandbaby - Why even joyful family transitions can bring grief, uncertainty, and adjustment - How comparison can cause us to question the path God has given our family - Why another family's good choices are not necessarily God's choices for your family - How prayer and Scripture can help couples and families seek God's direction together - Why you can trust God to lead your family through every new season Featured Resources: Upcoming Events — Meet Rob and Amy in person at a Visionary Family Conference, marriage event, seminar, or the Visionary Family Thanksgiving Ball. See upcoming opportunities at https://visionaryfam.com/events. Visionary Family Community — Join a community of Christian families committed to following Jesus and helping the next generation follow Him. Learn more at https://visionaryfam.com. Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.

    Weddings, Camp, College & Babies

  8. Sep 22

    Good to Great Grandparenting with Larry Fowler

    What's the difference between being a Christian grandparent and being an intentional Christian grandparent? Loving your grandchildren, supporting them, and showing up for important moments are wonderful things—but Scripture gives grandparents an even greater spiritual calling. In this episode of Family Vision, Dr. Rob Rienow talks with Larry Fowler, founder of Legacy Coalition, about the biblical role of grandparents in passing faith to future generations. Larry shares his own journey toward intentional grandparenting and introduces a simple biblical framework: "Watch One, Teach Two, Think Four, Bless All." Together, Rob and Larry encourage grandparents to consider the spiritual legacy they are building not only for their grandchildren, but for generations they may never meet. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - The difference between being a Christian grandparent and an intentional Christian grandparent - Why loving, supporting, and spending time with grandchildren is important but not the full biblical calling of grandparents - Why a grandparent's own growing relationship with God is the starting point for influencing future generations - What "Watch One, Teach Two, Think Four, Bless All" means for Christian grandparents - How Psalm 78 challenges grandparents to think beyond the generations they can currently see - Why grandparents can build a different spiritual legacy even if they did not have godly grandparents themselves Featured Resources: Legacy Coalition — Larry Fowler is one of the founders of Legacy Coalition, a ministry dedicated to helping Christian grandparents become intentional about spiritually influencing their grandchildren. Learn more about resources and the Legacy Grandparenting Summit at https://legacycoalition.com. My Wish of All Wishes — Larry Fowler's children's book expresses a grandparent's greatest spiritual desire: to see their grandchildren in heaven with them. Find the book and other grandparenting resources through https://legacycoalition.com. Visionary Family Grandparenting Resources — Find resources to help you become a more intentional Christian grandparent at https://visionaryfam.com. Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! If you have a grandchild who is struggling or would like prayer as you seek to become a more intentional Christian grandparent, send your prayer request to podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.

    Good to Great Grandparenting with Larry Fowler
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Dr. Rob and Amy Rienow provide practical, encouraging, and real conversations about faith and family. Each episode will give you hope and encouragement to grow in your faith and strengthen your family. Family Vision is the podcast ministry of Visionary Family Ministries. Discover more resources to help your family at visonaryfam.com Questions or comments? Email us at info@visionaryfam.com

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