Raising Godly Girls

American Heritage Girls

For over 30 years, American Heritage Girls® has come alongside families and youth ministry leaders in offering Christ-centered, girl-focused character development. Through the Raising Godly Girls® Podcast, presented by American Heritage Girls, listeners get to tap into the advice that seasoned AHG leaders have gleaned over three decades of ministering to girls. Plus, hear from industry experts with solutions to a broad range of issues impacting today's girls. Get Biblically-sound and actionable tips from fellow parents, volunteers, and thought leaders on how to raise up a girl after God's own heart.

  1. Ep. 355 - Launching Your Girl into Adulthood with Confidence

    3D AGO

    Ep. 355 - Launching Your Girl into Adulthood with Confidence

    In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden talk honestly about what it looks like to launch a daughter from the nest and walk alongside her through those early adult years. Melissa shares about the surprising joys and challenges of sending her daughter off to college—including the simple gift of a FaceTime call that brightens even the hardest days when miles separate your family.    For many parents, this stage brings new questions. What happens to your role once your daughter leaves home? How can you continue guiding her while also giving her the freedom to grow? And perhaps most importantly, how can you help her hold firmly to her faith as she encounters new worldviews and experiences for the first time?    During this episode, listeners hear a thoughtful Raising Godly Girls Minute from AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, reflecting on the meaning of "higher education" from a Christian perspective. Whether a girl pursues a university degree, career training, missions, or another calling, the ultimate goal remains the same—seeking the Lord and setting her mind on things above as she follows His plan for her life.    Rachael and Melissa also share encouragement for parents navigating this transition. Even as daughters grow into adulthood, they still need the same steady presence of a loving parent. The relationship may shift, but the foundation of trust, wisdom, and faith that has been built over the years continues to guide the journey forward.    As girls step into independence, parents have the opportunity to model faith, maintain loving standards, and keep prayer at the center of the relationship—no matter how many miles may separate them.    Three Things to Consider:    Your relationship may change, but your presence still matters.   Love doesn't mean abandoning the standards you've set.   Prayer keeps you connected across any distance.     Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Isaiah 55:9  Colossians 3:2  Proverbs 15:1    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.            Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.

    28 min
  2. BONUS EPISODE — For Godly Girls: How to Keep Your Faith Strong in High School & College with Alena Pitts Franklin

    4D AGO ·  BONUS

    BONUS EPISODE — For Godly Girls: How to Keep Your Faith Strong in High School & College with Alena Pitts Franklin

    What does it take to raise girls whose faith actually lasts?    In this special live episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, recorded at the American Heritage Girls 30th Anniversary Convention, Patti Garibay sits down with actress, author, and speaker Alena Pitts Franklin for a powerful conversation about "sticky faith"—the kind of faith that holds steady through high school, college, and beyond.    For many parents, the statistics are sobering: a large percentage of students walk away from their faith after graduation. But this episode offers a hopeful reminder that God is still at work in this generation. From moments like the Asbury revival to the quiet, daily choices of young believers, we are seeing evidence that faith doesn't have to fade—it can grow deeper and stronger.    Alena shares her personal journey of walking with Christ through the pressures of growing up in the spotlight, navigating doubt, and remaining rooted in truth as she steps into adulthood. Together, Patti and Alena explore how girls can stand firm in their faith even when they feel alone, why Christian community is essential, and how spiritual disciplines help build a lasting relationship with Jesus.    This conversation also speaks directly to the challenges girls face today—from social media comparison to cultural confusion—and offers encouragement for both moms and daughters to pursue a faith that is authentic, resilient, and deeply rooted in God's Word.    Whether you're raising a daughter, mentoring a young woman, or listening as a girl yourself, this episode will remind you that God is calling this generation to live boldly for Him—and He is faithful to sustain the faith He begins.    Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Matthew 7:24–25   Colossians 2:6–7   Hebrews 10:23–25   Psalm 16:8   1 Timothy 4:12   John 15:4–5    To learn more about Alena Pitts Franklin, visit alenapitts.com, and to get her new book God Is, visit forgirlslikeyou.com/product/god-is    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.         Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.

    30 min
  3. Ep. 354 – Building Lasting Faith Muscles: Parenting Through Every Season

    5D AGO

    Ep. 354 – Building Lasting Faith Muscles: Parenting Through Every Season

    In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden launch a week of conversations focused on helping girls build a faith that lasts beyond high school and into adulthood. As girls grow into their late teen years, parents often begin asking big questions: Have we prepared her well? Will she continue walking with the Lord when she's on her own?    Amid those questions, there is also incredible hope. Across the country, many young adults—especially girls in their late teens and early twenties—are leaning into their faith with renewed passion. From prayer movements to evangelism and deeper engagement with Scripture, signs of spiritual renewal are stirring among the next generation.  During this episode, listeners hear a powerful Raising Godly Girls Minute from AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay on the topic of revival—what it means to pray for God to breathe life into hearts and how parents can invite their daughters into that kind of faith-filled expectation.    Rachael and Melissa also explore two key realities of parenting girls in the final years before adulthood. This season looks different from the earlier stages of parenting. Instead of directing every step, parents begin stepping back—allowing their daughters to think deeply, wrestle with decisions, and learn to take ownership of their faith while still receiving wise guidance along the way.    This conversation offers encouragement for parents navigating the beautiful, sometimes bittersweet transition from guiding a child to launching a young woman. When parents model trust in God, ask thoughtful questions, and create space for honest conversations, they help their daughters develop a resilient faith that can carry them into the next season of life.    Three Things to Consider:    The older parenting season invites your girl into the driver's seat. As she approaches adulthood, allow her the space to practice decision-making while you remain a steady guide beside her.  Ask thoughtful questions instead of offering quick answers. The teen years are a powerful time to encourage reflection and help your daughter learn how to think through her faith and worldview.  Pray for revival in your daughter's heart. Invite her to understand what it means to ask God to breathe fresh life into His people and to seek Him with an open heart.    Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Isaiah 57:15      Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.            Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.

    24 min
  4. Ep. 353 – Raising Girls Who Rejoice: Walking Holy Week Toward Easter with Phylicia Masonheimer

    APR 4

    Ep. 353 – Raising Girls Who Rejoice: Walking Holy Week Toward Easter with Phylicia Masonheimer

    As families prepare to celebrate Easter, many parents wonder how to help their daughters truly understand and rejoice in the Gospel story—not just on Resurrection Sunday, but throughout Holy Week. In this special Raising Godly Girls episode, host Natalie Ambrose is joined by theologian, author, podcaster, and founder of Every Woman a Theologian, Phylicia Masonheimer, for a rich conversation on walking families toward the joy of Easter with intention and faith.    Airing on the Saturday before Easter, this episode meets families in the space between the cross and the empty tomb. Phylicia shares why Holy Week matters for girls of all ages and offers practical, age-appropriate ways families can observe Palm Sunday through Resurrection Sunday together. From Scripture reading and prayer to simple worship practices and Gospel-centered conversations, parents will gain tools to make Easter more than a one-day celebration.    Together, Natalie and Phylicia explore how theology can be accessible for children, how parents can guide meaningful conversations about Jesus' death and resurrection, and how the hope of Easter can shape a girl's faith long after the holiday ends. This episode encourages families to prepare their hearts so that Easter joy overflows from a deep understanding of the Gospel.    Whether you have young children or teenagers, this conversation will help you anchor your family's Easter celebration in Christ's victory and raise girls who live in the hope of the resurrection all year long.       Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Matthew 21-28, Mark 14-16, Luke 22-24, John 13-20  1 Corinthians 15      To learn more about Phylicia's work and explore her resources, visit phyliciamasonheimer.com    Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.      To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.

    39 min
  5. Ep. 352 – Intentional Easter Celebration Planning for Your Family

    APR 2

    Ep. 352 – Intentional Easter Celebration Planning for Your Family

    On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose invite families to prepare their hearts for the joy of Easter by reflecting on the powerful story at the center of the Christian faith. Together, they discuss the journey of Holy Week—from Jesus' suffering and sacrifice to the glorious victory of His resurrection—and the deep reason Christians call Good Friday "good." Because through Christ's finished work on the Cross, the chasm between humanity and God has been bridged and the promise of eternal life has been secured.    Listeners will also hear a meaningful Raising Godly Girls Minute from Patti Garibay that challenges families to live in "Easter joy" all year long. Rather than letting the celebration end with the holiday weekend, Patti encourages parents to intentionally revisit the joy of Christ's resurrection throughout the year—perhaps even letting your daughter plan a surprise Easter celebration when the family least expects it.    Rachael and Natalie also share several creative, faith-filled ideas for celebrating Easter with your daughter. From a playful "Jesus search" that points to the empty tomb, to beginning your family meal with a hymn of praise, to writing a gratitude poem to God together, these simple traditions can help anchor your celebration in the true meaning of the season.    As families gather this Easter, this episode reminds listeners that the resurrection is not only a moment in history—it is the living hope that shapes how we worship, celebrate, and raise our daughters in faith every day of the year.    Three Things to Consider:    Turn the Easter egg hunt into a "Jesus search."   Celebrate in song.   Express gratitude to God together.     Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Matthew 4:1–2  Matthew 9:15–17  Luke 23:44–46  John 19:30  Hebrews 12:2  Matthew 28:5–6    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.            Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.

    20 min
  6. Ep. 351 – Balancing the Ache & Hope of Holy Week in Your Parenting

    MAR 31

    Ep. 351 – Balancing the Ache & Hope of Holy Week in Your Parenting

    Holy Week is one of the most sacred moments in the Christian calendar—the final days of Lent when believers around the world pause to remember Jesus' journey to the Cross and celebrate the victory of the Resurrection. Yet for many families, the week can easily pass by like any other busy stretch of spring. School schedules, activities, and daily responsibilities crowd in, and the deeper meaning of the season can slip quietly past.    On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose reflect on the profound beauty and gravity of Holy Week and what it looks like to help our daughters understand both the ache of Christ's sacrifice and the joy of Easter morning.  Together, Rachael and Natalie share personal moments when the reality of Jesus' suffering and love became deeply personal in their own faith journeys. They also explore the powerful thread of Messianic prophecy woven throughout Scripture—Old Testament promises that pointed directly to Jesus as the long-awaited Savior. From the Psalms to the prophets, God's redemptive plan unfolds across the pages of the Bible and reaches its fulfillment in the Cross.  Listeners will also hear a meaningful Raising Godly Girls Minute from Patti Garibay that challenges parents to model Christ-like humility in their relationships with their daughters. Drawing from the moment in John 13 when Jesus washed His disciples' feet—even the feet of Judas—Patti reminds us that servant leadership and grace can restore connection in even the most strained relationships.    As Holy Week unfolds, this conversation encourages parents to slow down, reflect deeply, and invite their daughters into the sacred rhythms of Scripture, testimony, prayer, and praise. Because when families intentionally walk through the story of Jesus together, the hope of Easter becomes even more powerful.    Three Things to Consider:    Make Scripture central during Holy Week. Walk through the events of the week—from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection—so your daughter can see the full picture of Jesus' journey to the Cross.  Share your personal faith story. Holy Week is a meaningful opportunity to talk about how God is still shaping your own heart and faith journey today.  Practice prayer and praise together. Simple rhythms of prayer, worship, and reflection help your family respond to the weight of the Cross and the joy of the Resurrection.    Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    John 13:1–17  Psalm 22  Isaiah 53  Luke 23:33–46  Matthew 28:1–6    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.            Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.

    23 min
  7. Ep. 350 — Strength in the Climb: Discovering God's Power and Purpose Through Adventure for All

    MAR 28

    Ep. 350 — Strength in the Climb: Discovering God's Power and Purpose Through Adventure for All

    The outdoors can be a place of awe, challenge, and discovery—yet for many families, especially those raising daughters with physical, emotional, or developmental challenges, stepping into adventure can feel overwhelming or even out of reach. But what if those very challenges are where God's power shines most clearly?    On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Patti Garibay continues a special conversation about helping families experience the beauty of the outdoors and the powerful faith lessons it can teach. Patti welcomes Kevin Schweiger, founder of Luke 5 Adventures, a ministry dedicated to making the outdoors accessible for individuals with physical challenges through innovative adaptive equipment and servant-hearted teamwork.    Kevin shares the story behind Luke 5 Adventures and the passion that sparked a ministry helping differently-abled individuals experience God's creation in ways that once seemed impossible. From climbs at the Grand Canyon to the heights of Pike's Peak, Kevin and his team have demonstrated that limitations are not the end of the story—they are often the very stage where God reveals His strength, provision, and purpose.    Throughout the conversation, Patti and Kevin explore how parents and mentors can nurture courage and curiosity in girls—even when circumstances feel uncertain or difficult. Kevin reflects on the powerful picture of the Body of Christ that unfolds during these adventures, where teams come together to lift, carry, and support one another along the path. In these moments, families witness Biblical truths in action: faith lived out through service, perseverance, and love.    This episode offers encouragement for parents raising daughters who face challenges of any kind. Whether the "mountain" in front of your family is a physical trail or a difficult season of life, God meets His people on the journey. When girls learn that their limitations do not define them—and that God equips them for every climb—they grow into women who are courageous, compassionate, and ready to follow Christ wherever He leads.    Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Luke 5:17–26  2 Corinthians 12:9–10  Galatians 6:2  Hebrews 12:1–2  Psalm 19:1    To learn more about Luke 5 Adventures, visit luke5adventures.org    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.            Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.

    39 min
4.7
out of 5
65 Ratings

About

For over 30 years, American Heritage Girls® has come alongside families and youth ministry leaders in offering Christ-centered, girl-focused character development. Through the Raising Godly Girls® Podcast, presented by American Heritage Girls, listeners get to tap into the advice that seasoned AHG leaders have gleaned over three decades of ministering to girls. Plus, hear from industry experts with solutions to a broad range of issues impacting today's girls. Get Biblically-sound and actionable tips from fellow parents, volunteers, and thought leaders on how to raise up a girl after God's own heart.

You Might Also Like