The Family Podcast

PursueGOD Podcasts
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  • CADA SEMANA

Join Tracy and Bryan Dwyer every week to talk about marriage and parenting and everything that makes for a healthier family. Find resources to continue the conversation with your family, group, or mentor at pursueGOD.org/family.

  1. HACE 2 DÍAS

    Is My Child Ready to Get Baptized?

    Welcome back to the pursueGOD family podcast! -- The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now -- Is My Child Ready to Get Baptized?Key Verse: “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:26 NLT Christian parents love the idea of seeing their kids publicly declare faith in Jesus. It’s a meaningful moment—one filled with hope, joy, and deep spiritual significance. But baptism isn’t simply a milestone or a ritual. It’s a public declaration of an internal reality, and that means readiness matters. Today’s article will help you discern whether your child truly understands the gospel and is prepared to take this important step. Understanding Baptism: What It Is—and What It Isn’tThe Bible makes it clear: baptism is a symbol, not salvation. Paul says, “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized…” Colossians 2:12 NLT. This outward act points to an inward faith that only God can produce. Kids don’t need to grasp deep theology, but they do need a basic understanding of the gospel—who Jesus is, what He did, and why they personally need Him. Parents often feel pressure to “get the moment right,” but baptism shouldn’t be rushed. God does heart-work in His timing. Your role is to guide, teach, and shepherd—not push a child into a spiritual step they’re not ready to take. 1. Does My Child Understand the Gospel?A child ready for baptism can explain—in their own words—three simple truths: Who Jesus isWhat He did on the crossWhy they personally need Him Romans 10:9 (NLT) says, “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart… you will be saved.” You’re not looking for seminary-level answers but for personal, heartfelt faith. A red flag is motivation rooted in peer pressure: “My friends are doing it” or “It seems cool.” Baptism is a response to Jesus—not to social influence. 2. Is My Child Following Jesus in Simple, Real Ways?Before baptism, you’ll often see the early signs of discipleship: They pray on their own.They ask spiritual questions.They show simple conviction when they sin. These glimpses of spiritual life point to what Paul describes: “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT. Perfection isn’t the goal—spiritual growth is. If your child shows a tender heart toward God, that’s a meaningful sign. 3. Is This Their Decision?A child must want baptism for themselves—not to please a parent or leader. Ask: “Why do YOU want to get baptized?” Scripture encourages personal reflection: “Let each one examine themselves…” 1 Corinthians 11:28 NLT. Listen carefully. Genuine readiness sounds like ownership, not...

    48 min

  2. 13 NOV

    Attachment Styles in Marriage

    In this episode, we learn how understanding attachment theory can help couples grow closer to one another as they reflect the steadfast love and reliability of God. -- The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now -- Attachment theory is one of the most studied and trusted frameworks in relational psychology. It was developed by John Bowlby and expanded by Mary Ainsworth. At its core, it explains how the earliest bonds we form with our caregivers shape the way we understand love and connection later in life. As children, the consistency—or inconsistency—of a caregiver’s attention and responsiveness teaches us how to view ourselves and others. Those early impressions don’t disappear; they resurface in adulthood, often getting triggered in the context of our romantic relationships. Attachment Types Secure: A secure attachment means you can trust that the people you love will be there for you. It forms when, as a child, your caregiver consistently responded to your needs with care and reliability. That steady presence builds confidence that you are worthy of love and that others can be trusted. As an adult, secure attachment shows up as the ability to build healthy, balanced relationships—where closeness feels safe, independence isn’t threatening, and conflict doesn’t shake the foundation of trust.Anxious Attachment: Anxious attachment develops when love feels uncertain or inconsistent. As children, those with anxious attachment often had caregivers who were sometimes responsive and other times distracted or unavailable. This unpredictability creates confusion and insecurity about whether their needs will be met. As adults, people with an anxious attachment style tend to crave closeness but fear abandonment, which can lead to clinginess, overanalyzing, or difficulty trusting their partner’s commitment. Avoidant Attachment: Avoidant attachment develops when closeness feels unsafe or unnecessary. As children, those with this style often had caregivers who were emotionally distant, neglectful, or dismissive of their needs. To cope, they learned to rely on themselves and minimize their need for comfort or support. As adults, people with avoidant attachment tend to value independence so highly that intimacy can feel uncomfortable or even threatening. They may pull away when relationships get too close, struggle to express emotions, or downplay the importance of love altogether.  The Attachment Alarm When your partner feels distant or inconsistent, your “attachment system” goes off. This is the brain’s way of monitoring whether you are safe and secure in the relationship. Anxious attachments are particularly sensitive to this.  Once activated, the anxious will engage in protest behaviors which means doing whatever it takes to feel safe again (calling, what’s wrong, imagination runs wild). If an avoidant, you will likely push away and might think your spouse is overreacting and can be...

    17 min

  3. 30 OCT

    Responding to Your Spouse’s Bids

    In this episode, we’ll talk about how marriage isn’t just destroyed by the big blowups—but more often by the small, everyday moments when we ignore each other’s bids for connection, and how learning to “turn toward” instead of “turn away” can change everything. -- The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now -- Many couples believe that divorce comes from big, explosive issues—infidelity, money problems, or major betrayals. But according to renowned marriage researcher Dr. John Gottman, it's often not the big things that break a marriage. It's the small, everyday moments—missed chances to connect—that slowly build up into bitterness and resentment over time. What Is a “Bid” for Connection?Gottman calls these small moments “bids.” A bid is any attempt from one partner to get attention, affection, affirmation, or support from the other. Bids can be loud or quiet, obvious or subtle. Examples: “How do I look?” (Translation: Can I have your attention?)“Getting the kids to bed is hard.” (Translation: Can I have your help?)A spouse sitting down next to you on the couch. (Translation: Can I be near you?) Whether you notice these bids and how you respond to them will shape the health of your marriage—far more than you might think. The 3 Ways to Respond to a BidEvery time your spouse makes a bid for connection, you have three ways to respond. Over time, your pattern of responses becomes the emotional climate of your relationship. 1. Turning TowardThis is the healthy response. When you turn toward a bid, you engage with your partner’s attempt to connect. It could be as simple as answering their question, offering a smile, or stopping what you're doing to give them your attention. Example: Spouse: “Look at this funny video.” Turning Toward: “Haha! That’s great. Show me another.” What it does: Builds trust, intimacy, and love. Each “turning toward” moment is like a small deposit in the bank account of your marriage. Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” Kind responses create peace and connection. 2. Turning AwayThis is the neutral-to-negative response. You ignore the bid, act distracted, or give a half-hearted answer. Example: Spouse: “Can we talk after dinner?” Turning Away: “Uh-huh…” (while scrolling your phone) What it does: Over time, this makes your partner feel invisible or unimportant. They may stop reaching out altogether. Philippians 2:4 – “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Marriage thrives when both spouses make each other a priority. 3. Turning AgainstThis is the harmful response. You react with sarcasm, criticism, or irritation. It not only ignores the bid, but...

    14 min

  4. 16 OCT

    Is Gentle Parenting Biblical?

    In this episode, Tracy examines the growing trend of Gentle Parenting through a biblical lens, showing how compassion without correction can miss God’s bigger plan for shaping a child’s heart. -- The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now -- Gentle Parenting has gained significant popularity in recent years as a parenting philosophy rooted in empathy, emotional connection, and positive discipline. It’s roots come from Alfred AdlerAdvocates promote its compassionate, respectful approach to child-rearing as an alternative to authoritarian or punitive parenting styles. While aspects of gentle parenting align with biblical calls for kindness, patience, and love, there are significant theological and biblical concerns that challenge some of its foundational assumptions. This article explores the principles of gentle parenting, the underlying views about human nature, and examines where it diverges from biblical truth from an evangelical perspective. The Principles of Gentle ParentingAt its core, gentle parenting emphasizes a few key principles: Connection Over Control: Gentle parenting prioritizes forming a strong emotional bond with the child over exerting control. It believes that a connected parent-child relationship is the foundation for healthy behavior, promoting cooperation rather than compliance based on fear.Empathy and Emotional Awareness: Gentle parenting encourages parents to understand and validate their children’s emotions. The idea is that emotional intelligence and self-regulation come through modeling empathy, not through punishment or suppression of emotions.Positive Discipline: Gentle parenting replaces punitive measures (like spanking or time-outs) with positive discipline. Misbehavior is viewed as an opportunity to teach and guide rather than punish. Natural consequences and open communication are favored over strict rules or punishments.Respect for Autonomy: This philosophy treats children as autonomous individuals deserving of the same respect as adults. Children are given choices and involved in decision-making processes, even from a young age, to foster a sense of independence.Modeling Desired Behavior: Parents are encouraged to model the behaviors they wish to see in their children. Instead of disciplining through authority, parents demonstrate patience, kindness, and self-control, expecting their children to learn by example. Underlying Assumptions About Human NatureThe principles of gentle parenting rest on certain assumptions about human nature that, while appealing, often conflict with the Bible’s teachings on humanity’s fallen state and the need for discipline. Biblical parenting embraces the timeless truth of God’s Word instead of the changing ideas of popular culture. When evaluating Gentle Parenting, be sure to do it through the lens of the Bible. 1. Children: Inherently Good or Sinful?One of the main assumptions behind gentle parenting is that...

    20 min

  5. 2 OCT

    The Four Parenting Styles

    In this episode, we explore the four main parenting styles—authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved—and look at how each one impacts children, while offering biblical wisdom to help parents raise kids God’s way. -- The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now -- Parenting is one of the most important roles in a person’s life, and it significantly shapes the development and well-being of children. Over the years, psychologists and researchers have identified four primary parenting styles, each characterized by different levels of warmth, control, and communication. Understanding these styles can help parents recognize the potential outcomes of their approaches and make more informed decisions about how they raise their children. See this article.  The four main parenting styles are: Authoritarian ParentingAuthoritative ParentingPermissive ParentingUninvolved Parenting Each of these styles affects children differently, influencing their emotional, social, and cognitive development. 1. Authoritarian ParentingAuthoritarian parents are often seen as strict, controlling, and demanding. They set high expectations for their children, emphasizing obedience and discipline above all else. Communication tends to be one-sided, with little room for dialogue or flexibility. Rules are enforced with little explanation, and punishment is used as a means to maintain control. Key Characteristics:High demands and expectationsLow responsiveness to the child’s emotional needsEmphasis on obedience and disciplineLimited communication and explanation of rulesEffects on Children: Children raised by authoritarian parents often develop a strong sense of discipline and respect for authority but may also struggle with self-esteem and decision-making. They may become either overly submissive or rebellious, depending on their temperament. Social skills can be underdeveloped, as they may not feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings openly.Biblical Response: Authoritarian parenting emphasizes strict rules and discipline, often with little room for discussion. While discipline is important, Scripture also encourages understanding and wisdom in its application.Ephesians 6:4 – "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."Colossians 3:21 – "Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged." 2. Authoritative ParentingAuthoritative parenting is widely regarded as the...

    18 min
  6. What is Purity? - Fight Club

    30 SEP · CONTENIDO EXTRA

    What is Purity? - Fight Club

    “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.” Ephesians 5:3 We should be pure because God calls us to be.  This is the mindset we need to pursue. It isn’t out of fear of consequences, hope for a better future, or anything else. It needs to be out of love and respect for God and his standards. But we will get into that more tomorrow. The question for today is, what is purity?  It is ensuring there is not even a hint of sexual immorality in our lives. That is a pretty high standard, and it can feel daunting to achieve that especially if you have been living in this sin for a while. I know I felt like that was an impossible task when I started this journey. But then I learned something that changed everything: This battle is not about what you do, it’s about who you are becoming. Sexual purity isn’t just about avoiding porn or staying away from the wrong websites. That’s surface-level thinking. This journey isn’t about what you do—it’s about finally being the man God calls you to be. And God is calling you to become a man of honor, discipline, and integrity. Sexual purity is the byproduct of a life that belongs fully to Jesus. The truth is, we live in a world that constantly puts sex in our faces—on our phones, in music, in ads, in movies. So living this new life will not be easy. You are going to have to make some sacrifices that will hurt. I know when I began this journey, two things were true: I was ready to do whatever it tookI was sick of being lied to, by the enemy, by the world, and by myself So I’m not going to do that to you. Here is the honest truth: somedays, this is gonna suck. It’s going to hurt like hell and there will be moments where you will think life was better before. But remember how you feel right now, ready to be free. Purity is not a one time decision, it isn’t a one size fits all step by step guide, and it definitely isn’t a pay your way service. So what is it then? Purity is a daily pursuit of God. It is waking up everyday and deciding, just for today, to live for God and with God in every area of your life. Half measures and white knuckling it will not work, but you already know that. You can’t live in freedom if you're pretending you don’t need it. Begin the Process of Becoming a New Man Following Jesus means more than a one-time decision. It’s a daily process of surrender. Think of your heart like a house. Have you locked Jesus out of any rooms? Maybe there's a room marked “Lust” or “Shame” or “Private Struggles.” Jesus doesn't want visitation rights—He wants ownership. “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in...” — Revelation 3:20 (NLT) When Jesus knocks, He’s not just being polite. He’s coming to set you free. But freedom will require sacrifice, intensity, and honor. You won’t drift into purity—you’ll have to fight for it. The 3 Rules to Start With: No secrets. You can't heal what you hide.Be 100% honest all the time, no matter what No compromise. What you allow in small amounts will master you over time. In your allowed media, eye discipline, etc.In your consistency No excuses. This is a battle of consistency, you won’t win it in a day, but you have to win today.It’s time to be matureYou are in control, any...

    37 min
  7. A Battle Tested Guide to Conquering Lust - Fight Club

    28 SEP · CONTENIDO EXTRA

    A Battle Tested Guide to Conquering Lust - Fight Club

    This is a real life story from a real life dude dealing with real life lust. Mentioned in this episode: Intro Outro

    45 min

  8. 18 SEP

    The Fundamental Law of Parenting

    In this episode, we explore how biblical parenting is about more than rules—it’s about helping your kids move from “renting” values to truly owning a faith that lasts. -- The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family. Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series. Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship. Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. Donate Now -- The Principle of Ownership in Parenting: A Biblical Approach One of the greatest responsibilities a parent has is to raise children who are equipped to navigate the world with strong, biblically grounded values. A fundamental principle of parenting is the idea of “ownership”—that the ultimate goal is for our children to leave home with the values we have instilled in them firmly rooted in their hearts. This means moving from a phase where they "rent" these values—temporarily adopting them while under our guidance—to a place where they "own" them, making those values personal, enduring, and guiding their decisions as independent adults. The Biblical Foundation of OwnershipScripture provides a foundation for this principle, particularly in passages that emphasize training, teaching, and passing on faith to the next generation. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it." This well-known verse reflects the heart of biblical parenting—intentional training in godly ways. However, for this promise to hold true, children must internalize the faith and values taught to them. They must “own” these teachings so that they continue to live by them when parents are no longer watching. Moses also spoke about this principle in Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” The goal is not merely that children hear the commandments but that they become imprinted on their hearts. Moses was calling parents to make God’s truth a natural part of everyday life, ingraining it deeply in their children so that it would influence them long after they left their parents' homes. From Renters to OwnersA crucial distinction for parents to understand is the difference between children being "renters" of values versus being "owners." As long as children are under our care, there is a temptation to assume that because they obey the rules, they are fully committed to the values behind those rules. However, rented values are often temporary—children follow them when it’s convenient, but they haven’t necessarily embraced them as their own. The danger is that when parents are no longer present to enforce those values, the children may abandon them. Ownership, on the other hand, happens when children take personal responsibility for their beliefs and decisions. When children “own” the values you’ve taught them, they continue to live by those values even when no one is watching. In Luke 6:45, Jesus says, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” The values in their hearts will naturally influence their words and actions. True ownership transforms these values...

    16 min
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Join Tracy and Bryan Dwyer every week to talk about marriage and parenting and everything that makes for a healthier family. Find resources to continue the conversation with your family, group, or mentor at pursueGOD.org/family.

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