Upside-Down Parenting

Summit Ministries

Do you feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of helping your kids see the world the way God does? Does parenting sometimes leave you feeling disoriented—like you're spinning upside-down? You're not alone. We love our kids and want more than anything for them to grow up with flourishing faith. Each episode of this podcast will give you practical insight, biblical wisdom, and encouragement for the journey. We're here to walk through both the hard stuff and the everyday stuff with you. By connecting truth with relationships, we can create a powerful, lasting influence in a child's life. When our kids experience both—the clarity of biblical truth and the security of God's love, and yours—it creates a space for real transformation. If parenting feels upside-down sometimes, that's okay—following God's design often is upside-down compared to everything around us, and that's exactly what makes it powerful. Welcome to Upside-Down Parenting from Summit Ministries. Let's journey together.

  1. Unearthing Jesus: The Most Important Biblical Discoveries w/ Jeremiah Johnston | Ep. 47, Pt. 2

    -2 дн.

    Unearthing Jesus: The Most Important Biblical Discoveries w/ Jeremiah Johnston | Ep. 47, Pt. 2

    Can archaeology help strengthen our confidence in the Bible? What do ancient inscriptions, artifacts, manuscripts, and historical discoveries reveal about Jesus and the reliability of the Christian faith? In Part 2 of this conversation on Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig continue their discussion with New Testament scholar and apologist Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, author of The Jesus Discoveries: 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus. Building on Part 1, they explore additional discoveries from biblical archaeology and discuss why historical evidence continues to matter for a generation searching for truth, authenticity, and reasons to believe. As Gen Z and Gen Alpha wrestle with questions about Christianity, history, and the trustworthiness of Scripture, this conversation equips parents and faith leaders to engage those questions with confidence, humility, and compelling evidence. In this episode, we discuss: ✅ Major discoveries in biblical archaeology that illuminate the world of Jesus ✅ How archaeology supports the historical reliability of the New Testament ✅ What ancient manuscripts reveal about the preservation of Scripture ✅ Why evidence matters for younger generations exploring faith ✅ How to navigate doubts and difficult questions about Christianity ✅ The relationship between faith, history, and reason ✅ Practical ways parents can help their children develop a confident Christian worldview Whether you're a parent, pastor, student, or someone exploring the evidence for Christianity, this episode will encourage you to see that the Christian faith is grounded not only in personal experience, but also in history that can be investigated and explored. Guest: Dr. Jeremiah Johnston 📖 The Jesus Discoveries: 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus Subscribe to Upside-Down Parenting for more conversations that help parents raise resilient, Christ-centered kids in today's culture. Send us your questions at podcast@summit.org!

    17 мин.
  2. 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus w/ Jeremiah Johnston | Ep. 46, Pt. 1

    29 мая

    10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus w/ Jeremiah Johnston | Ep. 46, Pt. 1

    Can archaeology help prove Jesus was a real historical person? What do discoveries like the Shroud of Turin, ancient manuscripts, and archaeological evidence reveal about the life of Christ? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation on Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with New Testament scholar and apologist Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, author of The Jesus Discoveries: 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus. Together, they explore some of the most compelling archaeological discoveries connected to Jesus and discuss how parents can confidently engage their children's toughest questions about faith. As Gen Z increasingly seeks evidence, authenticity, and personal encounters with God, this conversation offers practical tools for helping kids understand that Christianity is rooted in real history, real people, and real events. In these episodes, we talk through:  ✅ The truth about the Shroud of Turin ✅ Archaeological discoveries that support the biblical narrative ✅ How to answer children's questions about Jesus and faith ✅ Why doubt can become a pathway to deeper belief ✅ The importance of apologetics in raising thoughtful Christian kids ✅ Why younger generations are asking different questions about Christianity ✅ How faith and evidence work together—not against each other Whether you're a parent, pastor, student, or someone exploring Christianity for yourself, this episode will equip you with confidence that faith in Jesus is intellectually credible and historically grounded. Guest: Dr. Jeremiah Johnston 📖 The Jesus Discoveries: 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus Subscribe to Upside-Down Parenting for more conversations that help parents raise resilient, Christ-centered kids in today's culture. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:  *The Jesus Discoveries: 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus—Jeremiah J. Johnston *Is the Bible Historically Accurate? Archaeological Evidence Explained—Titus Kennedy *Evidence for the Supernatural—Dr. Jeff Myers

    25 мин.
  3. The Five Love Languages for Christian Parents: Loving Your Kids Well w/ Gary Chapman | Ep. 44, Pt. 1

    18 мая

    The Five Love Languages for Christian Parents: Loving Your Kids Well w/ Gary Chapman | Ep. 44, Pt. 1

    How can Christian parents help their kids truly feel loved? In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman—the creator of The Five Love Languages—to talk about how parents can better understand their children, strengthen emotional connection, and reflect God's love at home. Drawing from his newest book, The Love Language That Matters Most, Dr. Chapman shares practical wisdom for parents navigating discipline, emotional connection, teens, boundaries, and everyday family life. Whether your child responds most to quality time, words of affirmation, physical touch, acts of service, or gifts, this conversation will help you love your kids in ways they can genuinely receive. In these episodes, we discuss: *The Five Love Languages and Christian parenting *How to identify your child's love language *Loving teenagers well during difficult seasons *Discipline without disconnect *Parenting multiple children with different emotional needs *How love languages connect to a biblical view of love *What it means to "fill your child's love tank" *How parents can reflect God's love in the home Dr. Gary Chapman is an author, speaker, pastor, and counselor best known for The Five Love Languages, which has helped millions of families and marriages worldwide. He has spent decades helping people build stronger relationships through intentional love and communication. 📘 Learn more about Dr. Gary Chapman: https://www.5lovelanguages.com 👍 If this episode encouraged you, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with another parent. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:  *The Love Language That Matters Most: How to Personalize Love So They Really Feel It—Dr. Gary Chapman and Les & Leslie Parrott *The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts—Dr. Gary Chapman *The Love Language Quiz *Love Never Fails—Dr. Jeff Myers

    22 мин.
  4. Moms of the Bible: Lessons from the Fearless, Flawed, & Faithful w/ Rhonda Stoppe | Ep. 43

    8 мая

    Moms of the Bible: Lessons from the Fearless, Flawed, & Faithful w/ Rhonda Stoppe | Ep. 43

    In this special Mother's Day episode of the Upside-Down Parenting Podcast, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with author and speaker Rhonda Stoppe for an honest, deeply encouraging conversation about motherhood in God's upside-down Kingdom. Drawing from her book Moms of the Bible, Rhonda shares wisdom from Scripture and her own parenting journey to help moms move from guilt, comparison, and control toward faithfulness, surrender, and trust. Through stories of women like Jochebed, Naomi, and Lot's wife, she reminds parents that God works through imperfect people who choose to model faith, teach truth, seek wise community, and trust Him with the next generation. Whether you're in the exhausting early years, navigating older kids, or wondering if your ordinary faithfulness really matters, this episode reminds you that motherhood is not wasted work. God sees the quiet sacrifices, daily conversations, faithful rhythms, and hidden moments that shape a child's heart and worldview over time. In this episode, we discuss: Why moms struggle with guilt, shame, and comparison The importance of mentors and "older women who know stuff" What moms in the Bible teach us about faith and failure Raising kids with conviction without parenting from fear Letting go of control and trusting God with your children Why faithfulness matters more than perfection The quiet influence of ordinary motherhood If you've ever felt inadequate, unseen, or overwhelmed as a parent, this conversation will remind you that your adequacy comes from the Lord—and that He has equipped you for the mission field of motherhood. You can find Rhonda's book, Moms of the Bible: Life-Changing Lessons from the Fearless, Flawed, and Faithful, anywhere books are sold.  For more resources to help you grow as a parent with a plan for discipling your kids, head to summit.org/parents. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:  *Moms of the Bible: Life-Changing Lessons from the Fearless, Flawed, and Faithful—Rhonda Stoppe *Teaching to Change Lives: Seven Proven Ways to Make Your Teaching Come Alive—Howard Hendricks *When Mom Guilt Meets Grace: A Biblical Approach—Dr. Maggie Pope

    32 мин.
  5. Mother's Day: Becoming the Upside-Down Mom w/ Cat Jones | Ep. 42

    1 мая

    Mother's Day: Becoming the Upside-Down Mom w/ Cat Jones | Ep. 42

    In this special Mother's Day episode of the Upside-Down Parenting Podcast, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Cat Jones to explore what it really means to be a 'good mom' in God's upside-down Kingdom. In a culture that pushes performance, comparison, and perfection, this conversation invites moms into something radically different—faithfulness, surrender, and trust. Cat shares honestly from her own motherhood journey, offering wisdom, encouragement, and practical insight for moms in every season—from sleepless nights to launching young adults. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or just trying to keep up, this episode is a reminder that God has already equipped you for the role he's called you to. In this episode, we cover: *Redefining what success looks like for a Kingdom-focused mom *Why surrender matters more than striving *Letting go of comparison and embracing faithfulness *Choosing presence over perfection *Trusting God through every stage of motherhood Motherhood isn't about getting everything right—it's about walking faithfully with God in the moments that matter most. If this episode encouraged you, share it with a mom who needs to hear it this Mother's Day 💛 Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *How to Set a Family Mission, Values, & Verse Together—A New Year Reset for Christian Parents *Single, Dating, Engaged, Married: Navigating Life and Love in the Modern Age—Ben Stuart *Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments—Emily Jensen  and Laura Wifler *Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad: The Perspective Shift That Could Completely Change the Way You Mother—Abbie Halberstadt

    36 мин.
  6. Called to Be Dad: Becoming the Father God Designed You to Be w/ Mark Pitts | Ep. 41

    24 апр.

    Called to Be Dad: Becoming the Father God Designed You to Be w/ Mark Pitts | Ep. 41

    Most dads don't say it out loud—but many feel like they're just trying to keep their heads above water. Balancing work, family, expectations… and quietly wondering if they're falling short. In this episode of the Upside-Down Parenting Podcast, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Dr. Mark Pitts—author, speaker, and founder of the Midnight Dad Devotional community—to have an honest, hope-filled conversation about fatherhood. Together, they explore what it really means to be "called" to be a dad—not as a performance to perfect, but as a role God equips you for. Mark shares wisdom from his new book, Called to Be Dad: How God Equips You to Be the Man He Made You to Be, along with personal stories, biblical encouragement, and practical ways to lead your family with humility, presence, and dependence on God. In this episode, you'll hear: Why fatherhood is a calling—not a performance How to move from striving and pressure to trust and faith Encouragement for dads who feel inadequate or overwhelmed How your view of God as Father shapes the way you parent Practical, biblical habits for showing up well—even imperfectly Whether you're a dad in the trenches, preparing for fatherhood, or supporting one, this conversation will remind you: you're not alone—and you're not unequipped. 👉 If this episode encouraged you, share it with a dad who needs to hear it. Subscribe for more conversations that challenge and encourage you to parent in God's upside-down Kingdom. To learn more about Mark's work and books, check out Calledtobedad.com!  Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:  *Called to Be Dad: How God Equips You to Be the Man He Made You to Be—Dr. Mark Pitts *The Force of Fatherhood—Timothy Fox *Family Discipleship: That Works Guiding Your Child to Know, Love, and Act Like Jesus—Brian Dembowczyk

    29 мин.
  7. Gap Years, College Mistakes to Avoid, & Parenting Against the Grain | Ep. 40, Pt. 2

    17 апр.

    Gap Years, College Mistakes to Avoid, & Parenting Against the Grain | Ep. 40, Pt. 2

    What should your student do after high school—and how can you help without taking over? In Part 2 of this conversation, Matt Jones and Janel Greig dive into one of the most challenging tensions for parents: guiding your child's future while still allowing them to take ownership of their decisions. From gap years to college choices, they explore how to support your student with wisdom, not control. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Ask better questions that help your student think critically about their future Introduce options early (starting as soon as sophomore or junior year) without overwhelming them Encourage and incentivize wise decisions—without making those decisions for them Allow room for failure and growth, looking at how even Jesus gave his disciples space to struggle and learn (Mark 9) Have meaningful conversations by asking questions like: What excites you? What concerns you about your options? Matt and Janel also reflect on their own post-high school experiences—including lessons they wish they had known earlier, like the importance (and pressure) of choosing a major. Plus, they take a closer look at one powerful option many families overlook: the gap year. Summit Gap Year is a seven-month Christian program designed to help students pause, reflect, and grow before stepping into adulthood. Instead of rushing into big decisions, students build a strong foundation of faith, character, and purpose through intentional rhythms of prayer, study, work, rest, and community. The program includes: Fall Semester (Tarryall River Ranch, CO): Identity formation, solitude, spiritual disciplines, small groups, and outdoor adventure Spring Semester (Manitou Springs, CO): Applying faith through vocation, career exploration, cultural engagement, and evangelism Students live in a close-knit, family-style community—sharing meals, responsibilities, and daily life—learning to live out their faith in real, tangible ways. If you're looking for a thoughtful, Christ-centered approach to life after high school, this episode will help you navigate the decision with clarity and confidence. Learn more about Summit Gap Year: https://www.summit.org/programs/gap-year Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:  *Summit Gap Year *Jesus-Centered Money Habits for Families—Dr. Shane Enete *Truth Prepares the Soil: How Summit Gap Year Forms Lasting Faith—Isaac Hans

    26 мин.
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Do you feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of helping your kids see the world the way God does? Does parenting sometimes leave you feeling disoriented—like you're spinning upside-down? You're not alone. We love our kids and want more than anything for them to grow up with flourishing faith. Each episode of this podcast will give you practical insight, biblical wisdom, and encouragement for the journey. We're here to walk through both the hard stuff and the everyday stuff with you. By connecting truth with relationships, we can create a powerful, lasting influence in a child's life. When our kids experience both—the clarity of biblical truth and the security of God's love, and yours—it creates a space for real transformation. If parenting feels upside-down sometimes, that's okay—following God's design often is upside-down compared to everything around us, and that's exactly what makes it powerful. Welcome to Upside-Down Parenting from Summit Ministries. Let's journey together.

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