Stand Firm Parents
Christian parents do everything they can to help their children come to faith and follow in that faith, but statistically we are failing miserably—most children raised in church and Christian homes leave the faith by age twenty-two and often before that. It’s time for a change. It’s time to flip the script. Stand Firm Parents is doing just that. Pastor and author Jake McCandless has been on a unique journey of helping believers across the world stand firm in their faith for the past ten years. Before the radical changes to life and especially church in 2020, Jake had been encouraging believers to prepare so that they would just survive but strive in difficulty. This journey has led to relationships around the world, learning from the persecuted church, and learning from the leading experts on the topic. Jake now brings that unexpected journey full circle to help families have a faith that lasts. Stand Firm Parents goes against the grain presenting parenting with a fresh perspective that has the end game in mind. Join the community and embark on a journey of seeking the answers that will help our children develop a faith that lasts as new episodes drop bi-monthly.
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Hello to Emotional Health: How Emotional Awareness Can Go Too Far
11/07/2025
Hello to Emotional Health: How Emotional Awareness Can Go Too Far
Emotional health matters. But when emotional awareness turns into accusation — families start to fracture. In this final episode of the Hello to Emotional Health series, Jake McCandless delivers a needed warning for parents trying to navigate a generation fluent in therapy language but starved for truth. More and more young adults are embracing a “therapeutic gospel” — one that redefines pain, boundaries, and even relationships through self-diagnosis instead of Scripture. Jake calls Christian parents to hold the line with both grace and truth. This isn’t a rejection of emotional health — it’s a reset. Emotional maturity and faith aren’t opposites; they were designed to work together. When we anchor our emotions in God’s Word, we find balance, healing, and the strength to disciple the next generation. 🎧 Listen to the full finale now. 👣 Take your next step as a parent: #StandFirmParents #FaithAndHealing #ChristianParenting
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Hello to Emotional Health: The Anxious Generation (Part 2)
10/28/2025
Hello to Emotional Health: The Anxious Generation (Part 2)
Anxiety is rewriting the story of a generation — but it doesn’t have to win. In this second half of their conversation, Jake McCandless and licensed therapist Temple Carson go deeper into what parents can actually do to help their kids face anxiety with faith and strength. Temple brings years of clinical experience and ministry insight to talk about what happens after the diagnosis, after the overwhelm — the daily rhythms that shape resilience. This episode is packed with practical tools, spiritual grounding, and real talk for parents who want to lead their kids through anxiety instead of around it. 🎧 Listen to Part 1 here: 👣 Take the next step: #StandFirmParents #TheAnxiousGeneration #FaithAndHealing #Parenting #SpiritualResilience #ChristianParenting #GuardYourHeart #ParentsCommit ✅ Temple Carson Bio (for reference) Temple Carson is a Licensed Professional Counselor–Supervisor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist–Supervisor, and Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor. She teaches in the graduate counseling program at John Brown University and has spent years walking alongside children, teens, and parents navigating trauma and anxiety. She’s married to Dan Carson, host of the .
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Hello to Emotional Health: The Anxious Generation (Part 1)
10/20/2025
Hello to Emotional Health: The Anxious Generation (Part 1)
The anxiety epidemic isn’t just affecting adults anymore. It’s showing up earlier, hitting harder, and shaping how kids see the world. In this episode, Jake McCandless sits down with Temple Carson, a licensed therapist and professor with deep experience walking alongside kids and families. They break down what’s driving this rise in anxiety — from cultural pressure to digital overload — and how parents can respond with strength, faith, and practical tools. This isn’t just a conversation. It’s a call to action. 👉 Parents Commit Challenge: 🎧 Student Ministry Matters Podcast: #StandFirmParents #TheAnxiousGeneration
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Hello to Emotional Health: Beyond Therapy, Counseling, & Medication – Part 2
10/01/2025
Hello to Emotional Health: Beyond Therapy, Counseling, & Medication – Part 2
You’ve prayed. You’ve quoted the verses. Maybe you’ve even gone to counseling. And yet — you still feel off. You’re not broken. You’re human. In this honest follow-up to Part 1, Jake McCandless gets real about what emotional health looks like for Christians who are tired of pretending they’re fine. This isn’t about being “fixed.” It’s about letting God form you into someone who can stand firm when life hits hard. Jake unpacks what Scripture really means when it says to guard your heart and renew your mind. Because emotional health isn’t a buzzword — it’s discipleship in real time. 💥 Watch Part 1 on YouTube: 👣 Take the next step: #FaithAndFeelings #ChristianParenting #StandFirmParents #EmotionalHealth #SpiritualResilience
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Hello to Emotional Health: Beyond Therapy, Counseling, & Medication (Part 1)
09/24/2025
Hello to Emotional Health: Beyond Therapy, Counseling, & Medication (Part 1)
Hello to Emotional Health: Beyond Therapy, Counseling, & Medication – Part 1 Therapy and medication matter. But emotional health is also forged in the ordinary, daily choices we make. In this episode of Stand Firm Parents, host Jake McCandless unpacks how parents can model emotional resilience in real time—when anger hits, when stress rises, when discouragement shows up. Emotional health isn’t just about us—it’s about the legacy we pass on. 💡 You’ll Learn: Why emotional health is about everyday choices, not just therapy How to regulate emotions before they explode Why kids mirror their parents’ emotional patterns How faith and emotional health work together in disciple-making 📲 Take the next step: 🌐 Learn more: 💡 Key Takeaways Emotional health is shaped in small, daily decisions. Parents must model regulation, not just talk about it. Kids inherit our reactions—our rhythms become their reflexes. Scripture calls us to take thoughts captive and renew our minds as a daily practice. Discipleship and emotional health are inseparable. 📖 Bible References 2 Corinthians 10:5 – Take every thought captive. Romans 12:2 – Be transformed by renewing your mind. Proverbs 4:23 – Guard your heart, for everything flows from it. Ephesians 6:17 – Helmet of salvation to guard your thoughts.
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Hello to Emotional Health: Can Christians Even Talk About It?
09/16/2025
Hello to Emotional Health: Can Christians Even Talk About It?
Emotional and mental health have been taboo topics in many churches for too long. In this powerful episode of Stand Firm Parents, host Jake McCandless talks with Dr. Mark Dance—pastor, author of Start to Finish, and new Executive Director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention—to challenge that silence. 💡 What You’ll Learn Why emotional health is a biblical priority, not a trend The connection between Sabbath, boundaries, and resilience How to talk about mental health at home with honesty and grace Practical steps to build rhythms that sustain your soul and your family’s faith Mark shares his personal journey with depression and the humility it took to ask for help, offering encouragement and practical wisdom for parents and leaders. 🌐 Resources: | 💡 Key Takeaways Emotional health is essential for discipleship and leadership. Sabbath, hobbies, and boundaries are God’s protective rhythms. Parents modeling emotional honesty create spiritually resilient homes. Wise counsel and therapy are biblical strategies, not last resorts. Healing your own wounds stops generational cycles of pain. 📖 Bible References 1 Timothy 4:16 – Pay close attention to your life and teaching. Proverbs 11:14 – In an abundance of counselors there is safety. Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is near to the brokenhearted. Mark 12:30 – Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Isaiah 58:13–14 – Delight in the Sabbath.
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Hello to Emotional Health: I Have a Therapist
09/11/2025
Hello to Emotional Health: I Have a Therapist
Faith and therapy aren’t enemies—they’re partners. In this episode, Jake McCandless talks with therapist Corretta Woodard about: Why wise counsel is biblical Emotional health as the product of mental health Grounding, regulation, and practical tools How healing your wounds shapes your family’s future Guest Bio: Corretta Woodard “I’m not perfect. But I’m whole. And I’m here to make sure you know you can be too.” Corretta Woodard is a licensed therapist, U.S. Navy veteran, and the founder of The People Place Counseling Center in Bentonville, Arkansas. She’s the creator of BalancedME., a faith-fueled course that combines therapeutic tools with biblical wisdom for real-life emotional healing. Coretta also leads the thebestME. community, a sacred online space for women to grow in faith, wellness, boundaries, rhythm, and identity. 💛 Learn more / sign up: 👉 👉 👉 👉
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50th Episode Celebration: The Top Lesson So Far
09/05/2025
50th Episode Celebration: The Top Lesson So Far
🎉 50th Episode Celebration: The Top Lesson So Far After 50 powerful episodes, we’re pausing to ask: What’s the one lesson that’s changed everything? In this special celebration episode, Jake McCandless shares the top takeaway from 50 conversations, interviews, and experiences — and how it can reshape your parenting from the inside out. 💡 You’ll Learn: The #1 thing your child needs most How to disciple when you feel like a mess Why presence beats performance Jake’s most honest parenting moment yet Whether you’re new here or have been with us since episode 1, this one’s for you.
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Persecution is Coming
08/29/2025
Persecution is Coming
Persecution Is Coming Guest: Pastor Andrew Brunson, Author of God’s Hostage He spent two years in a Turkish prison for preaching Christ. Now he’s warning the Church: you’re not ready. In this gripping episode, Jake sits down with Pastor Brunson to talk about suffering, faith, and preparing the next generation to endure. 🎧 Listen now. 📘 Get God’s Hostage: 🌐 Learn more:
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Real Life Standing Firm
08/22/2025
Real Life Standing Firm
Real Life Standing Firm: Andrew Brunson’s Story of Faith Under Fire When persecution isn’t just possible but personal—what does faith look like? Dr. Andrew Brunson, falsely imprisoned for over 2 years in Turkey, joins Jake for a vulnerable and bold conversation on: The cost of standing firm Preparing the church for suffering Why parents need to disciple their children for trials—not comfort What he learned about faith in the fire 📚 Book: 🌐 More:
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Stoking the Summer Fire
08/14/2025
Stoking the Summer Fire
Jake and youth pastor Dr. Jonathan Cofer unpack how parents can disciple their children through spiritual highs—like camp, mission trips, and conferences—without letting the fire die. From salvation to missions, this is your moment to rise as the spiritual leader in your home. What You'll Learn: How to talk to your kid after they get saved or rededicate Why baptism should be the biggest party you throw What to do if your teen feels called to ministry or missions Simple steps to disciple without adding complexity Jake’s Bio: Jake McCandless is the founder of Stand Firm Ministries and a voice for faith that endures. He helps families build spiritual endurance and prepare for what’s ahead. 📍 Visit for more resources.
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Fully Integrated Faith: Conclusion
08/06/2025
Fully Integrated Faith: Conclusion
Jake McCandless closes out the Fully Integrated Faith series with a call to Christian parents: If your kids are going to stand firm in their faith, yours must come first. Discover how to move from devotionals to discipleship, and why the “church event” mindset must die. You’ll Learn: Why tools ≠ endgame How global Christians live fully integrated faith The secret to spiritual maturity in your daily routine Bio: Jake McCandless is the director of Stand Firm Ministries and the author of Spiritual Prepper. He helps families prepare for challenges of faith and disciple the next generation to stand firm. 🎧 More at
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Fully Integrated Faith: Lessons from My Journey
08/01/2025
Fully Integrated Faith: Lessons from My Journey
What if church wasn’t something you went to... but something you lived? In this deeply personal episode, Jake McCandless shares the raw, behind-the-scenes story of his relentless pursuit to build a ministry that reflects the Acts 2 church — where discipleship, mission, and real-life faith collide. From wrestling with Sunday-only Christianity to stepping out in faith to build something more authentic, this isn’t just a story — it’s a roadmap for families who long to see faith fully integrated into every part of life. Whether you’re a parent, pastor, or just hungry for something more, this episode will challenge you to rethink what it means to follow Jesus in your home, church, and everyday life.
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Fully Integrated Faith: Lessons from Maturity
07/24/2025
Fully Integrated Faith: Lessons from Maturity
Guest: Dr. Jim Wilder, neurotheologian & author of The Other Half of Church What if the biggest barrier to passing on your faith… is your own maturity? In this powerful episode, Jake sits down with Dr. Jim Wilder to explore how brain science and spiritual formation come together to grow resilient, emotionally grounded believers — starting with parents. You’ll discover why character maturity is critical for lasting faith and how to build a discipleship model that transforms not just minds but hearts and homes. 🧠 Learn how your brain was designed to grow spiritually 👨👩👧👦 Discover how maturity impacts your parenting 🔥 Why emotional development is the missing piece in discipleship This episode is a wake-up call to raise warriors, not just well-behaved kids. 📚 Learn more at
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Fully Integrated Faith: Lessons from Brain Science
03/19/2025
Fully Integrated Faith: Lessons from Brain Science
Jake McCandless sits down with Dr. Jim Wilder to discuss the surprising connection between neuroscience and faith. Learn how your brain was designed to grow through joy and peace, how relational connections form the foundation of maturity, and how parents can use brain science to help their children develop a faith that truly lasts. Dr. Wilder also reveals how gratitude rewires the brain for resilience, and why a fully integrated faith is the key to spiritual and emotional health. Key Takeaways: • Your brain was designed for joy—and faith should be fueled by it. • Maturity is about staying yourself when things go wrong. • Gratitude is brain training for spiritual and emotional health. • Parents can build resilience in their children through joy-based parenting. Dr. Jim Wilder - Bio & Links Dr. Jim Wilder is a neurotheologian, author, and the chief neurotheologian at *Life Model Works*, where he integrates brain science with spiritual formation to help individuals and communities grow in maturity and connection. He has dedicated his career to exploring the intersection of neuroscience and discipleship, helping people cultivate emotionally and spiritually healthy relationships. His work has profoundly shaped the field of relational discipleship and character transformation. 📖 **Growing We the People: More Human Community** – Get it on Amazon: 🔗 Life Model Works – Learn more:
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Fully Integrated Faith: Parenting from the Other Half of Church
03/05/2025
Fully Integrated Faith: Parenting from the Other Half of Church
Jake McCandless continues his conversation with Michael Hendrix about brain science and discipleship, focusing on practical steps parents can take to nurture a healthy and resilient faith in their children. Discover why building joy, practicing rest, and showing true connection with your kids can make all the difference. Key Takeaways: Brain science reveals how children learn through joy and rest cycles Parenting with maturity impacts children's natural development Disciplining with grace and maintaining connection builds character Michel Hendricks is a pastor, teacher, and the co-author of The Other Half of Church, a book that explores the integration of brain science and biblical principles to create healthy, thriving church communities. He has worked and trained alongside Dr. Jim Wilder, a leading voice in neurotheology, at Life Model Works. Michel’s passion is to help leaders cultivate environments where joy, hesed (loving-kindness), and spiritual maturity flourish. Learn more about his work at . 📖 The Other Half of Church by Michel Hendricks and Jim Wilder –
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Fully Integrated Faith: Lessons from the Other Half of Church
02/18/2025
Fully Integrated Faith: Lessons from the Other Half of Church
Have we been discipling with half the brain? Michel Hendricks, co-author of The Other Half of Church, reveals how right-brain training is essential for true spiritual transformation. Most discipleship focuses on knowledge and willpower, but what if emotional and relational growth is the missing key? In this episode, we unpack: 🔹 How brain science connects to faith and formation 🔹 Why joy is the fuel for spiritual growth 🔹 The six big emotions that shape our discipleship 🔹 How parents can train their children’s emotional and spiritual resilience The Book - The Other Half of Church - Life Model Works -
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Fully Integrated Faith: Lessons from Being the Church
02/11/2025
Fully Integrated Faith: Lessons from Being the Church
Brian Johnson, co-founder of KC Underground, joins Stand Firm Parents to discuss a radical shift in how we do church and raise disciples at home. Instead of separating faith into a Sunday event, Brian shares how to make disciple-making a natural, daily part of life. Key Takeaways: ✔️ The biggest reasons young people leave the faith ✔️ What the early church teaches us about disciple-making ✔️ Why parents—not the church—are the primary disciple-makers ✔️ How microchurches can transform faith at home ✔️ Practical ways to integrate faith into everyday life Brian Johnson is the co-founder and director of KC Underground, a decentralized movement of disciple-makers and microchurches in Kansas City. Their 40-year vision is to have a missionary on every street and a microchurch in every network of relationships. Brian also trains leaders globally through KC Underground's huddles and resources. He and his wife Kristen live as missionaries with their five children, seeking to model an extended spiritual family. 📖 KC Underground Toolkit: 📖 KC Underground Training Huddles:
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Fully Integrated Faith: Lessons from the Released Church
02/04/2025
Fully Integrated Faith: Lessons from the Released Church
Rob Wegner joins Stand Firm Parents to challenge the way we think about church. Rather than centering faith around a weekly event, what if we saw it as a lifestyle of disciple-making? This episode explores how microchurches, spiritual families, and everyday disciple-makers are the future of faith. Rob Wegner is a leading voice in the missional movement and the co-founder of KC Underground, a decentralized network of disciple-making communities. He also serves with NewThing, helping catalyze reproducing churches globally, and leads Microchurch.Next for Exponential, equipping leaders to embrace microchurch movements. Rob is the co-author of The Starfish and the Spirit, a book on decentralized church movements. 📖 The Starfish and the Spirit – 🔗 KC Underground:
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Fully Integrated Faith: Lessons from the Underground Church
01/28/2025
Fully Integrated Faith: Lessons from the Underground Church
The underground church in Iran is thriving under persecution while Christianity in the West is in decline. Why? Joel Richardson shares what’s fueling explosive growth in the Middle East and what Western believers—and parents—must do differently to raise children with a faith that lasts. This eye-opening conversation challenges our approach to discipleship and evangelism. Key Takeaways: Why Iran’s underground church is the fastest-growing in the world How disciple-making movements (DMM) are transforming communities What American Christians are getting wrong about church & faith A practical, actionable step to apply this model in your family Joel Richardson is a New York Times bestselling author, filmmaker, and teacher. With a special love for all the peoples of the Middle East, Joel travels globally, preparing the Church for the great challenges of our time, teaching on the gospel, living with biblical hope, the return of Jesus. He is a New York Times Bestselling author of several books, an internationally recognized teacher, and has appeared in several documentaries and films by FAIStudios. Joel lives in the United States with his wife and five children. Joel's website: https://joelstrumpet.com Sheep Among Wolves II: https://youtu.be/9SAPOLKF59U?feature=shared
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Fully Integrated Faith: Lessons from the First Century
01/21/2025
Fully Integrated Faith: Lessons from the First Century
Jake McCandless speaks with Darren Huckey about the Jewish context of discipleship and what it means for parents raising children in faith. Learn how first-century discipleship was more than just knowledge—it was about full-life transformation through devotion, imitation, and replication. Key Takeaways: How first-century discipleship worked What Jesus meant when He said, "A disciple, when fully trained, will be like his teacher." How parents can model and teach discipleship at home Darren Huckey is the Assistant to the Rabbi at Shalom Macon Messianic Synagogue in Macon, Georgia. He is a husband, a father, an author, a teacher, and posts weekly videos to the Shalom Macon YouTube channel. He has published seven books to date with his eighth book due out the first quarter of 2025. He has been active in ministry and/or religious leadership since 1994. Learning about the Jewishness of Jesus has radically changed his life and understanding of Jesus' call to discipleship. His focus over the last several years has been connecting the church back to its Jewish roots, bringing insights into the life, teachings, and ministry of Jesus from Jewish sources. Darren currently lives in Macon, GA with his beautiful wife and four of his five wonderful children (the oldest is happily married and living in Texas), building community with the people he loves. Darren's book: Four Responsibilities of a Disciple, Darren's website: https://www.emethatorah.com
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Fully Integrated Faith: Lessons from a Hebraic Mindset
01/14/2025
Fully Integrated Faith: Lessons from a Hebraic Mindset
Jake McCandless sits down with Katharine van der Beek to explore the power of fully integrated faith through a Hebraic lens. Drawing from her experiences as an Israeli tour guide, Katharine shares profound insights into seeing God’s hand in everything and trusting His sovereignty in every aspect of life. Key Takeaways: The Hebraic mindset of faith as all-encompassing. How parents can teach their kids to see God in the details of life. Why recognizing God’s sovereignty changes how we face challenges. Katharine also gives a vivid snapshot of the current state of Israel, detailing the struggles and miracles amidst recent events. 🎥 Watch the companion video for more insights:
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Fully Integrated Faith: Lessons from the Global Church
01/06/2025
Fully Integrated Faith: Lessons from the Global Church
What can the global church teach us about raising kids with a faith that lasts? Jake McCandless sits down with John David Smith, President of BMA Global, for an enlightening conversation about wholistic faith and parenting. Key Takeaways: The difference between wholistic Christianity and compartmentalized faith. Why simplicity matters in our walk with Christ. The power of the gospel to transform families and create a legacy of faith. With stories and lessons from 67 nations, this episode will challenge and inspire you to lead your family toward a fully integrated faith.
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Fully Integrated Faith: Tools vs End Game
12/16/2024
Fully Integrated Faith: Tools vs End Game
As parents, it’s easy to focus on devotionals, programs, and church events as the ultimate markers of success in discipling our kids. But are these the end game, or are they simply tools to help us reach the real goal? In this episode of Stand Firm Parents, Jake McCandless challenges listeners to step back and redefine their approach to raising children in the faith. He discusses: The difference between tools and true spiritual growth. Why family devotionals and church programs need to support—not replace—fully integrated faith. How to disciple your kids in a way that leads them to truly follow Jesus and live on mission. This episode provides encouragement, clarity, and practical advice for parents who want to lead their children toward a vibrant, lasting relationship with Christ.
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Marriage & The Social Media Algorithm
12/09/2024
Marriage & The Social Media Algorithm
Is social media silently influencing your marriage? Jake McCandless sits down with Kayla Norris to explore how the digital age shapes our relationships, for better or worse. They tackle the tough questions about how social media affects communication, trust, and connection in marriage. Key Topics: How algorithms keep us hooked and what that means for your relationship. Steps to set healthy boundaries with devices and apps. Why open communication about tech habits is crucial for trust. Kayla brings practical wisdom and encouragement for couples navigating marriage in a tech-saturated world. 📌 Bonus: Check out David Norris’ Bible study journal for neurodiverse individuals on Amazon! https://bit.ly/4g2FucL
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Keep Them Safe on Their Devices - Tech and Our Children
12/02/2024
Keep Them Safe on Their Devices - Tech and Our Children
In today’s episode of Stand Firm Parents, Jake McCandless teams up with Jon Dodson, tech expert and Director at LifeWord, to tackle the toughest parenting questions in the digital age. How do we decide when our kids are ready for a device? What loopholes do kids exploit to sidestep our rules? Jon offers actionable advice to help parents: Gauge their child’s maturity and readiness for a device. Understand the risks and tools needed to monitor device use. Build a trusting relationship where kids come to parents first. With tools like Qustodio and Bark, and Jon’s practical tips, you’ll gain confidence in navigating this challenging terrain. 📧 Get Jon’s free resources at to support your parenting journey.
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When Should They Get a Phone? - Tech and Our Children
11/25/2024
When Should They Get a Phone? - Tech and Our Children
How do we protect and empower our kids in today’s digital world? Jake McCandless and Jon Dobson dive into the tough questions about kids and smartphones in this must-listen episode. They discuss why maturity, not just age, should determine when your child is ready for a device, and share seven critical questions parents need to ask. From setting boundaries to creating trust, this episode equips parents with practical tools for navigating the challenges of raising kids in a tech-saturated world. What You’ll Learn: The seven questions to assess your child’s readiness for a smartphone. How smartphones affect mental health and emotional well-being. Tips for setting boundaries, building trust, and fostering responsibility. Why intentional parenting is key to navigating the digital age.
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Marriage: There is Hope
11/18/2024
Marriage: There is Hope
About This Episode: In this transformative episode of Stand Firm Parents, host Jake McCandless engages with Kayla Norris in a revealing conversation about the profound influence of marital relationships on effective parenting, especially within the context of neurodiversity. They explore the challenges and triumphs of navigating a marriage when one partner is on the autism spectrum and how these dynamics affect parenting. What You’ll Learn: Understanding Neurodiversity: Insights into the unique challenges and needs of neurodiverse marriages. Marital Communication: Strategies for enhancing communication between neurotypical and neurodiverse spouses. Parenting from a Strong Foundation: How a robust marital relationship can provide a stable base for parenting. Personal Stories: Kayla shares her personal journey of discovery, challenges, and the strategies that helped her and her husband strengthen their marriage and parenting approach. Episode Highlights: [00:01:29] Introduction to the topic and background on the importance of strong marital foundations for parenting. [00:04:06] Kayla Norris discusses the intersection of neurodiversity and marital communication. [00:06:01] Challenges in neurodiverse marriages and effective strategies to address them. [00:20:20] Audience Q&A session: Jake and Kayla answer real questions from parents dealing with similar issues. [00:25:09] Conclusion and takeaways on how strengthening your marriage can improve your parenting. For Our Listeners: If you find this episode helpful, please leave us a review and share it with other parents. Your feedback helps us to bring more insightful content to you every week. Connect with Us: Visit our website for more resources on parenting and faith. Follow us on social media to join our community and engage in the conversation. Subscribe and Share: Don’t miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to our podcast and share this episode with friends and family who might find it helpful.
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What Should I Believe about Israel
11/11/2024
What Should I Believe about Israel
In this insightful episode, Stand Firm Parents host Jake McCandless explores Israel’s significance in the Bible and its impact on our children's faith. Jake, passionate about helping families build a resilient faith foundation, addresses why understanding Israel matters deeply in today's world, especially amidst rising anti-Semitism and the complex portrayal of Israel in current events. Key Takeaways: - Why Discuss Israel with Our Kids? Jake explains the historical and theological relevance of Israel throughout the Bible, encouraging parents to equip their children with a clear understanding of its role in God’s plan. This understanding helps children navigate a world where they may encounter misinformation and conflicting viewpoints about Israel. - Responding to Modern Anti-Semitism: Jake examines the current rise in anti-Semitism and how it's impacting families. He challenges listeners to consider the “absurdity” of worldwide anti-Israel sentiment and invites parents to help their children see beyond political rhetoric, focusing instead on God’s purposes. - Two Major Theological Questions for Parents: 1. Is God Done with Israel? Jake explores how scripture points to an ongoing role for Israel, especially in end-times prophecy. 2. How Does the Church Relate to Israel? Drawing from Romans 11, he discusses how Gentiles are “grafted into” Israel’s promises, affirming that God’s covenant with Israel is still relevant today. - Encouragement to Dive into Scripture: Rather than relying solely on others' interpretations, Jake encourages parents to read the Bible firsthand. By doing so, they can better understand the importance of Israel and confidently address their children’s questions. Why This Episode Matters: Today’s world presents unique challenges for young believers, who may be exposed to anti-Israel sentiments on social media, in school, and beyond. Jake shares why standing with Israel aligns with God’s plan and how parents can guide their children through complex questions to build a faith that lasts. Listen to Our "Truth on Israel" Bonus Series: If you’re interested in exploring this topic further, check out Jake’s bonus series “Truth on Israel” episodes, linked in the show notes. --- Follow and Connect: Stay engaged with *Stand Firm Parents* by following on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Facebook, or the Stand Firm Ministries website. Send in your questions and comments to join the conversation as Jake and the team continue exploring how parents can support their children’s faith journey. --- Stand Firm Parents is brought to you by Stand Firm Ministries, in partnership with Lifeword Studios. Created by Jake McCandless and Brandon Harrington of Dime Collective.
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Israel and Our Children: Children's Perspective of Israel
11/04/2024
Israel and Our Children: Children's Perspective of Israel
In this special episode, host Jake McCandless invites his daughters, Addison and Andrea, to recount their family’s transformative journey to Israel. Together, they share memories, spiritual moments, and the profound impact this trip had on their faith. From visiting sites like the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea to experiencing the emotional weight of Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum, this episode provides a heartfelt exploration of faith in action. Whether you’re considering a pilgrimage to Israel or simply seeking ways to strengthen your family’s faith, this episode will inspire you. Key Takeaways: - Discovering Biblical Sites: The family visited key sites such as Capernaum, the City of David, and Hezekiah's Tunnel. Hear how these ancient places made Bible stories come alive. - Faith Deepened Through Experience: Addison and Andrea reflect on how walking where Jesus walked strengthened their faith, offering real-life proof of Biblical truths. - A Powerful Visit to Yad Vashem: The family shares their emotional experience at Israel’s Holocaust Museum and the significance of the children’s memorial. - Special Moments of Faith: Addison shares a transformative moment at the Jordan River, where she chose to be baptized, marking a new chapter in her faith journey. - Why Israel? Jake and his daughters discuss why visiting Israel can be an invaluable experience for children and families who want to strengthen their faith and connection to Biblical history. Favorite Moments: - Jake’s 'Cool Score': Addison and Andrea rate their dad’s “cool factor” in a light-hearted moment. - Learning Through Experience: The children recall small but memorable details from their trip, like riding camels and discovering Israel’s cat population. - A Vineyard’s Prophecy Fulfilled: A visit to a vineyard in Judea-Samaria, where a prophetic verse from Jeremiah comes to life, becomes an unforgettable moment for the family. Episode Highlights: - Intro & Icebreaker Questions – Get to know Jake’s daughters as they answer fun icebreaker questions, including their opinions on spaghetti versus macaroni and cheese. - Revisiting Israel’s Biblical Sites – The McCandless family recalls visiting Mount Carmel, the Dead Sea, and the Jordan River, bringing the Bible to life. - A Deeply Moving Visit to Yad Vashem – A powerful reflection on the Holocaust and the trees planted to honor the Righteous Among the Nations. - Baptism at the Jordan River – Addison’s decision to be baptized in the Jordan River serves as the episode’s spiritual climax, highlighting the personal growth and spiritual depth gained from the journey. - Why Every Family Should Go – The girls give their own advice for families considering a pilgrimage to Israel. Connect with Us: - Subscribe to Stand Firm Parents on Apple Podcasts and your favorite platforms for more episodes on strengthening your family's faith. - Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and community support. - Share this episode with friends and family who would benefit from these inspiring stories. About Stand Firm Parents: Stand Firm Parents is a production of Stand Firm Ministries in partnership with Lifeword Studios, created by Jake McCandless and Brandon Harrington of Dime Collective. Thank you for listening – remember to subscribe, share, and stand firm in your faith.
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