Upside-Down Parenting - Summit Ministries

Latest Episodes:

Christian Parenting Q&A: Social Media, Horror Movies, & Raising Kids in a Divided Home | Ep. 55 Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

Every parent has difficult questions—and today's episode tackles some of the biggest ones.

In this Christian parenting Q&A, Matt Jones and Janel Greig answer real questions from parents about raising children in today's culture. They discuss how to faithfully disciple your children when your spouse doesn't share your faith, whether Christian families should allow horror movies, how to think biblically about social media and smartphones, and practical ways to help kids develop wisdom in a technology-driven world.

Whether you're navigating digital parenting, entertainment choices, or spiritual leadership in your home, this conversation offers practical, biblical encouragement to help you parent with confidence.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How to raise children when you're the only Christian parent in the home
Whether Christian kids should watch horror movies
A biblical approach to social media and smartphones
How to help your children develop discernment instead of simply following rules
Practical encouragement for raising kids who thrive in today's culture

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent. Join us each week on Upside-Down Parenting as we help families raise children who thrive in God's upside-down Kingdom.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place—Andy Crouch

*[Un]Intentional: How Screens Secretly Shape Your Desires, and How You Can Break Free—Doug Smith

*Parent Kit: Navigating the World of Technology & Social Media

*Wisely Engaging the Culture in the Way of Jesus—Adam Holz

The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected w/ Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini | Ep. 54 Jul 24, 2026

Show notes

What happens when parenting doesn't unfold the way you expected?

For parents raising a child with special needs, the journey often includes unexpected challenges, deep grief, incredible joy, and a daily dependence on God's grace.

In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini, authors of The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected. After more than four decades of caring for a daughter with special needs, Joe and Cindi offer biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for families seeking to thrive—not merely survive—through the unique calling of special needs parenting.

Together, they discuss how to embrace God's purpose in unexpected circumstances, strengthen your marriage, faithfully disciple your children while caring for a child with disabilities, build life-giving community, and trust that God is writing a meaningful story through every season.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, caregiver, ministry leader, or someone who wants to better support families with special needs, this conversation will encourage you with hope, wisdom, and practical next steps.

In this episode:

Embracing the life you never expected
Parenting through grief, exhaustion, and uncertainty
Modeling authentic faith in difficult seasons
Celebrating the dignity and worth of every child
Building a thriving marriage while caregiving
The importance of church and community support
Spiritual habits that sustain families for the long haul
Finding purpose and hope in God's greater story

Special needs parenting may not be the journey you planned—but you don't have to walk it alone.

Be sure to send us your feedback and questions at: Podcast@Summit.org.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected—Joe and Cindi Ferrini

*Unexpected Journey: When Special Needs Change Our Course—Joe and Cindi Ferrini

*Eyes to See, Ears to Hear: Disability & The Kingdom of God—Charlie Meo

Raising Kids Who Can Discern the Truth in a Confusing World w/ Kathy Gibbens | Ep. 53, Pt. 2 Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

How do you raise kids who can discern truth in a world full of competing voices?

In Part 2 of our conversation with Kathy Gibbens, founder of Filter It Through a Brain Cell, Matt Jones and Janel Greig explore one of the most important skills Christian parents can cultivate: critical thinking rooted in a biblical worldview.

Our children are constantly being shaped by social media, school, entertainment, and culture. Rather than simply giving them the "right answers," how can we equip them to ask wise questions, evaluate ideas, recognize truth from error, and develop a faith that remains strong under pressure?

In this episode, you'll discover practical ways to make critical thinking part of everyday family life, create a home where questions are welcomed, and help your children become thoughtful, discerning followers of Jesus.

In this episode:

Why critical thinking is essential for a lasting faith
Practical ways to teach your kids how to evaluate ideas
How to respond when your children ask difficult questions about Christianity
Common mistakes parents make when teaching discernment
Helping kids navigate social media, school, and cultural messages wisely
Building everyday habits that strengthen biblical thinking

Whether your children are young or teenagers, this conversation will encourage and equip you to raise kids who don't just know what to believe—they know why they believe it.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent! Email us your questions at Podcast@Summit.org!

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Filter It Through a Brain Cell—Kathy Gibbens

*The Cognitive Tales: Volume 1: The biases that make us think too fast—S. L. Cressey

*Mere Christianity—C. S. Lewis

*Establishing a Biblical Worldview of AI—Dr. Maggie Pope

How to Teach Your Kids Critical Thinking (Without Losing Their Faith) w/ Kathy Gibbens | Ep. 52, Pt. 1 Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

How do you raise children who can think critically, discern truth, and keep their faith in today's confusing culture?

In Part 1 of this conversation, Matt Jones and Janel Greig are joined by Kathy Gibbens, founder of Filter It Through a Brain Cell, to explore why critical thinking is one of the most important skills that Christian parents can help their children develop. Rather than simply teaching kids what to believe, Kathy explains how parents can equip them to evaluate ideas, ask thoughtful questions, and develop a biblical worldview that lasts into adulthood.

Whether your child is navigating social media, school, entertainment, or difficult questions about Christianity, this episode offers practical, biblical strategies to help them become wise, discerning followers of Jesus.

In this episode:

Why critical thinking is essential for Christian families
How to teach kids how to think, not just what to think
Practical ways to build discernment at home
Helping children evaluate messages from culture, media, and peers
Creating a home where faith and honest questions go together
Common mistakes parents make when teaching critical thinking
Simple habits you can start using today

If you're a Christian parent who wants to raise children with a strong biblical worldview and resilient faith, this conversation is for you.

Subscribe for more biblical parenting conversations every week from the Upside-Down Parenting Podcast. Send us your feedback and questions at podcast@summit.org

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Filter It Through a Brain Cell—Kathy Gibbens

*The Fallacy Detective: Thirty-Eight Lessons on How to Recognize Bad Reasoning—Nathaniel Bluedorn and Hans Bluedorn

*Five Steps to Making Convincing Arguments—Dr. Jeff Myers

Preparing Your Child for College (Without Losing Yourself) w/ Dr. Alisa Shanks | Ep. 51 Jul 03, 2026

Show notes

Sending your teenager to college is one of the biggest transitions a family will ever experience. How do you prepare your child for independence without becoming controlling? How do you let go without losing your identity as a parent? And how can you help your teen develop a faith that truly becomes their own?

In this episode of the Upside-Down Parenting Podcast, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Dr. Alisa Shanks, Director of the Larry J. Crabb Center for University Counseling at Colorado Christian University, to discuss how Christian parents can confidently launch their children into adulthood.

Drawing on decades of experience in college counseling and student mental health, Dr. Shanks shares practical wisdom for raising resilient, independent young adults who are prepared academically, emotionally, spiritually, and relationally for life after high school.

In this episode you'll learn:

How to prepare your teen for college and adulthood
Why overprotecting can unintentionally hinder growth
The four stages of parenting: Commander, Coach, Counselor, and Consultant
Practical life skills every student should learn before leaving home
How to help your child own their Christian faith in college
Healthy ways to let go while staying emotionally connected
How parents can find their identity in Christ during this new season

Whether your child is heading to college this year or is still years away, this conversation will help you parent with wisdom, confidence, and hope.

👍 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with another parent preparing for the college years. Be sure to send us your questions and feedback at: podcast@summit.org!

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Girl Mom Podcast—Kari Kampakis

*Release My Grip: Hope for a Parent's Heart as Kids Leave the Nest and Learn to Fly—Kami Gilmour

*Empty Nest, Full Heart: 7 Simple Steps to Heal Grief, Rediscover Joy, and Reclaim Your Life After the Kids Leave—Leslie de Graaf

Christian Dating: A Biblical Guide for Parents Raising Teens | Ep. 50 Jun 26, 2026

Show notes

Dating can feel overwhelming for Christian parents. When should your child start dating? Should you set age limits? What boundaries are wise? And how do you prepare your son or daughter to pursue relationships that honor Christ in a culture with a very different vision of love?

In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig explore dating from a biblical worldview. Rather than focusing on rules alone, they discuss how parents can disciple their children toward Christ-centered relationships rooted in wisdom, character, and God's design for marriage.

You'll learn how to start conversations long before your child begins dating, navigate crushes and teenage relationships with truth and grace, establish healthy boundaries, and help your kids develop a biblical understanding of love, identity, and commitment.

Whether your children are in elementary school, middle school, or high school, this episode will equip you to guide them with confidence through one of the most important areas of discipleship.

In this episode:

What is the biblical purpose of dating?
When should Christian teens start dating?
Should parents set dating rules or age limits?
How to talk with kids about crushes and relationships
Practical dating boundaries for Christian families
Helping your child prepare for a Christ-centered marriage
Cultural myths about love every parent should challenge

Be sure to send us your questions and feedback at: podcast@summit.org!

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Single, Dating, Engaged, Married: Navigating Life and Love in the Modern Age—Ben Stuart

*What the World Gets Wrong in Dating—Sara Starkey

*The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God—Timothy and Kathy Keller

*Guiding Your Child to Purity in a Culture that Glorifies Sexual Sin—Dr. Jason Barker

Father's Day: Becoming the Upside-Down Dad w/ Christian Greig | Ep. 49 Jun 20, 2026

Show notes

What does it mean to be a godly father in today's culture? In this special Father's Day episode, Christian Greig shares candid reflections on fatherhood, family, faith, and the challenges of raising children in a rapidly changing world. Together, we discuss the joys and sacrifices of being a dad, the importance of intentional parenting, and how fathers can leave a lasting spiritual legacy for their children.

Whether you're a father, grandfather, mentor, or simply someone who cares about the next generation, this conversation offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and a biblical vision for family life. Join us as we celebrate Father's Day and explore how dads can faithfully lead, love, and invest in the lives of their children.

Be sure to send us your questions and feedback at: podcast@summit.org

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution—Carl R. Trueman

*Family Discipleship That Works: Guiding Your Child to Know, Love, and Act Like Jesus—Brian Dembowczyk

*Called to Be Dad: Becoming the Father God Designed You to Be—Mark Pitts

*How Parents' Modeling Faith Shapes Their Child's Beliefs—Dr. Jason Barker

When Adult Kids Pull Away: How to Resolve Conflict & Find Peace w/ Kathy Koch | Ep. 48 Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

Parenting adult children can be one of the most rewarding—and heartbreaking—seasons of life. What do you do when your adult child pulls away, communication breaks down, or family conflict creates distance? How can parents maintain influence without trying to control, and find peace when relationships don't look the way they hoped?

In this episode of the Upside-Down Parenting Podcast, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Dr. Kathy Koch, founder of Celebrate Kids and author of Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children. Drawing from decades of experience helping families thrive, Dr. Kathy offers practical, biblical wisdom for navigating conflict, setting healthy boundaries, and staying connected to adult children through life's biggest transitions.

Together, they discuss:

• How to shift from control to influence as your children become adults • Why active listening and "radical acceptance" can strengthen relationships • Practical ways to navigate marriage, independence, and changing family dynamics • How to establish healthy boundaries without damaging connection • What it means when children become idols—and how parents can recognize it • How grandparents can navigate disagreements about parenting, faith, and values • Strategies for improving communication with adult children right away • The power of forgiveness, prayer, and hope in difficult family relationships • Why Dr. Kathy encourages parents to "parent with a verb only when invited"

Whether you're parenting young children, launching teenagers into adulthood, or navigating a strained relationship with an adult son or daughter, this conversation offers encouragement, wisdom, and practical next steps rooted in biblical truth.

Dr. Kathy Koch is the founder of Celebrate Kids, Inc., a popular speaker, educational psychologist, and the author of nine books focused on helping parents understand, connect with, and enjoy their children.

📘 Learn more about Dr. Kathy's book: Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children

Be sure to send us your questions at podcast@summit.org!

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children: Strategies and Conversations That Work—Dr. Kathy Koch

*Rethinking How We Defend the Faith Today with the Rising Generations—Jesse Childress

*When Mom Guilt Meets Grace: A Biblical Approach—Dr. Maggie Pope

*Passing Godly Faith to Your Kids: Think Small, Win Big—Dr. Jeff Myers

*Raising Hopeful Kids in a Post-Christian World—Sarah Stonestreet

Unearthing Jesus: The Most Important Biblical Discoveries w/ Jeremiah Johnston | Ep. 47, Pt. 2 Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

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!

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

*Rethinking How We Defend the Faith Today with the Rising Generations—Jesse Childress

*Doubt is a Doorway—Charlie Meo

10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus w/ Jeremiah Johnston | Ep. 46, Pt. 1 May 29, 2026

Show notes

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