Upside-Down Parenting - Summit Ministries

Latest Episodes:

How Christian Parents Can Speak Their Child's Love Language w/ Gary Chapman | Ep. 45, Pt. 2 May 22, 2026

Show notes

What does it actually look like to put the Five Love Languages into practice as a Christian parent? In Part 2 of this conversation, Matt Jones and Janel Greig continue their discussion with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman to explore practical ways parents can speak their child's love language, build deeper trust, and create a Christ-centered home where kids feel seen, valued, and loved.

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 of Teenagers: The Secret to Increasing Joy & Trust with Your Teen—Dr. Gary Chapman

*The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively—Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell

*What Does It Mean to Love God and Others?—Michael Sherrard

The Five Love Languages for Christian Parents: Loving Your Kids Well w/ Gary Chapman | Ep. 44, Pt. 1 May 18, 2026

Show notes

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

📘 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

Moms of the Bible: Lessons from the Fearless, Flawed, & Faithful w/ Rhonda Stoppe | Ep. 43 May 08, 2026

Show notes

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

Mother's Day: Becoming the Upside-Down Mom w/ Cat Jones | Ep. 42 May 01, 2026

Show notes

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

Called to Be Dad: Becoming the Father God Designed You to Be w/ Mark Pitts | Ep. 41 Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

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

Gap Years, College Mistakes to Avoid, & Parenting Against the Grain | Ep. 40, Pt. 2 Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

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

What Should Your Kid Do After High School? A Christian Parent's Guide | Ep. 39 Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

What should your student do after high school? College, gap year, trade school… the options can feel overwhelming—especially for Christian parents who want their kids to grow not just academically, but spiritually.

In this two-part series of Upside-Down Parenting, we walk through how to think wisely about your teen's next steps after high school. From evaluating Christian colleges to considering alternative paths, this conversation will help you guide your student with clarity, confidence, and faith.

In this series, we cover:

*The different post–high school options (college, gap year, trade school, and more)

*What really matters when evaluating a Christian college

*Why a "Christian" label doesn't always mean biblical worldview integration

*Key red flags to watch for when researching schools

*How to think about faith, academics, and personal growth together

*The bigger goal: helping your student take ownership of their faith, not just independence

*A different perspective on success

Your student doesn't "graduate" from discipleship after high school. This next season is about more than picking a school—it's about forming identity, strengthening faith, and preparing for a life of purpose.

Considering a gap year? We also talk about the value of taking a step back before rushing into big decisions. Summit Gap Year is a 7-month Christian program designed to help students grow spiritually, socially, and personally before college or career. Through community, mentorship, study, and real-world experience, students gain clarity about who they are and what God is calling them to do. Learn more here: https://www.summit.org/programs/gap-year

Helpful? Share it! If this episode encouraged you, be sure to: Subscribe for more episodes, leave a review, and share this with another parent navigating these decisions.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Episode 82: What You Should Know About Preparing for College—Dr. Mike Adams

*Top 5 Reasons Most College Students Give Up their Christian Faith

*Truth Prepares the Soil: How Summit Gap Year Forms Lasting Faith—Isaac Hans

Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead? The Evidence That Changes Everything | Ep. 38 Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

Did Jesus really rise from the dead—and does it actually matter for how we raise our kids?

In this episode, Janel Greig and Matt Jones break down the "Minimal Facts" behind the resurrection—historical claims that even critical scholars accept—and explore why they point to something extraordinary. Then they bring it home, discussing how the resurrection changes everything about Christian parenting, from how we handle fear to how we teach truth in a skeptical world.

👍 If you found this helpful, subscribe, leave a review, and share with another parent trying to raise healthy, resilient kids in today's world.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Cold-Case Christianity for Kids: Investigate Jesus with a Real Detective—J. Warner and Susie Wallace

*The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus—Gary R. Habermas and Michael Licona

*On the Resurrection, Volume 1: Evidences—Gary R. Habermas

*'Possums and the Empty Tomb: Picture Book Apologetics with James and Ruth—J. D. Camorlinga

*The Resurrection of Jesus: Truth & Meaning for This Life & Beyond—Douglas Groothuis

How Screen Time Is Rewiring Your Child's Brain & Body | Ep. 37, Pt. 2 Mar 27, 2026

Show notes

Is screen time actually rewiring your child's brain and body?

In this episode of the Upside-Down Parenting Podcast, we explore the hidden physical and neurological impact of screen time on kids—and why Christian parents can't afford to ignore the body.

Many parents focus on spiritual growth, but what if we're overlooking something critical? God designed our kids as whole beings—body and soul. And in today's digital world, technology is shaping both in powerful ways.

We're joined by Bryan Crutcher, Professor of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M University, to unpack the science and theology behind movement, physical development, and screen use.

🧠 What You'll Learn:

How screen time affects kids' brain development and physical health
The long-term costs of a sedentary childhood
Why movement is essential for learning, emotional regulation, and growth
Common mistakes parents make with kids' sports, activity, and habits
How to build healthy rhythms of movement at every stage (kids, teens, adults)
A biblical vision for the body: why faith is not just "spiritual"
Practical ways to reduce screen dependence and raise active, healthy kids

👨‍👩‍👧 For Christian Parents:

What message are we sending if we prioritize spiritual disciplines but neglect physical ones? This episode will help you think differently about stewardship, discipline, and raising kids who honor God with their whole lives.

👍 If you found this helpful, subscribe, leave a review, and share with another parent trying to raise healthy, resilient kids in today's world.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain—Dr. John J. Ratey and Eric Hagerman

*How Technology Affects Us (and What to Do About It)—Timothy Fox

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

*Screens and Teens: Connecting with Our Kids in a Wireless World—Dr. Kathy Koch

What Christian Parents Get Wrong About the Body w/ Bryan Crutcher | Ep. 36, Pt. 1 Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

Is following Jesus just about the "spiritual" side of life—or does the body matter too?

In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, hosts Matt Jones and Janel Greig tackle a topic often overlooked in Christian parenting: the role of the body in raising kids who thrive in God's Kingdom.

Joined by Dr. Bryan Crutcher, a professor of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M University, this conversation explores how physical health, movement, and embodied living are essential parts of discipleship—not just optional add-ons.

Together, we unpack:

*Why the body is central to a biblical worldview

*Common mistakes parents make with kids and physical activity

*How to foster healthy movement habits without creating performance pressure

*The impact of screen time and sedentary lifestyles on kids today *What age-appropriate physical formation looks like from childhood through adolescence

*How movement helps kids regulate stress, anxiety, and emotions

*Practical ways parents can model healthy habits—even when they feel exhausted

You'll also hear how to talk about the body as a gift to steward, not a project to perfect—and how to raise kids who value health, joy, and God's design for their lives. Key takeaway: Raising kids in God's upside-down Kingdom means caring for their whole person—body and soul. If you want to raise resilient, healthy, and grounded kids in a distracted and sedentary culture, this episode will give you both a fresh perspective and practical next steps.

👉 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with other parents who want to raise the next generation well.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

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

*Human Value & the Image of God—Christopher L. Reese

*Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality—Nancy R. Pearcey