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Upside-Down Parenting – Summit Ministries — Christianity
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.

Copyright: © 2025

Latest Episodes:

From Fear to Freedom: Guiding Your Teens' Faith Without Controlling Them w/ Alicia Bennett | Ep. 35, Pt. 2 Mar 13, 2026

Show notes

Parenting kids is challenging—especially when you want them to stand firm in their faith in a world full of confusion and pressure. But guiding them doesn't mean controlling every decision or striving for "perfect parenting." In this episode, part two of our discussion with Alicia Bennett from Mobilizer Mom, we walk you through practical ways to guide your teen's faith, create space for honest questions, and nurture resilient, Christ-centered young people who truly own their beliefs. She shares her own journey from feeling overwhelmed and stuck to discovering joy and freedom in parenting through Christ.

👍 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with another parent who needs encouragement today.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Window on the World: A Children's Prayer Resource—Operation World

*Feeding the Mouth That Bites You: Parenting Teenagers Into Adulthood—Kenneth Wilgus

Raising Daniels & Esthers: Faith That Lasts Beyond Your Control w/ Alicia Bennett | Ep. 34, Pt. 1 Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

We all want our kids to stand strong in their faith—even when the world feels confusing, challenging, or downright hostile. But raising children who truly own their beliefs isn't about controlling every behavior or hitting the "perfect parenting" mark. It's about creating space for them to wrestle with faith, ask questions, and see God's truth in everyday life.

In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, we're joined by Alicia Bennett from Mobilizer Mom, who knows firsthand the struggle of feeling overwhelmed and stuck in the cycle of parenting frustration. Through a personal transformation in Christ, Alicia rediscovered the joy of motherhood and the power of discipling her children in everyday moments.

She now equips parents to embrace their God-given identity, create Christ-centered homes, and raise the next generation of "Daniels and Esthers"—kids who stand firm in their faith and boldly impact the world.

Tune in as we explore how to guide your child's faith without controlling it, challenge them in new ways, and trust God to lead their hearts. This episode is packed with practical strategies for raising resilient, faith-driven kids in today's culture.

👍 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with another parent who needs encouragement today.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

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

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

*Gospel Mom: How to Make Biblical Decisions and Discover the Mom God Created You to Be—Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler

The New Age Trap Every Christian Parent Should Know w/ Dr. Michael Plato | Ep. 33 Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the Upside-Down Parenting Podcast, where we help Christian parents navigate today's culture with biblical wisdom, practical tools, and real encouragement.

Parenting has never been simple—but in a world filled with new spiritual ideas, social media influences, and shifting cultural values, many parents are asking an important question: How do we help our kids recognize truth and follow Christ with confidence?

In today's episode we're talking about the growing influence of New Age and 'new spirituality' trends among young people. From mindfulness culture to manifestation, spiritual-but-not-religious beliefs, and online influencers, these ideas are shaping how kids think about truth, identity, and God—often in subtle ways.

Joining us today is Dr. Michael Plato, who will help us understand what these movements are, why they're so appealing to the next generation, and how Christian parents can respond with wisdom, grace, and a strong biblical worldview.

You'll walk away with practical insights, conversation starters, and encouragement to help your kids grow in a faith that's thoughtful, resilient, and rooted in Christ.

👍 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with another parent who needs encouragement today.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Strange Rites: New Religions for a Godless World—Tara Isabella Burton

*Confronting the New Age: How to Resist a Growing Religious Movement—Douglas Groothuis

*5 False Worldviews That Ensnare Your Church—Dr. Jeff Myers

Raising Hopeful Kids in a Post-Christian World w/ Sarah Stonestreet | Ep. 32 Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

In today's rapidly changing culture, many parents feel caught between two extremes: withdrawing from the world or being swept away by it. How can we raise kids who stay grounded in truth while engaging culture with wisdom, courage, and hope?

In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, we're joined by Sarah Stonestreet to explore how families can cultivate resilient, faith-filled kids in a post-Christian world. Together, we discuss what true biblical strength looks like, why meekness is actually power under control, and how simple daily rhythms of prayer and Scripture can shape lasting faith.

You'll be encouraged and equipped with practical insights on:

• Raising hopeful kids without fear

• Teaching biblical character in a competitive culture

• Building spiritual resilience through everyday habits

• Staying engaged with culture while rooted in truth

If you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough as a parent — or felt overwhelmed by the world your kids are growing up in — this conversation will remind you that faithful parenting is about consistent formation, not perfection.

👍 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with another parent who needs encouragement today.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*What Marriage Has Taught Us About God—Dustin and Ruthann Jizmejian

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

*Your Identity in God's Story—Natasha Smith

Why Summit Is Investing More in Parents Than Ever Before w/ Aaron Klemm | Ep. 31 Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

Parenting in today's culture can feel overwhelming, confusing, and sometimes even upside-down. But you're not alone, and you don't have to figure it out by yourself.

In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, we sit down with Aaron Klemm, Director of Content & Publishing at Summit Ministries, to talk about an important shift happening at Summit Ministries: a growing commitment to supporting parents more intentionally than ever before.

For years, Summit has been known for equipping students to think critically and live out a biblical worldview. Now, Summit is expanding its focus to come alongside moms and dads—providing resources, training, and encouragement to help them confidently guide their kids' faith and character.

In this conversation, you'll discover:

*Why Summit is investing more in parents right now.

*What new programs and resources are available for families

*What makes Summit's approach to parenting unique

*How a biblical worldview shapes practical parenting guidance

*Encouragement for parents who feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start

Whether you're raising young kids, teens, or somewhere in between, this episode will remind you that you don't have to navigate today's challenges alone—and that equipping the next generation starts with equipping parents.

👉 Subscribe for more practical wisdom and biblical encouragement to help you parent with confidence.

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Raising Gender-Confident Kids: Helping Kids Embrace Their God-Given Design—Dr. Jeff Myers and Dr. Kathy Koch

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

*The Nuts and Bolts of Worldview Formation—Dr. Maggie Pope and Dr. Roger Erdvig

That's Not in the Bible! Common Parenting Phrases Christians Need to Rethink | Ep. 30 Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

Did Jesus ever actually say things like, "Just follow your heart," or "Believe in yourself?" Today on the Upside-Down Parenting podcast, Matt Jones and I are talking about well-intended phrases Christian parents often use—phrases that sound biblical, but may actually misrepresent Jesus.

Over time, these kinds of statements can subtly shape a fear-based, performance-driven faith instead of one rooted in trust and formation. And if we want to disciple our kids into an authentic, resilient faith that lasts, we have to stop putting words in Jesus' mouth and start letting his actual words shape the way we parent.

Have a question for us? Email podcast@summit.org—your question may be featured in an upcoming Q&A!

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Live Your Truth and Other Lies: Exposing Popular Deceptions That Make Us Anxious, Exhausted, and Self-Obsessed—Alisa Childers

*Stop Looking Inside Yourself—Dr. Jeff Myers

*When "Being Yourself" Hurts Yourself—Rebecca Sachaj

Deconstruction & Doubt: From Atheist to Apologist w/ Jon Noyes | Ep. 29 Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

Today, we're talking about a topic that can feel heavy, confusing, and even scary for parents: how to walk alongside your child who is questioning their faith or wrestling with doubt. Now is the perfect time to equip ourselves with understanding, patience, and the right tools—because when our kids struggle with faith, what they often need most is not answers, but a safe space to explore their questions.

We're honored to welcome Jon Noyes to the podcast. Jon is a seasoned speaker, apologist, and writer who has spent years helping families navigate difficult conversations about faith, doubt, and belief. With a blend of practical wisdom, empathy, and encouragement, he offers parents a steady, hope-filled approach to a deeply sensitive journey.

In this episode, we explore how to respond with grace, maintain trust and connection, and engage these conversations without fear or defensiveness. Whether your child is a teen, a young adult, or somewhere in between, this discussion is designed to equip you to walk alongside them with love, empathy, and hope. If you've ever wondered how to stay connected when beliefs are being questioned, this episode is for you.

Have a question for us? Email podcast@summit.org—your question may be featured in an upcoming Q&A!

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*The Deconstruction of Christianity: What It Is, Why It's Destructive, and How to Respond—Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett

*Deconstruction & the Road Back Home—Christopher L. Reese

*Doubt is a Doorway—Charlie Meo

Jesus-Centered Money Habits for Families w/ Dr. Shane Enete | Ep. 28 Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

As we kick off a new year, we're diving into a topic that impacts every family: money. Teaching our kids to steward money and resources well can feel stressful, overwhelming, or even divisive—but it doesn't have to be. A New Year reset is the perfect opportunity to rethink how our families handle finances, cultivate generosity, and live with joy and purpose.

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Shane Enete, author of Whole Heart Finances: A Jesus-Centered Guide to Managing Your Money with Joy. Shane shares practical wisdom and biblical insight on how faith, family, and finances intersect in everyday life, offering encouragement for parents who want to raise generous, joyful stewards.

Together, we explore what it means to manage money with a whole heart, how to teach children biblical stewardship, and practical steps families can take to align their finances with their faith. Join us as we discover how Jesus-centered money habits can bring freedom, joy, and purpose to your family finances.

Have a question for us? Email podcast@summit.org—your question may be featured in an upcoming Q&A!

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Whole Heart Finances: A Jesus-Centered Guide to Managing Your Money with Joy—Shane Enete

*The Money Storybook Bible Podcast

*Gen Z's Problems With Money & the True Secret to Financial Peace—Shane Enete

Talking with Your Kids About God w/ Natasha Crain | Ep. 27 Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

Welcome back to the Upside-Down Parenting podcast! I'm your host, Janel Greig, and today we're launching into a conversation to help set your family's faith on the right path for the new year—a true New Year Reset for Christian parents.

In this episode, we're excited to welcome Natasha Crain, author of several books, including Talking with Your Kids About God, Keeping Your Kids on God's Side, and a number of others. She is a respected speaker, podcaster, and influencer and her gift of taking complicated topics and breaking them down is remarkable. Today we're diving into why intentional, faith-filled conversations with your children are so crucial—and what that looks like in real life.

From practical tips for sparking dialogue, to how to respond when you don't have all the answers, to the importance of your heart posture as a parent, Natasha shares insights every Christian parent can use to help their kids build a lasting faith.

Whether your kids are little or teens, this is a hope-filled, practical conversation to help you start the year with clarity, purpose, and mission in your family. So get comfortable, settle in, and let's dive in!

Have a question for us? Email podcast@summit.org—your question may be featured in an upcoming Q&A!

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Talking with Your Kids about God: 30 Conversations Every Christian Parent Must Have—Natasha Crain

*Keeping Your Kids on God's Side: 40 Conversations to Help Them Build a Lasting Faith—Natasha Crain

*When Your Kids Ask Why: Everyday Apologetics for Parents—Janel Greig

Raising AI-Wise Kids in a Digital Age w/ Sarah Siegand | Ep. 26 Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the Upside-Down Parenting podcast!

Technology is shaping our kids' world faster than ever—and artificial intelligence is at the center of the conversation. How can Christian parents raise discerning, faithful children in this digital age?

In this episode, we'll hear from Sarah Siegand, founder of Parents Who Fight, who joins us to explore wise, faith-filled parenting in the age of technology. She shares practical strategies to guide kids toward wisdom, cultivate discernment, and keep Christ at the center of family life—without fear and with hope for the future.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or mentor, this conversation will equip you to engage technology thoughtfully and shepherd the next generation with confidence.

Have a question for us? Email podcast@summit.org—your question may be featured in an upcoming Q&A!

Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend:

*Parents Who Fight

*AI, Technology, & Human Development—Shawn Ring

*AI Goes to Church: Pastoral Wisdom for Artificial Intelligence—Todd Korpi

*Parent ProTech

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