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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.

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28 episodes
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English

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June 20 · 24 min
Father's Day: Becoming the Upside-Down Dad w/ Christian Greig | Ep. 49
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
June 12 · 31 min
When Adult Kids Pull Away: How to Resolve Conflict & Find Peace w/ Kathy Koch | Ep. 48
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
June 5 · 16 min
Unearthing Jesus: The Most Important Biblical Discoveries w/ Jeremiah Johnston | Ep. 47, Pt. 2
Can archaeology help strengthen our confidence in the Bible? What do ancient inscriptions, artifacts, manuscripts, and historical discoveries reveal about Jesus and the reliability of the Christian faith? In Part 2 of this conversation on Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig continue their discussion with New Testament scholar and apologist Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, author of The Jesus Discoveries: 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus. Building on Part 1, they explore additional discoveries from biblical archaeology and discuss why historical evidence continues to matter for a generation searching for truth, authenticity, and reasons to believe. As Gen Z and Gen Alpha wrestle with questions about Christianity, history, and the trustworthiness of Scripture, this conversation equips parents and faith leaders to engage those questions with confidence, humility, and compelling evidence. In this episode, we discuss: ✅ Major discoveries in biblical archaeology that illuminate the world of Jesus ✅ How archaeology supports the historical reliability of the New Testament ✅ What ancient manuscripts reveal about the preservation of Scripture ✅ Why evidence matters for younger generations exploring faith ✅ How to navigate doubts and difficult questions about Christianity ✅ The relationship between faith, history, and reason ✅ Practical ways parents can help their children develop a confident Christian worldview Whether you're a parent, pastor, student, or someone exploring the evidence for Christianity, this episode will encourage you to see that the Christian faith is grounded not only in personal experience, but also in history that can be investigated and explored. Guest: Dr. Jeremiah Johnston 📖 The Jesus Discoveries: 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus Subscribe to Upside-Down Parenting for more conversations that help parents raise resilient, Christ-centered kids in today's culture. Send us your questions at podcast@summit.org! 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
May 29 · 25 min
10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus w/ Jeremiah Johnston | Ep. 46, Pt. 1
Can archaeology help prove Jesus was a real historical person? What do discoveries like the Shroud of Turin, ancient manuscripts, and archaeological evidence reveal about the life of Christ? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation on Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with New Testament scholar and apologist Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, author of The Jesus Discoveries: 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus. Together, they explore some of the most compelling archaeological discoveries connected to Jesus and discuss how parents can confidently engage their children's toughest questions about faith. As Gen Z increasingly seeks evidence, authenticity, and personal encounters with God, this conversation offers practical tools for helping kids understand that Christianity is rooted in real history, real people, and real events. In these episodes, we talk through: ✅ The truth about the Shroud of Turin ✅ Archaeological discoveries that support the biblical narrative ✅ How to answer children's questions about Jesus and faith ✅ Why doubt can become a pathway to deeper belief ✅ The importance of apologetics in raising thoughtful Christian kids ✅ Why younger generations are asking different questions about Christianity ✅ How faith and evidence work together—not against each other Whether you're a parent, pastor, student, or someone exploring Christianity for yourself, this episode will equip you with confidence that faith in Jesus is intellectually credible and historically grounded. Guest: Dr. Jeremiah Johnston 📖 The Jesus Discoveries: 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus Subscribe to Upside-Down Parenting for more conversations that help parents raise resilient, Christ-centered kids in today's culture. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *The Jesus Discoveries: 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus—Jeremiah J. Johnston *Is the Bible Historically Accurate? Archaeological Evidence Explained—Titus Kennedy *Evidence for the Supernatural—Dr. Jeff Myers
May 22 · 25 min
How Christian Parents Can Speak Their Child's Love Language w/ Gary Chapman | Ep. 45, Pt. 2
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
May 18 · 22 min
The Five Love Languages for Christian Parents: Loving Your Kids Well w/ Gary Chapman | Ep. 44, Pt. 1
How can Christian parents help their kids truly feel loved? In this episode of Upside-Down Parenting, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman—the creator of The Five Love Languages—to talk about how parents can better understand their children, strengthen emotional connection, and reflect God's love at home. Drawing from his newest book, The Love Language That Matters Most, Dr. Chapman shares practical wisdom for parents navigating discipline, emotional connection, teens, boundaries, and everyday family life. Whether your child responds most to quality time, words of affirmation, physical touch, acts of service, or gifts, this conversation will help you love your kids in ways they can genuinely receive. In these episodes, we discuss: *The Five Love Languages and Christian parenting *How to identify your child's love language *Loving teenagers well during difficult seasons *Discipline without disconnect *Parenting multiple children with different emotional needs *How love languages connect to a biblical view of love *What it means to "fill your child's love tank" *How parents can reflect God's love in the home Dr. Gary Chapman is an author, speaker, pastor, and counselor best known for The Five Love Languages, which has helped millions of families and marriages worldwide. He has spent decades helping people build stronger relationships through intentional love and communication. 📘 Learn more about Dr. Gary Chapman: https://www.5lovelanguages.com 👍 If this episode encouraged you, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with another parent. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *The Love Language That Matters Most: How to Personalize Love So They Really Feel It—Dr. Gary Chapman and Les & Leslie Parrott *The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts—Dr. Gary Chapman *The Love Language Quiz *Love Never Fails—Dr. Jeff Myers
May 8 · 31 min
Moms of the Bible: Lessons from the Fearless, Flawed, & Faithful w/ Rhonda Stoppe | Ep. 43
In this special Mother's Day episode of the Upside-Down Parenting Podcast, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with author and speaker Rhonda Stoppe for an honest, deeply encouraging conversation about motherhood in God's upside-down Kingdom. Drawing from her book Moms of the Bible, Rhonda shares wisdom from Scripture and her own parenting journey to help moms move from guilt, comparison, and control toward faithfulness, surrender, and trust. Through stories of women like Jochebed, Naomi, and Lot's wife, she reminds parents that God works through imperfect people who choose to model faith, teach truth, seek wise community, and trust Him with the next generation. Whether you're in the exhausting early years, navigating older kids, or wondering if your ordinary faithfulness really matters, this episode reminds you that motherhood is not wasted work. God sees the quiet sacrifices, daily conversations, faithful rhythms, and hidden moments that shape a child's heart and worldview over time. In this episode, we discuss: Why moms struggle with guilt, shame, and comparison The importance of mentors and "older women who know stuff" What moms in the Bible teach us about faith and failure Raising kids with conviction without parenting from fear Letting go of control and trusting God with your children Why faithfulness matters more than perfection The quiet influence of ordinary motherhood If you've ever felt inadequate, unseen, or overwhelmed as a parent, this conversation will remind you that your adequacy comes from the Lord—and that He has equipped you for the mission field of motherhood. You can find Rhonda's book, Moms of the Bible: Life-Changing Lessons from the Fearless, Flawed, and Faithful, anywhere books are sold. For more resources to help you grow as a parent with a plan for discipling your kids, head to summit.org/parents. Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *Moms of the Bible: Life-Changing Lessons from the Fearless, Flawed, and Faithful—Rhonda Stoppe *Teaching to Change Lives: Seven Proven Ways to Make Your Teaching Come Alive—Howard Hendricks *When Mom Guilt Meets Grace: A Biblical Approach—Dr. Maggie Pope
May 1 · 35 min
Mother's Day: Becoming the Upside-Down Mom w/ Cat Jones | Ep. 42
In this special Mother's Day episode of the Upside-Down Parenting Podcast, Matt Jones and Janel Greig sit down with Cat Jones to explore what it really means to be a 'good mom' in God's upside-down Kingdom. In a culture that pushes performance, comparison, and perfection, this conversation invites moms into something radically different—faithfulness, surrender, and trust. Cat shares honestly from her own motherhood journey, offering wisdom, encouragement, and practical insight for moms in every season—from sleepless nights to launching young adults. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or just trying to keep up, this episode is a reminder that God has already equipped you for the role he's called you to. In this episode, we cover: *Redefining what success looks like for a Kingdom-focused mom *Why surrender matters more than striving *Letting go of comparison and embracing faithfulness *Choosing presence over perfection *Trusting God through every stage of motherhood Motherhood isn't about getting everything right—it's about walking faithfully with God in the moments that matter most. If this episode encouraged you, share it with a mom who needs to hear it this Mother's Day 💛 Resources we talked about or that we'd recommend: *How to Set a Family Mission, Values, & Verse Together—A New Year Reset for Christian Parents *Single, Dating, Engaged, Married: Navigating Life and Love in the Modern Age—Ben Stuart *Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments—Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler *Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad: The Perspective Shift That Could Completely Change the Way You Mother—Abbie Halberstadt

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