The Gospel Shaped Family Podcast

Money shapes daily life for every family, yet many parents feel unsure how to teach their children to handle it wisely. In this episode of the Gospel Shaped Family Podcast, Josh and Jen Mulvihill walk through how to ground money conversations in Scripture rather than culture. They explain why money is a heart issue, not just a practical one, and how early habits shape lifelong faith and stewardshi...

This episode continues the Why Worldview Matters series and focuses on one issue every parent and grandparent must understand: the authority of Scripture. Josh and Jessica walk through why the Bible can be trusted, how its authority shapes a child’s worldview, and why families cannot rely on church attendance alone. They describe the crisis of worldview facing today’s kids and explain why parents...

Many parents want their children to love reading but feel unsure where to start. In this episode, Josh and Jen Mulvihill explain why a love for books does not begin with pressure or early academics, but with shared stories, patient guidance, and a family culture that values reading. You will learn why reading aloud matters at every age, how waiting to teach reading can actually help struggling lea...

This episode continues the Why Worldview Matters series and focuses on one of the most important pieces of a child’s faith: helping them develop a deep love for the Bible. Josh and Jessica talk about why Scripture must be the foundation of every child’s worldview and why parents cannot assume their children will believe the Bible is true. They walk through common misconceptions, the reliability of...

Children’s and youth ministry has become the default approach in many churches, but few parents stop to ask what role it should actually play in the discipleship of their children. In this episode, Josh and Jen Mulvihill walk through the history of age-based ministry and explain the different forms it has taken over the years. They offer a clear, Scripture-centered framework to help parents think...

Most parents want to pass on a strong faith, but many feel pulled in different directions as culture competes for their child’s attention. In this Worldview Wednesday conversation from American Family Radio, Josh explains the five major influences that shape a child’s worldview. Parents, grandparents, teachers, peers, and the church all play a part. Josh and Dr. Jessica Peck walk through the resea...

A strong marriage is one of the greatest gifts parents can give their children. In this episode, Josh and Jen share their own story of 25 years together and discuss the habits, decisions, and biblical principles that have kept their relationship steady through every season. They talk about prioritizing one another, learning to forgive quickly, guarding unity, and protecting marriage from the subtl...

This episode explains why a child’s worldview shapes every part of life and why parents must take an active role in forming it. Josh walks through what a worldview is, how early it develops, and why kids absorb cultural messages long before parents expect. You will hear how Scripture provides clarity, purpose, and stability in a world where truth is often treated as personal preference. Josh also...

Crushes begin earlier than many parents expect. Elementary-aged children experience a spark of interest and often have no idea what to do with their feelings. In this episode, Josh and Jen talk about how to guide these early attractions with clarity and wisdom. They explain why crushes are normal, what they reveal about the heart, and how parents can use these moments to shape a child’s view of ma...

In this special episode, Dr. Josh Mulvihill joins Dr. Jessica Peck on American Family Radio’s Dr. Nurse Mama Show to talk about one of the most urgent needs in Christian parenting today—helping children develop a biblical worldview. Josh shares from his book Biblical Worldview: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Shape the Worldview of the Next Generation, explaining how parents and grandparent...

Many families want to eat healthier, but it is hard to know where to start. In this episode, Josh and Jen share the story behind their shift to real food, why they changed their lifestyle, and how they began removing processed foods from their home. Their journey started with simple swaps and grew into raising their own meat, dairy, and eggs. You will hear the practical steps that helped them make...

The start of a new year provides a natural moment to pause, look at the past season, and set clear goals for the months ahead. In this episode, Josh and Jen share how they assess their home, pray together, and make a simple plan for the growth of each child. Their approach is practical and grounded in Scripture, with a focus on stewardship, purpose, and unity as a couple. You will learn how to cre...

In this Ask Josh and Jen episode of the Gospel Shaped Family Podcast, Josh and Jen answer three real questions from listeners—about marijuana use, when children become adults, and how to keep the Sabbath as a family. They start by examining marijuana according to the Bible, explaining why recreational use doesn’t align with Christian sobriety and what Scripture teaches about medical use and self-c...

In this episode of the Gospel Shaped Family Podcast, Josh and Jen address two cultural ideas shaping modern homes—child-led parenting and marriage as a capstone—and help listeners think through both from a biblical perspective. They discuss why giving children authority in the home leads to confusion, inconsistency, and spiritual harm, and how Scripture calls parents to lovingly lead with truth an...

What if your Christmas traditions did more than create memories—what if they pointed your family to Christ? In this episode, Josh and Jen share three simple, timeless traditions that have shaped their family’s Christmas celebrations for more than twenty years. These ideas are meaningful, practical, and work for every stage of family life—from young children to college-age children and even grandch...

How do we raise children who love God in a culture that no longer acknowledges Him? In this special episode recorded at The Gospel Coalition’s annual Conference, Dr. Josh Mulvihill joins John Piper, Mark Vroegop, and David Michael for a rich conversation about family discipleship in a secular age.   Together, they discuss how secularism shapes the way our children think and how parents and churche...

It’s Christmas time, and Josh and Jen are talking all things gift-giving! In this fun and practical episode, the Mulvihills share meaningful Christmas gift ideas that go beyond the latest fads and focus on spiritual growth, lifelong usefulness, and family connection. Discover how to give gifts that help your children grow in faith and character—from Bibles and classic book series to heirloom-quali...

The Bible is the foundation of our faith, yet it’s often misunderstood or misapplied. How can parents help their children not only read the Bible but also interpret it correctly? In this episode of the Gospel Shaped Family Podcast, Josh and Jen Mulvihill share biblical principles and practical tools for guiding children into a faithful understanding of God’s Word. You’ll learn how to teach observa...

Holidays and family gatherings often bring out the best and sometimes the worst in behavior. How can parents prepare their children to navigate social situations with grace and respect? In this episode of the Gospel Shaped Family Podcast, Josh and Jen share why teaching manners matters and how it reflects the dignity of others made in God’s image They outline ten essential etiquette skills every c...

Thanksgiving is one of the most meaningful times of the year—but it can easily slip by with little more than food, football, and family. In this episode of the Gospel Shaped Family Podcast, Josh and Jen Mulvihill share how to make Thanksgiving intentional by centering the holiday on Christ. You’ll hear practical ways to bring Scripture, gratitude, and worship into your celebration. From reading Ps...

Friendships shape our children in powerful ways. They can bring great joy or deep hurt, and many parents wonder how to guide their children toward lasting, godly relationships. In this episode, Josh and Jen share practical steps families can take to help children not only form healthy friendships but also sustain them over time. From creating intentional opportunities at home to making the church...

Grandparents are God’s good design for the family, not an afterthought. In this episode, Josh and Jen Mulvihill explore the vital role grandparents play in passing on faith and supporting parents in discipleship. You’ll hear stories from their own families, practical encouragement for parents, and biblical truth about the influence of grandparents. Whether you’re a parent navigating grandparent re...

Screens take up more of our children’s time than most of us realize. What can parents do to respond wisely? In this episode of The Gospel Shaped Family Podcast, Josh and Jen Mulvihill share practical ways their family has learned to balance technology, set healthy boundaries, and replace screen time with better options. From limiting video games and TV to encouraging outdoor play and family read-a...

What role should children play in corporate worship? Too often, families split up at church and send children to age-based programs while adults attend the main worship service. But Scripture gives us a different picture. In this episode, Josh and Jen explain why children belong in the worship gathering and how parents can prepare them to participate. They share practical tips—like teaching childr...

Family worship has been one of the most important ways parents have discipled children for centuries. But what does it look like in real life? In this episode, Josh and Jen share how to start family worship, why it matters, and how it changes as children grow older. They answer questions from parents about helping little ones sit still during Bible reading, building prayer habits with teens, and u...