Training Them Wisely - discipling kids

Ep. 107 Why is a biblical worldview important for kids?

I'm excited to host Karri J. Iverson on our podcast today. I met her in Ohio at a conference that we were both at when I was looking for a science curriculum for my kids. My twelve year old calls this the "fun science curriculum" which I love hearing him say!
 
themysteryofscience.com
https://www.facebook.com/mysteryofsciencebooks
 
So far we have these subjects for 4-8 grades:
 
The Mystery of Science: Biology
The Mystery of Science: Physics (at the printer)
 
With these to come:
 
The Mystery of Science: Chemistry (coming 2026)
The Mystery of Science: Earth Science (coming 2026)
The Mystery of Science: Astronomy
The Mystery of Science: Health and Nutrition
The Mystery of Science: Botany
The Mystery of Science: Marine Science
The Mystery of Science: Forensics
 
About the book:
Simplify your science teaching with our engaging, biblical curriculum!
 
Developed by a busy, homeschooling mom and science teacher, this unique, open and go curriculum will simplify your lesson and prep time.  Written to emphasize creation, The Mystery of Science provides a solid, biblical foundation in God's intelligent design.  With bold, colorful pictures and lab activities designed to engage your students, they'll be excited to explore science!
Karri J. Iverson has been a major influence on the lives of many children and families for more than 20 years. She graduated from Western Michigan University summa cum laude in elementary education with minors in science/math and English. She has used her diverse education as well as her husband’s knowledge and help to homeschool their 5 children.
In 1999 Karri recognized a growing need for homeschooled students to have further instruction in English and science, so she began a local homeschool tutorial. She taught classes in many subjects and managed several teachers as the group grew to meet the needs of local homeschoolers.
Karri has also taught at other homeschool programs and co-ops and has enjoyed teaching Bible studies at her church. She has given direction and guidance to many parents during their homeschooling journeys and has privately tutored several students throughout their high school years. One of her passions is developing curriculum, which she has done for her own children, local homeschooling groups, the local school district’s summer and extracurricular camps, and private schools.
In addition, she has taught for the Summer Institute for the Gifted and has designed her own science and math curriculum for summer camps. In addition, Karri trains and encourages teachers and evaluates programs to make sure they meet scientific objectives. She also loves helping students learn about their awesome Creator!
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter
License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 106 Faith Conversations that Don’t Feel Forced

💬 Episode Summary
Faith isn’t just something we talk about in church—it’s something we live out in car rides, bedtime routines, and unexpected questions from curious little hearts. In this episode, Rene and Rebekah share how to have faith conversations that feel natural—not forced, awkward, or overly scripted, but Spirit-led and deeply meaningful.
If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about Jesus in everyday moments with your kids, this is your invitation to start simple, stay present, and trust that God is in the small stuff.
🧭 What You’ll Hear
Why Scripture calls us to teach our kids about God as we go
How a sunset, rainbow, or hard question can open up spiritual conversations
5 practical ways to weave faith naturally into everyday life
How to respond with grace even when conversations are messy or emotional
The power of listening well, asking open questions, and letting your kids see your own faith journey
✋ 5 Simple Ways to Make Faith Conversations Flow
Use What’s Already HappeningTie God's truth into what you're seeing, hearing, or experiencing—like a rainbow or a movie scene.
Ask Open-Ended QuestionsSpark reflection and dialogue by asking, “What do you think Jesus would do here?”
Share Your Own JourneyBe real about how you trust God—even in worry, sadness, or uncertainty.
Listen More Than You SpeakSometimes the best discipleship happens when you create space for your child to process.
Tie Faith to RhythmsAdd Scripture to your family’s everyday routines—bedtime, mealtime, car rides.
📖 Colossians 3:17 reminds us: “Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
💛 Encouragement for Moms
You don’t have to have all the right words. You don’t need a theology degree. You just need a heart that’s willing and present.
God multiplies our small steps of obedience—even when the conversation is messy or interrupted by spilled juice and toddler questions.
 
📣 Want More?
💬 If this episode encouraged you, please leave a 5-star review! It helps more moms like you find the show.📚 Explore more resources at trainingthemwisely.com, and grab Rene’s book, Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids, available on Amazon now.
 
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 105 - What If I Didn’t Start Discipleship Early?

💡 Episode Summary
Maybe your kids are older. Maybe you came to faith later. Maybe life just got in the way. If you've ever wondered, "Is it too late to start family discipleship?" — this episode is for you.
Rene and Rebekah bring encouragement and real-world wisdom for parents starting fresh. Whether your children are toddlers, tweens, or teens, God’s grace meets you right where you are—and He can do amazing things, starting today.
🧭 What You’ll Hear
📖 Hope from Scripture reminding you that God can redeem any timeline
❌ Why guilt and comparison have no place in your parenting journey
🛠 4 practical ways to start discipling your kids right now—even if it feels awkward or late
🙌 Encouragement that small steps matter more than perfect plans
🗣 Personal stories of real families who started later and still saw God move powerfully
📖 Key Scriptures
Isaiah 43:18–19 – “Forget the former things… I am doing a new thing!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ… the new is here!”
Galatians 6:4 – “Each one should test their own actions…”
Zechariah 4:10 – “Do not despise these small beginnings.”
Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…”
🛠 4 Simple Ways to Start (or Restart) Discipleship
Start with PrayerBegin by talking to God—and pray with your kids.
Start SmallPick one habit
Use Everyday MomentsTalk about faith during drives, chores, or dinner. Life is the best classroom.
Model Authentic FaithLet your kids see you reading your Bible, seeking God, and depending on Him in real time.
💡 Bonus Tip: Try simple Family Faith Goals, and aim for 1 Scripture moment, 1 prayer, and 1 act of kindness each week.
❤️ Encouragement for Parents
You don’t need a flawless past—you just need a faithful present.Grace says: “Let’s start here.”Your effort matters. Your presence matters. And it’s never, ever too late to start.
💬 Favorite Quote
"You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." — C.S. Lewis (often attributed)
🙏 Closing Encouragement
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” – Philippians 1:6
God is faithful to finish what He starts—including the work of discipleship in your home.
📣 Share + Subscribe
Was this episode a breath of fresh grace for you? Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share it with another parent who’s ready to start strong—no matter when they begin.
Check out our best-selling discipleship book! Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids has encouraged thousands of parents to grow in their faith with the Lord, model discipleship for their children and grow, and disciple their kids in every age and stage of life. It is practical, encouraging, and you can start working on it right away. You can find it on Amazon, at TrainingThemWisely.com or in Christian bookstores.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 104 Opening the Word Together: How to Talk About Scripture as a Family

💡 Episode Summary
The Bible isn’t just for Sunday mornings—it’s for breakfast tables, car rides, bedtime snuggles, and messy moments. In this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah encourage parents to open God’s Word consistently and meaningfully with their kids—no matter their age or stage.
You’ll hear real-life stories, practical tips, and biblical wisdom to help make Scripture a normal, joyful part of your everyday family rhythms.
🧭 What You’ll Hear
📖 Why the Bible should be the heartbeat of your home (2 Timothy 3:16)
🛠️ Simple ways to read Scripture as a family—even in 5 minutes a day
🗣 How to turn Bible time into a conversation, not a lecture
🌀 Encouragement for when it feels messy, inconsistent, or hard
🏡 How God’s Word can shape your family culture and language
🙏 Practical steps to start small and stay faithful
📖 Key Scriptures
2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is God-breathed…”
Isaiah 55:11 – “My word… will not return to me empty.”
Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”
💬 Real-Life Ideas & Examples
Start your day by reading one chapter at breakfast
Let each family member choose and share a favorite verse
Use a child-friendly Bible for younger kids—like The Action Bible or Bible in Stories
Ask open-ended questions like, “What does this show us about God?”
Display Scripture around the house (mirrors, fridge, lunchboxes)
Pray Scripture out loud together during family prayer time
Keep going—even if your kids are coloring or interrupting!
❤️ Encouragement for Parents
You don’t need a seminary degree to lead your kids spiritually.You just need a Bible, a little time, and a heart that says, “Let’s grow together.”
Takeaway Thought:Start where you are. Open the Bible. Ask a question. Pray together.God promises His Word will never return empty—and that includes your living room.
 
📣 Share + Subscribe
Encouraged by today’s episode? Be sure to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share it with a fellow parent or church leader. Let’s raise a generation that sees God’s Word not as a task—but as life.
🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app—and start building a Bible-centered culture in your home, one conversation at a time.
 
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 103 More Than Sunday: Living a Faith They Can See

💡 Episode Summary
Is your faith visible to your kids outside of Sunday mornings? In this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah explore what it means to live a faith that’s consistent, contagious, and grounded in real life.
From quiet prayers to big conversations, everyday moments matter. Faith is formed not just through what we say—but how we live when no one else is watching.
You’ll walk away with encouragement, Scripture, and practical ways to help your kids see that Jesus is real… not just at church, but at home, in the car, and in the middle of life’s mess.
🧭 What You’ll Hear
📖 Why doing the Word matters more than just hearing it (James 1:22)
🏡 How to bring faith into daily rhythms—mealtimes, nature walks, bedtime, and beyond (Deuteronomy 6:6–7)
💔 How grace and humility when we mess up speak volumes (Psalm 51:17)
❓ Ways your faith can spark spiritual curiosity in your kids (1 Peter 3:15)
🛠 Practical ideas for praying out loud, modeling trust, and responding with peace in everyday situations
📖 Key Scriptures
James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word… Do what it says.”
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 – Talk about God “when you sit, walk, lie down, and get up.”
Psalm 51:17 – “A broken and contrite heart… you will not despise.”
1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you.”
❤️ Encouragement for Parents
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present.Your faith doesn’t need a spotlight—it shines best in the margins of everyday life.
Ask yourself:
“If my kids never heard a sermon, what would they know about God from watching me?”
🙏 Closing Prayer Highlight
“Lord, help us to live a faith that speaks even when we say nothing…”This short prayer wraps the episode with grace, purpose, and encouragement to invite Jesus into the everyday.
📣 Share + Subscribe
Was this helpful for your parenting journey? Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend. Let’s build homes where faith isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something our kids can see.
🎧 Available now wherever you listen to podcasts. Faith isn’t just for Sundays—it’s for the everyday.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 102 Jesus in Our Mess: When Real Life Becomes a Classroom

💡 Episode Summary
Life gets messy—and fast. From tantrums and laundry piles to heartache and broken plans, it’s easy to feel like discipleship is on pause when real life takes over. But in this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah remind us that our everyday mess isn’t a distraction from discipleship—it’s the classroom God uses to grow our families in faith.
Through Scripture, personal stories, and practical tools, this episode will equip you to find Jesus right in the middle of the chaos—and teach your children to do the same.
🧭 What You’ll Hear
🌪 Why the mess isn’t an obstacle to discipleship—it’s often the greatest opportunity
📖 Romans 8:28, Hebrews 4:15, Psalm 46:1, and more Scripture to anchor messy seasons
💬 Stories of real-life moments that turned into spiritual breakthroughs
🛠️ How to disciple your kids through squabbles, stress, and surprises
🙏 Practical tips for modeling grace, prayer, and honesty in the thick of family life
💛 Encouragement to trade perfection for presence—and let God use every part of your day
📖 Key Scriptures
Romans 8:28 – “In all things God works for the good…”
Hebrews 4:15 – “He was tempted in every way, just as we are…”
Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength…”
2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you…”
🛠 Practical Discipleship Ideas
Say out loud: “Jesus knows how this feels—and He’s with us right now.”
Keep a visible family verse in the kitchen or living space
Start a “Messy Moments Prayer Jar” to pray through hard things together
Model age-appropriate honesty in your own struggles
Use simple, everyday moments (spilled juice, meltdowns, stress) as teachable lessons in grace, forgiveness, and dependence on God
💬 Encouragement for Parents
Your mess doesn’t disqualify you. It qualifies you to show your kids what real faith looks like.You don’t need to be perfect—just present, honest, and surrendered to Jesus.
📣 Share the Hope
Encouraged by today’s episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and send it to another parent walking through the same messy season. God is at work—in your home, in your heart, and even in your hardest days.
🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app—and discover how Jesus shows up in the mess, again and again.
 
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 101 The Myth of the Perfect Parent: Discipling From a Place of Realness

💡 Episode Summary
Let’s be real—parenting is hard, and the pressure to “get it all right” can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah pull back the curtain on the myth of the perfect parent and offer a refreshing reminder: God doesn’t call us to perfection, but to faithfulness, humility, and honesty.
Join us as we talk about discipling our children from a place of authenticity, not image. You'll hear practical stories, biblical encouragement, and real-life examples of how God uses our weaknesses to display His grace.
🧭 What You’ll Hear
💬 Why perfection isn’t the goal—and how God works through our realness
📖 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you…”
💥 The cultural and church pressures parents feel to appear perfect
🛠️ Practical ways to disciple your kids when you're tired, overwhelmed, or discouraged
🗣️ How to have “real talk” moments with your kids about struggles and God’s faithfulness
🧎‍♀️ The power of apologizing, praying together, and modeling dependence on Jesus
💛 Encouragement to let go of the image and embrace the grace
📖 Key Scriptures
2 Corinthians 12:9–10 – “My grace is sufficient for you…”
Proverbs 3:5–6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”
Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…”
Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…”
🛠 Practical Tips
Journal about areas where you feel weak as a parent—and ask God for strength
Share age-appropriate struggles with your kids to model humility
Apologize when needed—it builds trust and models grace
Create a family “realness board” or prayer journal for tracking daily wins and struggles
Have open conversations about depending on God together
📚 Recommended Resource
📘 Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids by Rene ChristensenThis book offers encouragement for your personal walk with Jesus and practical, age-appropriate discipleship tools to help you raise faith-filled kids. Perfect for parents, grandparents, and ministry leaders.
📣 Share the Hope
If this episode encouraged you, consider subscribing, leaving a 5-star review, and sharing it with a friend or fellow parent. Realness is contagious—and freeing.
 
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 100 100th Episode Celebration

How in the world have we recorded 100 episodes? Time flies by. We are so thankful for each and every listener, both new and old!
We had so much fun recording this episode, and we're giving you some sneak peeks about what is coming up soon!
https://www.trainingthemwisely.com
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter
License code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 99 What Love Looks Like in Every Age and Stage

 
💗 Episode Summary
In this episode of Training Them Wisely, Rene and Rebekah explore how God’s love meets us—and our children—uniquely in every stage of life. From rocking a newborn in the quiet hours to texting a college student encouragement from afar, biblical love grows, stretches, and adapts through the seasons.
You’ll walk away with encouragement, relatable stories, and Scripture-rooted insights for loving your kids well—right where they are today.
🧭 What You’ll Hear
💡 Why love isn’t one-size-fits-all—and how God models flexible, faithful love
👶 Early Years: Love as nurture and physical presence (Isaiah 40:11)
🧒 Elementary Years: Love as patient teaching and consistent discipline (Proverbs 22:6)
👦 Tween Years: Love as listening and emotional safety (Colossians 3:21)
👩‍🦰 Teen Years: Love as mutual respect and humble presence (Micah 6:8)
🧑‍🦱 Young Adult Years: Love as release, blessing, and ongoing prayer (Numbers 6:24–26)
🙏 A prayer to help you reflect God’s love through every season
📖 Key Scriptures
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “To everything there is a season…”
Isaiah 40:11 – “He gently leads those that have young.”
Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go…”
Colossians 3:21 – “Do not provoke your children…”
Micah 6:8 – “Walk humbly…”
Numbers 6:24–26 – “The Lord bless you and keep you…”
💬 Let’s Reflect
What does love look like for your child right now?Is it presence? Patience? Release?Ask God to help you love in the way they need most today.
📣 Share the Love
If this episode encouraged you, would you take a second to share it with a friend or fellow parent? Every share helps us reach more families walking this discipleship journey. 💛
Check out our best-selling family discipleship book! Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids is available on Amazon, on our website TrainingThemWisely.com, and in Christian bookstores. 
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D

Ep. 98 Discipleship Starts at the Dinner Table

You don’t need a perfect devotional plan to disciple your kids—you just need a table, some time, and a heart to listen.
In this episode of Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids, Rene and Rebekah share how simple, everyday moments—especially around the dinner table—can become powerful opportunities to point your children to Jesus. From chicken nugget dinners to bedtime chats, these ordinary routines hold extraordinary potential for spiritual growth.
Together, they walk through Scripture, share personal stories, and offer practical conversation starters that help parents disciple with grace, not guilt.
🔑 In This Episode:
Why your dinner table might be one of the most powerful places in your home
How Jesus used meals to teach, connect, and reveal truth
Simple ways to turn ordinary conversations into moments of grace
What to do when things feel messy, loud, or far from “spiritual”
Encouragement for showing up with consistency—not perfection
📖 Scripture Highlights:
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 — Teach them when you sit at home
Luke 24:30–32 — Jesus revealed at the table
Colossians 4:6 — Let your conversation be full of grace
1 Corinthians 10:31 — Do it all for the glory of God
🙌 You’ll Walk Away With:
Fresh vision for how everyday life can shape your child’s faith
Encouragement that even chaotic dinners count
Easy faith-filled questions to ask around the table
A reminder that God works through your presence, not your perfection
💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:
If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend, subscribe for more weekly discipleship encouragement, and leave a review to help other parents discover simple, grace-filled ways to disciple their kids.
✨ Resource Mentioned:Check out Rene’s book, Training Them Wisely: Discipling Kids—a practical, biblical guide for growing your faith and leading your kids with confidence and purpose. You can find it on Amazon or on our website: TrainingThemWisely.com.
 
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: QG9F8BI91PJEEH5D