The Family Podcast

In this episode, Tracy confronts the reality that culture is already discipling our teens about identity and sexuality and challenges parents and mentors to step in with honest, ongoing conversations rooted in biblical truth and grace.--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--Talking with Teens About Sexuality: Discipling Kids in a Confusing WorldTeens today are growing up in a world flooded with messages about identity, intimacy, and sexuality. From social media feeds and streaming shows to school hallways and group chats, culture is constantly catechizing them—often long before parents or mentors realize it. That leaves adults with a choice: avoid the conversation out of fear or discomfort, or step into it with honesty, compassion, and biblical truth.In Talking with Teens about Sexuality, counselor Beth Robinson and Latayne C. Scott offer a much-needed roadmap for navigating one of the most intimidating areas of discipleship. Rather than promoting fear-based rules or one-time lectures, the authors equip parents and mentors to engage in thoughtful, ongoing conversations about sex, identity, relationships, boundaries, pornography, dating, gender, and online influences.A key insight of the book is this: teens aren’t just battling hormones—they’re battling an entire culture that is shaping their beliefs every single day. Algorithms are discipling them. Influencers are normalizing behaviors. Entertainment is redefining identity and intimacy. If Christian adults remain silent or reactive, they shouldn’t be surprised when culture becomes the loudest voice in a teen’s life.Robinson and Scott insist that intentionality is essential. Parents don’t need to have all the answers, but they do need to be present, informed, and emotionally available. Teens are far more likely to listen when they feel understood rather than lectured. That’s why the book repeatedly emphasizes listening before teaching, empathy before correction, and relationship before instruction.Another strength of the book is how it reframes God’s design for sexuality. Instead of presenting biblical boundaries as arbitrary rules meant to limit freedom, Robinson and Scott show how Scripture presents them as gifts meant to protect dignity, foster trust, and lead to wholeness. Teens are desperate for a vision of sexuality that offers hope rather than shame—and the Bible provides exactly that.The authors are also realistic. They acknowledge that parents cannot control everything their teens encounter. Pornography, sexualized content, and identity-driven messaging are nearly unavoidable in today’s digital world. But while parents can’t control the culture, they can guide their teens through it. They can create homes where hard questions are welcomed, mistakes are met with grace, and truth is spoken clearly and lovingly.Ultimately, Talking with Teens about Sexuality is not just a parenting manual—it’s a discipleship guide. It reminds us that shaping a teen’s view of sexuality is inseparable from shaping...

In this episode, Tracy talks about expectations in marriage—why they matter, where they come from, and how to navigate them in a way that strengthens your relationship.--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--Topic SummaryEvery couple comes into marriage with expectations. Some are spoken, but many are unspoken—and that’s where conflict often begins. Our expectations are shaped by childhood, culture, and our inner dialogue. If we’re not intentional, these expectations can weigh down our relationship instead of building it up.Think back to your family of origin. What roles did your parents play—or fail to play? How might those experiences shape your current expectations of your spouse? In the book, Marriage Forecasting by Tim Muehlhoff says, when frustrations come, ask yourself: “Who is in the room with me?” In other words, what past examples are influencing how I see my marriage today.Ground Rules for Sharing ExpectationsPractice gentle honesty.Avoid judgment. Your spouse isn’t a mindreaderBe curious listeners, not defensive.Scripture InsightThe Bible gives us a better way. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul describes love as patient, kind, and not easily irritated. Love doesn’t assume or demand—it chooses to give. That means healthy marriages require us to talk about expectations instead of hoping our spouse will just figure them out.We also need grace. None of us are perfect spouses. God models patience and forgiveness toward us (Colossians 3:12), and He calls us to extend the same grace to each other.TakeawayMarriage is a lifelong journey of discovery. As you share expectations and show grace, you’ll keep learning about each other and eventually know one another well enough to anticipate needs and support each other. Muehlhoff refers to this process as growing into soulmates, so enjoy the journey!

In this episode, Bryan wraps up 2025 and gives us a clear snapshot of what God has been doing through PursueGOD—and what’s coming next in 2026.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --Check out our YouVersion reading plansWant to donate? Click here

Welcome back to the pursueGOD family podcast!--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --Is My Child Ready to Get Baptized?Key Verse: “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:26 NLTChristian parents love the idea of seeing their kids publicly declare faith in Jesus. It’s a meaningful moment—one filled with hope, joy, and deep spiritual significance. But baptism isn’t simply a milestone or a ritual. It’s a public declaration of an internal reality, and that means readiness matters. Today’s article will help you discern whether your child truly understands the gospel and is prepared to take this important step.Understanding Baptism: What It Is—and What It Isn’tThe Bible makes it clear: baptism is a symbol, not salvation. Paul says, “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized…” Colossians 2:12 NLT. This outward act points to an inward faith that only God can produce. Kids don’t need to grasp deep theology, but they do need a basic understanding of the gospel—who Jesus is, what He did, and why they personally need Him.Parents often feel pressure to “get the moment right,” but baptism shouldn’t be rushed. God does heart-work in His timing. Your role is to guide, teach, and shepherd—not push a child into a spiritual step they’re not ready to take.1. Does My Child Understand the Gospel?A child ready for baptism can explain—in their own words—three simple truths:Who Jesus isWhat He did on the crossWhy they personally need HimRomans 10:9 (NLT) says, “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart… you will be saved.” You’re not looking for seminary-level answers but for personal, heartfelt faith. A red flag is motivation rooted in peer pressure: “My friends are doing it” or “It seems cool.” Baptism is a response to Jesus—not to social influence.2. Is My Child Following Jesus in Simple, Real Ways?Before baptism, you’ll often see the early signs of discipleship:They pray on their own.They ask spiritual questions.They show simple conviction when they sin.These glimpses of spiritual life point to what Paul describes: “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT. Perfection isn’t the goal—spiritual growth is. If your child shows a tender heart toward God, that’s a meaningful sign.3. Is This Their Decision?A child must want baptism for themselves—not to please a parent or leader. Ask:“Why do YOU want to get baptized?”Scripture encourages personal reflection: “Let each one examine themselves…” 1 Corinthians 11:28 NLT. Listen carefully. Genuine readiness sounds like ownership, not...

In this episode, we learn how understanding attachment theory can help couples grow closer to one another as they reflect the steadfast love and reliability of God.--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --Attachment theory is one of the most studied and trusted frameworks in relational psychology. It was developed by John Bowlby and expanded by Mary Ainsworth. At its core, it explains how the earliest bonds we form with our caregivers shape the way we understand love and connection later in life. As children, the consistency—or inconsistency—of a caregiver’s attention and responsiveness teaches us how to view ourselves and others. Those early impressions don’t disappear; they resurface in adulthood, often getting triggered in the context of our romantic relationships.Attachment TypesSecure: A secure attachment means you can trust that the people you love will be there for you. It forms when, as a child, your caregiver consistently responded to your needs with care and reliability. That steady presence builds confidence that you are worthy of love and that others can be trusted. As an adult, secure attachment shows up as the ability to build healthy, balanced relationships—where closeness feels safe, independence isn’t threatening, and conflict doesn’t shake the foundation of trust.Anxious Attachment: Anxious attachment develops when love feels uncertain or inconsistent. As children, those with anxious attachment often had caregivers who were sometimes responsive and other times distracted or unavailable. This unpredictability creates confusion and insecurity about whether their needs will be met. As adults, people with an anxious attachment style tend to crave closeness but fear abandonment, which can lead to clinginess, overanalyzing, or difficulty trusting their partner’s commitment. Avoidant Attachment: Avoidant attachment develops when closeness feels unsafe or unnecessary. As children, those with this style often had caregivers who were emotionally distant, neglectful, or dismissive of their needs. To cope, they learned to rely on themselves and minimize their need for comfort or support. As adults, people with avoidant attachment tend to value independence so highly that intimacy can feel uncomfortable or even threatening. They may pull away when relationships get too close, struggle to express emotions, or downplay the importance of love altogether. The Attachment Alarm When your partner feels distant or inconsistent, your “attachment system” goes off. This is the brain’s way of monitoring whether you are safe and secure in the relationship. Anxious attachments are particularly sensitive to this. Once activated, the anxious will engage in protest behaviors which means doing whatever it takes to feel safe again (calling, what’s wrong, imagination runs wild). If an avoidant, you will likely push away and might think your spouse is overreacting and can be...