Carseat Questions

What do we really mean when we teach our children the lyrics to the sweet, familiar song Jesus Loves Me? How do we teach them about love? Is it the same as mom and dad’s love? No! What we are talking about here is Agape Love: the unique love of God. How do we share that? Model that? Distinguish God’s unique love with our children? Dr. Megan Clunnan is here on CarSeat Questions to chat with us all about God’s love. Dr. Megan Clunan is the Program Head of Moody Bible Institute’s Human Services, Crisis and Trauma Care, and Christian Psychology programs. Dr. Clunan is also a licensed counselor with a focus on working with adolescent issues, childhood trauma, overcoming shame-based identities, and topics related to marriage and family. She is also the creator and host of the weekly podcast No More Shame, a podcast dedicated to using the tools of psychology and truths of Christian theology to break the shame narrative and heal the wounds that hold us back. Dr. Clunan and her husband of 16 years serve in Student Ministry in their local church and are the parents of two children (ages 12 and 7). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MINE MINE MINE! If you’re a parent, you may have heard this word emphatically insisted by your little one. The concepts of ownership, sharing and generosity can be really hard to teach and ultimately, hard for children to understand. So where do we start? How can we begin instilling generosity in our children at a very young age? How does a child’s reception to sharing as a 2 year old influence their willingness for gospel generosity as an adult? Join us for a conversation with Dr. Gregg Quiggle to find out. Gregg Quiggle (B.A. Wheaton College, M.A. Wheaton College, M.A. Marquette University, Ph.D. Open University) was the D. L. Moody Professor of Historical Theology and The Dean of Study Abroad at Moody Bible Institute. He is a contributing author to several books, including D. L Moody: First International Evangelist, The History of the MBI Doctrinal Statement, Proclaiming Jesus in Water Bread and Wine: The Place of Baptism in the Gospel and Nothing but the Blood: The Substitutionary Atonement of Christ. Most recently, he contributed to Moody’s One Volume Seminary. He is married to Mary and lives in Wheaton, IL. They have two adult children. He recently retired. In addition to speaking and writing, he is running a Christian History Tour company – Quotelos Travel Service - https://quotelostravelservice.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As parents, we navigate through countless conversations with our children, from the miracles of Jesus to the complexities of life and death. Today, we discuss a tender topic, exploring how to broach the topic of death with our little ones. In a world filled with questions and uncertainties, how do we approach this delicate subject with grace and honesty? Join us as we delve into the depths of understanding and compassion, seeking to guide our children through understanding this aspect of our lives on earth. Kim Erickson began following Christ after the death of her three-year-old son from strep throat in 2008. Her growing relationship with the Lord and her Bible saved her from the pit of grieving the loss of a child. She developed a deep, abiding love for the Word of God and began a writing and speaking ministry. Her website is www.KimAErickson.com. She is the author of His Last Words, a Bible study of the Gospel of John, chapters 13-17 (Moody 2017). She also has a second book set to release next year: Sorrow & Survival ~ A Mother’s Guide to Surviving the Loss of a Child (Moody 2020). Kim is also an attorney who practiced business litigation for thirteen years before becoming a law professor. Kim earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She lives in Florida with her husband and son, and she loves to read and watch movies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pregnancy loss is an all-too-painful reality of our world. Many women experience pregnancy loss in the form of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancies, or stillbirths, and yet, the prevalence of pregnancy loss doesn’t seem to make it any less painful. How should Christians respond to this? What does it look like to grieve and mourn? To find comfort in God’s arms? How can / should women tell their other children about this sad reality in a way that is caring to their little hearts and minds? Join us for a conversation with Erica Kursak from Grace and Beauty Ministries. Whether you’ve experienced pregnancy loss or not, you’ll find deep comfort in how God holds us in our grief. Erica has been married to her husband, Nathan, for close to 17 years, and they have four children, ages 6-11. They live in Akron, OH where Nathan is the pastor of missions and Erica homeschools their children and teaches private piano lessons. She graduated from Cedarville University with a degree in psychology, and Westminster Theological Seminary with a Masters in Biblical counseling. She has written the curriculum for Grace and Beauty Ministries, a support group for women walking through infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of a child. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As parents, we often grapple with how to introduce difficult topics to our kids and God's Grace can be an especially difficult one. Join us in learning from today's special guest, Scott Lessing, as we explore grace through Scott's personal stories, scripture, and more. Through the lens of faith and empathy, we navigate the depths of God's grace. Tune in as this is one episode you do not want to miss. Scott Lessing is an Associate Pastor of Grace and leads the Lorain Campus of Grace Church at the Lorain Men's Correctional Institution in Ohio. He earned his BS and MS in Sports Medicine from Ohio University in 1997/1998. Scott met his wife, Maureen, while they were both attending Ohio University. They returned to Cleveland in 2001 and are having a blast raising their two kiddos, Carter and Callie. After working 13 years in Sports Medicine and 4 years in Medical Sales, Scott responded to the call to full-time ministry in 2012. Scott enjoys equipping people to grow in who they are as a follower of Jesus. It is amazing for him to see people transform spiritually as they dive into the Word and begin to experience God. He is an ordained pastor in the C&MA. You can find Scott spending time with Maureen, the kids, drinking a good cup of coffee, and cheering on those pesky Red Sox. Scott enjoys great discussions, all outdoor activities, eating good food with others, golfing, and a good book. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Andrew Beaty has eleven children that bear the image of God. Among these children exists a wide range of physical and mental disabilities. With this special family comes special responsibilities, not only for the Beaty family but for the church. Join us for this week’s episode of CarSeat Questions for a conversation all about special needs families: how to love them, pray for them, and act on their behalf in accordance with God’s word. Organizations: Joni & FriendsKey Ministry Books: Moody Online See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve been a Christian parent for a long time, you may have received some questions from your kids about the miracles of Jesus - how he walked on water, how he turned water into wine, etc. But what about the ultimate miracle? The Resurrection. How can we communicate the weight and magnitude of the Resurrection with our kids? How can we share the hope of Easter with them? Tune in to this week’s episode of CarSeat Questions with an episode all about how to answer these questions for your kids. Preston Hill (PhD, MLitt, University of St Andrews) is Assistant Professor of Integrative Theology at Richmont Graduate University, where he serves as the Chair of Integration and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. His doctoral research offers the first book-length study of Christ’s descent into hell in the theology of John Calvin. His current research focuses on reformation theology, science, trauma, and mental health. His latest publications include Dawn of Sunday: The Trinity and Trauma-Safe Church (Cascade, 2021), and a forthcoming volume entitled Christ and Trauma: Theology East of Eden (Cascade). Preston is a clinical pastoral therapist under supervision and ordinand in the Anglican tradition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is Holy Week. And if you’re a parent, you may be wondering how do I talk to my kids about Jesus’ crucifixion in a way that highlights the gospel, stays true to scripture, but also cares for their tender hearts and minds? We’ve got TWO shows for you. Tune in to a double header this week and next with Dr. Preston Hill. This week we will discuss the Crucifixion and next week we will discuss the Resurrection. Preston Hill (PhD, MLitt, University of St Andrews) is Assistant Professor of Integrative Theology at Richmont Graduate University, where he serves as the Chair of Integration and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. His doctoral research offers the first book-length study of Christ’s descent into hell in the theology of John Calvin. His current research focuses on reformation theology, science, trauma, and mental health. His latest publications include Dawn of Sunday: The Trinity and Trauma-Safe Church (Cascade, 2021), and a forthcoming volume entitled Christ and Trauma: Theology East of Eden (Cascade). Preston is a clinical pastoral therapist under supervision and ordinand in the Anglican tradition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special BONUS EPISODE of Carseat Questions, tune in for the expertise of Courtney Wilson, a seasoned Children's Pastor with a heart for nurturing young faith. Our little ones are full of questions, and as parents, we often find ourselves seeking answers that will guide them on their spiritual journey. Join us as we explore the world of children's questions and embark on a journey to address some of the most common and profound inquiries young minds have about faith, spirituality, and Christianity. Courtney Wilson currently serves as the KidsWorld Pastor for the St Charles/South Elgin Campus of Christ Community Church in St. Charles, IL. She has been in children's ministry for over 20 years in churches of various sizes. She is passionate about encouraging and equipping parents, kids and volunteers as they surrender to Jesus and live out their calling to be and make disciples. Courtney has 3 sons and a daughter and is known as the loudest mom during their cross country races. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode of Carseat Questions, we're joined by Dr. Mikel Del Rosario, a leading authority in Christian apologetics, to tackle a question that many Christian parents grapple with: How can we help our children understand that the Bible is true and reliable? Young minds are naturally curious, and nurturing their faith with a solid foundation is paramount. Dr. Del Rosario offers a treasure trove of insights, strategies, and engaging ways to guide your children in developing an unshakable belief in the truth of the Bible. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that equips parents with the tools to navigate these crucial conversations. Whether your child is asking questions about the Bible's authenticity or you want to proactively instill a deep and unwavering faith, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Del Rosario's wisdom will help you foster an environment where your children can embrace the Bible as a source of truth, wisdom, and spiritual guidance in their lives. Dr. Mikel Del Rosario is a Professor of Bible and Theology at Moody Bible Institute. Previously, he taught Christian Apologetics and World Religion at William Jessup University and Digital Media for Ministry at Dallas Theological Seminary. He has published over 30 journal articles on apologetics and cultural engagement in Bibliotheca Sacra with his mentor, Dr. Darrell Bock. He holds an M.A. in Christian Apologetics with highest honors from Biola University, along with a Master of Theology (Th.M) and a Ph.D in Biblical Studies (Emphasis in New Testament Studies) from Dallas Theological Seminary where he served as Project Manager for Cultural Engagement at the Hendricks Center, producing and hosting The Table podcast. He has also served in the Philippines as a missionary professor with Converge Worldwide and a youth pastor to refugees and multicultural students in California. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us as we delve into the world of children's emotions with the help of guest Miriam Arnold. We address the intriguing questions that young kids often ask about shameand Miriam shares her insights, offering practical strategies to create a loving, shame-resilient environment for your children. Come along for a heartwarming conversation that equips you with the tools to support your child through their journey of self-discovery and emotional growth. Whether you're a seasoned parent or a new one, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to create a nurturing and shame-free Biblically based environment for their kids, allowing them to grow into confident and compassionate individuals. Miriam Arnold and her husband live in the Greater Atlanta Area with their two daughters. She has been described as bubbly, quirky, clumsy and awkwardly direct. She enjoys biking, playing board games and doodling. But most importantly, she loves finding creative ways to tell Bible stories that respect authorial intent while highlighting key Gospel truths to help others sift shame and perfectionism from their faith. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does God love us all the same? Every single one of us? What about those who sin differently or look different than me? In this episode of CarSeat Questions, we welcome a special guest, Trillia Newbell, to dive deep into a topic that holds immense significance for parents and families – how to discuss the unifying message of the gospel of Jesus with our children. Trillia, a respected author and speaker, brings her wealth of knowledge and insights to help parents navigate this important conversation. We will talk personal experience as well as discuss Trillia’s book “Creative God, Colorful Us.” Trillia Newbell is the author of the kids’ books Creative God, Colorful Us and God’s Very Good Idea, a Bible study on Hebrews 11, A Great Cloud of Witnesses, and a Bible study on Romans 8, If God Is For Us, as well as the books Sacred Endurance: Finding Grace and Strength for a Lasting Faith, Enjoy: Finding the Freedom to Delight Daily in God’s Good Gifts (2016), Fear and Faith: Finding the Peace Your Heart Craves (2015) and United: Captured by God’s Vision for Diversity (2014). Her writings on issues of faith, family, and diversity have been published in the Knoxville News-Sentinel, Desiring God, True Woman, Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, and more. She was also a commentator for World Radio (a sister platform for World Magazine). Trillia has spoken at numerous conferences, churches, women’s retreats, colleges and seminaries, including True Woman, The Gospel Coalition Women’s conference, Southeastern Theological Seminary, and more. She spent seven years serving as the Director of Community Outreach for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission for the Southern Baptist Convention. She is currently an acquisitions editor for Moody Publishers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you love the Bible and want to teach it to your children, but wonder if some of the stories in the Old Testament are appropriate for young minds? How do we share the fullness of the Biblical narrative to them? In this special episode, we are joined by Russell Meek, who will guide parents on the journey of introducing the Old Testament of the Bible to their children without fear. Russell, a seasoned theologian and a parent himself, shares his profound wisdom on making this sacred text accessible and meaningful for young minds and hearts. Russell L. Meek is associate professor of Old Testament at William Tennent School of Theology and also teaches Old Testament and Hebrew at Moody Theological Seminary. He writes a regular column on understanding and applying the Old Testament at Fathom Magazine, and his books include Ecclesiastes and the Search for Meaning in an Upside- Down World and the co-authored Book-by-Book Guide to Biblical Hebrew Vocabulary. Russ, his wife, and their three sons live in the mountains of north Idaho. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parenting is a sacred journey, especially when it comes to nurturing our children's faith in a complex world. Join us for an intimate and soul-stirring conversation as we explore the profound art of raising children with Godly love. In this episode, we delve into the challenges and triumphs of instilling faith in our children's hearts. We're joined by a special guest, Melissa Hannigan, who brings a wealth of wisdom and experience to the table. Together, we'll discuss how to encourage your children in a Godly way, drawing inspiration from her own journey and timeless spiritual principles. Melissa Hannigan holds a master of arts degree in counseling from Midwestern Theological Seminary. She is wife to John Hannigan, executive director of Celebrate Kids. They have been married for 17 years and have four children. Before becoming a full-time homeschool mom, Melissa has worked with teen girls to overcome abuse, addictions, and trauma. She is passionate about helping people discover God’s best for their lives. Melissa is an Associate of Ignite the Family. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last season we chatted to Sara Lane about cross racial adoption from the adoptees perspective. This season we wanted to chat with Brittany Salmon about cross racial adoption from the perspective of the parent. Brittany has two adopted boys and wrote the book “It Takes More Than Love” all surrounding the topic of cross racial adoption. Brittany Salmon is a professor, writer, and Bible teacher. She has a MA in Intercultural Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a MA in Teaching from North Carolina State University, and a Doctorate from Southeastern Seminary. Brittany is passionate about taking theology and applying it to everyday life. And yet the people closest to her think of her as the friend who loves oversized sweatpants and a great conversation over coffee. She lives in Wilmington, North Carolina with her best friend, Ben, and their four children. You can connect with Brittany on Instagram @brittanynsalmon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The life of military families is a unique and weighty one - often marked by moving, shifting, community, and many hellos and goodbyes. What does this reality do to children? To spouses? How can we talk to our children about servicemen and servicewomen? How can we serve them back? Join us for a very real and raw conversation with military missionary, Megan Brown for a conversation surrounding the realities of military familyhood and how to love our kids within it. Megan B. Brown is a seasoned military spouse, a mother of four, and a military missionary. She is the Founder and Executive Director of MilSpo Co.- a military focused nonprofit organization dedicated to the discipleship of today's armed forces. Megan is the author of "Summoned: Answering a Call to the Impossible" and "Know What You Signed Up For." She is passionate about disciple making and sharing the hope that is only found in Jesus. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has your child ever asked you about the realities of homelessness? Maybe you saw someone who needed help on the street with a sign, or you served a homeless population at church. How did you answer them? How can parents convey the way that Jesus feels about those struggling with homelessness to their kids? Listen to this episode with Jaime Buxton to hear a conversation addressing all of these curiosities and responsibilities. For Jaime Buxton, responding to God’s call on her life to serve others has always been her passion and motivation. In 2005, Jaime transitioned from the mission field in Belize, Central America to serve as a Childcare Assistant at The City Mission of Cleveland, Ohio. In this role, she worked diligently with mothers and children in crisis while raising her own family in the ministry she cared so deeply about. Jaime’s desire to compassionately care for children and encourage mothers grew into an opportunity to educate others in how to get involved. In 2016, Jaime became the Internship and Volunteer Services Supervisor at The City Mission, managing thousands of volunteers and dozens of interns over the years. Today, Jaime serves as The City Mission’s Community Engagement Manager and has the incredible honor of educating the community, advocating for men, women, and children experiencing homelessness, and bringing people from different churches and organizations together to serve the Mission’s residents in a meaningful way. Jaime holds a B.A. in Youth Ministry and Missions from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and is a 2021 graduate of the Cleveland Leadership Bridge Builders Program. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know that one of the 10 Commandments given to Moses was to “honor your Father and Mother” - but what does this actually mean to a child? How can we encourage honor from kids when they may not have the language to understand? How do we teach and foster honor? Join us for today’s conversation with Dr. Chris Rappazinni for a conversation all about honoring mom and dad, and how to encourage this in our kids. Dr. Chris Rappazini is an Associate Professor of Leadership at Anderson University in Anderson, SC. For over a decade, he served as a Professor of Pastoral Studies at the Moody Bible Institute in Spokane, Washington, and Chicago, Illinois. Chris, a Moody graduate from 2007, contributes to Moody’s monthly devotional, Today in the Word, and has authored an upcoming book titled, Moving Forward After Messing Up: How God Uses Our Past to Change the Future. He is the former president of the Evangelical Homiletics Society and previously worked as an associate minister of preaching and teaching at Southside Christian Church in Spokane. Chris, along with his wife Ashley, happily reside in Anderson, South Carolina, with their three children. Prior to becoming a parent, Chris appreciated hiking, outdoor activities, cooking, and exploring new places. Nowadays, his hobbies include playing freeze-tag in the yard and making meals that his kids will enjoy. He is a husband, dad, professor, preacher, and scholar who believes the Bible is still relevant, Godly leadership is essential, and the Church’s best days are still ahead. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is back to school time and parents everywhere are faced with questions about their kids’ safety. Statistics show that the number of shootings within schools, even elementary schools, is at an all time high in our country. Should parents be scared? Should their kids be scared? Join us for this episode of the CarSeat Questions podcast with Dr. Jamie Aten for a discussion on these realities that face parents everywhere. JAMIE ATEN, PhD, is Co-Founder of Spiritual First Aid. He is also the Founder and Co-Director of Humanitarian Disaster Institute, Blanchard Chair of Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership, and Co-Coordinator of the Trauma Certificate Program at Wheaton College. Personally, he is both a Hurricane Katrina and late-stage early onset cancer survivor. Professionally, as a di­saster psychologist he has responded to and researched disasters and mass traumas around the globe. He has published 9 authored and edited books and over 150 scholarly publications including in some of the top peer-reviewed jour­nals in the field of psychology. His research has been supported by over $7 million dol­lars in awarded grants. He is frequently cited, interviewed, and published in outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, CNN, Fox News, BBC News, Psychology Today, Religion News Service, Moody Radio, and Christianity Today. In 2016 he was awarded the FEMA Community Preparedness Champion Award at the White House. He also received the Early Career Award and Applied Psychology of Re­ligion and Spirituality Award from the American Psychological Association’s Society for the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality. He is cohost of the award winning The Better Samaritan blog and podcast at Christianity Today. You can follow Jamie on Twitter at @drjamieaten. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 1 of this season, you heard pieces of three different conversations all about spiritual, emotional, and cognitive development. In this final episode of season 1, we are joined by Brooke Smith to talk about emotional development in children. Brooke Ervin is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She specializes in trauma, abuse, and breakdowns in communication within interpersonal relationships - both in marriages as well as within the family unit. She has experience working in a variety of mental and behavioral health settings, including residential, inpatient psychiatric care, as well as outpatient. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.