In this inspiring episode of the Hey Parents Podcast, Lee is joined by student ministry coordinator Aly McBrayer and global missions leader Madelyn DeFore to talk about an exciting milestone in a student’s faith journey: their first mission trip. From local service opportunities to international experiences like the Dominican Republic and Poland, mission trips push students outside their comfort zones, strengthen their dependence on the Lord, and show them firsthand what it means to live out the Great Commission. Aly and Madelyn share personal stories, practical insights, and encouragement for parents—whether you’re navigating the nerves of sending your student away for the first time or looking for ways to be part of their spiritual preparation and growth. Discover why short-term missions are one of the most impactful discipleship tools we have and how you can partner with your student as they step into God’s work around the world.

On this episode of the Hey Parents Podcast, we’re joined by TJ Hyer and student pastor Logan Grantham to talk about a key milestone in a child’s faith journey: learning to share their faith. What does evangelism really look like for students today? How do we help our kids grow from a private belief to a confident, outward faith? Together, we look at biblical examples, discuss why sharing the gospel matters, and offer practical tools—like simple ways to start spiritual conversations and how to pray for a burden, opportunities, and boldness. As parents and grandparents, we are modeling a life of hope that makes others curious. Our goal isn’t to point kids to our story, but to the Savior who has changed everything. Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.

In this episode of the Hey Parents Podcast, host Lee Taylor sits down with Courtney Hall and Adrian Coetzer to talk about two of the most meaningful milestones in a believer’s life — baptism and communion. Together, they unpack what these ordinances mean, how they differ from sacraments, and why they hold such significance for kids and families growing in faith. From understanding baptism as a public declaration of faith to seeing communion as a powerful reminder of Christ’s sacrifice, this conversation helps parents navigate how to talk with their children about these moments with clarity and confidence. Whether your child is asking questions about getting baptized or wondering why they can’t yet take the Lord’s Supper, this episode offers practical insight, biblical truth, and encouragement for every step of your family’s discipleship journey. Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.

In this episode of the Hey Parents podcast, host Lee Taylor is joined by Christina Wekall and Clay Smith to talk about what it really means to belong to the body of Christ. Together, they unpack the difference between simply attending church and truly committing to a church family—why belonging matters for both adults and kids, and how that commitment helps faith take root and grow. They share biblical insight, practical examples, and encouragement for parents to model church membership as an act of partnership, accountability, and community. They also discuss how being part of a local church family creates space for serving, discipleship, and building a “sticky faith” that lasts long after the kids leave home. Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Je

Welcome back to the Hey Parents podcast! Host Lee Taylor is joined by High School Pastor Dylan Evans and Life Group Leader Heather Taylor to discuss the crucial milestone after your child puts their faith in Jesus: the importance of Biblical Community. Christianity is a team sport, and this episode focuses on why consistent attendance in a Life Group or Small Group is vital for your child's spiritual growth. Lee, Dylan, and Heather explain how these groups provide a place to be known, wrestle with doubt, and integrate God's truth with everyday life—setting kids up for success long after graduation. They also offer a challenge to parents to examine their own involvement in community and connect with other trusted adults who are speaking truth into their child's life. Don't miss this practical discussion on moving your child from a personal decision to a lifelong walk of discipleship! Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.

In this episode of the Hey Parents podcast, host Lee Taylor talks about one of the most significant moments in a child’s spiritual journey—their first decision to follow Christ. Lee unpacks how parents can recognize when their child is ready to make that decision, how to have meaningful conversations about salvation, and how to walk alongside them with confidence and grace. The conversation explores the importance of creating a gospel-centered home where questions are welcomed and faith grows naturally through everyday moments. You’ll find encouragement, insight, and practical steps for celebrating and nurturing your child’s first steps of faith—helping you guide them not just to make a decision, but to begin a lifelong relationship with Jesus. Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.

In this episode of the Hey Parents podcast, hosts Lee Taylor, Jasmine Trotter, and Jack Dodge explore the concept of stewardship and generosity as a crucial spiritual milestone for families. Inspired by the biblical story of the Israelites stacking stones to remember God’s faithfulness, the team discusses how to help children develop their own personal faith. They dive into what it means to be a good steward of everything God has given us, including our time, possessions, and money. The hosts provide practical advice for parents, from teaching kids to manage money through "commission" for chores to showing them how a family's giving helps fund church ministries and missions. This episode encourages families to have open conversations about money and giving, highlighting the importance of modeling generosity and giving God the "first fruits" of all we have. Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.

On this episode of the Hey Parents! Podcast, host Lee Taylor and his guests, Allison Young and Jordan Wilkes, explore key spiritual milestones in a child's life. They dive into the significance of the First Grade Bible Presentation, a church event that marks a pivotal moment in a child's faith journey. The conversation emphasizes that this isn't just a ceremony but a vital tool for family discipleship, helping children learn to engage with God's Word. Allison and Jordan offer practical tips for parents on how to make scripture memory a natural, fun part of their daily routine. Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.

In this episode of the Hey Parents podcast, host Lee Taylor is joined by children’s minister Christi Hodges and ministry partner Mary Schafer to talk about the foundation of family discipleship. Together, they unpack what it means for parents to be the primary disciple makers in their homes and why the church’s role is to equip and support families in that calling. The conversation introduces the idea of spiritual milestones—key moments in a child’s faith journey, from parent commissioning to baptism and beyond—and how parents can intentionally use these milestones as launchpads for their child’s faith. Christi and Mary share encouragement, personal experiences, and practical steps for building everyday rhythms of prayer, worship, and community that help kids grow in their relationship with Jesus. Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.

In this episode, Lee Taylor is joined by longtime student ministry leader Chris Trent to talk about family discipleship and how parents can better understand youth culture. Together, they share practical tools, biblical wisdom, and encouragement for walking with the next generation as they discover truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. Resources:  https://axis.org/culture-translator/ https://cpyu.org/resources/

In part two of this Hey Parents! Podcast episode, Lee Taylor continues the conversation with college students who spent their summer serving overseas in Poland and Japan. Building on the stories shared in part one, you’ll hear more moments of life transformation, cultural connection, and God’s faithfulness in unexpected places. From revisiting friendships formed on high school mission trips to witnessing the first spark of faith in someone’s eyes, these sent ones reveal how God’s work transcends borders and seasons. Parents, be encouraged: your students can make an eternal impact—not only abroad, but wherever God calls them. Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA—affectionately called “JF”—is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.

In this two-part episode of the Hey Parents Podcast, Lee Taylor hosts a special conversation with a group of remarkable college students who spent their summer serving overseas. You’ll hear powerful stories of life transformation, cultural insights, and how student ministry is sparking joy and purpose in places where religion often lacks relationship. From coffee shop Bible studies and tearful prayers in music schools to sharing God’s Word for the very first time, these sent ones reflect on what it truly means to be part of God’s global mission. Parents, be encouraged: your students can make an eternal impact. Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.

Lee Taylor is joined by Bobby Smith and Sarah Blackstone to reflect on a powerful student choir mission trip to Poland. For over two decades, students have traveled overseas to share the gospel through music, sports, and everyday conversation, but this year stood out. Hear how students stepped up with boldness, left their phones behind, and engaged deeply with Polish peers in public schools, concerts, and small group moments. From worship to witness, this episode is full of encouragement for parents who want to raise teens hungry for truth and unafraid to live out their faith. Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. For Discussion Questions Click Here

In this episode, Lee Taylor talks with student pastors Jack Dodge and Dylan Evans about how middle and high school students are stepping up—sharing the gospel, owning their faith, and diving into Scripture. They discuss how mission trips, discipleship groups, and even everyday moments are sparking spiritual growth. Parents will walk away with practical ideas to model faith, start meaningful conversations, and help make evangelism feel normal, not forced. Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. For Discussion Questions Click Here

Welcome to the debut of the Hey Parents podcast! Host Lee Taylor, joined by Logan Grantham and Courtney Carder, shares inspiring "wins" in family discipleship. They highlight the remarkable emotional openness of students to Jesus and their attentiveness to the Holy Spirit, noting a shift where youth are eager to be leaders in their faith, not just consumers. The episode also celebrates the growing number of adults partnering in this vital ministry. There is a profound impact when we model faith, especially through consistent, heartfelt prayer in daily life.  Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. For Discussion Questions Click Here