In part two of this conversation, Dr. Roger Erdvig and Dr. Maggie Pope continue exploring how we can help our children grow in resilience and faith. They dig deeper into practical ways we can guide our kids through processing experiences, practicing reflection, cultivating curiosity, and learning from mentors. Along the way, they emphasize the importance of empathy, intentional conversations, and the everyday opportunities that shape both worldview and spiritual formation.
Together, these insights remind us that resilience doesn’t develop overnight- it’s nurtured over time through consistent modeling and intentional guidance. By creating space for growth and leaning on the support of community, we can help our children build a faith and worldview that will carry them into the future with confidence and hope.
Discussion Guide Link
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1uURA6SQifzQhoqOgmfVMWpAnds3f5o00?usp=drive_link
Recommended Resources
Sticky Faith: Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting Faith in Your Kids
By: Kara E. Powell, Chap Clark
It’s almost time for school to start again! In this episode of Made For More, Ryan Wood, Superintendent of Immanuel Schools, gives us a sneak peek at the theme for the 2025–2026 school year.
To build on that, Dr. Roger Erdvig sits down with Sarah Enterline to explore one of the biggest questions we face: Can we trust the Bible? Together, they walk through the evidence for Scripture’s reliability—from archaeology and manuscript discoveries to prophecy and even science. Sarah also shares practical ways parents can help their kids build a strong, confident faith in a world full of questions and doubts.
We believe this is a helpful, hope-filled conversation for any parent wanting to lay a solid biblical foundation at home.
Recommended Resources
A Visual Guide to Biblical Apologetics by Joseph M. Holden and Sarah R. Enterline
Recommended Age: Teens and adultsA clear, easy-to-understand guide that uses charts and visuals to explore the evidence for the Bible’s reliability. Covers topics like archaeology, prophecy, and science in a way that's engaging for visual learners and helpful for parents, teachers, or students.
The Greatness of God (What Is God Like? #10) by William Lane Craig
Recommended Age: Ages 4–8Part of a beautifully illustrated series that helps young children understand big theological truths. This volume focuses on God's greatness and makes deep ideas accessible for little minds through storytelling and pictures.
Cold-Case Christianity for Kids by J. Warner Wallace
Recommended Age: Ages 8–12Written by a real-life detective, this book invites kids to explore the evidence for Jesus through a fun, mystery-style investigation. Great for encouraging logical thinking and building a confident foundation for faith at a young age.
The Case for Christ (2017 Film)
Recommended Age: Teens and adults (Rated PG)Based on the true story of journalist Lee Strobel, this movie follows his investigation into the claims of Christianity. A compelling introduction to apologetics for teens and parents alike.
In this two-part episode of the Made for More podcast, Dr. Roger Erdvig and Dr. Maggie Pope explore how parents can come alongside their children to cultivate a strong, lasting, and resilient faith. They examine the deep connection between a child’s faith and worldview, showing how this development requires intentional guidance not only from parents but also from the broader community that surrounds and supports our kids.
Across both episodes, you'll hear a blend of big-picture insights and practical tools you can apply in your everyday life. And as a reminder, this journey is about progress, not perfection. Even when our plans don’t unfold the way we expect, the Holy Spirit is at work through our faithful efforts for the good of our children.
Recommended Resources
Sticky Faith: Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting Faith in Your Kids
By: Kara E. Powell, Chap Clark
In this episode of Made for More, Dr. Roger Erdvig and Dr. Maggie Pope are joined by Dr. Jeff Myers, president of Summit Ministries, to talk about how parents can faithfully navigate the cultural messages surrounding gender identity—especially during Pride Month. Together, they offer practical strategies rooted in a biblical worldview to help children of all ages understand their identity in Christ and who they were made to be in God’s image. Whether you're raising toddlers or teens, we believe this conversation will equip you to engage with your children about these difficult cultural issues.
Later this year, Dr. Jeff Myers will be releasing a new book on this topic, co-authored with Dr. Kathy Koch. It’s a great resource for Immanuel parents who are looking for solid, biblically grounded guidance—it’s definitely one to watch for.
Recommended Resources
Understanding Gender Ideology & Transgenderism https://www.summit.org/resources/articles/understanding-gender-ideology-transgenderism/
Articles on a Variety of Topics Related to Transgenderism - Focus on the Family
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/transgender-resources/
Understanding the Gender Revolution: Christianity and the Transgender Movement - Sean McDowell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_aCWlvISzA
Love Thy Body - By Nancy Pearcy
https://store.summit.org/Love-Thy-Body
Strange New World - By Carl Trueman
In this episode of Made For More, Dr. Roger Erdvig and Dr. Maggie Pope is joined by Arlene Pellicane—speaker, host of the Happy Home podcast, and author of several books, including Screen Kids (co-authored with Dr. Gary Chapman). Arlene brings valuable insight into managing screen time for children in today’s technology-saturated world, shedding light on the common challenges parents face as they help their kids develop a healthy relationship with technology.
You'll walk away with practical strategies for creating a balanced family tech plan—and maybe even feel inspired to take a closer look at your own habits. We believe this episode will be powerful, helpful, and maybe even a little convicting—but the benefits will be well worth the effort.
Arlene’s Recommended Resources
Screen Kids: 5 Relational Skills Every Child Needs in a Tech-Driven World
By: Dr. Gary Chapman and Arlene Pellicane
The Happy Home Podcast - Hosted by Arlene
Arlene’s Website: arlenepelicane.com
Screen Kids Course: https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/course
In this episode of the Made for More Podcast, Dr. Roger Erdvig and Dr. Maggie Pope are joined by Ryan Wood, Superintendent of Immanuel Schools, to discuss the different stages of parenting and the importance of adapting parenting styles as children grow. They explore the value of allowing children to experience failure as a learning opportunity, the ethos of Christian parenting, and the impact of being engaged in a church community. Ryan shares incredible wisdom from his own experiences as a parent that is sure to bless and encourage you—no matter what stage of parenting you are in.
Ryan’s Points:
Talk at the dinner table.
Do not overcommit your time outside of the home.
Make church involvement a priority.
Focus on modeling healthy relationships to your kids.
Wherever you are, have conversations.
You have to slow down- live a slower pace of life.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Parenting Stages
03:17 Navigating the Stages of Parenting
11:10 The Importance of Allowing Failure
15:46 The Purpose of Christian Parenting
19:26 Involvement in Church and Community
22:11 Supporting Each Other as Parents
28:25 Final Thoughts on Parenting
In this episode, Roger Erdvig and Keith McCurdy dive into what it means to raise sturdy kids—children who are emotionally strong and equipped to handle life’s challenges. They explore the value of struggle in parenting, the ultimate goal of maturity, and practical ways to cultivate a strong family identity. The conversation also examines the influence of technology and extracurricular activities on child development, emphasizing the critical role parents play as gatekeepers in their children's lives. We hope this conversation encourages and equips you on your parenting journey, reminding you that your children are Made For More.
Chapters:
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Raising Sturdy Kids
01:01 The Concept of Sturdy Kids
05:33 The Role of Parents in Preparing Kids
06:57 Historical Perspectives on Parenting
10:18 The Impact of Humanism on Parenting
15:04 The Importance of Struggle in Growth
22:45 Practical Steps for Parents
23:13 Establishing Family Identity
26:02 Encouraging Responsibility in Children
31:23 Navigating Technology and Extracurriculars
Recommended Resource:
Keith’s 4 Points
#1 - Establish A Strong Family Identity
#2 - Do Less For Your Kids And Require More From Your Kids - "Ownership of Responsibility before Freedom and Privilege"
#3 - Use The Principle Of Cause And Effect As A Basic Learning Tool
#4 - Work Hard To Limit The Key Interrupters To Healthy Growth In Children- Technology and Extracurriculars
How do the relationships in your child’s life shape their worldview? This month on the Made for More Parenting podcast, Dr. Roger Erdvig and Dr. Maggie Pope dive into the parent-child bond, peer friendships, and dating relationships—sharing biblical wisdom and practical tips to help you guide your child with confidence.
* Balance parenting with authority
* Navigate friendships wisely and intentionally
* Approach dating with a biblical perspective
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Relationships in Worldview Formation
02:23 Biblical Foundations for Parent-Child Relationships
05:19 The Role of Authority in Parenting
08:18 Research Insights on Parenting and Relationships
11:00 Cultivating Healthy Parenting Dynamics
18:26 Building Biblical Friendships
26:54 Navigating Relationships with the Opposite Sex
34:17 Guidelines for Dating and Relationships
42:11 Building Community and Support for Parents
Maggie's ABC's
A - Attraction
What qualities in this person draw you to them? What makes them stand out to you?
B - Benchmark (Brian)
How do the qualities of this person compare to the qualities in mom or dad or older Christian role models you deeply respect?
C - Christian Testimony
How clearly does their life reflect a relationship with the Lord? Are they committed to attending and engaging with a church community?
D - Disposition
What character traits stand out in how they interact with friends, family, and adults? How do they handle challenges or conflicts?
E - Enthusiasm
What excites this person the most? Do their passions align with God’s kingdom and the values of a strong partnership?
F - Family
How do their family values and dynamics compare to yours? Are there similarities, strengths, or concerns worth noting?
G - Growth
What areas of personal, spiritual, or emotional growth is this person actively pursuing?
Recommended Resources
Simple Tips for Growing Closer to Your Kids (Article - Focus on the Family)
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/broadcast/simple-tips-for-growing-closer-to-your-kids/
Build a Great Relationship with Your Child (Article - Focus on the Family)
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/build-relationship-with-your-child/
Understanding Teen Dating: Should My Teen Date? (Article - Focus on the Family)
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/understanding-teen-dating-should-my-teen-date/
Made for Friendship: The Relationship that Halves Our Sorrows and Doubles our Joy, by Drew Hunter (book)
https://www.crossway.org/books/made-for-friendship-tpb/
Shepherding a Child's Heart, By Paul Tripp (book)
This month, special guest Rodney Knox joined Roger and Maggie to discuss the significance of establishing core values within families. They explore practical steps for creating a family mission statement, the role of daily practices in reinforcing values, and the necessity of open dialogue among family members. The discussion also highlights the impact of grandparents and the importance of allowing children to learn from their failures while providing love and support.
Recommended Resource:
Download your free Core Family Values Guide:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11McPDGURPZhQvipKsBRHp85zpQzIXr4E/view?usp=sharing
Chapters:
00:00 Setting Intentions for Family Goals
07:47 Establishing Core Values in Family Life
15:52 Intentional Parenting and Communication
23:25 Building Open Communication Channels
24:21 Opening Lines of Communication
25:15 Establishing Family Pillars
27:07 Creating a Family Mission Statement
28:06 Seven Steps to Family Meetings
39:04 Embracing Failure and Learning
42:21 The Process of Establishing Core Values
In this episode of the Made For More Podcast, your host's Dr. Roger Erdvig and Dr. Maggie Pope discuss how to reclaim parenting during the Christmas season. They discuss the importance of worldview formation in children and how us as parents can use the busy Christmas season to grow our children's worldviews. The conversation revolves around Psalm 139 as a guiding scripture, exploring the dimensions of heart, head, and habits in shaping a child's worldview. Lastly, they provide practical steps for evaluating your family's traditions and habits during the holiday season to encouraging intentionality in parenting.
Chapters
00:00 Reclaiming Parenting During Christmas
01:29 Understanding Worldview Formation
04:14 The Dimensions of Worldview: Heart, Head, and Habits
14:49 Evaluating Christmas Habits for Worldview Formation
29:36 Practical Steps for Intentional Parenting
31:50 Looking Ahead: Establishing Family Values
Recommended Resource
https://www.summit.org/promotions/advent/what-time-is-it-introduction-to-advent-part-1-4/
In this episode of the Made For More podcast, hosts Dr. Roger Erdvig and Dr. Maggie Pope discuss the challenges of parenting during election season, focusing on how to engage children in political conversations while fostering a biblical worldview. They emphasize the importance of addressing our emotions, understanding hot-button topics, and using a structured approach to process political discussions with children. Roger and Maggie also introduce the 'Five Rs of Processing' as a framework for guiding conversations, highlighting the significance of teaching children how to respond to disagreements effectively.
00:00 Navigating Politics in Parenting
02:52 Understanding Worldview Formation
06:14 Engaging with Difficult Topics
09:00 Emotional Management in Political Discussions
11:47 The Five Rs of Processing Political Conversations
24:03 Responding to Disagreement with Grace
29:46 Encouraging Open Conversations with Kids
The Five R’s of Processing:
1. Recount - What do our kids know, believe, or have heard about a topic? Our goal is to listen well, gather information, and communicate to our kids that what they think matters and that their thinking is valuable.
2. React - Our kids and teens are emotional beings. They need to express how they feel and have a space to have their reactions affirmed.
3. Revise - Seeking the truth about a topic, situation, or an experience in order to revise our perspective of the issue we are discussing. We do this with authenticity to model a posture of humility and teachability with our kids.
4. Recognize - Attaching value to the topic we have been discussing. Why does this topic, situation, or experience matter?
5. Respond - We ask our kids “what now?”. We consider how this new understanding can impact our thoughts, our desires, and our actions.
Recommended Resource:
Should Christians Avoid Politics by Dr. Jeff Meyers
https://www.summit.org/summit-talks/should-christians-avoid-politics/
In this episode of the Made For More Podcast, Dr. Roger Erdvig and Dr. Maggie Pope explore the concept of worldview in parenting, the importance of understanding how a child's worldview is shaped, and the role parents play in this process.
The conversation dives into the biblical framework for parenting, emphasizing creation, fall, redemption, and restoration as foundational concepts. They also provide practical, hands-on parenting tips on engaging in meaningful conversations with children to help them process their experiences and develop a biblical worldview.
The Made for More Podcast is a production of Summit Ministry's Center for Biblical Worldview Formation and Immanuel Schools. Immanuel exists to equip students to serve God and neighbor through mind, body, and soul based on a Christ-centered foundation.
00:00 Introduction
04:28 The Foundation of a Biblical Worldview
09:16 Situation Parenting in the Biblical Framework
09:48 Intentional Conversations for Developing a Biblical Worldview
18:17 Meaningful Processing and Asking Better Questions
27:00 Conclusion
29:10 About Made For More
Reflection Questions
What were conversations like in your childhood home? What can you learn from your experience with your own parents?
Think about your everyday conversations with your children. Are those conversations yielding significant responses and insights from your kids?
What are some of the barriers you face as you seek to have meaningful conversations with your children?
What can you do to improve the quality of your conversations with your children?
Who is your “reluctant” talker? How can you help him or her talk more?
How does having good conversations with your children assist them in their worldview formation?
