Episode 305: How to Raise Kids with a Faith That Sticks with David Rausch

What makes a child’s faith last beyond high school? In this conversation, Nick Blevins sits down with children’s ministry leader and Go Curriculum founder David Rausch to talk about the growing number of young adults walking away from church—and what churches and parents can do differently.David shares the heart behind his book Feeding Faith: The Discipleship of Kids That Last, the story behind launching Go Curriculum, and the practical “EAT Strategy” for building lasting faith in kids through education, application, and transformation. This episode is packed with practical ministry insights, encouragement for parents and church leaders, and actionable ways to help kids develop a real relationship with Jesus that sticks.Timestamps04:08 – David Rausch’s ministry journey and children’s ministry background06:06 – The origin story of Go Curriculum13:00 – Why David wrote Feeding Faith13:45 – The alarming reality of kids leaving church after high school16:03 – Why this is a children’s ministry issue, not just a youth ministry issue17:01 – The “EAT Strategy”: Education, Application, and Transformation18:02 – Why biblical education alone isn’t enough19:00 – Putting application in the right place within lessons20:15 – The missing piece: spiritual transformation21:00 – Helping kids build a real relationship with God23:20 – Practical ways to create transformational moments in ministry24:00 – Making the gospel central in every lesson25:00 – Teaching kids how to respond to the gospel26:20 – Using response stations, prayer, journaling, and reflection with kids27:50 – Why so many young adults leave church after graduation29:30 – The critical role parents play in lasting faith formation30:40 – Why churches need spiritual parenting strategies32:00 – How culture has shifted parenting responsibility onto the church33:00 – Why lead pastors must champion family discipleship34:10 – Where to get Feeding Faith and Go Curriculum resources35:00 – David’s hope for helping more kids develop faith that lasts