Faith-Filled Families Podcast

Dr. Elisabeth Kimball’s personal journey into faith formationbegan in college when she was asked, “When did you firstaccept Jesus as your Lord and Savior?” Though she hadbeen raised to attend church consistently, that questionsparked a determination to go beyond following the habits ofchurch, and seek an understanding of how being a followerof Christ changes a person.This week, we talk with Dr. Kimball, who will retire and endher tenure as the Vice President for Lifelong Learning atVirginia Theological Seminary.  She speaks about the originof her work, teaching students how to seek a deeperperspective of discipleship.  She shares with us a core beliefthat a person of any age, even an infant, has gifts given byGod to share with us, and how children are not just a part ofthe church, but that they are the Church.

A tomato and a cucumber hold a special place in the hearts of every millennial who grew up watching the animated series VeggieTales.  Birthed from the mind of filmmaker and author Phil Vischer, VeggieTales was created as a way to teach children about God. Alongside co-creator Mike Nawrocki came an iconic television show that transformed the way the gospel could be shared with young children and adults.Phil Vischer joins us to talk about how the freedom given to explore the world as a child, with a Super 8mm camera and Legos, helped to set him on a path of wonder and creativity in forging his place to share Jesus with the world. He also speaks to us about why boredom nurtures creativity and the special meaning of having intergenerational relationships among the young and old within the church.  

On our season premiere of the Faith-Filled Families Podcast, we sit down with Bishop Michael Curry to launch a conversation centered on the faith formation of children. Bishop Curry shares the many ways parents and church leaders can help guide children as they grow into followers of Christ.He reflects on his own childhood, shaped by the faithful examples of family during a season of great loss, and how those early experiences formed him spiritually. Curry also talks about how creating simple routines—especially around dinnertime with his daughters—helped to establish a rhythm of prayer in their home. He highlights the importance of godparents, who can serve as advocates and sources of support during times of struggle.Join us for this meaningful conversation on the Faith-Filled Families Podcast.

Donna Sweeting & Rev. Dr. Missiouri  McPhee are the host the Faith-filled Families Podcast, a show dedicated to helping parents, guardians, and care-givers nurture Christian practices with children ages 2-5.Each month will feature a special guests to help provide guidance and care for abundant parenting. The season premiere launches February 11, 2026. Music for podcast is provided by: RoaProduction & Editing: Veronica Smith