Focus on the Family Australia

Join us today on Focus on the Family with Lauren and Georgia who are co-founders of ’Big Kids Table’. Where there has been silence there needs to be conversation and our conversation today is about the need for talking a about God, sex and relationships.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christianity teaches us to care for orphans, and unfortunately, the need for such care is increasing in Australia. Mary Blake, the founder and CEO of Fostering Hope, discusses how Fostering Hope supports foster, kinship, and informal carers, advocates for a better system, and develops programs for children growing up in care. We also discuss Foster Care Sunday and how the church community and individuals can contribute to caring for these vulnerable children. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Jane Gibb Description: If a wife discovers that her husband has been secretive and hiding a sexual sin like pornography, it will be difficult to hear and it can leave most wives feeling betrayed, angry and unloved. How does one process this and move forward in a healthy way???? Today’s guest is Jane Gibb, a betrayal trauma coach, and we continue to discuss what a woman can do when faced with situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Jane Gibb Description: If a wife discovers that her husband has been secretive and hiding a sexual sin like pornography, it will be difficult to hear and it can leave most wives feeling betrayed, angry and unloved. How does one process this and move forward in a healthy way???? Today’s guest is Jane Gibb, a betrayal trauma coach, and we discuss the impact and what a woman can do when faced with situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Peta Soorkia Description: We’ve all felt it ?' the enormous weight of always saying 'Yes' to people and try to keep everyone happy. It’s a heavy cross to carry and one you would never ask to shoulder. Our guest is author, counsellor, life coach and we discuss breaking the addiction of the need for approval, moving past the fickle demands of the crowd and instead looking upwards to the Lord and learning to breathe again by living for an audience of one.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Joanne Wilson Description: We call Australia the 'Lucky Country,' but for many couples, the 'luck' feels like it’s being stretched thin. Between the pressure of a shifting housing market and the daily grind of the workforce, many of us are asking: How do we keep our marriages?'and our faith?'thriving when the world around us feels so heavy? With Joanne, counsellor and???Neuro-psychotherapist, we discuss some of the 'Modern Challenges for Australian Couples,' and how to address them practically and with God’s help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Natalie Daugherty Description: We've never been more ’connected’ digitally, why does it feel like our marriages and families have never been further apart? Natalie is a Marriage and Family Therapist, and is seeing this crisis firsthand in the therapy room. We dive into the ’dopamine trap’ of our devices and, more importantly, how we can reclaim our homes for Christ. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we were children, our parents were our caregivers, but what happens when those roles reverse? We don’t like thinking about our parents becoming ill, losing their independence or not being able to care for themselves. As difficult as it is to consider, one day they may need your help -- just as we once needed theirs. This is what occurred to our guest today. Lisa Anderson is the Director of young adult ministry for Focus on Family in the USA and she shares her story of caring for her mother.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we were children, our parents were our caregivers, but what happens when those roles reverse? We don’t like thinking about our parents becoming ill, losing their independence or not being able to care for themselves. As difficult as it is to consider, one day they may need your help -- just as we once needed theirs. This is what occurred to our guest today. Lisa Anderson is the Director of young adult ministry for Focus on Family in the USA and she shares her story of caring for her mother.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The weight of broken trust is very heavy, but we do know that God is close to the broken hearted and he meets us right in the middle of our deepest pain. Restoring a marriage after an affair is a slow and difficult journey, but healing is possible. With our guest, counsellor, author, teacher and life coach, we discuss the recovery journey and some of the keys to forgiveness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grief and LossSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are no perfect marriages but what would it take to bring you and your spouse closer together? Brett and Kate Ryan spoke to an online group on the topic of ’Keeping the Spark Alive’ using biblical truths and a reminder of timeless marriage interaction tips. Today is Part 2 of this presentation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are no perfect marriages but what would it take to bring you and your spouse closer together? Brett and Kate Ryan spoke to an online group on the topic of ’Keeping the Spark Alive’ using biblical truths and a reminder of timeless marriage interaction tips. Today is Part 1 of this presentation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Screen use is something that touches almost every home. It can be a gift ?' it connects us, teaches us, but it also competes for our attention in ways we don’t always notice. We discuss this with Natalie, a neuro-psychotherapist and family/relationship counsellor, who has a special interest in excessive screen use and internet gaming disorder.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Screen use is something that touches almost every home. It can be a gift ?' it connects us, teaches us, but it also competes for our attention in ways we don’t always notice. We discuss this with Natalie, a neuro-psychotherapist and family/relationship counsellor, who has a special interest in excessive screen use and internet gaming disorder.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There can be a perception that seeing a counsellor is a sign of weakness, a failure, or simply that your life is messed up. You only see a professional as a last resort. However, is this really the case? Today’s guests are counsellors in the Focus on the Family USA team and we discuss with them how speaking to a third party maybe the catalyst to a sense of freedom and strength. And as you deal with the baggage of the past or present can provide opportunity of a deepening connection in your relationship with God and with others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There can be a perception that seeing a counsellor is a sign of weakness, a failure, or simply that your life is messed up. You only see a professional as a last resort. However, is this really the case? Today’s guests are counsellors in the Focus on the Family USA team and we discuss with them how speaking to a third party maybe the catalyst to a sense of freedom and strength. And as you deal with the baggage of the past or present can provide opportunity of a deepening connection in your relationship with God and with others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many Christian parents long to see their children grow in faith and stay rooted in it for life. Yet for many families, the story unfolds differently?'children lose interest, drift from church, and often never return. Why does this happen? And more importantly?'can anything be done to change it? Professor Bruce Robinson, founder of the Fathering Project, and his wife Jacqui set out to find answers. They spoke with 140 adult children raised in Christian homes and uncovered five key reasons young people walk away?'reasons that are surprisingly simple to address. Join us as we unpack what helps faith last?'and why some walk away.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do so many young people raised in Christian homes walk away from their faith? It’s a painful reality for many families. Professor Bruce Robinson?'founder of the Fathering Project?'and his wife Jacqui wanted answers. They interviewed 140 adult children of Christian parents to uncover the top five reasons behind this trend. Their findings might surprise you?'and offer hope. We’ll explore what causes faith to unravel?'and what helps it stay strong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having built and sold 8 businesses since the age of 18, Wez Hone knows how to succeed in business. Now a business coach, trainer and speaker he influences thousands of people on how to apply biblical truth to build a profitable business. However, you don’t have to own a business to benefit from his experience and advice. He shares 5 basic principles that you can apply to your everyday life, marriage and family to also succeed.???See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If your child were in trouble, they’d come to you and ask for help, wouldn’t they? But what if they just couldn’t talk about it. Our guest today, Pastor Joel Chelliah, he’s the senior pastor of Citypoint church in Perth. He’s written a book called ???The Chat??? that helps Christian parents to be more confident to have those conversations about sex, puberty, pornography and gender.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest today, child psychologist Sharon Garro, will unpack how she supported her own children through anxiety and worry, and we discuss how you can support your own children suffering with mental health issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mental Health and Resilience - Part 1See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Man Behind the MicrophoneSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conflict is inevitable in all relationships but how we process those conflicts will make your relationship stronger. Our guest Joanne Wilson, who is a counsellor and neuro-psychotherapist, will provide an overview of some of the common relationship mistakes that she has seen in her practice, over the past few years, and some of the solutions.???See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many couples experience marriage burnout because of pressures and daily aggravations. Encouragingly, some people make the vital investment in counselling where both are willing to do the work and make the needed changes to improve their relationship; whilst there are others who do not make that effort or seek the help they need. Unfortunately, in a post pandemic world, we've only seen this increase. Our guest Joanne Wilson, who is a counsellor and neuro-psychotherapist, will provide an overview of some of the common relationship mistakes that she has seen in her practice, over the past few years, and some of the solutions.??? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Truth RisingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is indeed a painful experience for a parent to see their child who was brought up in the things of faith only to see them walk away from God. We discuss with our guest, Pastor Keith Glasgow, author of the book ???Exit??? some of the reasons young people want to leave their faith, the importance of maintaining a relationship with your prodigal and the need to hand this over to God.??? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christian parents have shared their experience of their children who have been brought up to follow the Lord and unfortunately seen them walk away from their faith in their teens or 20's. This is a serious issue facing both parents and the church. We discuss with our guest, Pastor Keith Glasgow, author of the book ???Exit??? some of the main reasons for leaving or ???exiting??? and provide some advice for parents, church leaders and friends who want to help those who are turning away from their faith.??? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parents are the primary disciplers, but it takes a village to raise a child. This may include Christian teachers, kids and youth leaders. As a former children’s pastor, I know the challenges of obtaining the right gospel centred curriculum let alone something Aussie made.??? A person who is providing such a service is Dan Buckle, the founder of the Link Ministries Network. A parachurch organisation dedicated to supporting and sharing the gospel with kids and youth.??? We will be speaking with him as he shares how he is reaching this digital generation to understand and own their faith for themselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every child deserves to feel safe, loved and accepted. But unfortunately for many children this is not the case. Sadly, in a fallen and broken world people take advantage of vulnerable children in many countries across the world. Human trafficking, and other forms of modern slavery, are often described as issue that are hidden in plain sight. One organisation that is addressing this issue is Zoe International, that demonstrates God’s compassion through rescuing and caring for orphans and other at-risk children of this heinous crime. Our guest is director of Zoe Australia, who will share about the ministry and how this evil even takes place on our shores, and the growing need for more carers to care for these vulnerable children.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parenting can be joyous, magical, tiresome, boring, impossibly stressful and complicated. Today’s guest is Harriet Connor, content editor of???Growing Faith,???an online magazine for Christian parents run as a ministry of Youthworks Media. We will be discussing the recently published book,???Parenting in God’s Family???that contains reflections and advice by 16 very different authors, all seeking to encourage and equip parents with biblical wisdom and practical tips.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We sometimes put pastors on pedestals, resulting in unhealthy and unrealistic expectations. On the other end, some pastors have a flawed understanding of their role of being all things for all people, and potentially placing the ministry ahead of their family or even their own health. Today’s guest leads The Focused Pastor, a Focus on the Family ministry in the USA that comes alongside pastors, their families, and the church with resources to encourage and equip them personally to do their ministry more effectively.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We sometimes put pastors on pedestals, resulting in unhealthy and unrealistic expectations. On the other end, some pastors have a flawed understanding of their role of being all things for all people, and potentially placing the ministry ahead of their family or even their own health. Today’s guest leads The Focused Pastor, a Focus on the Family ministry in the USA that comes alongside pastors, their families, and the church with resources to encourage and equip them personally to do their ministry more effectively.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ResistSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to De-stress God's WaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coaching Christian LeadersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating a Major Health Challenge - Part 2See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating a Major Health Challenge - Part 1See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christian MarriagesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Casting a Vision of ManhoodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God's design for marriage never included abuse or coercive control of any kind, and all bruise or severely harm a person's heart, mind and soul. Unfortunately, this is a reality for many Australians, including Christian marriages.???We discuss with Lindy, psychotherapist and lecturer, coercive control, how the church needs to be better informed and what does forgiveness look like when abuse has occurred.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Domestic abuse or intimate partner violence is unfortunately a reality for many Australians. In recent studies as many as 20% of the population (including Christian households) have experienced some form of abuse.??? Our guest today is Lindy Hadges, a psychotherapist and lecturer who will share some of what she has seen and heard within her practice, how we should approach this hidden reality of abuse within a marriage and how to walk alongside a friend who's in an abusive marriage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Watching a loved one’s???health and confidence decline due to old age is a challenging process. Your parents were once your role models and mentors, and you depended upon them. ???What do you do when those roles are reversed, and they need your help? Today’s guest is general manager of Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care at BaptistCare in Sydney. We discuss some of the keys of caring for your elderly parents and the importance of looking after yourself, your marriage and your family during this season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Watching a loved one’s???health and confidence decline due to old age is a challenging process. Your parents were once your role models and mentors, and you depended upon them. ???What do you do when those roles are reversed, and they need your help? Today's guest is General Manager of Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care at BaptistCare in Sydney. We discuss some of the keys of caring for elderly parents and the importance of looking after yourself, your marriage and your family during this season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spirituality is about what gives us a purpose to our lives. It is about our source of meaning and hope, which in turn is intimately related to our connectedness to ourselves, to others and to the world. Today's guest is general manager of Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care at BaptistCare in Sydney, a not for profit organization, who have been serving the aged and people living with disadvantage for 80 years. We discuss the importance of spiritual care and what that looks like when working with older adults in Australia.???See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many dads didn't have strong role models growing up?'and that can make fatherhood feel overwhelming. Today's guest, a senior clinical psychologist, shares powerful insights into the unique aFnd essential role fathers play in the family. We'll explore how dads can become more present, nurturing, and equipped to raise the next generation of godly young people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many dads didn't have strong role models growing up?'and that can make fatherhood feel overwhelming. Today's guest, a senior clinical psychologist, shares powerful insights into the unique and essential role fathers play in the family. We'll explore how dads can become more present, nurturing, and equipped to raise the next generation of godly young people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many Christian parents long to see their children grow in faith and stay rooted in it for life. Yet for many families, the story unfolds differently?'children lose interest, drift from church, and often never return. Why does this happen? And more importantly?'can anything be done to change it? Professor Bruce Robinson, founder of the Fathering Project, and his wife Jacqui set out to find answers. They spoke with 140 adult children raised in Christian homes and uncovered five key reasons young people walk away?'reasons that are surprisingly simple to address.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do so many young people raised in Christian homes walk away from their faith? It’s a painful reality for many families. Professor Bruce Robinson?'founder of the Fathering Project?'and his wife Jacqui wanted answers. They interviewed 140 adult children of Christian parents to uncover the top five reasons behind this trend. Their findings might surprise you?'and offer hope.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.