Fairhaven Parent Talks

After the kingdom divided, Israel’s kings led the people further away from God. We look at how Jeroboam’s fear and self-focus led him to create idols, causing an entire nation to turn from the one true God. We explore how idolatry can take root in our own lives when we prioritize anything above Him. As parents, we talk about how to help our kids enjoy the good gifts God gives without letting those things take His place, and how to keep our hearts centered on Christ, the true King who leads us rightly.

After the reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon, Israel reached a turning point. Though Solomon was known for wisdom, his unfaithfulness led to a divided kingdom. We look at how Rehoboam’s pride and poor counsel split the nation in two and what that reveals about the importance of listening to godly wisdom. We’re reminded that the voices we follow shape the direction of our lives. As parents, we reflect on the call to disciple our kids intentionally: modeling faith, teaching Scripture, and guiding them toward truth.

We turn to the book of Proverbs and the beauty of pursuing God’s ways and trusting Him. We explore how wisdom begins with a reverent fear of the Lord and grows as we learn to trust Him in every area of life. We also talk about guarding our hearts, avoiding the wrong path, and what to do when we find ourselves off track. As parents, we’re reminded that our choices matter not just for us, but for those we influence, pointing our families toward the wisdom and presence God offers every day.

When the Queen of Sheba traveled to see King Solomon, she witnessed more than wealth and success. She saw the wisdom of God on display. We explore how Solomon’s leadership reflected God’s blessing and led others to recognize His power and love. We’re reminded that true wisdom comes from a relationship with God and that the way we live can point others to Him. As parents, we reflect on how to cultivate lives and families that reflect God’s wisdom and make Him known.

The resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in human history. After His suffering and death on the cross, Jesus rose from the grave, making a way for sinners to be forgiven and given new life through faith in Him. We walk through the events leading up to the resurrection and why it matters so deeply for us today. We also talk about the difference between trying to earn our salvation and receiving it as a gift, and how we can continue living in light of Easter by sharing this hope with others.

As crowds gathered in Jerusalem for Passover, many believed Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah who would rescue them from Roman rule. But when He entered the city, He came not as a conquering king, but as a humble Savior. We walk through the story of Palm Sunday and what it reveals about who Jesus truly is. Though the people expected deliverance in their circumstances, Jesus came to bring something greater: rescue from sin. As we look ahead to Easter, we’re reminded that Jesus is a different kind of King, the One we truly need.

We all want our lives to matter, but it’s easy to chase meaning in things that don’t last. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon reflects on a lifetime of pursuing wisdom, wealth, pleasure, and success, only to find that none of it truly satisfies apart from God. Explore what it looks like to live with eternity in mind and why investing in what lasts matters most. As parents, we also talk about how to guide our kids toward what is truly meaningful, not just what is temporary.

In 1 Kings 6-8, Solomon builds the temple that David had longed to build for the Lord. The temple reminded Israel that God desired to dwell among His people, even though no building could truly contain Him. We explore why the temple mattered, how it helped people draw near to God, and how it ultimately points forward to Jesus: the true and greater temple. We also talk about the incredible truth that through Jesus, God’s Spirit now dwells in His people.

Solomon was David’s son, the one God intended to take the throne after his father, and the one God intended to build the temple. When Solomon did take the throne, God told him to make a request, and He didn’t give Solomon any parameters. Solomon chose wisdom to lead God’s people, and God gave him that. Through David’s words to Solomon and Solomon’s conversation with God, Scripture shows us that our faith makes a lasting impact, even if we don’t see it.

In 2 Samuel 11-12, King David’s season of peace turned into spiritual complacency and devastating sin. After being confronted by the prophet Nathan, David responded not with excuses, but with repentance. Psalm 51 reveals a broken and humbled heart before the Lord. We explore the danger of drifting spiritually, the power of honest confession, and the hope of forgiveness we have through Jesus. We also reflect on why godly community matters for both adults and students, and how parents can help cultivate it at home and in the church.

When David desired to build a house for the Lord, God responded with something far greater: a promise that his kingdom would endure forever. In 2 Samuel 7, we see God establish His covenant with David, revealing His faithfulness and sovereign plan. Instead of striving, David’s response was to sit before the Lord in humble worship and trust. We explore what it means to rest in God’s promises and how this covenant ultimately points us to Jesus, the eternal King who fulfills every word of God.

When jealousy takes root, it damages relationships from the inside out. Saul let envy toward David grow into hatred, but David chose a better way. We explore David’s mercy in 1 Samuel 24 and how it points us to Jesus, the One who offers freedom, healing, and a new way to live. As parents, we reflect on how receiving Jesus’ mercy can shape the way we lead and love others.

David’s victory over Goliath shows us what it looks like to trust God when the odds seem impossible. David wasn’t the hero because of his strength, but because God empowered him for the fight. We explore how the story points us beyond David to Jesus, the One who defeated our greatest enemy, and we reflect on how to help our kids face challenges with faith that’s rooted in who God is, not just what they can do.

Though David was anointed as Israel’s next king, he returned to life as a shepherd, and even served the very king he would one day replace. In 1 Samuel 16, we see David use his gifts to help Saul, modeling humility and trust in God’s timing. This season of waiting shaped David’s heart and pointed to the greater King to come: Jesus, the Suffering Servant who laid down His life for us. We explore how this story challenges us, and our families, to serve with humility and become more like Christ.

When Samuel anointed Israel’s next king, God didn’t choose the strongest or most impressive. He chose David, a young shepherd with a heart after His own. We explore how God values character over appearance, and how David points to Jesus, the true King who reigns with humility and love. As parents, we reflect on raising kids who honor God from the inside out.

King Saul had every opportunity to lead God’s people with obedience, but instead, he relied on his own strength, timing, and judgment. His partial obedience revealed a heart unwilling to fully surrender to God. We unpack how Saul’s failure reflects our own tendency to trust ourselves over God and why that never leads to peace. Most importantly, we’re reminded that no earthly king can save us, and that’s why we need Jesus. As parents, we reflect on how to model this kind of obedience and trust at home.

Saul’s reign as Israel’s first king began with strength and promise. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, he led Israel to victory against the Ammonites. But when faced with fear and pressure, Saul took matters into his own hands, disobeying God and revealing a deeper flaw in his leadership. We explore how even a powerful king can fall short, and why only God can truly lead His people.

As the era of judges came to an end, the people of Israel asked for a king. It wasn't because God wasn’t leading them, but because they wanted to be like everyone else. We look at how Israel’s desire for an earthly king revealed a deeper issue of misplaced trust. As parents, this story reminds us how easy it is to long for worldly security instead of surrendering to God’s leadership. We talk about how to spot that in our own lives, and how to point our kids back to trusting the One true King.

As we wrap up 2025, we’re celebrating all God has done through our Family Ministry this year, from 93 first-time decisions to 1,050 verses memorized and over 800 people serving together! In this special episode, we reflect on the impact of camps, retreats, baptisms, Friday Nighters, and your kids’ everyday steps of faith. We also look ahead to 2026, encouraging parents to lead with intention by prioritizing Scripture memory, devotional time, prayer, and community. Thanks for listening this year, and for walking with us as we help the next generation find hope in Jesus!

God’s love was never random; it was planned from the very beginning. We explore how Jesus’ birth fulfilled God’s promises in unexpected ways, like using a pagan emperor’s census to lead Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, just as prophesied. Through the Christmas story in Luke 2, we’re reminded that Jesus came not just to be born, but to invite us into a relationship with God. As parents, let’s help our kids see Jesus as more than a baby in a manger: He is the ultimate gift of love!

Jesus’ birth is good news for people who need a Savior. He came to bring life to the spiritually dead and light to a world in darkness. On this third week of Advent, we talk about how Jesus brought joy to people then—and still does today. Whether your family is walking through hard things or celebrating big wins, this season reminds us that true joy isn’t based on how we feel, but on what Jesus has done.

When the angel told Mary and Joseph about Jesus, their world turned upside down. But the message wasn’t one of fear, it was one of peace. We reflect on the moment Jesus’ birth was announced and how it points to the deeper peace God offers through Him. The gospel isn’t just about a baby in a manger; it’s about a Savior who came to restore our relationship with God. Explore what it means to live in the peace Jesus brings, especially in the middle of a busy and sometimes overwhelming season.

Advent is a season of hope: not just wishful thinking, but a confident trust in a promise that God fulfilled. We talk about how the prophets pointed to the coming Messiah long before Jesus was born, and how that long wait teaches us about trusting God’s timing. As parents, it can be hard to wait well, especially when we’re walking through challenges. But the story of Jesus reminds us that God always keeps His promises. Plus, we share some practical ideas and resources to help your family focus on hope this Advent season.

We’re diving into a tough but important story from 1 Samuel: when God’s people misused the Ark of the Covenant and faced the consequences. Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phineas, led Israel into battle with the wrong motives, treating God like a good luck charm rather than trusting Him. The result was devastating. But even in the middle of Israel’s failure, God showed that His power and authority are never threatened. We’ll talk about how to help our kids understand the difference between seeking God and trying to use Him, and how to walk with Him in both success and struggle.

Long before Samuel became a prophet, he was the answer to a desperate prayer. His mother Hannah, after years of sorrow and waiting, placed her trust in God and kept her promise to give her son back to the Lord. We explore Hannah’s story of faith and sacrifice, and how Samuel’s early life reminds us that God calls each of us to respond with faith when He moves. Plus, we reflect on what it looks like for parents today to trust God with what’s most precious to them.

In a time of sorrow and scarcity, Ruth chose faithfulness over comfort, and God met her with grace. We unpack the book of Ruth, a powerful story of loyalty, provision, and redemption, and trace Ruth’s journey from Moab to Bethlehem, from widow to wife, and from outsider to part of God’s redemptive plan. As parents, we’re reminded that small decisions like showing kindness, choosing loyalty, and trusting God can shape the future in ways we can’t yet see. Ruth’s story encourages us to model faithfulness even when life is uncertain, trusting that God is always working behind the scenes.

The Christian life was never meant to be lived in our own strength. When Jesus sent His followers into the world, He also gave them the gift of the Holy Spirit, filling them with boldness, empowering their witness, and extending His mission through them. We explore how the same Spirit equips us to step forward in courage, proclaim the gospel, and embody Jesus’ hope wherever He sends us.

The world offers a fragile kind of joy, one that rises and falls with our circumstances. But the Holy Spirit gives us something far better: a joy that holds steady through hardship, suffering, and everyday chaos. We look at how the Spirit grows unshakable joy in us, how Paul and the early believers found joy even in persecution, and how we can model Spirit-filled joy for our kids in both the highs and lows of life. Plus, hear a relatable story about a grocery store meltdown and how the Spirit’s joy can meet us even in the chaos.

The Christian life isn’t easy; it’s a spiritual battle. Thankfully, we don’t fight alone. We explore how the Holy Spirit helps us recognize the lies of the enemy, resist temptation, and pray with power. Discover how the Spirit shapes our character, anchors us in Truth, and connects us to the strength we need to stand firm in every struggle.

The Holy Spirit gives every believer a unique set of spiritual gifts, not for personal gain, but to build up the Church and glorify God. We explore how these gifts show that God is alive and active among His people, and how parents can help their kids recognize that they have a role to play in God’s mission too. Plus, we share a story about how one child’s unexpected strength pointed back to the Spirit at work.

God’s Spirit doesn’t just dwell with us; He dwells in us. We unpack how the Holy Spirit transforms our lives from the inside out, making us into a temple of His presence, power, and holiness. We discuss what it looks like to live from this new identity and how to help our kids understand that God isn’t distant, and He’s closer than we think. Plus, hear how one mom used a kitchen mishap to point her child back to grace.

The Holy Spirit not only inspired the Bible, He illuminates it. We explore how the Spirit helps us understand, trust, and apply God’s Word in our daily lives. From helping our kids see Scripture as more than just a storybook to shaping our own hearts as parents, the Spirit is constantly at work through the truth of God’s Word. Plus, hear how one preschooler surprised his teacher with a verse he never forgot.

At Pentecost, God fulfilled His promise to send the Holy Spirit, and everything changed. No longer would the Spirit come and go; He would dwell within every believer, sealing them and making them new. In the first week of "The Helper" series, we explore how the Holy Spirit redefines our identity, empowers us for God’s mission, and shapes the way we live. Plus, simple ways to talk to your kids about who the Holy Spirit is and how to recognize His work in their lives.

Samson was chosen by God to deliver Israel, but like the nation he represented, he was marked by compromise and rebellion. We explore how Samson’s strength couldn’t overcome his weakness, and yet God’s plan moved forward anyway. We unpack what it means to be set apart, why character matters more than gifting, and how to help kids recognize that God’s presence is worth more than personal success. Plus, a fiery object lesson your kids won’t forget!

Gideon’s story begins with fear and uncertainty, but ends with one of the most unexpected victories in the Bible. We explore how God met Gideon in his doubt, patiently confirmed His calling, and showed that true strength comes from dependence on Him. We talk about how parents can help kids navigate uncertainty, what it looks like to take faithful steps even when we’re unsure, and why God often works through the weak to show His power.

After entering the Promised Land, a new generation of Israelites forgot the Lord and turned to worship idols. As we see in Judges 2, their story is a reminder of how quickly faith can fade, and yet, it also reveals God’s relentless mercy. We unpack the cycle of rebellion, consequences, and deliverance, and what it teaches families about passing down faith to the next generation. Plus, we share practical ways to help kids remember God’s faithfulness and stay anchored in His truth when culture pulls them in other directions.

As Joshua delivers his final words to the Israelites, he calls them to remember God’s faithfulness and choose whom they will serve. We explore how worship and obedience are inseparably linked, why idols are often more subtle than we realize, and how parents can model wholehearted devotion to God for their kids. Plus, we talk about how everyday actions – from sports to schoolwork to family routines – can become acts of worship when they flow from a heart fully surrendered to God.

As Joshua nears the end of his life, he reminds the Israelites that it was God, not their own strength, who gave them victory. We look at Joshua 23-24 and the legacy of trust and obedience he leaves behind. We explore what it means to let God fight our battles, how to help kids remember God’s faithfulness, and why spiritual consistency matters more than perfection. Plus, hear how a simple family tradition turned into a powerful moment of reflection and trust.

When one man’s hidden sin brings defeat to an entire nation, we’re reminded just how seriously God takes obedience. In Joshua 7-8, we see the story of Achan’s disobedience, God’s righteous anger, and ultimately, His mercy and restoration. In this episode, we unpack why sin is such a big deal, how confession leads to restored relationship with God, and why we can’t hide anything from Him—even if we try. We also explore the difference between getting caught and being truly repentant, and how parents can model honest confession and grace-filled truth at home.

The Israelites face a fortified city, but God delivers victory in the most unexpected way. Through radical obedience and complete trust, the walls of Jericho fall. We explore how spiritual battles are won not by strength but by surrender, and how God’s faithfulness outweighs our forgetfulness. We talk about the power of Christian community, the importance of spiritual milestones, and why it matters that our kids know God is the one who fights for them. Plus, we share how one child boldly declared their faith and what that means for encouraging courageous steps at any age.

As the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land, they face a new obstacle: the Jordan River. But through courageous obedience and Joshua’s leadership, they witness God’s faithfulness once again. We unpack what it means to take a step of faith before the waters part, how remembering God’s faithfulness builds courage for the future, and why spiritual milestones matter for families. Plus, hear how one verse helped a scared child at the dentist and how you can help your kids be strong and courageous in everyday moments.

As the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land, Moses delivers a powerful farewell in Deuteronomy 31-34, urging God’s people to remember His faithfulness, follow His commands, and pass the truth on to future generations. We explore the weight of Moses’ final words, the challenge of choosing life over distraction, and how parents today can help their families stay close to God. We also unpack the hard truth that we’re often as close to God as we choose to be, and how to change that reality. Plus, get a sneak peek at what’s next as we head into the book of Joshua!

We look at a strange and powerful moment in Israel’s journey through the wilderness when poisonous snakes filled the camp and the only cure was to look up at a bronze serpent. What was God really teaching His people in that moment? We unpack how their grumbling hearts, misplaced focus, and refusal to trust led to painful consequences, and how God, even then, offered healing through faith. We'll draw connections between this Old Testament story, our need for repentance, and the simplicity of salvation through Jesus. Plus, we share a helpful question to ask as a family this week and clear up a common misunderstanding about Jeremiah 29:11.

We explore the Israelites’ journey to the edge of the promised land and how fear, forgetfulness, and disobedience nearly kept them from God’s best. We discuss the powerful example of Joshua and Caleb, who chose faith and boldness when others gave in to fear, and how their story points us to Jesus, the one who has already conquered the ultimate battle for us. Parents will hear practical ways to help their families remember God’s provision, trust His promises, and walk in obedience, even when life feels uncertain. Plus, we invite parents to pray boldly for students attending the upcoming Life Conference, asking God to move in their hearts in life-changing ways.

We reflect on the Israelites’ struggle with gratitude as they wandered the wilderness, craving more than what God had provided. Their complaints about manna reveal a timeless human tendency: to overlook God’s blessings and desire more. We talk about how this story challenges us as parents to model gratitude, trust God’s provision, and resist the pull of discontentment in our own families. You’ll also hear practical ways to guide kids and students in recognizing God’s faithfulness, aligning their hearts with His will, and being satisfied with what God provides.

We take a one-week dive into the book of Leviticus, a challenging but powerful reminder that God is both holy and deeply personal. We explore why Leviticus matters, how it points to Jesus, and what it teaches about approaching God with reverence and gratitude. You’ll hear practical ways parents can help kids understand God’s desire to dwell with His people, how to talk about sacrifice and atonement in age-appropriate ways, and why worship and spiritual practices at home make a lasting impact.

We’re joined by a special guest, Fairhaven’s lead pastor David Smith, as we explore the instructions God gave His people in Exodus for building the tabernacle. We discuss how the tabernacle revealed God’s deep desire to dwell with His people and how that same desire is fulfilled today through the Holy Spirit living within us. You’ll hear practical ways to help kids and students understand that God isn’t distant, He’s present and personal. Plus, we talk about what it looks like to build a home where God is honored and known.

We explore Exodus 32-34, where the Israelites turn from God to worship a golden calf, and where Moses steps in to intercede on their behalf. We talk about how easy it is to replace God with lesser things, how God responds with both righteous anger and steadfast love, and how spending time with Him truly transforms us. You’ll hear how Moses points forward to Jesus as our intercessor, and how this story helps us evaluate our own habits of worship. Plus, we highlight what students are learning at Mix Camp and how you can be praying for them to encounter Jesus in a life-changing way.

We dive into Exodus 19-20 and take a closer look at the Ten Commandments: what they reveal about God’s holiness and how they guide our relationship with Him and with others. We explore the difference between simply knowing God’s law and truly delighting in it, and discuss how obedience flows from a heart that’s been transformed by God’s presence. We also tackle two big questions: How do we avoid putting other “gods” before God? And how can we honor our parents, even when it’s hard? Plus, we highlight Move-Up Sunday and all the exciting ways we’re celebrating kids and students as they grow in faith and step into new seasons.

We explore Exodus 17-18 and two powerful moments in Moses’ journey that reveal why we all need community. From Aaron and Hur holding up Moses’ arms in battle to Jethro’s wise advice about sharing leadership, we’re reminded that we were never meant to go it alone. We discuss how godly community helps us fight the enemy, carry life’s burdens, and keep going when we’re weary. Plus, we dive into how families can resist false versions of connection and help kids build strong, Christ-centered relationships. You’ll also hear about this summer’s Kids Camp, including slime wars, gospel truths, and the power of spiritual community for kids.