Christian Parent, Crazy World

How do we reach a generation that speaks an entirely different language—one shaped by screens, skepticism, and seismic cultural shifts? For Christian parents, grandparents, and youth leaders, it’s the challenge—and opportunity—of our age. In this compelling “best of” episode, Catherine sits down with renowned Christian apologist Dr. Jonathan Morrow to unlock the secrets of relating to Gen Z and Gen Alpha. As Director of Cultural Engagement and Student Discipleship at Impact 360 Institute, adjunct professor at Biola University, and the author of celebrated apologetics books, Jonathan brings nearly two decades of front-line experience equipping young people for lasting faith in a post-Christian world. Together, Catherine and Jonathan dive deep into five essential insights every adult needs to know about Gen Z: Why Gen Z are true “screenagers”—and how the digital world is dramatically accelerating and intensifying the questions of identity, meaning, and truth. How Gen Z is now thoroughly post-Christian, with only 4% holding a biblical worldview—what that means for sharing faith, and why “business as usual” discipleship just won’t work. The rise of “safe spaces,” intellectual bubble wrap, and the urgent need to introduce challenge and opposing ideas—inside the safety of Christian love and guidance. The paradox of safety: why today’s students crave safe spaces yet feel more unsafe, anxious, and mentally strained than ever before—and how parents can provide real security and hope. The opportunity and challenge of unprecedented diversity—what the Bible says about ethnicity, and how to navigate the subtle pitfalls of secular approaches to justice and inclusion. Throughout the episode, Jonathan shares real-world examples and tested strategies including immersive learning, intentional worldview training, and how to disciple students for life in “Babylon,” not Jerusalem. “There’s a world we want, and there’s the world that is—and they’re not the same world,” Jonathan observes, urging parents: “If we’re not intentionally helping them understand that truth exists and you can know it, they’re going to become Christian relativists.” This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to faithfully guide the next generation to lasting faith—while respecting their unique struggles and leveraging their immense potential. Every generation faces its intersection with culture—this is ours. Notable Episode Moments: The hilarious nostalgia of card catalogs and how research has changed forever Practical advice for introducing “bad ideas” in healthy, guided ways—building spiritual and intellectual muscle Why anxiety, depression, and loneliness are skyrocketing, and where young people can find lasting safety A clear-eyed look at diversity: its beautiful biblical roots and how to celebrate differences without embracing every passing trend Are you proactively training your kids for the world as it is—or the world you wish it was? What is one step you can take this week to intentionally disciple your child amid the pressures and possibilities of Gen Z’s reality? Tune in for a conversation packed with actionable hope, fresh perspective, and the tools every Christian parent needs for today’s crazy world. About the Guest:Jonathan Morrow holds master’s degrees in divinity and philosophy of religion and ethics, a doctorate in worldview and culture, and serves as Director of Cultural Engagement at Impact 360 Institute. He’s the author of Welcome to College, Questioning the Bible: 11 Major Challenges to the Bible's Authority, and Is God Just a Human Invention, and has trained thousands of young believers to build a lasting, reasonable, and robust faith. Resources & Next Steps: Learn more about Impact 360’s life-changing programs at impact360.org Grab Jonathan’s free resource, The Case for Christianity in Four Words, and discover his course for parents at jonathanmorrow.org Subscribe for more parenting resources at catherinesegars.com Share this episode with a fellow parent or leader navigating the Gen Z gap Let’s raise a generation that owns their faith and shines in the “cr

Is Your Church Still the Right Soil for Your Family's Faith? The soil you plant your family’s faith in matters more than we often realize. It’s not just about where you go on Sunday—it’s about the spiritual environment shaping your children’s hearts every single week. And sometimes, the signs that something’s off are easy to miss… until it’s almost too late. In this eye-opening episode, Catherine gets real about a question that many Christian parents quietly wrestle with: “How do I know if it’s time to find a new church home?” Drawing from her own family’s deeply personal (and painful) church transition, Catherine walks through six red flags that might mean your current church isn’t cultivating the spiritual growth your family needs. They are: When churches skip parts of the Bible.If whole books or tough topics are off the table, your kids won’t get the full truth they need to stand firm in their faith. When the flesh goes unchallenged.A feel-good message might draw a crowd, but if no one’s being stretched or sanctified, something’s missing. When there’s a disconnect between evangelism and discipleship.Getting people in the door is important—but so is growing deep roots. If your church leans too hard one way, it leaves gaps that can stunt faith. When charisma outweighs character.A church built around a magnetic personality rather than godly integrity can quickly become a breeding ground for spiritual fallout. When the Holy Spirit has no room to move.Programs and polish are fine—but without the Spirit’s power, real transformation doesn’t happen. When the youth group is spiritually flat.If the next generation isn’t fired up for Jesus, it’s time to ask some hard questions about what seeds are (or aren’t) being sown. With honesty, compassion, and hard-won wisdom, she shines a light on issues that are often ignored—but have huge consequences. This isn’t about being picky—it’s about being purposeful. Catherine reminds us that the stakes are high when it comes to our kids’ spiritual formation. The cost of change can be steep, but the fruit of a thriving, Spirit-led church family is worth every step. In this episode, you’ll also learn: Why glossing over hard truths sets kids up for weak faith How to spot signs of spiritual stagnation in your home The warning signs of a numbers-driven, personality-centered church culture What to look for in a youth group that truly disciples your kids Encouragement for parents facing tough church decisions Mentioned Resources: ✨ Catherine’s free Prodigal Bundle: Hope-filled tools, Scripture lists, and encouragement for parents of prodigals → Download it here 📖 The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun – a powerful testimony of bold, persecuted faith Discover more Christian po

Is the American church asleep at the wheel—on the very edge of spiritual collapse while pretending all is well? In one of the most profound and challenging episodes yet, Catherine welcomes world-renowned evangelist Nick Vujicic to the show for a candid, no-holds-barred conversation that every Christian parent needs to hear. Born without arms or legs, Nick’s extraordinary journey from hopelessness to hope has reached over 2 billion people across 74 countries. But today, his urgent warning is not for the world, but for the American church and its families. Nick Vujicic pulls no punches, declaring: “We are asleep, we're on a ventilator… If we don't actually repent as a country, we're about to be jack hammered, dude.” This episode began in Episode 146 with intentions to discuss cancel culture and Christian values in finance but quickly transforms—through a “divine interruption”—into a prophetic wake-up call. The conversation exposes the deep divides, delusions, and complacency within the Western church, shining a light on the dire need for unity, repentance, and genuine disciple-making. Key insights and takeaways: The American church is dangerously divided, distracted by political tribalism, and often failing to address real issues like pornography, mental health, and compassion for the hurting. Nick laments the “delusional” state of believers who substitute church growth for true discipleship, warning that, “We are going to be the biggest judged country in the world because we were given the most. And look at what we've done.” Leadership accountability is critical: Many pastors are unable to address taboo topics like sexual addiction and abortion, often because they themselves are ensnared or complicit. True revival starts at home: Nick urges parents to reclaim spiritual leadership, prioritize Scripture memorization, serve the poor, and model real faith—instead of outsourcing spiritual formation to church leaders. Catherine echoes Nick’s call, sharing how a change in church “soil” radically transformed her children’s faith journey and underlining the need for churches that are both uncompromising and overflowing with love for the lost. Notable moments: Nick’s passionate critique: “If your church didn’t teach you how to preach to your neighbor in love, they failed you.” A heartfelt challenge to pastors and youth leaders: “If you actually allow one of His kids to get off the path, it’s better for you to commit suicide… That’s how sacred your job is.” Catherine’s warning: “We can’t make America great again if we don’t know what made it great in the first place… we need a deep church, not a wide church.” About Our Guest: Nick Vujicic is a world-renowned evangelist, motivational speaker, and founder of Nick V Ministries. Born without arms or legs in Australia, Nick has inspired millions across 84 countries, reaching over 2 billion people with the message of hope and Jesus Christ. After facing cancelation by his own bank for his Christian convictions, Nick co-founded ProLife Fintech to empower believers to steward their finances according to their faith. Despite being “canceled” by major corporations for his faith, Nick refuses to back down from the call to awaken and unite the church. Parents, are you awake? Are you equipping your children with a biblically grounded faith that can withstand the pressures and confusions of today’s world? Are you modeling true discipleship—or just religious activity? Tune in to this urgent, eye-opening episode and consider: What is God calling you and your family to change? And is it time to plant your family in deeper soil for the sake of your children’s faith? EPISODE LINKS: Nick V Ministries ProLife Fintech “Going from Megachurch to Microchuruch” The Roys Report Don’t miss next week’s follow-up as Catherine shares practical steps on discerning when—and how—to find a faith community that champions both truth and love. This is the wake-up call we all need. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at li

Is your money funding causes you stand against? Most Christian families have no idea that their bank may be silently supporting abortion, transgender procedures for minors, and even the silencing of believers. In this powerful episode, Catherine sits down with world-renowned evangelist and motivational speaker Nick Vujicic to expose the dangerous influence financial institutions have over people of faith—and what you can do about it. After being canceled by his own bank for his biblical convictions, Nick uncovered just how deeply major financial institutions are entangled with political agendas that directly oppose Christian values. From funding Planned Parenthood to freezing accounts of those who dare to speak truth, the reality is more shocking—and more urgent—than most realize. In this episode, Catherine and Nick discuss: Nick’s incredible testimony: from a childhood without limbs or hope to becoming a global evangelist who has reached billions with the Gospel. How his family's courageous stand for faith under Communist Yugoslavia shaped his unshakable trust in God. The shocking story of how Nick’s bank dropped him in 2019 based on false accusations tied to his Christian beliefs. Why many major banks today are quietly supporting abortion, gender ideology for minors, and anti-biblical movements. How ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) policies and massive investment firms like BlackRock are setting agendas that impact your money—and your family. How financial institutions are increasingly weaponizing money to silence Christian voices. Practical steps every Christian family can take to align their banking with their biblical values. Nick’s exciting launch of ProLife Fintech, a groundbreaking banking alternative created specifically for faith-driven families and organizations. Nick also shares how ProLife Fintech is not just a financial service—it's a movement to reclaim financial stewardship for the Kingdom, ensuring that your resources advance life, liberty, and biblical truth. Guest Bio: Nick Vujicic is a world-renowned evangelist, motivational speaker, and founder of Nick V Ministries. Born without arms or legs in Australia, Nick has inspired millions across 84 countries, reaching over 2 billion people with the message of hope and Jesus Christ. After facing cancelation by his own bank for his Christian convictions, Nick co-founded ProLife Fintech to empower believers to steward their finances according to their faith. Resources Mentioned: 🌟 Learn more about ProLife Fintech and open an account 🙌 Nick V Ministries 📚 Connect with Catherine Segars and download her free ebook for moms Don't Miss This: Next week, Catherine and Nick dive even deeper with a prophetic challenge to the American church—and why planting your family in the right spiritual soil could change everything. Are you ready to put your money where your faith is?Don't miss this urgent, eye-opening conversation! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Every Christian parent longs to see their prodigal child—or any lost loved one—return to faith. But what if, in our eagerness to “speak truth” and correct their course, we’re actually widening the gap between them and God? In this eye-opening episode, Catherine welcomes Michael French—an attorney-turned-pastor with decades of experience in both traditional church settings and unconventional, deeply relational ministry. Through friendships forged in unexpected places—from tabletop games to immersive role play—Michael has reached those the Church often overlooks or even avoids: witches, warlocks, LGBTQ+ individuals, and the spiritually wounded. Michael’s story challenges how we think about evangelism, reminding us that Jesus always led with love before calling for change. He built relationships with the rejected, the broken, and the misunderstood—then spoke truth into hearts softened by compassion. This episode will reshape how you approach the prodigals and lost loved ones in your life—and rekindle hope that no one is too far gone. Key Insights from the Episode: 🔹 Relationship Before EvangelismJesus didn’t start with sermons—He started with dinner. Michael and Catherine unpack how Christ’s method started with relationship before sharing a hard truth. If we want to reach the lost, we must begin with compassion, curiosity, and shared humanity. 🔹 When Love Leads—Transformation FollowsReal change begins when people feel truly seen and heard. Transformation doesn't happen through lectures—it happens through love that listens and stays. 🔹 Truth Without Love Is a Weapon“Love without truth is a lie. But truth without love is a weapon,” Catherine shares. The episode explores how truth, when delivered without empathy, can become a wedge—especially in families. But truth spoken in love becomes a bridge. Practical Advice for Parents of Prodigals Ditch the Christianese. Speak like a person, not a pulpit. Model repentance. Say, “I’m sorry. I was wrong. Please forgive me,” for the times that you delivered truth in a harsh way. That humility opens doors. Trust the slow process. Progress may be invisible. But even moving from “-6 to -5” matters. Let God clean the fish. You’re called to speak truth in love, not to fix. Let Jesus handle transformation. A Call for Christian Parents You never have to compromise truth—but you must lead with love.Is your pursuit of truth drawing your child closer…or pushing them away? 🔹 What apology do you need to make?🔹 Where can you lead with empathy instead of argument?🔹 How can you love your prodigal or loved one without conditions—and trust God with the outcome? This episode is your roadmap to loving like Christ: boldly, compassionately, relationally.Because love lays the foundation where truth can take root. About Michael French: A former attorney and long-time pastor, Michael now leads Patria Ministries, a global network of 200+ ministries across 12 countries. He is widely known for ministering in unconventional spaces and loving those who feel deeply rejected by religion. His work is a masterclass in how to hold truth without weaponizing it, and how to love without diluting it. EPISODE LINKS: Patria Ministries