Christian Parent, Crazy World

Parents cannot afford to ignore why so many Gen Zers are walking away from Christianity. Understanding the reasons behind this dramatic cultural shift is essential for any Christian parent hoping to nurture enduring faith in their children.
In this sobering and highly relevant episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine is joined by guest Laurie Christine (author, podcast host, and biblical parenting coach) for a deep dive into the top seven reasons Gen Z is leaving the faith.
Pulling from recent Barna research, Catherine outlines the most prominent factors cited by young people, including the prevalence of evil and suffering, hypocrisy within the church, challenges regarding science, accusations that Christianity is “fairy tale,” historical injustices, church irrelevance, and personal bad experiences with Christians. Each of these issues is explored, not only in terms of what is driving the exodus but with practical suggestions and resources for parents at every stage—from young children in the home to teens on the brink of adulthood.
Key Points Covered:
A Crisis of Worldview in Churches
Only 37% of pastors and 51% of evangelical pastors have a biblical worldview (09:24), according to the American Worldview Inventory.

Parents are cautioned not to outsource spiritual formation solely to churches—home must be the primary place for faith development.


The Power and Pervasiveness of Cultural Influence
Social media, internet, and secular worldviews bombard kids daily, requiring parents to proactively engage in conversations about pantheism, secularism, suffering, identity, and more (10:49).


Barna’s Seven Reasons Gen Z Is Leaving the Faith (12:02), (32:55)
Struggling to reconcile a good God with evil and suffering in the world (29%).

Hypocrisy among Christians (23%).

Perceived conflict between science and the Bible (20%).

The belief that Christianity is a fairy tale (19%).

Concern over injustices in church history (15%).

Finding church unimportant (12%).

Personal negative/church abuse experiences (6%).


Parenting Solutions for Each Season
Practical foundation-building for young children: daily devotions, scripture memory using music, and apologetics resources like Foundation Worldview (21:45).

Teen and adult strategies: prioritizing tough conversations, choosing churches wisely, and seeking out other trusted Christian influences when parental voice decreases (19:08), (25:20).

The unique call to pray for, encourage, and intentionally speak truth into the distinctive gifts and struggles of each child.


Featured Resources
Foundation Worldview curriculum (with discount code)

Books: The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel, Signature in the Cell by Dr. Stephen Meyer, When Narcissism Comes to Church by Dr. Chuck DeGrow

Podcast episode recommendations for parents of prodigals and those wrestling with the problem of evil


Guest bio:
Laurie Christine is an author, podcast host, wife, and mom to four adventurous boys. She leads Redeeming the Chaos, equipping moms of boys to raise courageous kids rooted in Christ.
Want deeper guidance?
Subscribe to Catherine’s website for a free prodigal bundle (podcasts, articles, scripture lists, and music), plus weekly encouragement and parenting resources. For parents walking the prodigal path, there is hope—you are not alone.
Do not miss this critical conversation—because if we want to help Gen Z return to the faith, we must first understand why they’re leaving.
RESOURCES REFERENCED AND CITED:

“Emerging Gen Z may deliver huge blow to religion in U.S.” by Jeff Brumley (June 8, 2018)
The American Worldview Inventory in 2022 highlights worldview beliefs of American pastors.
“Only Half of Evangelical Pastors Possess a Christian Worldview: Incidence Even Lower for Most Denominations” (Cultural Research Cente::ACU)
ACU Cultural Research Center Worldview Inventory 2020-current
Foundation Worldview Curriculum (use “CPCW10” code for 10% discount)
Apologia: What We Believe (4 volume set)

EPISODES CITED:
Episode 57: “How To Teach Your Kids the Christian Worldview” w/ Elizabeth Urbanowicz
Episode 58: “7 Lies Culture is Selling Our Kids: Are They Buying?” w/ Elizabeth Urbanowicz
Episode 72: “What Do People Leaving the Faith often Get Wrong about God?” w/ Elizabeth Urbanowics
Episode 84: “How To Learn More Scripture in 2024 Than You Ever Have Before” w/ Zac Fitzsimmons
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

No parenting strategy—no matter how faithful or intentional—guarantees your child will follow God. In one of the most honest and tender episodes to date, Catherine and her guest, D.J Harry, open up about the heartache and hope of raising children in a culture that stands in stark opposition to biblical truth.
This is a special “best of” episode that revisits a conversation rich with candor, compassion, and wisdom, as Catherine and D.J Harry confront the painful question: Does godly parenting always produce godly kids? Drawing on profound lessons from the book of Daniel, they discuss what it means to parent faithfully in an ungodly world—and what to do when the outcome isn't what you prayed for.
Key Takeaways & Topics:
No Guaranteed Formula
There’s no five, ten, or twenty-step plan that will ensure your child’s salvation. Every child must ultimately make their own faith decision, and parents are called to obedience and faithfulness, not results.

Lessons from Daniel: Parenting in Babylon
The unpredictable timing and nature of faith-testing in the next generation

The importance of a well-rounded education and teaching children how to learn and discern

Faith transference as a relational—not mechanical—process

Training children to appeal to authority and stand firm amid pressure, without parents fighting every battle for them


When the Result Is Not What You Expected
Catherine shares her own experience of parenting a child who wrestled with faith and doubt, giving voice to the pain, uncertainty, and relentless prayer that many Christian parents experience. She emphasizes the foundational role parents play and affirms that their faithfulness is never wasted.

Identity Under Fire
The world seeks to rename and redefine our children’s identities—much like Daniel and his friends in Babylon. Knowing who God says they are is essential for resilience.

Grace for Parents
Catherine dispels shame and blame with biblical wisdom: even the perfect parent—God—had children who rebelled. God judges our faithfulness, not our results.

Hope and Practical Help
Real-life stories of wandering and return

Prayers and scripture resources for parents of prodigals

Catherine's personal update: her daughter's faith journey over several years, highlighting the power of persistent, loving prayer


For Listeners Walking the Prodigal Road:
This episode is a lifeline for parents burdened with worry or sorrow over children who question or walk away from faith. You’ll find encouragement, solidarity, and actionable hope alongside scriptural truth and raw honesty.
Guest Bio:
D.J Harry is a pastor, speaker, podcaster, and father of four. He and his wife, Lori, cohost the Better Together podcast, which explores biblical wisdom for marriage and parenting. Learn more at growingbettertogether.org.
Parenting Resource Highlight:
Subscribers to Catherine’s website receive access to her Prodigal Bundle: podcasts, articles, five pages of scriptures to pray over your kids, and more.
If you need prayer or support, email Catherine at katherine@katherineseekers.com. You are not alone.
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How do we raise children who stand strong—and even shine—in a culture determined to pull them away from God?
In this special archive series of Christian Parent/Crazy World, host Catherine dives deep into one of the most urgent questions facing Christian parents: How can we prepare our kids to stand firm in a “Babylonian” culture bent on swaying their faith?
To answer this, Catherine welcomes DJ Harry , senior pastor of Needham’s Grove Baptist Church in Central North Carolina and cohost of the Better Together podcast. With over two decades of experience in pastoral ministry (and a background in education), DJ Harry brings powerful insights drawn from the biblical life of Daniel—a young man who stood unwaveringly for God while surrounded by pressure and compromise.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:
Timeless Lessons from Daniel:
Drawing from the extraordinary story of Daniel and his friends, listeners are invited to reimagine the Book of Daniel as a parenting manual for today. How did teenagers like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego maintain unwavering faith in the heart of Babylon—a culture that tried to erase everything they knew and believed?

You Can’t Choose When or How Your Child Will Be Tested:
As DJ Harry recounts, “We don’t get to set the time or the age when our children are going to be pressured.” Like Daniel’s parents, we rarely know how or when our children’s faith will face its hardest tests, but we can choose how we prepare them now.

The Power of a Well-Rounded Foundation:
Daniel and his peers were chosen because of their well-rounded competence—in wisdom, learning, and character. Catherine Segars and DJ Harry challenge parents to nurture not just spiritual knowledge but also curiosity, learning, and character in their children.

Facing the Reality of “Babylon” Today:
The episode acknowledges the modern pressures—academic, social, and spiritual—that Christian kids face, often at younger ages than ever before. The analogy to ancient Babylon becomes all too relevant.

Where Most of the Crowd Goes Missing:
Listeners are reminded that most of the young men taken to Babylon “became good Babylonian young men,” disappearing into the crowd. Only a faithful few—like Daniel and his friends—stood apart. What made the difference, and how can parents cultivate that difference at home?

Practical Encouragement for Uncertain Times:
Personal anecdotes, including a health scare in DJ Harry 's family, bring home the message that we don’t know what tomorrow holds. Our task as parents is to lay the seeds now—academically, spiritually, emotionally—without presuming on time.

Standout Moment:
DJ Harry reveals, “If I want my children to have the greatest opportunity to have an impact in their Babylon, then part of that preparation is preparing them to lead in culture.”
Why This Matters:
In an age when research shows most church-raised kids drift from faith under cultural pressure, this episode is a wake-up call: intentional, daily spiritual formation and well-rounded preparation matter more than ever.
About the Guest:
DJ Harry is the senior pastor of Needham's Grove Baptist Church in Central North Carolina and co-hosts the Better Together podcast with his wife, Lori. With a background as both a science teacher and pastor, he brings real-world experience to this biblical discussion on parenting.

Parenting Takeaway:
Are you cultivating an environment where your children gain not just faith, but the wisdom, skills, and confidence to stand apart in their generation? What steps can you take this week to intentionally prepare your child’s heart, mind, and character for the challenges ahead?
Connect with DJ Harry :
Website: Dr. Dennis Harry
Don’t miss next week’s powerful conclusion—and a moment so surprising it changed the course of this interview.
EPISODE LINKS:
Better Together Podcast

CatherineSegars.com

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Rest Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Command: How Christian Parents Can Rediscover the Gift of Sabbath in a Nonstop World
Few topics challenge modern Christian families more deeply than how—and why—to actually keep the Sabbath in our culture of relentless busyness and endless to-do lists. Have we missed one of God’s greatest gifts for our homes?
Catherine is joined by Dr. Steven Hall, minister, theologian, and soul-care advocate, to guide parents through the what, why, and—most importantly—the how of Sabbath-keeping for busy families today. With nearly four decades of ministry experience, degrees in biblical studies, pastoral counseling, and spiritual formation, and as the cofounder of Ministry Oasis, Dr. Steven Hall offers a powerful, grace-filled perspective on rest that goes far beyond legalism.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
Sabbath as Trust, Not Legalism: Dr. Hall reveals how practicing Sabbath is less about rule-following and more about radical trust—much like the principle of tithing. "Trust is being able to say, okay. There's a hard stop here for me…I'm going to trust God with all of my unanswered emails, all my unattended bills, and all my unrun errands," shares Dr. Steven Hall 09:03.

Why Rest Comes First: Many Christians “work, work, work, until we finally collapse,” but as Dr. Hall points out, God designed us to work from rest, not rest from work04:39. The Jewish day begins at sunset, with rest and worship, modeling God’s original rhythms.

Practical Ways to Start: Sabbath needn’t be another item on your checklist. Dr. Hall shares practical, creative approaches for every stage of family life—from “micro-Sabbaths” to trading child care hours with other parents in your community 14:46, 20:10. Even single parents or busy caregivers can carve out sacred time, with the help of honest reflection and support.

Saying “No” for a Higher Yes: Sometimes, honoring the Sabbath means courageously declining soccer games, dance recitals, or church programs that overcrowd your family’s schedule—trusting that what your children need most is a parent who models margin and abiding in Christ 25:21.

Notable Quotes & Moments:
“Sabbath is not about adding one more thing to your to-do list. Sabbath is about removing all the to-do things from your list.” – Dr. Steven Hall 15:21

“Imagine if parents of young children would live and teach Sabbath, their children would catch it—and break the yoke of the cultural pharaoh over their lives.” – Dr. Steven Hall 17:51

Stories of creative Sabbath-keeping, from couple tag-team strategies for parents with little kids, to the real-life example of Susanna Wesley using “micro-Sabbath” moments by simply pulling her apron over her head for prayer 31:06.

About the Guest:
Dr. Steven Hall is associate professor of pastoral ministry at Lee University and cofounder of Ministry Oasis, devoted to the soul health of pastors and ministry leaders.
Ready to trade busyness for blessing?
What could Sabbath look like for your family—if you trusted God enough to stop, even when the world demands more? This episode equips you not only with theological foundations, but also with inspiring ideas and practical steps to lead your home into God’s rhythm of rest.
Ask yourself: What is one step you can take this week to model rest, trust, and delight in God for your children? How might your family—and your legacy—change if you made Sabbath a priority?
Tune in and reclaim the gift of Sabbath for your home!

Resources for Going Deeper
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer Find it on Amazon
A highly recommended book that explores the damaging effects of hurry and the invitation to cultivate Sabbath rhythms for a more grounded, God-centered life.

Rule of Life Podcast Listen Here
A podcast series (early episodes dedicated to Sabbath) that dives deep into the biblical and practical aspects of building habits of rest and renewal.

Ministry Oasis
Explore resources and Sabbath teachings at ministryoasis.com
Dr. Steven Hall offers teaching, encouragement, and practical guidance for soul health and Sabbath keeping.

Catherine Segars’ Christian Parenting Resources
Get free faith-building downloads at catherinesegars.com/resources
Access eBooks, podcast archives, prayers for your kids, and tools to support your journey as a Christian parent.


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Most Christians would never dream of breaking the Ten Commandments—except, perhaps, one: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Why has the fourth commandment become the one modern believers feel comfortable ignoring? Is Sabbath rest just an antiquated Old Testament burden—or could restoring it be the antidote our over-stressed homes desperately need?
This week, Catherine welcomes back Dr. Steven Hall, a minister with nearly four decades of experience, associate professor of pastoral ministry at Lee University, and executive director of the Paul L. Walker Center for Pentecostal Preaching. An expert in biblical studies, pastoral counseling, and spiritual formation, Dr. Hall guides listeners through a rejuvenating look at the biblical roots and modern relevance of Sabbath rest.
Key Episode Takeaways:
A Forgotten Commandment
Catherine challenges listeners to reconsider the importance of Sabbath, noting how its neglect is rarely discussed or even recognized—despite its place alongside commandments against murder and adultery (00:37).

Why We Keep Breaking It
According to Dr. Hall, our American hustle-culture and pipeline lifestyle lead us to run on empty—constantly pouring out, never filling up. “Capitalism based on consumerism has no room for rest,” he asserts, explaining why so many parents are exhausted and soul-weary (09:12).

Sabbath: More Than Just a Rule
The conversation reframes Sabbath not as a restrictive law, but as a pre-fall creation principle—woven by God into the fabric of human flourishing (as outlined in Genesis 1 and 2). “Humans were designed to work from rest, not rest from work,” Dr. Hall emphasizes, challenging a work-first, rest-later cultural narrative (25:24).

Awareness Before Obedience
Catherine and Dr. Hall draw parallels to hidden sins, like the anecdote of Alexandra who unknowingly broke biblical commands before learning the truth. The episode encourages parents to move from ignorance to understanding, and to teach their children the same (16:21).

The Sabbath as a Mark of God’s People
Referencing Isaiah 56, Catherine points out how Sabbath-keeping was key to belonging for outsiders—all while remaining a powerful cultural counter-sign today (38:09).

Not Legalism, but Life-Giving Rhythm
Dr. Hall and Catherine reveal how Jesus didn’t abolish the Sabbath, but restored it as a gift for our wellbeing, not a heavy burden (45:25).

A Pandemic of Hurry
Drawing on John Mark Comer and other modern thinkers, the episode exposes the epidemic of “hurry sickness” ravaging our homes and hearts, stealing the very love we’re called to pour out on our families (35:19).

Practical Application Awaits
Look ahead to next week’s episode, where Dr. Hall will unpack “micro-Sabbathing”—real-life strategies for busy parents, caregivers, and those in nontraditional jobs who wrestle with the practicality of setting aside an entire day (46:54).

Notable Quotes:
“Humans were designed to work from rest, not rest from work.” – Dr. Hall
“If the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy... because if he can make you busy, he can make you tired, and when you’re tired, he can make you bad.” – Dr. Hall (23:02)
“The Sabbath was never intended to become another heavy burden. It was designed to lift our burdens.” – Catherine
About the Guest:
Dr. Steven Hall brings decades of ministry experience, academic expertise, and a passion for spiritual formation. He currently teaches at Lee University and leads Ministry Oasis, fostering soul health among Christian leaders and families.
Are you parenting from the overflow of God’s rest, or are you running on spiritual empty? What would it look like for your family to recover the life-giving rhythm of Sabbath this week?
Tune in—and discover how restoring this ancient practice could transform your home, your peace, and your relationship with God for generations.
Episode Links & Resources
Ministry Oasis
Discover more about Dr. Steven Hall’s ministry for the soul health of pastors and Christian leaders at ministryoasis.com

Books Mentioned
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Find it on Amazon

Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
Find it on Amazon

Works by Walter Brueggemann, including Sabbath as Resistance
Find it on Amazon

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Pete Scazzero
Find it on Amazon


Catherine’s Free Parenting Resources
Access free ebooks, scripture lists, podcast bundles, and more to equip you for Christian parenting at:
catherinesegars.com/resources
Or contact Catherine directly at: catherine@catherinesegars.com

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