What does it look like to truly support special needs families in our community? In this episode of the City Church Parent Podcast, we sit down with Courtney Townsend, a pediatric physical therapist, and Kylie McGee, a special needs parent and director of the nonprofit Mighty Me, to discuss the unique perspectives and needs of families navigating disabilities. We explore the importance of finding "a village" and how the church can be a place where every child and parent feels they belong. From practical resources to the emotional load of advocating for a child, this conversation aims to bring light to the special needs experience and encourage us all to live as participants in the body of Christ.In This Episode, We Discuss:The Perspective of a Special Needs Parent: Understanding the sacrificial role, the mental load, and the constant need for advocacy.Mighty Me Nonprofit: How this organization supports, educates, and empowers parents while building a vital network of community.Inclusion at City Church: Learn about "City Champions," our ministry designed to accommodate and welcome kids with unique needs.Practical Support: Why you don't need to be an "expert" to be supportive—just open, willing to listen, and present.Raising Inclusive Kids: Training the next generation to be loving and inclusive, just as Christ called us all to be.Resources Mentioned:Mighty Me: Supporting special needs parents through regular meetups and community events. https://www.mightymiraclesmightyme.orgCity Champions: Our dedicated special needs ministry at City Church.https://www.citychurchok.com/kids-bartlesville#CityChurch #SpecialNeedsParenting #MightyMe #CityChampions #ParentingPodcast More ways to connect!https://linktr.ee/citychurchokhttps://www.citychurchok.comhttps://www.facebook.com/citychurchok/https://www.instagram.com/citychurchok/

This special episode of The City Church Parent Podcast features Pastor Scotty and Shelli Haynes discussing the difficult but vital topic of Online Life for Kids.(Note: This conversation contains mature themes and is recommended for adult ears).We dive deep into establishing good internet practices for families, navigating exposure to pornography, and the challenge of early access to smartphones (like the 11-year-old average). Learn why being proactive over reactive is essential for discipling the next generation in the digital age. This episode provides wisdom and safeguards for parents trying to protect their children, especially Generation Alpha, from online vulnerabilities.

In this episode, featuring Pastors Micah and Katelyn Smith, we dive into the most surprising things about parenting and how to handle our children's deepest spiritual inquiries.We tackle the classic question: "What is Heaven like?" and the emotionally charged follow-up: "Do pets go to heaven?". Discover the biblical perspective of heaven, focusing on God's presence and why Jesus is the ultimate reward. Learn how to use seemingly simple questions as a launchpad for intentional faith conversations with your children. Essential listening for parents!

In this episode, Pastor Micah Smith unpacks What the Bible Is (a collection of 66 holy writings) and Who Wrote It (40+ writers over 1,500 years).Discover the history of the Canon of Scripture, the criteria for which books "made the cut," and why the Bible is considered God's inspired word that you can absolutely trust. Essential listening for parents and teens exploring apologetics and building a solid foundation of faith! Learn how to encourage curiosity and handle tough questions about reliability, history, and God's self-revelation.

In this episode of the City Church Parent Podcast , we tackle one of the toughest questions kids ask about faith: "Why don't I hear God when I pray?". Parents and Young Adult leaders, Zach and Stephanie Hendrix, join the conversation to share their own struggles and breakthroughs with prayer. Learn practical ways to teach your children of different ages and personalities how to:-View prayer as a conversation with God.-Model a life of trust in God's timing and control.-Discern God's answers through peace and His Word, not just an audible voice.We would love to connect with you!https://linktr.ee/citychurchokhttps://www.citychurchok.comhttps://www.facebook.com/citychurchok/https://www.instagram.com/citychurchok/

Ever struggled to explain the Trinity to your kids? You're not alone. This episode brings back Pastor Ashley Kelly to tackle this difficult but foundational topic. We'll discuss common pitfalls parents face, such as feeling the pressure to have all the right answers or oversimplifying this complex mystery. We share practical advice for engaging children of different ages, from starting with the individual persons of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for younger kids to a more conversational approach for older ones. This isn't a one-time, formulaic answer, but a lifelong, relational journey of understanding God.Key Takeaways:You don't need all the answers: It's okay to admit you don't know everything and explore the questions with your kids. This relieves pressure and models a healthy faith.Avoid oversimplified analogies: While examples like the three-leaf clover or an egg can be helpful, they can also misrepresent the mysterious nature of the Trinity. God is not a "shapeshifter" who takes on different forms; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct, eternal, and unified persons.Start with the basics: For younger children, focus on who God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are individually before trying to explain their unity as the Trinity. This helps build a foundational understanding of each person.It's a relational journey, not a one-time lesson: Understanding the Trinity is a lifelong process of contemplation and discussion. It's meant to be a continuous conversation, not a simple, one-time answer.The Trinity is foundational to faith: The Trinity shows that God is a relational being who has existed in perfect community and love for all of eternity. He didn't create humanity out of need or loneliness but out of an overflow of that eternal love.The Bible is a unified story: The Trinity is not explicitly named in one verse, but is revealed throughout the entire Bible. The Old Testament contains foreshadowing and "shelf space" for the coming of Jesus and the Holy SpiritWe would love to connect with you!https://linktr.ee/citychurchokhttps://www.citychurchok.com / citychurchok / citychurchok

In this episode of the Parenting Podcast we tackle one of the most challenging questions kids ask: "Who made God?"
Join our hosts, Pastor Jeremiah and Pastor Katelyn, as they talk with Pastor Mary Turner about practical advice, personal experiences, and thoughtful insights on how to approach these profound conversations with your children. Learn how to foster curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and build a foundation of open dialogue about Jesus and the Bible even when you don't have all the answers.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Tips for discussing complex spiritual concepts with young minds.
How to create a safe space for your kids to ask ANY question about faith.
The importance of honesty and humility when you don't know the answer.
Encouragement for parents navigating their own faith journeys alongside their children.
Whether you're a parent of a curious toddler or a questioning teenager, this episode will equip you with tools to handle those big, beautiful, and sometimes bewildering questions about God.
Don't forget to:
Like this video if you found it helpful!
Leave a comment below with your thoughts or other tough questions your kids have asked!
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Parent Podcast Episode 2: Welcome to The City Church Parent Podcast, a guide for parents looking to navigate challenging faith conversations with their kids, teens, or young adults. In this powerful discussion, we reveal surprising statistics about what Gen Alpha truly values when it comes to their beliefs and who they trust for guidance. You'll learn:-The surprising percentage of Gen Alpha who consider faith a key part of their identity.-The overwhelming influence parents have on Gen Alpha's views on right and wrong, and even gender identity and sexuality.-Why it's crucial for parents to lean into tough conversations and actively disciple their children in a world full of competing influences like social media. We believe parenting isn't a solo journey, especially when it comes to faith. Our hope is to encourage and equip you for deeper, more meaningful engagement with your child. We're here to be a valuable resource, offering insights and inspiration as you guide your family Spiritually. We hope this content encourages you and challenges you to take the next step in your journey with Christ. Wherever you are joining us online, we're here for you and you matter to us! Please let us know if we can help you in any way. We would love to connect with you!https://linktr.ee/citychurchokhttps://www.citychurchok.comhttps://www.facebook.com/citychurchok/https://www.instagram.com/citychurchok/