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About

In this heartfelt episode of the Resilient Pastor podcast, hosts Rich, Glenn, and Sharon dive deep into the challenges and joys of parenting and discipleship in ministry families. From sleepwalking superheroes and Marvel-inspired subconscious adventures to honest conversations about screens, control vs. authority, and emotional repair, the discussion blends personal stories with practical wisdom for pastors and church leaders.

Joined by Dr. Daniel Mbuvengi, Regional Director for World Vision International, the conversation expands globally, exploring the unique pressures facing pastors in Kenya and across Africa, the remarkable faith of Kenyan teenagers, and the power of partnership between churches in the West and the Global South.

Key Takeaways

• Churches must partner with parents rather than replace them in the discipleship of children, equipping them with resources, conversation guides, and community support.
• Effective parenting shifts from control to authority and shepherding — creating age-appropriate boundaries that promote safety while allowing freedom and flourishing.
• Repair is one of the most powerful tools in parenting: when we mess up, a sincere apology and repentance often become more memorable than the original offense.
• Children need attunement, responsiveness, engagement, and repair — emotional connection matters as much as biblical instruction.
• The power of story, imagination, and moral formation through books, movies, and shared media is an underutilized tool in faith formation.
• Digital screens and technology present one of the most exhausting and emotional challenges for modern parents, requiring consistent boundaries and honest conversations.
• Pastors worldwide are struggling with isolation, mental health, financial stress, and family pressures — they need safe spaces and community to be vulnerable.
• Global partnerships between churches can provide powerful resources, training, and mutual encouragement for both Western and African pastors and families.

Highlights

• “My subconscious has been trying to get downstairs for a while.” — Sharon’s sleepwalking Marvel-obsessed son
• “Where parents went awry… was this belief that you control your kids’ faith… We cannot control our kids.” — Sharon Miller
• “The purpose of that boundary was to keep them safe… for their good, for their flourishing.” — Wisdom from Genesis applied to parenting
• “Children need attunement, responsiveness, engagement, and repair.” — Rich’s church language for emotionally healthy parenting
• “Pastors are hurting. Pastors are in pain. Pastors are broken… They too cry.” — Dr. Daniel Mbuvengi on the vulnerability of African pastors
• “We are better together.” — Daniel Mbuvengi’s closing reminder on global Christian partnership
• 64% of Kenyan teenagers are committed Christians — one of the highest rates globally, fueled by focused children’s ministry and school outreach.

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