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Hello Friends!

Welcome to Episode 14 of the Familying the Faith Podcast by Vibrant Faith. We’re all about connecting with ministry leaders who want to dig into THE MOST IMPORTANT JOB in today’s church, and that is connecting with and uplifting parents—the primary faith-forming agents in our world—and helping them grow in their capacity and confidence as they share a vibrant faith in Jesus with the next generation.

This episode was another fun one for Rick and Nancy as they had the opportunity to re-connect with a ministry colleague and friend that each of them have known for a long time! So long we don’t even want to tell you how long its been!

We are joined today by Mark DeVries, founder of Ministry Architects—www.ministryarchitects.com. Mark reflected on his years and years of family-based youth ministry, and what he’s learned since his 1994 book Family-Based Youth Ministry was published. Mark was also the Director of Youth Ministry at First Presbyterian Church in Nashville for over 30 years. That is even MORE of a feat to be celebrated! We had just a great conversation with Mark about his perspective on:

• Why Familying the Faith matters so much.
• What has worked, what hasn’t, over the 30+ years he’s been pursuing this passion.
• And how do can parents connect with the faith life of their kids?

Any conversation with Mark DeVries is always fun!

Some of our takeaways include:

1. The goal is lifelong disciples of Jesus, not great youth groups. It’s not merely about nurturing happy families or happy marriages.
2. Programs should exist to “exfamiligate" the church. (Mark’s word for turning the church into extended family.)
3. The way to begin is to help parents take small steps.

You’re going to love this one! Join us as we help you take that next faithful step!