About the Guest(s): Justin DeBerry is a pastor at West Center Baptist Church in Madison, South Dakota, where he has been serving for nearly nine years. Justin and his wife, Carrie, have four daughters. He is deeply involved in ministry and has taught extensively on parenting within his church. Justin brings a wealth of practical experience and biblical wisdom to conversations about parenting and familial relationships. Episode Summary: In this episode of RenewalCast, host Coalt is joined by Pastor Justin DeBerry to delve into the intricate world of parenting from a biblical perspective. Justin shares practical advice, personal anecdotes, and deep insights into how parents can navigate the challenging yet rewarding task of raising children. The conversation is filled with valuable information on topics ranging from bedtime routines to the importance of balancing law and gospel in the home. The discussion kicks off with Justin outlining his approach to creating a structured bedtime routine that fosters meaningful conversations with children. He emphasizes the importance of discipline over punishment and explains how this approach aligns with biblical principles. The conversation transitions into broader parenting philosophies, including the significance of viewing children as individuals and the need for a balanced approach that encompasses both authority and grace. Justin touches on critical issues like the impact of screen time and the responsibilities of addressing sensitive topics such as sexuality. Key Takeaways:
- Structure and Routine: Creating a consistent bedtime routine with a wind-down period can facilitate meaningful conversations with children.
- Discipline Over Punishment: Emphasizing discipline as an act of love rather than mere punishment can have a profound impact on a child's understanding of authority and obedience.
- Balancing Authority and Grace: A balanced approach that includes both law (authority) and gospel (grace) is crucial in parenting.
- Screen Time Management: Limiting screen time and encouraging play-based activities can significantly benefit children’s development.
- Proactive Conversations: Engaging in early, honest conversations about sensitive topics like sexuality can help children develop a healthy, biblical worldview.
Notable Quotes:
- "Because they're sinners and you're a sinner. Let's all get in the same room for, I don't know, at the end of the day, when we're all tired, I suppose it's a recipe for disaster." - Justin DeBerry
- "One of the greatest gifts you can give your kids is a play-centered childhood, rather than a phone-centered childhood." - Justin DeBerry
- "Prayer works." - Justin DeBerry
- "As I'm parenting my kids, God is parenting me." - Justin DeBerry
- "Our words and our actions are connected to the heart. And out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks." - Justin DeBerry
Resources:
- Justin DeBerry’s Church: West Center Baptist Church
- Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Ted Tripp
- Parenting by Paul Tripp
- Before I Was Born by Carolyn Nystrom
- New City Catechism
- Theology by Marty Makowski
Explore these resources further to gain a deeper understanding and practical tools for effective parenting. Tune in to the full episode for an enriching discussion and to gain insights that you can apply in your daily parenting journey. Stay connected for more enlightening content from RenewalCast!
