Go Be the Church

Caretaker to Consultant: Navigating the 4 Stages of Spiritual Parenting

You start as a caretaker, responsible for every meal, every bath, and every 'no.' But the goal isn’t to stay there forever. The goal is a grown man or woman who loves Jesus with their own heart and walks in their own calling. But how do you actually get them from here... to there? Welcome to the Go Be The Church podcast. Today, we’re digging into the 'Relational Mini-Series' for a deep dive on the four seasons of parenting: the Caretaker, the Coach, the Consultant, and the Celebration. Whether you’re currently teaching a toddler to 'listen and obey' or learning how to let go of a college student, understanding these shifts is the difference between constant friction and lasting influence.  We’re two pastors with over a decade of ministry experience each, but more importantly, we’re fathers trying to get this right at home. We’re going to talk about moving from their 'hands' to their 'hearts,' why we shouldn't protect our kids from failure, and the one thing you can do this week to build a bridge of trust that lasts a lifetime. It’s time to parent for the legacy, not just for the day. Let’s dive in Follow us on  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gobethechurchpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/gobethechurchpodcast/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoBeTheChurchPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@GoBeTheChurchPodcast] Web: https://www.fcc-online.org/gbtcpod [https://www.fcc-online.org/gbtcpod] Copyright 2025 First Christian Church, Champaign, IL.

Raising Disciples, Not Just Kids.

Hi! I’m the daughter of one of the hosts. Growing up in a pastor’s home, I learned that faith wasn’t a Sunday performance but the little things we did every day: a one-verse memory learned with a silly hand motion, a quick blessing at the table, a simple prayer whispered before bed. Tonight they’re going to be honest about how those tiny, ordinary rhythms actually shape a life — and about the real mistakes, the messy moments, and the grace that holds it all together. If you’ve ever wondered whether weekday moments matter or felt overwhelmed by culture’s noise, stick around. They’ll bring Scripture, real stories from ministry, and three practical steps you can try this week so you can lead your family toward God by grace, not by guilt. Follow us on  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gobethechurchpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/gobethechurchpodcast/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoBeTheChurchPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@GoBeTheChurchPodcast] Web: https://www.fcc-online.org/gbtcpod [https://www.fcc-online.org/gbtcpod] Copyright 2025 First Christian Church, Champaign, IL.

Marriage: Covenant or Contract?

What does it mean to build a marriage that honors God—rooted in love, respect, and mutual service? On this episode of *Go Be the Church*, Pastors Eric and Stephen dive into the heart of biblical marriage. They explore how Christ’s love for the church sets the standard for husbands and wives, what it means to lead and submit in healthy, life-giving ways, and how to foster unity without losing individual identity. Expect practical wisdom, challenging insights, and grace-filled encouragement for every married couple—or those preparing for marriage. Because a thriving marriage isn’t about perfection—it’s about two people learning daily to love, lead, and serve like Jesus. Follow us on  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gobethechurchpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/gobethechurchpodcast/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoBeTheChurchPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@GoBeTheChurchPodcast] Web: https://www.fcc-online.org/gbtcpod [https://www.fcc-online.org/gbtcpod] Copyright 2025 First Christian Church, Champaign, IL.

Date Slow, but Find Someone Who's FAST

Dating can feel like a minefield — full of hope, confusion, and sometimes heartbreak. On this episode of Go Be the Church, we cut through the noise with plainspoken, gospel-centered wisdom for anyone dating today. If you’re wondering how to date well — not just for fun, but with marriage in mind — you’re in the right place. Today we’ll unpack a simple rule: “Date slow, but find someone who’s FAST.” FAST stands for Faith, Accountability, Stability, and being Transformed into the image of Christ. We’ll talk guardrails for physical and spiritual boundaries, why motivations matter, how friendship and attraction fit together, and how to end things with honesty and grace when needed. Stay with us — practical, biblical, no-nonsense advice to help you pursue relationships that honor God and protect your heart. Follow us on  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gobethechurchpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/gobethechurchpodcast/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoBeTheChurchPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@GoBeTheChurchPodcast] Web: https://www.fcc-online.org/gbtcpod [https://www.fcc-online.org/gbtcpod] Copyright 2025 First Christian Church, Champaign, IL.

Single and On Mission

Let’s be honest—when someone in church says they’re single, what do we usually assume? That they’re waiting, that they’re incomplete, that they’re just in a holding pattern. What if I told you we’ve quietly made marriage the spiritual promotion and treated singleness like the waiting room? Today we’ll push back on that idea. We’ll lean into 1 Corinthians—where Paul, surprisingly, says he wishes more people were single like him—not to downplay marriage, but to highlight undivided devotion, flexibility for ministry, and fewer divided responsibilities. Whether you’re single by calling, by season, or by loss, this episode is for you. Singleness isn’t a limitation or a lesser status—it’s a different assignment and a possible path to deep devotion. Your relationship status is not your spiritual status. Singleness is not second best. Let’s begin Follow us on  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gobethechurchpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/gobethechurchpodcast/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoBeTheChurchPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@GoBeTheChurchPodcast] Web: https://www.fcc-online.org/gbtcpod [https://www.fcc-online.org/gbtcpod] Copyright 2025 First Christian Church, Champaign, IL.