It Takes a Family

Cultivating Kingdom Purpose (Part 2): Helping Gen Z Live Out Faith in Everyday Life

In this season finale of It Takes a Family, Andy and Kelly are joined by Jamie McKnight for Part 2 of their conversation on helping Gen Z cultivate kingdom purpose. As a former coach, teacher, and current leader with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Jamie spends his days walking alongside students, athletes, coaches, and families — helping young people navigate faith, identity, pressure, and purpose in today’s culture. Together, they explore what Gen Z is really searching for, why so many students feel torn between performance and identity, and how parents can create emotional and spiritual security that helps young people flourish. From sports culture and social media to leadership, listening, and everyday parenting moments, this conversation offers practical encouragement for families raising resilient Gen Z students rooted in something bigger than themselves. One of the biggest themes throughout the episode is simple, but powerful: Ask questions. Listen well. Be present. Because purpose is often formed not through lectures or big moments — but through consistent relationship, curiosity, and connection. Whether it’s talking about football, video games, friendships, or faith, Jamie reminds parents that stepping into a young person’s world creates opportunities for trust, growth, and deeper conversations about God. Ultimately, kingdom purpose isn’t about performance, achievement, or finding one perfect path. It’s about learning to walk with Jesus in everyday life. Episode Highlights [03:00] Jamie shares his family story and parenting journey [05:00] How Eagle Ranch shaped Jamie’s perspective on vulnerability and relationships [06:00] Moving from coaching sports to mentoring students through FCA [08:30] What Gen Z students are really asking about Christianity and faith [10:00] Why teenagers want practical guidance for living out their faith [11:30] The tension students feel between faith, sports, school, and social pressure [13:00] How FCA creates opportunities to share the gospel with students [15:00] Why spiritually engaged families often create greater security for Gen Z [17:30] The connection between emotional safety and kingdom purpose [18:30] The role sports can play in shaping identity and faith [20:00] Why performance and identity can easily become confused [21:00] “When sport’s over, Jesus still remains.” [23:30] Jamie’s advice to parents: ask questions and listen [25:00] Why Gen Z responds when parents genuinely engage their hearts [26:30] Parenting lessons Jamie is learning through his own son [27:30] How simple presence creates opportunities for spiritual conversations [29:00] Helping Gen Z discover purpose through their interests and passions [31:00] Why purpose is developed through everyday moments and relationships Resources Mentioned 🏈 Fellowship of Christian Athletes 🏡 Eagle Ranch Don’t Miss Out! This episode wraps up Season 2 of It Takes a Family — a season focused on helping families navigate the Gen Z mental health crisis with resilience, connection, and hope. Throughout this season, we’ve explored topics like technology, anxiety, purpose, parenting rhythms, emotional health, and spiritual formation through conversations with experts, parents, and ministry leaders. If this season encouraged you: * Subscribe so you don’t miss the next season * Leave a review on Apple or Spotify * Share this episode with another parent And connect with us on Facebook and Instagram — we’d love to hear what conversations from this season impacted your family most. You don’t have to navigate modern parenting alone. Let’s move from desperation to hope — together.

Cultivating Kingdom Purpose (Part 1): Helping Kids Discover Meaning Beyond Happiness

In this episode of Season 2, Andy and Kelly sit down with Dr. Stephanie Shackelford to explore one of the deepest longings facing Gen Z today: the search for purpose. Drawing from research with the Barna Group, this conversation unpacks why so many young people feel pressure to pursue happiness — yet still feel anxious, empty, or directionless. As Dr. Shackelford explains, happiness was never meant to be the ultimate goal. Purpose is. Together, they explore how purpose grows when we focus outward instead of inward, why serving others builds resilience, and how families can help children discover meaning through everyday rhythms of contribution, responsibility, and faith. From chores around the house to serving at church, hospitality, and caring for neighbors, this episode reminds parents that purpose is often cultivated in ordinary moments — not extraordinary ones. And while building resilient families isn’t always easy or convenient, it’s deeply worthwhile. Because flourishing doesn’t come from comfort alone. It comes from learning to live for something bigger than yourself. Episode Highlights [03:30] Why Gen Z pursues happiness — and why it often falls short [04:30] The connection between purpose, anxiety, and depression [05:30] The difference between happiness and joy [06:30] How social media fuels inward focus and hopelessness [07:30] Why purpose grows through serving others [08:00] Finding meaning through pain and difficult experiences [09:00] Helping teenagers discover their gifts and calling [10:30] Connecting a child’s gifts back to God’s character [12:00] Breaking out of the cycle of chasing happiness [12:30] Creating a culture of service inside the home [15:00] Why serving at church builds resilience and belonging [16:30] The importance of giving kids responsibility and ownership [18:00] Three key ingredients for resilient kids: caring adults, life skills, and leadership opportunities [19:00] Why serving together strengthens families [21:00] Modeling service as parents instead of just talking about it [22:00] Why purpose is bigger than finding one perfect calling [24:00] The importance of intergenerational relationships and grandparents [27:00] Why the best things in parenting are often harder, not easier Resources Mentioned 📊 Gen Z Mental Health & Well-Being Research — Barna Group [https://www.barna.com/mental-health/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 📖 You on Purpose 🏡 Eagle Ranch [https://www.eagleranch.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Don’t Miss Out! This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation on helping kids cultivate purpose, resilience, and meaningful connection in a culture that constantly pulls them inward. Next week, we’ll continue the conversation with a special guest and explore practical ways families can build these rhythms into everyday life. If this episode encouraged you: * Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming conversations * Leave a review on Apple or Spotify * Share this episode with another parent And connect with us on Facebook and Instagram — we’d love to hear how your family is creating rhythms of service, purpose, and connection. You don’t have to navigate modern parenting alone. Let’s move from desperation to hope — together.

Returning to Faith Roots (Part 2): Creating a Home Where Faith Feels Real

In this episode of It Takes a Family, Andy and Kelly continue the conversation on faith and Gen Z with returning guest Davon Stack. Building on last week’s discussion with Dr. Stephanie Shackelford, this episode focuses on the practical side of helping kids develop lasting faith in everyday family life. Drawing from years in student ministry, pastoral care, and parenting, Davon shares what he’s seeing firsthand in Gen Z: a deep longing for identity, purpose, connection, and something real to hold onto in a confusing world. Together, they discuss how parents can create safe spaces for honest conversations, why relationships matter more than perfection, and how small spiritual rhythms can shape a child’s faith over time. From responding calmly when kids open up, to modeling authentic faith in the ordinary moments, this episode is filled with encouragement for parents who may feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or spiritually inadequate themselves. Because building faith in your home doesn’t require having all the answers. It starts with showing up, staying present, and trusting that God is working — even in the small moments. Episode Highlights [02:00] Davon’s background in student ministry and pastoral care [04:30] The biggest struggle Gen Z faces [06:00] How beliefs shape thoughts, emotions, and actions [07:00] The impact of comparison and technology on teens [09:00] Why relationships are key to helping kids open up [10:00] How parents can respond well when kids share hard things [11:30] Creating a home environment that nurtures faith [13:00] Simple spiritual rhythms families can practice together [15:00] Why serving helps teenagers connect faith to real life [16:00] Encouragement for parents whose kids resist church or faith [18:00] The importance of community and trusted adults [20:00] Why modeling authentic faith matters more than perfection [22:30] Encouragement for parents who didn’t grow up with faith themselves [27:00] Finding hope when parenting feels overwhelming Resources Mentioned 📊 Gen Z Mental Health & Well-Being Research — Barna Group [https://www.barna.com/mental-health/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 📖 New Morning Mercies by New Morning Mercies 🏡 Eagle Ranch [https://www.eagleranch.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Don’t Miss Out! This episode continues our Season 2 conversation on Gen Z and mental health — exploring how faith, community, and consistent family rhythms can help move families from isolation and fear toward hope and connection. If this episode encouraged you: * Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming conversations * Leave a review on Apple or Spotify * Share this episode with another parent And connect with us on Facebook and Instagram — we’d love to hear how your family is building meaningful rhythms together. You don’t have to navigate modern parenting alone. Let’s move from desperation to hope — together.

Returning to Faith Roots (Part 1): Why Gen Z Is Searching for Something More

In this episode of Season 2, Andy and Kelly sit down with Dr. Stephanie Shackelford to explore a surprising trend: Gen Z is increasingly open to faith—and even returning to it. Drawing on research from the Barna Group, this conversation unpacks what’s behind this shift. In a world that feels chaotic, hyper-connected, and often meaningless, many young people are searching for something deeper—something steady. And they’re finding it in unexpected places. From renewed interest in church to curiosity around spiritual practices like prayer, Sabbath, and silence, Gen Z is showing a growing desire for meaning, peace, and purpose. But while the interest is there, many lack the structure or guidance to build lasting faith. That’s where families come in. This episode invites parents to consider the small, consistent rhythms that shape a child’s spiritual foundation—from attending church together to simple practices like shared meals, prayer, and creating space for rest. Because building faith doesn’t require perfection or complexity. It starts with small, intentional steps—lived out together over time. Episode Highlights [01:00] Introducing the “Faith Roots” conversation [02:00] A simple family rhythm: singing the doxology [05:30] Why small spiritual habits matter more than you think [06:00] Gen Z’s openness to spirituality [08:00] The search for truth, meaning, and stability [10:30] Why silence and stillness are appealing to Gen Z [12:30] Faith, hope, and love in a generation facing despair [14:30] The power of attending church as a family [17:00] Practicing Sabbath in realistic ways [18:30] How prayer builds resilient families [20:00] The role of everyday rhythms (like family meals) [22:00] Why parents must model what they want to pass on [24:00] Building community and not doing faith alone [26:00] The importance of intergenerational relationships [28:00] Choosing priorities: saying no to say yes Resources Mentioned 📊 Gen Z Mental Health & Well-Being Research — Barna Group https://www.barna.com/mental-health/ [https://www.barna.com/mental-health/] 🏡 Eagle Ranch https://www.eagleranch.org/ [https://www.eagleranch.org/] Don’t Miss Out! This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Next week, we’ll move from research to additional ideas of application—exploring how these faith rhythms actually play out in everyday family life. If this episode encouraged you: * Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming conversations * Leave a review on Apple or Spotify * Share this episode with another parent And connect with us on Facebook and Instagram—we’d love to hear how you’re putting this into practice. You don’t have to navigate modern parenting alone. Let’s move from desperation to hope — together.

Change the Story (Part 2): Building Resilience According to Gen Z

In this episode of Season 2, Andy and Kelly sit down with two Gen Z voices, Riley and Tessa, to hear how today’s young people are actually navigating mental health, identity, and resilience. Building on research from the Barna Group and insights from Dr. Stephanie Shackelford, this conversation moves beyond just the research and into real-life experiences. Gen Z is more open than ever about mental health—but that openness can sometimes turn into over-identifying with struggles. Riley and Tessa share candidly about what they see in their generation: the tension between awareness and identity, the temptation to label instead of work through challenges, and the impact that has on resilience. But they also offer hope. Through their stories, we see what actually helps young people grow: consistent time with God, honest community, and adults who show up with authenticity—not perfection. For parents, this episode is a reminder that your presence, your faithfulness, and the way you walk through hard things matter more than having all the right answers. Because helping your child build resilience doesn’t start with fixing their struggles. It starts with walking with them through it. Episode Highlights [01:30] A fun (and revealing) Gen Z slang quiz [06:00] How Gen Z views mental health today [09:30] Awareness vs. identity: where it gets tricky [12:30] Why labeling struggles can limit growth [14:00] What actually builds resilience [16:00] The role of faith and daily rhythms [18:30] Walking through anxiety and identity challenges [21:00] Why community is essential [23:30] The impact of parents during hard seasons [25:00] Presence over perfection [27:00] The value of mentors and other adults [29:00] What teens really think about their parents Resources Mentioned 📊 Gen Z Mental Health & Well-Being Research — Barna Group https://www.barna.com/mental-health/ [https://www.barna.com/mental-health/] Don’t Miss Out! If this episode encouraged you: * Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming conversations * Leave a review on Apple or Spotify * Share this episode with another parent And connect with us on Facebook and Instagram—we’d love to hear how you’re putting this into practice. You don’t have to navigate modern parenting alone. Let’s move from desperation to hope — together.