This week Aaron Smith sits down with Jay Holland, husband to Emily, and the biological, adoptive, and foster father of four children. For over 25 years he’s served as a pastor in college and student ministries and has personally navigated seasons of special‑needs parenting within his own family, and is the voice behind the Let’s Parent on Purpose podcast. Together, they discuss the intersection of marriage, parenting, and youth ministry. Jay shares powerful insights on raising children in today’s culture, the importance of rites of passage in shaping manhood and womanhood, and how parents can intentionally model faith and humility in their homes.
Whether you’re navigating the challenges of parenting or seeking to strengthen your marriage in the midst of raising kids, this episode is packed with biblical wisdom and practical encouragement.
Key Topics:
- Marriage and parenting in a digital age
- The importance of rites of passage for boys and girls
- Building community and mentorship for youth
- Technology’s effect on mental health and connection
- Modeling repentance and humility in parenting
- Encouraging bravery and risk-taking in the physical world
- Teaching children their identity in Christ
- Prioritizing joy and intimacy in marriage
Connect with the Jay Holland:
- Let’s Parent on Purpose podcast:
- Things for Thursday Newsletter: text THINGS to 66866
- letsparentonpurpose.com
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Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2025
Keywords: marriage, parenting, youth ministry, rites of passage, manhood, womanhood, community, technology, anxiety, spirituality
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