Marriage, Mentorship, and Parenting in a Digital Age w/ Jay Holland

Show notes

About This Episode Aaron Smith sits down with Jay Holland, a pastor with more than 25 years in college and student ministry, husband to Emily, and the biological, adoptive, and foster father of four. Together they explore the intersection of marriage, parenting, and youth ministry. Jay explains how intentional rites of passage, using Robert Lewis's framework and ceremonies where the church lays hands on graduating seniors, help raise sons and daughters into godly manhood and womanhood. They talk about combating teen anxiety and identity struggles by limiting kids' digital access, citing The Anxious Generation, while giving them more freedom and bravery in the physical world. Jay also makes the case for dad being the first repenter in the house and for surrounding kids with godly mentors.

About Jay Holland Jay Holland is husband to Emily and the biological, adoptive, and foster father of four children. For over 25 years he has served as a pastor in college and student ministries, has navigated seasons of special-needs parenting within his own family, and is the voice behind the Let's Parent on Purpose podcast.

In This Episode Rites of passage — Why intentional milestones help shape manhood and womanhood. A framework for manhood — Drawing on Robert Lewis's approach to raising sons. The church's role — Ceremonies where the church lays hands on graduating seniors. Parenting in a digital age — How technology affects teen anxiety, identity, and connection. Brave in the real world — Limiting digital access while encouraging freedom and risk-taking offline. The first repenter — Why dads should model repentance and humility at home. Mentorship — Surrounding kids with godly men and women. Identity in Christ — Teaching children who they are in Christ. Joy in marriage — Prioritizing joy and intimacy with your spouse while raising kids.

Resources from This Episode Let's Parent on Purpose: letsparentonpurpose.com Things for Thursday Newsletter: text THINGS to 66866 Book mentioned: The Anxious Generation Shop Marriage After God books and devotionals Full show notes and blog post

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