On this MINI-CAST episode of STEP INTO THE STORY, Phil talks with Jesse DeYoung about parenting teenagers, the joy of seeing your kids love church, and the sacred privilege of being both a parent and a pastor in their lives.

Jesse shares how his years in youth ministry shape the way he parents now, and why he believes kids don’t just need youth pastors and teachers—they deeply need their parents to be spiritual shepherds too. He describes a meaningful practice he’s developed: for the two years before each child enters high school, he reads through a special Bible just for them, underlining, making notes, and writing prayers in the margins. When they step into that new season, they receive a Bible filled with evidence of a dad who has been praying, thinking, and walking with God on their behalf.

It’s a simple, powerful picture of legacy, Scripture, and the long, faithful work of loving our kids toward Jesus.

Listen to the full conversation with Jesse here.

On this episode of STEP INTO THE STORY PODCAST, Phil talks with Jesse DeYoung, pastor at Flatirons Community Church, about the intersection of family, suffering, and ministry—and how God meets us in all three.

Jesse reflects on the rich heritage of faith he received from his parents, including his father Brent’s years as a Walk Thru the Bible instructor, and the way his parents protected and involved their kids in ministry so that church became a place of joy, not resentment.

He also shares a heartfelt account of walking through his dad’s long cancer journey, the grief of loss, and the “dark night of the soul” that followed—when belief in God still made sense in his mind, but felt distant in his heart.

It’s an honest, hopeful, and deeply encouraging conversation for anyone who loves the church, has been hurt by the church, or is serving in leadership and longing to stay healthy over the long haul.

It’s a heartfelt conversation you won’t want to miss.

On this MINI-CAST episode of STEP INTO THE STORY Podcast, Sean McDowell talks with Phil about what apologetics really means and how it helps us grow in confidence as we follow Christ. (Hint: It’s not about arguing — it’s about offering a gentle and thoughtful reason for the hope we have in Jesus!)

Sean explains the roots of apologetics, how it equips believers to respond with wisdom and clarity, and why asking honest questions is not the opposite of faith. He also shares why doubt can be a doorway to deeper trust in God, and how understanding the big picture of Scripture helps us see where we fit in God’s story.

It’s an amazing, intellectual conversation you don’t want to miss!

Find out more about Sean at: seanmcdowell.org