Podcast
Family Vision: Christian Parenting, Marriage & Family Advice
Hosted by Dr. Rob & Amy Rienow · EN
Dr. Rob and Amy Rienow provide practical, encouraging, and real conversations about faith and family. Each episode will give you hope and encouragement to grow in your faith and strengthen your family. Family Vision is the podcast ministry of Visionary Family Ministries.
Discover more resources to help your family at visonaryfam.com
Questions or comments? Email us at info@visionaryfam.com
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Sibling Panel
1w ago00:29:04Tap to summarizeHow can parents help their children build lifelong friendships with their siblings? In this special episode of Family Vision, recorded live at Visionary Family Camp, Rob and Amy Rienow explore God's design for sibling relationships and share practical ways families can cultivate love, unity, and lasting friendship between brothers and sisters. Amy begins with rapid-fire biblical principles on sibling relationships before moderating a lively panel featuring several of the Rienow children and members of the Switzer family. Together they discuss birth order, conflict, forgiveness, honoring one another, navigating fairness, and why intentional encouragement and prayer can transform sibling relationships for a lifetime. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why God cares deeply about sibling relationships throughout Scripture - Practical ways parents can help siblings become lifelong friends - How birth order brings both unique blessings and challenges - Biblical strategies for resolving conflict and extending forgiveness - Why encouragement and prayer strengthen sibling relationships - How healthy sibling relationships prepare children for future marriages, friendships, and life in the church Featured Resources: Visionary Family Conferences — Join us for a live Visionary Family Conference in your area. Find upcoming events and learn how to bring Visionary Family to your church at https://visionaryfam.com/events. Visionary Parenting — Discover practical biblical encouragement for raising children who follow Christ. Start reading for free at https://visionaryfam.com/parenting. Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, questions, or prayer requests by emailing podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover Family Vision and grow together in Christ. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.
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How To Connect with Your Teen with Lissy Bailey
2w ago00:24:34Tap to summarizeWhat does it look like for a teenager to genuinely live out their faith at home? In this special "Best of Family Vision" episode, Rob Rienow is joined by his daughter Lissy for an honest conversation about the spiritual lessons God taught her during her teenage years. Lissy shares how she learned the difference between obedience and honor, why sibling relationships require forgiveness and prayer, and what servant leadership looks like inside the home. She also opens up about the spiritual battle she experienced when trying to share her heart with her dad and how honest conversations helped strengthen their relationship. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why who you are at home reveals who you really are - The difference between outward obedience and genuine honor - How teenagers can strengthen relationships with their siblings - Why forgiveness and prayer are essential for healthy family relationships - How parents and teens can build openness, honesty, and trust - What servant leadership looks like inside the home Featured Resources: Living for Christ at Home — This devotional guide challenges teenagers to grow in their faith and family relationships through practical biblical encouragement. Download the free e-book or purchase print copies for your youth group at https://visionaryfam.com/lissy. Support Visionary Family Ministries — Your generosity helps us equip families around the world with biblical teaching and practical resources. Learn more at https://visionaryfam.com/donate. Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, questions, and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.
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How Your Firstborn Shapes The Family
3w ago00:20:39Tap to summarizeWhat influence does the oldest child have on the rest of the family? More than you may realize. In this special "Best of Family Vision" episode, Rob and Amy Reno are joined by their oldest son, RW, for an honest conversation about the blessings, challenges, and spiritual responsibility of being the firstborn child. Drawing from their own family story, Rob, Amy, and RW explore how firstborn children often set the tone for younger siblings, why Satan targets firstborns, and how older brothers and sisters can become powerful spiritual leaders in the home. Whether you're raising a firstborn or you are one, this conversation offers practical encouragement for strengthening family relationships across generations. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - The unique blessings and challenges of being a firstborn child - Why firstborns often struggle with pride or bitterness - How older siblings can intentionally disciple younger brothers and sisters - Practical ways to build lifelong sibling relationships - Why parents should pray intentionally for their firstborn children Featured Resources: Family Worship: Genesis — Lead meaningful family devotions through the book of Genesis with this practical family worship guide. Learn more at https://visionaryfam.com/store. Visionary Family Community — Join a growing community of families committed to following Jesus every day through biblical encouragement, live teaching, and practical resources. Learn more at https://visionaryfam.com/community. Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your questions, comments, or prayer requests by emailing podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your review helps more families discover Family Vision and grow together in Christ. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen so you never miss an episode.
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Family Mission: Philippines
Jul 1300:31:47Tap to summarizeWhat happens when an anniversary trip becomes a life-changing mission trip for multiple families? In this special episode, Rob and Amy Rienow welcome members of Visionary Family Ministries' Filter of Hope mission team to the Philippines to share powerful stories of God's faithfulness, answered prayer, and gospel impact. Hear firsthand how God overcame unexpected obstacles, opened doors to remote villages, and used three generations—from age 3 to 77—to bring clean water and the hope of Jesus to families in need. If you've ever wondered whether your family could serve together on a mission trip, this conversation will inspire you to take the next step. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why serving together can strengthen your family's faith - How God opened unexpected doors during the Philippines mission trip - The gospel impact of providing clean water through Filter of Hope - Why mission trips often transform those who serve as much as those being served - How children, parents, grandparents, and singles can all serve together on mission - Why stepping out in faith often requires pushing through spiritual opposition Featured Resources: 2027 Visionary Family Dominican Republic Mission Trip — Learn more about joining a future multi-generational Filter of Hope mission trip by visiting: https://visionaryfam.com/events Visionary Parenting — Build a biblical vision for raising children who follow Jesus. Start reading for free: https://visionaryfam.com/parenting Visionary Family Community — Join families committed to passing faith to the next generation. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/community Filter of Hope — Learn how clean water and the gospel are transforming lives around the world: https://filterofhope.org Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.
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Is Our Culture Toxic to Boys? with Russ Ewell
Jul 600:27:54Tap to summarizeHow can parents help their sons become godly men in a culture that often leaves them confused and isolated? In Part 2 of Rob Rienow's conversation with Pastor Russ Ewell, the focus turns to practical, biblical encouragement for parents, grandparents, and young men seeking to navigate today's challenges with wisdom and hope. Russ shares lessons from raising two sons with special needs, explains why emotional and spiritual formation must go hand in hand, and offers practical guidance for dads, moms, and young men searching for purpose. If you're raising boys—or you're a young man looking for direction—this conversation will encourage you to pursue God's design for authentic manhood. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why emotional and spiritual formation must work together - Practical ways fathers can disciple and encourage their sons - How mothers uniquely strengthen and support young men - Why taking healthy risks helps boys grow into mature men - The importance of community, mentors, and Christian friendships - Encouragement for parents raising children with special needs - Practical advice for young men searching for identity and purpose in Christ Featured Resources: Visionary Parenting — Build a biblical vision for raising children who know and follow Christ. Start reading for free: https://visionaryfam.com/parenting Foundations of the Christian Family — A 19-session video Bible study that equips families and churches with a biblical foundation for family discipleship. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/foundations Russ Ewell — Learn more about Russ's ministry and resources at https://russewell.com. Bay Area Christian Church — Learn more about the church and its ministries at https://bacc.cc. Visionary Family Community — Join families committed to passing faith to the next generation. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/community Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.
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Are Young Men Failing? with Russ Ewell
Jun 2900:22:22Tap to summarizeWhy are so many young men struggling with purpose, identity, and hope? In this special interview, Rob Rienow welcomes Pastor Russ Ewell of Bay Area Christian Church for an honest conversation about the challenges facing boys and young men today. Together they explore why formation—not fear—is the biblical answer to a generation searching for direction. Rather than accepting today's cultural narratives about masculinity, Russ shares insights from decades of mentoring young men. From loneliness and discouragement to the search for identity and purpose, this episode offers practical encouragement for parents, grandparents, pastors, and mentors who want to help the next generation thrive in Christ. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why many young men today struggle with identity and purpose - The difference between cultural labels and biblical formation - How coaches, mentors, and other trusted adults shape a young man's life - Five common struggles facing boys and young men today - Practical ways parents can encourage rather than discourage their sons - Why listening is one of the most powerful tools in family discipleship - How Jesus addresses our deepest questions about identity and purpose Featured Resources: Visionary Parenting — Build a biblical vision for raising children who know and follow Christ. Start reading for free: https://visionaryfam.com/parenting Foundations of the Christian Family — A 19-session video Bible study that equips families and churches with a biblical foundation for family discipleship. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/foundations Russ Ewell — Learn more about Russ's ministry and resources at https://russewell.com. Bay Area Christian Church — Learn more about the church and its ministries at https://bacc.cc. Visionary Family Community — Join families committed to passing faith to the next generation. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/community Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.
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When Kids Cut Off Their Parents, Part 2
Jun 2200:28:28Tap to summarizeWhat do you do when a child says, "I need space"? Or worse, when they cut off contact completely? In part 2 of this conversation, Rob and Amy Rienow tackle one of the most painful realities facing many families today: strained and broken relationships between parents and adult children. They explore why these ruptures happen, how parents may unknowingly contribute to them, and how the gospel offers hope for healing and reconciliation. Drawing from Scripture and decades of ministry experience, Rob and Amy discuss eight common patterns that can drive children away, the importance of listening over lecturing, and why restoration is usually a long journey rather than a quick fix. Whether you are a parent carrying deep heartache or an adult child longing for healing, this conversation offers biblical wisdom and practical hope. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why children often establish boundaries when they feel unsafe or unheard - Eight patterns that can unintentionally push children away - Why healing broken family relationships takes time and humility - How avoiding difficult conversations creates long-term damage - Why anger, perfectionism, and criticism can exasperate children - How both parents and adult children can pursue reconciliation - Why it is never too late to seek healing in your family Featured Resources: Never Too Late Video Bible Study — An eight-session Bible study designed to help parents strengthen relationships with adult children and encourage faith in the next generation. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/nevertoolate The Heart of Your Teen — Discover practical ways to build heart-connected relationships with your teenagers and prepare for lifelong family faithfulness: Availbe FREE at: https://visionaryfam.com/teens Living for Christ at Home — A devotional for teenagers by Lissie Rienow to help young people turn their hearts toward their parents. Available in the FREE resources section at https://visionaryfam.com/home Shine — Amy Rienow's Bible study for women on identity and walking with Christ. Start reading for free: https://visionaryfam.com/shine Visionary Family Community — Join a movement of families committed to passing faith to the next generation. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/community Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.
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When Parents Cut Off Their Kids, Part 1
Jun 1500:16:14Tap to summarizeWhat happens when parents walk away from their own children? In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow tackle a painful and increasingly common issue: parents who cut off relationships with their adult children. While much attention is often given to children who reject their parents, many families are also experiencing the heartbreak of parents withdrawing from their children and grandchildren. Drawing from their counseling ministry and personal conversations with families, Rob and Amy explore the warning signs that lead to relational breakdown, the dangers of unresolved bitterness and offense, and the biblical call to pursue forgiveness and reconciliation. They also discuss the proper role of boundaries and why healthy boundaries should always aim toward healing rather than permanent separation. If your family is experiencing strained relationships, this episode offers biblical encouragement, practical wisdom, and hope for restoration. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why some parents choose to cut off relationships with their adult children - The difference between healthy boundaries and relational abandonment - How unresolved bitterness, anger, and offense can destroy family relationships - Why forgiveness is essential for parents facing difficult situations with adult children - How to pursue reconciliation while still addressing serious sin and harmful behavior - The importance of seeking godly counsel instead of handling family crises in isolation Featured Resources: Never Too Late Video Bible Study — A brand-new 8-session video study designed to help parents build stronger relationships with their adult children and encourage faith in the next generation. Perfect for individuals, couples, small groups, and Sunday School classes. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/nevertoolate Visionary Parenting — Start reading for free and discover a biblical vision for helping your children know, love, and follow Jesus for generations to come: https://visionaryfam.com/parenting Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you. Share your questions, comments, and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show and find biblical encouragement for their parenting journey. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.
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Family Discipleship Is Never Accidental
Jun 800:21:39Tap to summarizeFamily discipleship doesn't happen by accident. In this episode of Family Vision, Rob and Amy Rienow challenge parents to move beyond wishful thinking and embrace intentionality in helping their families follow Jesus. Drawing from Scripture, personal stories, and years of ministry experience, they explain why spiritual growth, character development, and strong family relationships require purposeful daily investment. Rob and Amy also discuss the growing pressures facing modern families—from year-round sports schedules to packed summer calendars—and encourage parents to prioritize discipleship opportunities that will have lasting impact. They share practical encouragement for moms and dads, reminding listeners that no one can replace a parent's God-given role in the home. Whether your children are young, teenagers, or launching into adulthood, this conversation will inspire you to lead your family with greater purpose and vision. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why family discipleship is never accidental and requires daily intentionality - How modern schedules and activities can crowd out meaningful family relationships - Why parents must resist the temptation to delegate discipleship to others - Practical ways moms and dads can intentionally influence their children's faith and character - How to think long-term about the spiritual legacy you are building in your family Featured Resources: Visionary Family Camp — Join families from around the country for a week of discipleship, worship, recreation, and encouragement. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/camp Visionary Parenting — Discover a biblical vision for helping your children know, love, and follow Jesus for generations to come. Start reading for free today: https://visionaryfam.com/parenting 50 Things Every Child Needs to Know Before Leaving Home by Josh & Jen Mulvihill — A practical guide to preparing children spiritually and practically for adulthood: https://amzn.to/3QmvhjU Love this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, questions, and prayer requests at podcast@visionaryfam.com. If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more families discover the show and grow in their faith. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.
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The Early Church's Vision for the Family
Jun 100:15:20Tap to summarizeWhat role does the family play in advancing the Gospel? In this final episode of our three-part series on God's purpose for the family in the New Testament, Dr. Rob Rienow explores the launch of the early church and reveals how God designed the church and the home to work together for the sake of His Kingdom. Beginning in Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost, Rob traces the biblical pattern of Gospel ministry: reaching you, your children, and the world. Along the way, he highlights God's calling for parents—especially fathers—to take spiritual leadership in the home and explains why family discipleship is essential to the mission of the church. Whether you are raising young children, investing in grandchildren, or carrying the burden of an adult child who is far from God, this episode offers biblical encouragement and practical hope for your family. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why the Gospel is intended for you, your children, and the nations - How the early church partnered with families to advance the Kingdom of God - God's specific calling for fathers to lead their children spiritually - Why family discipleship begins in the home and is supported by the church - How parents and grandparents can continue encouraging faith in adult children - Biblical hope for families who are carrying the burden of prodigal children Featured Resources: Foundations of the Christian Family Video Bible Study — Discover God's design for marriage, parenting, family worship, and multigenerational faith through this 19-session video study. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/foundations Upcoming Visionary Family Events — Join Dr. Rob Rienow and the Visionary Family team at a conference or family event near you. View the schedule: https://visionaryfam.com/events Visionary Family Community — Connect with families who are committed to passing faith to the next generation. Receive encouragement, prayer support, and exclusive resources. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/community Need Prayer? If you are burdened for a child or grandchild, or simply need encouragement for your family, we'd love to pray for you. Contact us at podcast@visionaryfam.com to share a prayer request or schedule a prayer call with a member of our team. Love this episode? If Family Vision encourages your faith and strengthens your family, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and share this episode with a friend. Your support helps more families discover God's vision for the home. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.
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