Focus on the Family with Jim Daly

Episode: Making the Most of Time with Your Grandkids
Date: September 8, 2025
Guest: Dr. Josh Mulvihill
Summary by Podcast Summarizer

Episode Overview

This episode explores the pivotal, biblically grounded role of grandparents in the spiritual growth and overall well-being of their grandchildren. Host Jim Daly and co-host John Fuller interview Dr. Josh Mulvihill, a seasoned pastor, author, and grandparenting expert, about how grandparents can intentionally nurture faith, impart values, and create lasting legacies within their families. The conversation offers both relatable anecdotes and practical strategies for engaging meaningfully with grandchildren, while acknowledging the contemporary challenges and unique family dynamics many Christian families face.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Unique and Underestimated Influence of Grandparents

[02:36–05:54]

• Dr. Mulvihill shares the surprising lack of Christian grandparenting resources despite around 30 million Christian grandparents in America.
• Barna research shows grandparents have the second most influential role in teenagers’ lives after parents, surpassing even teachers and pastors.
  • “Grandparents have the opportunity to have a presence in a person’s life from birth all the way to adulthood. And there’s nobody else like that, usually other than parents.” — Dr. Josh Mulvihill [04:54]
• Dr. Mulvihill stresses the potential influence of grandparents, noting it's often underutilized.

2. Barriers to Grandparental Gospel Engagement

[05:54–09:29]

• Only 25% of Christian grandparents share the gospel with their grandchildren.

• Barriers:

  • Assumption that parents/church will handle spiritual teaching.
  • Lack of permission or direct request from adult children not to discuss faith.
  • Lack of intentionality and prioritization.

• Dr. Mulvihill encourages respectful dialogue with adult children about faith discussions, advocating for “loving gospel expression” rather than aggressive approaches.

  “If an adult child has that reservation, there may be something you need to see about your own approach in life… I don’t need a flamethrower. I need loving gospel expression.” — Jim Daly [08:54]

3. The Biblical Mandate — Family as Multi-Generational

[09:42–10:55]

• The extended/biblical family is not just a Western construct, but deeply rooted in Scripture (Old and New Testament).

• Limiting “family” to just parents and children marginalizes grandparents, who are integral to God’s design for family legacy.

  “If we define family really narrowly…grandparents become a nonessential extra…they don’t actually get to engage in any significant way.” — Dr. Josh Mulvihill [10:24]

4. Memorable Story: The Power of Intentional Grandparenting

[11:57–13:59]

• Dr. Mulvihill recounts the story of “Pat,” a grandmother whose intentional faith-sharing led to a deep spiritual impact on her granddaughter, highlighted by a moving letter.

  “For 17 years, I’ve watched you share the gospel shamelessly and point our family towards Him... You showed me that following Him is what matters.” — Pat’s granddaughter (read by Dr. Mulvihill) [12:25]

• Dr. Mulvihill calls listeners to move from “Christian grandparenting” to “intentional Christian grandparenting.”

5. Sharing Testimonies as a Faith Tool

[13:59–16:35]

• Grandparents are encouraged to share life/testimony stories with grandkids, as modeled by Dr. Mulvihill’s father taking grandsons on trips and recounting his faith journey.

  “All three of my sons have that piece of paper up in their room and they will cherish that for the rest of their life.” — Dr. Josh Mulvihill [14:55]

• Emphasizes biblical precedent: “Tell of the glorious deeds of the Lord and His might and the wonders He has done to the next generation.” — Dr. Josh Mulvihill [15:56]

6. Preserving Legacy Amid Loss

[16:42–18:43]

• Dr. Mulvihill shares how recording his late mother’s story and faith became cherished family resources after her passing.
• Suggests creating videos, audio recordings, or journals for future generations.

7. Navigating Unbelieving or Blended Grandparent Relationships

[18:43–23:22]

• Addressing situations where parents or grandparents aren’t believers:
  • Value relationship and warmth while modeling faith.
  • Candid but gentle conversations as opportunities arise, especially as children age.
  • Recognize that grandchildren may bridge spiritual conversations that adults cannot.
• Navigating remarriage and blended families:
  • Approach with grace; accept new traditions and be open to the “new normal.”
  • “It’s not microwave, it’s crock pot…A lot of grace and a lot of forgiveness and a lot of bearing with is necessary.” — Dr. Josh Mulvihill [21:45]

8. Using Mealtimes as Ministry

[23:41–25:12]

• Mealtimes historically and presently offer opportunities for value transmission, faith conversation, and family bonding.

• Dr. Mulvihill recommends being accommodating (“open fridge policy”), leveraging good food, and intentionally using mealtimes to connect.

  “Food is a secret weapon for families...good food draws people in.” — Dr. Josh Mulvihill [24:09]

• Jim Daly reinforces that consistent family meals can be the foundation of strong relationships and faith development.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “Grandparents have the opportunity to have a presence in a person’s life from birth all the way to adulthood.” — Dr. Josh Mulvihill [04:54]
• “Only 25% of grandparents will share the gospel with their grandchildren...” — Jim Daly [05:54]
• “If an adult child has that reservation… I don’t need a flamethrower. I need loving gospel expression.” — Jim Daly [08:54]
• “From Christian grandparenting to intentional Christian grandparenting…” — Dr. Josh Mulvihill [13:41]
• “Tell of the glorious deeds of the Lord and His might and the wonders He has done to the next generation.” — Dr. Josh Mulvihill [15:56]
• “It’s not microwave, it’s crock pot… A lot of grace and… bearing with is necessary.” — Dr. Josh Mulvihill [21:45]
• “Food is a secret weapon for families… good food draws people in.” — Dr. Josh Mulvihill [24:09]

Important Segments (Timestamps)

• [02:36] Dr. Mulvihill’s motivation for grandparenting research
• [04:17] Barna research on grandparental influence
• [05:54] Surprising stats: Most grandparents don’t share the gospel
• [09:42] Is the “nuclear family” biblical?
• [11:57] Story of Pat’s intentional grandparenting
• [14:13] Sharing testimonies: Mulvihill’s father and grandsons
• [16:42] Preserving the legacy of a lost grandparent
• [18:43] Navigating unbelieving or blended grandparents
• [23:41] Leveraging mealtimes for faith-building

Conclusion & Takeaways

• Grandparents are essential spiritual influencers with a God-given role in the multi-generational faith story of families.
• Becoming an intentional grandparent—through storytelling, presence, mealtimes, and relationship-building—yields lifelong, sometimes eternal, impact.
• Challenges such as distance, non-believing family members, or blended families can be navigated with grace, communication, and adaptability.
• The episode urges listeners to reclaim mealtimes and everyday moments as sacred opportunities for transmission of faith and values.

Further Resources

• Book: "Grandparenting: Strengthening Your Family and Passing On Your Faith" by Dr. Josh Mulvihill
• For more resources: Focus on the Family website

This summary was crafted to reflect the warmth, faith-based encouragement, and practical wisdom of the original conversation, providing a comprehensive overview for those who wish to make the most of their roles as grandparents or family faith influencers.