Podcasts · Connected Families Podcast

Game-Changing Family Ministry Ideas for Churches of Any Size

· 32 min · Episode 242

Episode Game-Changing Family Ministry Ideas for Churches of Any Size

0:00 32:06

Hear how one Minnesota church partners with Connected Families for family ministry ideas that truly equip and support their families. In this episode about partnerships, Stacy Bellward (host) and Cindy Wilson (Connected Families Ministry Partnership & Research Program Manager) are joined by special guests Justie Vavra and Megan Thorp to discover how the transformative Connected Families Framework is available to anyone to bring to their communities. If you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, or ministry leader, listen in to learn how you can make an impact in your sphere of influence.

Key Points:

Summer church attendance exploded in Minnesota. What did they do?

How high schoolers are applying the CF Framework with sensitive kids

How one parent can impact the entire church culture

Mentioned in this podcast:

Connected Families Certified Parent Coaching Program

Connected Families Ministry Partnership Program

Book: How to Grow a Connected Family by Jim and Lynne Jackson

Discipline That Connects With Your Child's Heart Online Course

Book: Discipline That Connects With Your Child’s Heart by Jim and Lynne Jackson

Sensitive and Intense Kids Online Course

Grace and Truth for Parents Online Course

Discipline That Connects in the Classroom

Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

Guest Bio:

Megan Thorp:As a parent coach, Megan helps parents gain confidence and create homes where everyone feels valued and connected. She'll equip you with skills to build lasting relationships with your kids and bring more peace and joy into your family. Megan has a Master's in Counseling Psychology and is a Certified Parent Coach through Connected Families. She enjoys time with her husband and 3 kids. Connect with Megan at: megan@connectedfamilies.org or here. Connect with Megan at: megan@connectedfamilies.org or here.

Justie Vavra:Justie Vavra is a devoted mother of three (ages 8, 10, and 11) and has been married to her husband Chris for 15 years. A former elementary school teacher, she now serves as Executive Pastor at Mercy Hill Church, which partners with Connected Families. Justie is passionate about guiding the next generation and nurturing connection and growth within her family and community through God's grace and truth.

© 2025 Connected Families

The episode on the publisher’s site (opens in a new tab)

Shows are listed from Apple Podcasts' charts and directory, and Podcast Index where it is used. Every show and episode belongs to its publisher and plays from the publisher's own feed; this site hosts none of them. Explicit shows are for adult profiles only, and children’s profiles hear only children’s shows. More about this list.