Christian Education and Discipleship with Gabe Rench

·55 min·5 clips

Gabe reveals that up to 80% of Southern Baptist kids abandon their faith by freshman year of college.

The episode begins with introductions: Cody Fields hosts, Bradley Cox is a pastor in South Carolina, and Gabe Rench joins remotely from Moscow, Idaho. Gabe explains he hosts CrossPolitic, a show applying biblical principles to politics, started in 2016 due to a lack of church teaching on faith and politics. He describes the CrossPolitic podcast network, which includes theology and business podcasts. Gabe details the origins of the Fight Laugh Feast conference in 2020, which faced venue cancellation and COVID-related challenges, leading to an outdoor event where attendees experienced worship freedom. This year's conference theme is 'School Wars,' focusing on Christian education. Gabe cites a Southern Baptist study showing 50-80% of kids lose their faith in college, arguing this devastates church growth. Bradley shares his family's education journey: during COVID, they moved from public to virtual school and then to a Christian homeschool co-op, finding it affordable and effective. The discussion turns to theonomy and Kuyperianism, with Gabe asserting government should not be involved in education but acknowledging practical challenges like property taxes funding public schools. He mentions church education funds to help families afford Christian schooling. Bradley emphasizes grace for families in difficult situations, such as divorce or financial constraints. Gabe explains the 'fight, laugh, feast' mantra as a framework for church life, involving sharpening each other, joy, and feasting. He describes the conference structure, including 'beer and psalms' events and talks on education topics. The episode concludes with Gabe promoting the conference and resources.

As heard by us

A grounded conversation about school choices and the daily responsibility of discipling children at home.

Christian education is framed here as a household responsibility, with Gabe Rench describing why his family moved from public school to virtual school in fall 2020 as local COVID-era plans left the term uncertain.

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Why you'd press play

You want to think clearly about school choices when money, work, and discipleship all collide.

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