Discipling through the years: The Adolescent Stage
In this episode of the Legacy Dads Podcast, Dave and Dante dive into the "Training Wheels" phase of fatherhood—discipling adolescents aged 8 to 12. This is a critical developmental window where children shift from simply absorbing their parents' beliefs to investigating the "why" behind them. The conversation centers on Proverbs 4:23, highlighting the father's role in helping children "guard their hearts" as they begin to encounter more complex social and cultural pressures. Dave and Dante discuss the transition from providing "spiritual milk" to "solid food," offering practical strategies for teaching kids how to read the Bible independently and apply a biblical worldview to school, sports, and friendships. Connect With Us Join the Conversation: Have a story or a struggle you want to share? Email us at dave@legacydads.org and dante@legacydads.org. You can also find us on Facebook Legacy Dads Online Community and Instagram.
Discipling through the years: The Toddler Stage
Episode Summary Parenting a toddler feels like planting a garden in the middle of a windstorm—chaotic, messy, and loud. But it is also the most critical season for planting seeds that will last a lifetime. In this episode, Dave and Dante break down the "why" and "how" of discipling children ages 2–7. We're moving away from the pressure of perfection and leaning into the beauty of simple, faithful rhythms that point little hearts toward their Creator. Key Scriptures Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – The mandate to weave faith into the fabric of everyday life. Matthew 18:3 – Why the simplicity of a child's faith is the blueprint for our own. Numbers 6:24-26 – The power of the priestly blessing. 1 Corinthians 11:1 – Modeling faith for those who are always watching. What We Cover The Toddler's Spiritual World: Why their "concrete" thinking isn't a limitation, but a gift. We discuss why heart formation beats theological precision every time. Practical Rhythms: From morning gratitude to the transformative power of bedtime blessings. Discipling Through the Senses: Faith shouldn't just be heard; it should be seen, touched, and experienced. Learn how to translate big theology into language a 4-year-old understands. Modeling Over Teaching: You are your child's first "Bible." We get real about what happens when you blow it and how saying "I'm sorry" is a crucial discipleship tool. The Long View: Trusting the "compound effect" of small, consistent habits even when you don't see immediate fruit. Action Step for the Week The Bedtime Blessing: This week, we're keeping it simple. Whether you've never done it or just got out of the habit, commit to implementing a consistent bedtime prayer or blessing routine for your toddler. Speak the truth of God's love over them before they drift off to sleep. Connect With Us Join the Conversation: Have a toddler story or a struggle you want to share? Email us at dave@legacydads.org and dante@legacydads.org. You can also find us on Facebook Legacy Dads Online Community and Instagram. Next Episode: We're turning the page to Adolescents. Get ready for a shift in strategy as we talk about navigating the pre-teen years.
Why God's Plan for Discipleship is Important
In this hard-hitting episode, Dave and Dante tackle a sobering question: Have churches in the West gotten discipleship wrong? The data is alarming. The mission is clear. And the stakes are generational. Jesus' final command in Gospel of Matthew 28:19–20 wasn't to build programs, grow attendance, or launch niche ministries. It was simple and direct: "Go therefore and make disciples…" So why are so few men being discipled? And what does that mean for our families, churches, and culture? The Discipleship Crisis 90 million men in America are NOT involved in discipleship Only 1 out of every 18 men is engaged in discipleship Only 10% of born-again believers are actively discipling others Only 6% of self-identified Christians hold a biblical worldview Even among born-again Christians, only 13% hold a biblical worldview This isn't a programming issue. It's an obedience issue. Why This Matters for Fathers Men are called to lead their homes spiritually. When fathers are discipled: Marriages grow stronger Children are more likely to follow Christ Churches grow healthier Culture shifts from the inside out When fathers are absent spiritually, the ripple effects last for generations. The Strategic Questions Every Church Must Ask Are we producing disciples or just attendees? Can our men articulate and defend biblical truth? Are fathers equipped to lead spiritually at home? Are we making disciples who make disciples? If not, it's time to recalibrate. Connect with us: Legacy Dads Facebook Legacy Dads Instagram
Fathers as Spiritual Leaders: Leaving a Legacy that Lasts
In this episode, we dive deep into the generational mission of fatherhood. We move beyond the traditional metrics of "success"—finances and career—to explore the weight and beauty of building a spiritual legacy. It's not about being a perfect theologian; it's about being a present, consistent, and humble leader who treats God as a reality, not just a concept. Pick one spiritual habit to start this week. Don't overcomplicate it. Whether it's praying before bed, reading one verse at dinner, or simply blessing your children with your words—start small, but start now. Remember: God doesn't need your ability; He needs your availability. Connect with us: Legacy Dads Facebook Legacy Dads Instagram
By Faith: Building a Legacy that Endures
In this episode of the, we dive into Hebrews 11—often called the Hall of Faith—to explore what biblical faith really looks like and how it shapes the legacy we leave as men, husbands, and fathers. This chapter isn't about flawless heroes; it's about ordinary people who trusted God in extraordinary circumstances. Their faith wasn't passive belief, but active obedience—often costly, uncomfortable, and unseen by the world. Hebrews 11 challenges modern dads to rethink success, security, and legacy. The men and women highlighted here lived with their eyes fixed on God's promises rather than immediate comfort or cultural approval. Their stories invite us to ask: What kind of faith are we modeling for our children. For more about Legacy Dads, click here: Legacy Dads Website Legacy Dads Facebook Group: Legacy Dads Facebook Legacy Dads Instagram: Legacy Dads Email dave@legacydads.org or dante@legacydads.org to connect!