147- Helping Kids Build a Real Relationship with God | Jen Weaver & Gayle Veitenheimer

Join host Jennifer Bosma on the Front Parking Spot podcast as she talks with Bible teachers and co-authors Gail Veitenheimer and Jen Weaver about practical, everyday discipleship for children. In this episode, the guests share their personal stories of coming to faith, the desire to help kids experience God now (not later), and why fiction can be one of a parent’s best discipleship tools. Gail and Jen describe concrete practices moms can use at home: looking for how God is on display in Scripture, using teachable moments (like counting grains of sand to illustrate Psalm 139), creating a safe, nonperformative space for kids to practice listening to God, and giving gentle guardrails to help children test what they think they hear against the Bible. They also discuss varying prayer styles in kids, how to respond when a child’s prayer receives an unexpected answer, and how to pastorally walk with children through grief, doubt, and resistance to faith. The authors introduce their new middle-grade mystery series (book one: The Mystery of the Missing Falls), aimed at ages 8–12 (reading-level ~third grade). The story follows cousins and kid detectives who model different prayer approaches as they solve a town mystery—showing how quality fiction can open hearts to spiritual growth. Practical bonuses include a "secret clues" debrief on KingswellKids.com with chapter quotes, connected Bible verses, and parent-friendly conversation prompts to help families talk through each chapter. Key takeaways include: prioritize relationship over religion, model honest faith (it’s okay to say “I don’t know”), lean into God’s sovereignty while inviting kids to bring their questions to Him, and use everyday moments and stories to help children build a personal, tangible faith. For more, find the authors at kingswellkids.com, thejenweaver.com, and gayleveitenheimer.com, and follow Front Parking Spot for additional resources and show notes. Ways to connect with Jen and Gayle: https://kingswellkids.com https://kingswellkids.com/book1 Join the Book Club! https://kingswellkids.com/club Secret Clues https://kingswellkids.com/prayerforkids https://thejenweaver.com https://gayleveitenheimer.com   Christian children's books for all kids! — Jennifer Bosma Follow Jennifer on Instagram @frontparkingspot Have you been trying to explain the Trinity to the little ones in your life? Order Jennifer's newest book, God is Three in One. Are you in need of a thoughtful gift for the next baby shower? Consider a copy of Jennifer's book, I Know the Plans. Its engaging storytelling and Christian values make it a perfect choice for the 'bring a book instead of a card' request. Do you have a child waiting for a sibling to join the family? Order The Baby Garden Christian children's books for all kids! — Jennifer Bosma Your reviews on Apple Podcasts are invaluable! They help us improve and reach more moms interested in Christian children's books and podcasts. Scroll all the way down to 'Leave a Review' written in purple at the bottom of the page to share your thoughts. Subscribe to Jennifer's website at www.jenniferbosma.com Thanks, Moms, for listening. Please share with others! Have an Ephesians 3:20 day as you go for the Front Parking Spot in your life today!