You’ve probably heard the word evangelical used in all sorts of ways—by the media, in politics, and even in Christian circles. But have you ever stopped to ask: What does it really mean?

More importantly, does my child understand what it means?

In the Episode 138 of CHRISTIAN PARENT/CRAZY WORLD, I sit down with renowned Christian apologist Alex McFarland to unpack what it truly means to be an evangelical Christian—and why this matters more than ever for our kids.

🚨 A Startling Trend in the Church

Recent research from Barna Group reveals something that should shake every Christian parent awake:

➡ A large number of self-identified Christians do not hold a biblical worldview. They may say they follow Christ, but when asked about core beliefs—like the authority of Scripture or the deity of Jesus—their answers don’t align with biblical truth.

➡ Churches are under immense cultural pressure to soften their message. Many are compromising on biblical truth, watering it down in an attempt to be more inclusive or avoid controversy.

➡ Kids are absorbing a distorted version of Christianity. If we as parents don’t teach our children what the Bible actually says, they’ll pick up a faith that’s more about feelings and personal preferences than about the unchanging truth of God’s Word.
This is a crisis.

The evangelical faith is built on the inerrancy of Scripture and the deity of Christ—but many people who call themselves Christians no longer believe these fundamental truths. If this trend continues, the next generation will inherit a faith that looks nothing like the one Jesus and the apostles preached.

⏳ What This Means for Parents

So what can we do? How do we make sure our kids aren’t swept away by a world that distorts faith?

1️. Teach biblical literacy at home.

Faith isn’t something we can leave to Sunday school or youth group. Our kids need to hear truth from us—not just in passing, but in intentional, ongoing conversations. Read Scripture together. Discuss tough questions. Teach them how to find answers in God’s Word.
2️. Plug into a church that preaches the full gospel.

Does your church stand firm on the authority of Scripture, or does it try to make Christianity more palatable? Your kids will notice. They need to see that God’s truth doesn’t change, even when the world tries to redefine it.
3️. Teach them to think critically.

Our culture thrives on emotional reasoning—“If it feels right, it must be true.” But biblical faith is rooted in truth, not feelings. Encourage your kids to ask hard questions and seek real answers. Equip them to recognize the difference between biblical Christianity and the counterfeit versions the world offers.
4️. Model an unwavering faith.

At the end of the day, our kids will imitate what they see in us. If we treat our faith as an afterthought—something we turn to only in crisis—they’ll do the same. But if they see us prioritizing Scripture, prayer, church, and obedience to God, they’ll understand that faith is the foundation of life.

🎧 Why You Need to Hear This Conversation

I know this can feel overwhelming. Raising kids in today’s world is hard. But here’s the good news—you are not alone.

In Episode #138, Alex McFarland and I unpack these challenges and give you the tools you need to navigate them with confidence. This conversation will equip and encourage you to raise kids who stand firm in a shifting world.

🔥 Listen to Episode #138 now to learn with it really means to be an evangelical.

👉 🎧 To hear this episode on Life Audio, click on the image below:
 

Or you can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And please consider giving CP/CW a 5-star rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify. That would make my day! 

Our children’s faith is too important to leave to chance. Let’s be intentional. Let’s be bold. Let’s raise the next generation of believers who will hold firm to the truth—no matter what.

About the Guest: Alex McFarland is the leader of Alex McFarland Ministries (alexmcfarland.com), and a religion, youth and culture expert. He is also the creator of Viral Truth Clubs, and has authored or co-authored more than 20 books, including THE ASSAULT ON AMERICA:  How to Defend our Nation Before It’s Too Late, 10 Issues that Divide Christians, The God You Thought You Knew, and more. He is the Director of Worldview and teaches in the School of Practical Government for Charis Bible College, located in Woodland Park, CO.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Barna, CRC Research finds America’s evangelicals are fewer, less biblically grounded and politically disengaged (August 8, 2024, The Pathway – The Missouri Baptist Convention)

American Worldview Inventory 2024 #4: New Research Reveals the Limitations of Christian Evangelicalism in American Society

American Worldview Inventory 2023 #: Biblical Worldview Among U.S. Adults Drops 33% Since Start of COVID-19 Pandemic