The word "evangelical" gets thrown around a lot these days—sometimes in ways that don’t reflect its true meaning. So what does it actually mean to be an evangelical Christian? And why does it matter more than ever?

In this eye-opening episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine sits down with renowned apologist Alex McFarland to clear up the confusion. With the media distorting the term and culture redefining faith itself, it’s time to set the record straight.

Alex and Catherine dive deep into the core beliefs of evangelical Christianity, from the inerrancy of Scripture to the deity of Christ—truths that are now being challenged even within the church. They unpack why words are losing their meaning in today’s society and what that means for our faith and families.

And here’s the kicker: Recent Barna research shows that while many people call themselves Christians, only a fraction actually hold a biblical worldview. That’s a crisis. If we want to raise kids who stand firm in their faith, we need to be intentional—grounding them in truth, surrounding them with a church that boldly preaches the gospel, and modeling what it means to follow Christ wholeheartedly.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Evangelical Christianity is rooted in the inerrancy of Scripture and the deity of Christ.
✔ Culture is redefining faith, making it critical to think biblically and critically.
✔ Many self-identified Christians don’t hold a biblical worldview—highlighting an urgent need for revival.
✔ Authentic love isn’t about making people comfortable; it’s about leading them to truth.

As parents, we’re shaping the next generation of believers. If we don’t pass down a strong, unwavering faith, who will? This conversation is a wake-up call—and an encouragement—to stand firm, stay engaged, and lead with conviction.

🎧 Tune in now and be part of the revival!

Guest bio: 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

The word "evangelical" gets thrown around a lot these days&mdash;sometimes in ways that don&rsquo;t reflect its true meaning. So what does it actually mean to be an evangelical Christian? And why does it matter more than ever?
In this eye-opening episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine sits down with renowned apologist Alex McFarland to clear up the confusion. With the media distorting the term and culture redefining faith itself, it&rsquo;s time to set the record straight.
Alex and Catherine dive deep into the core beliefs of evangelical Christianity, from the inerrancy of Scripture to the deity of Christ&mdash;truths that are now being challenged even within the church. They unpack why words are losing their meaning in today&rsquo;s society and what that means for our faith and families.
And here&rsquo;s the kicker: Recent Barna research shows that while many people call themselves Christians, only a fraction actually hold a biblical worldview. That&rsquo;s a crisis. If we want to raise kids who stand firm in their faith, we need to be intentional&mdash;grounding them in truth, surrounding them with a church that boldly preaches the gospel, and modeling what it means to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Evangelical Christianity is rooted in the inerrancy of Scripture and the deity of Christ. ✔ Culture is redefining faith, making it critical to think biblically and critically. ✔ Many self-identified Christians don&rsquo;t hold a biblical worldview&mdash;highlighting an urgent need for revival. ✔ Authentic love isn&rsquo;t about making people comfortable; it&rsquo;s about leading them to truth.
As parents, we&rsquo;re shaping the next generation of believers. If we don&rsquo;t pass down a strong, unwavering faith, who will? This conversation is a wake-up call&mdash;and an encouragement&mdash;to stand firm, stay engaged, and lead with conviction.
🎧 Tune in now and be part of the revival!
Guest bio: Alex McFarland&nbsp;is the leader of&nbsp;Alex McFarland Ministries&nbsp;(<a href="https://alexmcfarland.com/">alexmcfarland.com</a>),&nbsp;and a religion, youth and culture expert. He is also the creator of Viral Truth Clubs, and&nbsp;has authored or co-authored more than 20 books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Assault-America-Defend-Nation-Before/dp/1680317334/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2E32FNE6TWBOU&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.M1MmUa3jc7CVMsyV0TndqQ.o9DNPN56RF2LsLx0pIXLosLJKy6gjyXymd-02wncww8&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=The+Assault+on+America+How+To+Defend+Our+Country+before+It%27s+Too+late&amp;qid=1740167241&amp;sprefix=the+assault+on+america+how+to+defend+our+country+before+it%27s+too+late%2Caps%2C114&amp;sr=8-1">THE ASSAULT ON AMERICA: &nbsp;How to Defend our Nation Before It&rsquo;s Too Late</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/10-Issues-That-Divide-Christians/dp/0764215159/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FETSDT6Z13V1&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.iI7sE2E_HXHkAXFuzNzf_vEWRY50VQc_PJ3-frKEzLASiXI97NjEd2wl0APf_zZQp393nWTTOEcZhSNYpdiIAgAmv-pTrmdwfoGbufrabg8.1MyRJD7Ltt-cdZkiwiNinvpBmaokHm2cj1M3tu5kCVo&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=10+issues+that+divide+christians&amp;qid=1740167318&amp;sprefix=10+Issues+That%2Caps%2C132&amp;sr=8-1">10 Issues that Divide Christians</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/God-You-Thought-Knew-Christianity/dp/0764217712/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13HKVI5XLXUCX&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xzukgFawauaJvLPAR1h0CbvAIWtixqD2yQlh_pn9aA5HfKSPpIrubuXeEHZsE_dSxu96AxVKn-kSWvbw-x6iEU70ttLk1tfllaHnSfDz_pgQFQhqV7w3kuFm0iEERswtvkw6c4CWElPuaPid-s9D4_6S3bziFpG8LYmJ7ANQ-2Zf7OtEz49RbZ5BSmJCdx9TrO_My8lrizP53LfXQIs68U7HQ7nmtuOpeXLAN5A453Y.ykJYRLUYv9OTBkq_EdrCsxlJKUTU7M0TkPMcu0yCNm4&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+god+you+thought+you+knew&amp;qid=1740167381&amp;sprefix=the+god+you+thought+you+knew%2Caps%2C132&amp;sr=8-1">The God You Thought You Knew</a>, 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:
<a href="https://mbcpathway.com/2024/08/08/barna-crc-research-finds-americas-evangelicals-are-fewer-less-biblically-grounded-and-politically-disengaged/#:~:text=Not%20only%20are%20evangelicals%20smaller,even%20possess%20a%20biblical%20worldview.">Barna, CRC Research finds America&rsquo;s evangelicals are fewer, less biblically grounded and politically disengaged</a> (August 8, 2024, The Pathway &ndash; The Missouri Baptist Convention)
American Worldview Inventory 2024 #4: <a href="chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https:/www.arizonachristian.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/CRC-Release-AWVI-4-Aug-6-2024-Fourth-Draft.pdf">New Research Reveals the Limitations of Christian Evangelicalism in American Society</a>
American Worldview Inventory 2023 #: <a href="https://www.arizonachristian.edu/2023/02/28/biblical-worldview-among-u-s-adults-drops-33-since-start-of-covid-19-pandemic/">Biblical Worldview Among U.S. Adults Drops 33% Since Start of COVID-19 Pandemic</a>

The Christian Parent, Crazy World podcast with Catherine Segars equips moms and dads to be godly parents in a world that often opposes their faith. As a passionate apologist and seasoned communicator, Catherine unpacks the tough cultural issues facing families today, offering insightful, biblically grounded guidance. Each episode helps parents understand the challenges of our times and respond with wisdom, confidence, and grace.

Topics covered on this podcast include:
What to Do If Your Child Walks Away from the Faith
Can Our Words Change the Future?
Why Are So Many Kids Falling Away from The Faith?
13 Ways To Be a Better Parent This Year
5 Things Every Parent Needs to Know About Gen Z
What Critical Foundation Do Many Parents Miss When Discipling Their Kids?
How To Teach Your Kids the Christian Worldview 
Hope and Strategy for Parents of Prodigal Children

Want to read some of Catherine's most popular Christian parenting articles? Check them out here: https://www.crosswalk.com/author/catherine-segars/

The Christian Parent, Crazy World&nbsp;podcast with Catherine Segars equips moms and dads to be godly parents in a world that often opposes their faith. As a passionate apologist and seasoned communicator, Catherine unpacks the tough cultural issues facing families today, offering insightful, biblically grounded guidance. Each episode helps parents understand the challenges of our times and respond with wisdom, confidence, and grace.
Topics covered on this podcast include:
<ul>
<li>What to Do If Your Child Walks Away from the Faith</li>
<li>Can Our Words Change the Future?</li>
<li>Why Are So Many Kids Falling Away from The Faith?</li>
<li>13 Ways To Be a Better Parent This Year</li>
<li>5 Things Every Parent Needs to Know About Gen Z</li>
<li>What Critical Foundation Do Many Parents Miss When Discipling Their Kids?</li>
<li>How To Teach Your Kids the Christian Worldview&nbsp;</li>
<li>Hope and Strategy for Parents of Prodigal Children</li>
</ul>
Want to read some of Catherine's most popular Christian parenting articles? Check them out here: https://www.crosswalk.com/author/catherine-segars/

Christian Parent, Crazy World is a podcast dedicated to helping you be a godly parent in an ungodly world.