Christian parenting in the age of AI and influencers

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Stephanie Thurling, Josh Miller, and Dr. Ryan Denison for a timely roundtable on authority, wisdom, and raising kids in a noisy culture shaped by influencers, AI, and declining trust in institutions.

Together, they explore a four-phase parenting framework—caregiver, cop, coach, and consultant—and reflect on how authority is being redefined by authenticity and relatability. The conversation offers practical insight on helping kids discern character and spiritual fruit through a biblical lens, while keeping ultimate trust anchored in God. They also discuss the growing role of AI in teens’ lives, the difference between knowledge and wisdom, and how families can process polarizing news with prayer, humility, and intentional media habits.

Topics

(0:00) Introduction

(1:35) Parenting phases framework

(7:39) Authority crisis and Gen Z

(13:03) Influencers and trust online

(20:38) Information vs. wisdom in the AI age

(28:34) Kids using AI for schoolwork

(33:22) Wisdom beyond information

(37:09) Immigration news and kids

(44:39) Emotions, facts, and Scripture

(48:13) Media diet and guarding hearts

(54:20) Prayer and parenting wrap up

Resources

• Ask Us Anything: info@denisonforum.org
• Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe
• JH Ranch: 4 Phases of Parenting
• Teens, Social Media and AI Chatbots 2025
• The Christian Parenting Podcast

About Stephanie Thurling 

Steph Thurling is the host of The Christian Parenting Podcast, and a mom of three amazing kids! Steph has her master’s in youth, family, and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary and has a background in youth and children’s ministry. She is the co-author of Raising Prayerful Kids, a book that shares easy, life-giving, and fun ways to teach kids to pray. She loves helping families grow closer to each other and to God through meaningful experiences and conversations. Steph is a frequent speaker at churches and mom groups and is known for her relatable stories, practical ideas, and gentle encouragement.

About Josh Miller 

Josh Miller is the Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at Denison Ministries. He is also a disciple of Jesus, husband, and father. A Christian leader, author, and songwriter, Josh brings over 20 years of ministry experience, from global worship tours to pastoral leadership. He lives in Plano, Texas with his wife and two sons, fueled by faith, craft coffee, and a love for tacos.

About Dr. Ryan Denison

Ryan Denison, PhD, is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum and the author of The Focus newsletter, contributing writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from B. H. Carroll Theological Institute and an MDiv from Truett Seminary. Ryan has also taught at B. H. Carroll and Dallas Baptist University. He and his wife, Candice, live in East Texas and have two children.

About Dr. Mark Turman

Dr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

About Denison Forum

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org.