Episode 305: How to Raise Kids with a Faith That Sticks with David Rausch

What makes a child’s faith last beyond high school? In this conversation, Nick Blevins sits down with children’s ministry leader and Go Curriculum founder David Rausch to talk about the growing number of young adults walking away from church—and what churches and parents can do differently. David shares the heart behind his book _Feeding Faith: The Discipleship of Kids That Last_, the story behind launching Go Curriculum, and the practical “EAT Strategy” for building lasting faith in kids through education, application, and transformation. This episode is packed with practical ministry insights, encouragement for parents and church leaders, and actionable ways to help kids develop a real relationship with Jesus that sticks. TIMESTAMPS 04:08 – David Rausch’s ministry journey and children’s ministry background 06:06 – The origin story of Go Curriculum 13:00 – Why David wrote Feeding Faith 13:45 – The alarming reality of kids leaving church after high school 16:03 – Why this is a children’s ministry issue, not just a youth ministry issue 17:01 – The “EAT Strategy”: Education, Application, and Transformation 18:02 – Why biblical education alone isn’t enough 19:00 – Putting application in the right place within lessons 20:15 – The missing piece: spiritual transformation 21:00 – Helping kids build a real relationship with God 23:20 – Practical ways to create transformational moments in ministry 24:00 – Making the gospel central in every lesson 25:00 – Teaching kids how to respond to the gospel 26:20 – Using response stations, prayer, journaling, and reflection with kids 27:50 – Why so many young adults leave church after graduation 29:30 – The critical role parents play in lasting faith formation 30:40 – Why churches need spiritual parenting strategies 32:00 – How culture has shifted parenting responsibility onto the church 33:00 – Why lead pastors must champion family discipleship 34:10 – Where to get Feeding Faith and Go Curriculum resources 35:00 – David’s hope for helping more kids develop faith that lasts