I am completely honored to have this amazing family faith-building pioneer on the blog today. I’ve had the privilege of working with Phil {in my former life as a brand manager} and I absolutely love his heart and his tremendous gift of making the Bible accessible to families. You may know Phil as the creator of Veggie Tales, but do you know what he’s up to now? If you aren’t familiar with What’s In The Bible, be sure to check it out immediately after you read this encouraging post.
Phil, you have filled our homes with faith building resources for years with Veggie Tales and now What’s In The Bible, can you share a bit on why you are so passionate about children’s resources?
I think it’s because I’m a bit of a kid myself. I just can’t keep a straight face long enough to teach grown ups, so children’s media and resources have always been more appealing. My two biggest creative influences growing up were Walt Disney and Jim Henson, so… there you go.
What are 3 foundational truths you believe are key to faith building for families?
I don’t necessarily have three. I strongly believe, in the words of flight attendants everywhere, that we need to put on our own oxygen masks before assisting those around us. The best way to raise kids who long to walk with God is for their parents to show the joy of walking with God. Regardless of what we say, or what media or resources we put in front of them, how we live our lives will have the greatest impact by far.
What would you say to parents who are overwhelmed or discouraged in terms of teaching faith based concepts in their homes?
Not everyone is a teacher, in the stereotypical sense. I’m not sure I could ever homeschool my kids. I just don’t have that kind of mind or that kind of energy. We tend to look at other parents who are wired to be “super-teachers” and we think God wants us all to be exactly like that. But here’s a news flash: God made us all different. And we all have the capacity to model the Christian life to our kids in different ways. We need to let go of the idea that there’s only one way to teach our kids, and let God show us what discipleship can look like in our unique homes.
And Phil, we are all about grace here at Grace for Moms. What do you think it looks like for parents to give themselves grace in leading their kids along a journey of faith?
Stop comparing yourself to that friend of yours who does everything “just right.” Seriously. Redefine “just right” through God’s eyes – in alignment with your gifting, your wiring, your strengths, and yes, your weaknesses. Find your joy in the Lord. Your kids will find that irresistible.
***
Phil, thank you for being with us today. Your encouragement is so simple yet so powerful. I suppose being a kid and communicating with kids doesn’t have to be complicated. Thank you for your passion and commitment to provide families faith-building resources. Your vision and your heart will constantly fill our homes with conversation starters and building blocks for our family faith. For that, we are very grateful.
Visit the website for more information on the What’s In The Bible Series + a great deal going on now!
Phil Vischer is the founder of Big Idea Productions, Jellyfish Labs, and the creator and storyteller behind VeggieTales and What’s in Bible.
After bringing the gift of VeggieTales to families around the world, Phil continued to develop resources for faith-building through What’s In The Bible, a DVD series that takes families on a journey through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.
Read more about Phil, listen to his podcast, connect to JellyTelly {an app with faith-based games and activities for kids} and What’s In The Bible at philvischer.com
This post is a part of our monthly 5 Minutes with. . .series were we invite you to grab a cup of coffee and join us at the table of grace to discuss important topics of life, faith and motherhood.
Leave a Reply