The Mission Right Outside Your Door

The Mission Right Outside Your Door

Author: Mark Gregston July 15, 2026 Duration: 9:59

When you think of missions, do you picture a faraway country — or the people living just down the street? In this episode, Mark reflects on two life-changing experiences that reshaped his understanding of what it means to serve others. Through stories of a mission trip overseas and caring for his aging father-in-law, Mark challenges parents to recognize the opportunities God places right in front of them. He encourages families to look beyond grand gestures and embrace the everyday acts of love that can transform lives. Tune in for an inspiring reminder that your greatest mission field may be closer than you think.

Sometimes, the main mission we're called to is in our own family. If you have a teen who is hard to love at times, Mark has some tips for you: bit.ly/when-loving-teens-isnt-easy


Raising a teenager can feel like navigating uncharted territory every single day. Parenting Today's Teens is here to walk that path with you, offering a steady voice amid the chaos. Mark Gregston brings more than four decades of direct experience working with families to each conversation, translating complex adolescent behaviors into understandable insights. You’ll hear honest discussions about defiance, screen time, emotional withdrawal, and the search for identity, all framed with a perspective that is both pragmatic and hopeful. This isn’t about quick fixes or perfect formulas; it’s about building a lasting, authentic connection with your teen even when it’s difficult. Mark’s approach is grounded in real-world application, offering strategies you can consider and adapt the very same day. The podcast draws from a well of wisdom that respects the spiritual and personal growth of the entire family, recognizing that parenting a teen often means revisiting your own beliefs and reactions. Tune in for a resource that feels like a thoughtful conversation with a trusted guide, one that acknowledges the struggles while consistently pointing toward practical solutions and renewed understanding for the modern parent.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Parenting Today's Teens
Podcast Episodes
The Journey From Boys to Men [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:13
Raising a son is about more than helping him grow up — it's about helping him become the man God created him to be. In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore the unique challenges and opportunities of parenting boys throug…
8 Ways to Improve Communication with Your Teen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:45
Do you feel like every conversation with your teen ends in frustration — or silence? In this episode, Mark and Wayne share eight practical strategies for improving communication with today’s adolescents. From listening m…
What Pain Can Teach Your Teen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:35
Every parent wants to protect their child from pain. But what if some of life's greatest lessons come through it? Mark shares a personal story that transformed the way he thinks about pain and parenting. He explains how…
Teen Stories: Healing from the Inside Out [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:22
Teens don't always know how to work through big emotions like hurt, rejection or anger. Their inner pain often spills outward, resulting in some poor choices. In today's show, Mark talks with two young ladies at Heartlig…
Beyond the Smoke: A Warning About Marijuana [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:29
As marijuana becomes more accepted in today’s culture, many parents are wondering how to respond when their teen is exposed to it — or begins using it. In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss the growing prevalence of te…
I Mustache Mark a Question: House Rules, Isolation and Independence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:01
In today's Q&A episode, Mark dives into topics like why teen boys are more image-conscious than ever, how to handle a 17-year-old reading inappropriate romance novels and what consequences make sense for a teen who’s ski…
Raising Humble Teens in a Selfie World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:51
In a world that constantly says, “Look at me,” how can parents help teens develop humility, empathy and healthy relationships? Mark and Wayne discuss how social media, peer pressure, and today's culture can encourage sel…
The Power of Speaking Life Into Your Teen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:04
Who helped shape the person you are today? And who are you shaping for tomorrow? In this episode, Mark reflects on the mentors who profoundly influenced his life through simple conversations, thoughtful questions and tim…
Teen Stories: Secrets, Lies and the Search for Help [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:41
Every teen wants to feel valued and understood, but sometimes that search leads them into situations they would never have expected. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight who open up about the…