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Townsend Institute Podcast Series - 082 | Dr. Scott Keith: Being Family
Description
What If the Secret to Happiness Is Something You've Been Taught to Delay?
On this episode of TIPS, hosts Ashlie and Gilbert welcome back Dr. Scott Keith—executive director of 1517, author of Being Dad and the new book Being Family, and Concordia University Irvine alum—to challenge cultural narratives about marriage, family, and vocation.
Drawing from biblical foundations and demographic research, Scott reveals why the church and society have inadvertently taught young people to prioritize career and financial stability over marriage and family—and why this is backfiring.
You'll discover:
- The demographic crisis: why churches are shrinking not from unbelief, but from delayed/declined family formation
- How parents unknowingly teach their kids everything except the call to marriage and family
- The data: married people with children report the highest happiness levels—more than education or wealth
- Why "hidden holiness" transforms everyday parenting into sacred service to God
- How to reframe marriage as service to others, not self-fulfillment—and why this brings joy
Whether you're a young adult navigating marriage decisions, a parent wondering what to teach your kids, or someone seeking to understand vocation and purpose, this conversation offers a biblical blueprint for a life of meaning.
Perfect for: Young adults, parents, faith-based leaders, anyone questioning cultural narratives about career, marriage, and happiness.
Book: Being Family
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The Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine offers fully accredited online graduate degrees and professional certificates in three content areas: Organizational Leadership, Executive Coaching and Consulting, and Counseling. Experience transformational education that operates at the crossroads of competence, character, and connection through the Townsend Institute’s life-changing counseling and leadership programs. To find out more, visit our website at www.cui.edu/townsend.
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Episode music is "Psalm 1 (That Man)" featuring Tommy Walker, Ben Lange, & Kip Fox, produced by The Songwriter Initiative of The Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine.