Creating The Future with Brent Simpson

5 Steps to Keeping Peace With Your Family This Thanksgiving (and the Holiday season)

This week on Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson, I’m joined by family and marriage therapist Kingsley Grant — Who also serves as a keynote speaker, licensed psychotherapist, and leadership communication strategist — to talk about something we all need during the holidays:
👉 How to keep peace with your family at Thanksgiving — without losing your mind or your witness.
Kingsley has spent decades coaching leaders and families on emotional intelligence and conflict navigation. His insights are practical, biblical, and incredibly freeing.
 
In this episode, we break down:
✅ The 5 Steps to Getting Along With Your Family This Thanksgiving
Don’t Expect Thanksgiving to Be a Hallmark Movie“As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” — Romans 12:18→ Peace starts with realistic expectations.
Know What Triggers You — and Have a Plan“A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise person quietly holds them back.” — Proverbs 29:11→ Awareness prevents blow-ups.
Don’t Take the Bait — No Matter How Tempting It Is“A gentle answer turns away wrath.” — Proverbs 15:1→ Emotional maturity is spiritual maturity.
Focus on the Good Stuff and Leave the Rest Behind“Give thanks in all circumstances.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18→ Gratitude shifts atmosphere.
Leave With Lots of Love, Less of Leftovers“Above all, clothe yourselves with love…” — Colossians 3:14→ Love is the lasting impression.
💡 Closing Thought
“Peace at Thanksgiving doesn’t mean everyone behaves — it means you choose to stay steady when they don’t.” You can’t control the room, but you can control your response — and that’s where peace begins.
 
🔗 Connect with Kingsley Grant
Social Media: @Kingsleygrant
Website
The Joyful Wife: 7 Connection Skills To Better Understand Your Husband
Other Titles by Kingsley
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent
All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpsonWebsite: https://BrentSimpson.comArise Church: https://MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Podcast (audio): https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

Blessing Our Children — How to Pray Identity, Purpose, and God’s Favor Over the Next Generation

Welcome to Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson, where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future.
This week, I’m joined by Pastor Jose Medina from Arise Español for a heartfelt and practical conversation on how to speak a blessing over your children.
If you’ve ever wondered what a biblical blessing looks like today—or how to tangibly pass faith, identity, and confidence to your children—this episode gives you a simple, Spirit-filled framework.
What We Cover
Why every child needs a spoken blessing, not just silent love• The biblical pattern from the Father blessing Jesus• When and how to establish moments of blessing in your home• A clear 5-part structure for a powerful blessing prayer• Practical language, Scriptures, and examples• How blessing calls greatness out and prepares children for their future
The 5 Ingredients of a Blessing
Identity — Name who they are and whose they are
Scripture — Speak God's truth over their life
Affirmation — Recognize character, gifts, and growth
Commissioning — Call them forward into purpose and maturity
Love & Affection — Seal it with connection, delight, and commitment
The Pattern God Gave Us
When the Father blessed Jesus, He spoke:• Identity — “You are my Son”• Affection — “Whom I love”• Affirmation — “With You I am well pleased”
That divine pattern still shapes sons and daughters today.
✨ Example Blessing (Age 13 Rite of Passage)
Father God, thank You for the gift of my son/daughter, [Name]. Today I affirm who You’ve made them to be. As Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52), I pray the same for [Name]. I bless you with courage to make wise choices, strength to resist temptation, and confidence in your identity as a child of God. You are my beloved son/daughter, and I am proud of you. May you know that you are never alone—for God is with you and I am with you.
Feel free to use this language and make it your own.
 
Connect with Jose Medina
Instagram: @josianmedinaa
Arise Español: https://myarisechurch.com/espanol
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent
💬 Social: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com
🎙️ Podcast Audio: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

7 Questions for Reinventing Yourself for Life’s Next Season

In today’s episode, Dr. Brent guides you through a sacred self-inventory — not around your goals, but your identity with the help of Pastor Keren Emmauel (Arise Church’s Riverview Location Pastor). This episode is for anyone sensing a holy restlessness… that the season you’re in may be expiring, and something new is trying to be born.
Using framework insights from Halftime by Bob Buford and The Second Half by Patrick Morley, Dr. Brent unpacks 7 catalytic questions that will help you clarify who you are becoming… before life decides it for you.
 
  7 Questions from Today’s Episode:
Who do I actually want — or need — to become in this next season of life?
What parts of my current identity need to die so something better can live?
What would obedience or faithfulness look like in this season?
What grace is lifting — and where do I already sense new grace appearing?
What pace is God calling me to run — compared to past seasons?
What would be the bold move? What would be the wise move? What is the holy move?
What specific goals should I now create, based on the answers above?
 
Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
📚 Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance by Bob Bufordhttps://www.amazon.com/Halftime-Moving-Success-Significance/dp/031034375X
📚 The Second Half: Real Stories, Real Men, Real Faith by Patrick Morleyhttps://www.amazon.com/Second-Half-Real-Stories-Faith/dp/0310284290
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Listen on Podbean or any podcast platform:https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/
 

Raising Sons into Men: Why Your Children Need a Rite of Passage

Welcome to Creating The Future with Dr. Brent Simpson where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future.In today’s episode I open up about the intentional rites of passage I created for my sons — including the moment I took one of them to Washington, D.C., laid hands on him, and called him into manhood.
We explore:·Why nearly every culture in history created rites of passage — and why the modern West is an exception·The devastating effects of that vacuum (prolonged adolescence, identity confusion, reckless risk-taking)·The one core question every boy is asking: Do I have what it takes? — and why that question must be answered by a father·Biblical and historic roots of initiation and blessing (Bar Mitzvahs, Maasai warriors, Quinceañeras, baptism as a rite of passage)·Neuroscience meets discipleship — why meaningful, emotional, set-apart experiences become permanently imprinted·The 6 elements of a powerful rite of passage every father can create at any age·Why fathers must speak identity and affirmation — or culture will do it for them·A call to action for every dad, mentor, or leader listening
This may be one of the most important conversations I’ve ever initiated — because if we do not initiate the young, they will burn down the village to feel the heat.✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com💬 MyAriseChurch.com Listen to the Podcast Anywhere: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

What Every Parent Should Know Before You Give Your Child a Phone… Listen to This

📖 Episode Description:Smartphones are everywhere, and for today’s youth, they can be both a tool and a trap. In this special conversation, I sit down with Pastor Jeff Allen (Arise Brandon Location Pastor) and Arise Youth Leader Jiovanni Cintron to talk about everything parents should know before giving their child a phone.
Together we unpack:
When is the right age to give a child their first phone.
The apps every parent needs to install to help guard against online predators and pornography.
The warning signs that your child may be engaging with inappropriate content.
How phones affect mental health, identity, and relationships in teenagers.
Practical steps for building trust, accountability, and boundaries around technology.
How parents can lead—not just restrict—so kids see phones as a tool, not a trap.
This episode is filled with wisdom, practical tools, and candid conversation to help you parent with confidence in the digital age.
 
👤 About the Guests
Pastor Jeff Allen: A leader with many years of experience around equipping families and students to navigate culture with wisdom and faith.
Jiovanni Cintron: Arise Youth Leader, speaking from real-life experience working with teens in today’s smartphone-driven world.
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Audio: Podbean

Christopher Columbus: Hero, Villain, or Misunderstood? A Conversation with Rafael Ortiz

📖 Episode Description:Few names in history spark as much debate as Christopher Columbus. For some, he’s a bold explorer who changed the course of history. For others, he represents oppression, cruelty, and colonization. But what’s the truth?
In this special Columbus Day conversation, I sit down with Rafael Ortiz—author of Christopher Columbus The Hero and Christopher Columbus The Hero 2—to dig into the history, controversy, and modern revisionism surrounding Columbus.
Together, we explore:
Why Columbus has become one of the most polarizing figures in modern culture.
The strongest accusations against him—and how historical sources actually measure up.
What primary records (like journals and legal documents) reveal about his leadership.
How 15th-century context changes the way we interpret his actions today.
Why Columbus statues, holidays, and education have become cultural battlegrounds.
What lessons we can draw from history about how to handle controversial figures today.
Whether you’ve grown up celebrating Columbus Day or questioning it, this episode will challenge assumptions and invite you to see the story through a fresh lens.
 
👤 Guest Bio – Rafael OrtizRafael Ortiz is a researcher and author committed to re-examining the life and legacy of Christopher Columbus. His books, including Christopher Columbus The Hero and its sequel, tackle the accusations that have fueled modern debates, using primary sources and historical analysis to paint a fuller picture of the explorer’s life.
📚 Find Rafael’s books on Columbus here: https://www.christophercolumbusthehero.com/p/books-written-or-published-by-rafael.html
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Audio: Podbean

Should You Move In Together? What the Research Really Says

📖 Episode Description:In this episode, I sit down with Steven Widner, University of South Florida Chi Alpha Director, to unpack one of the most pressing questions facing young adults today: Is it a good practice to live together before marriage?
Drawing from a detailed study and years of ministry experience, we tackle:
The cultural rise of cohabitation and why it seems so normal.
What research reveals about the long-term impact of living together before marriage.
Why the Bible points us to a better way—and how this affects our walk with Christ.
How cohabitation often undermines trust, commitment, and God’s design for marriage.
Practical steps for those already living together who want to honor God moving forward.
This honest conversation is designed to challenge assumptions, bring biblical clarity, and encourage young believers to pursue relationships God’s way.
 
👤 Guest – Steven WidnerSteven Widner is the Chi Alpha Campus Director at the University of South Florida, where he disciples students, raises leaders, and addresses tough cultural issues with Biblical truth. His passion is helping young adults experience authentic community and walk in the fullness of God’s calling for their lives.
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Audio: Podbean

Power, Authority, and Bringing The Kingdom to Earth

📖 Episode Description:In this episode of Creating the Future, we continue the More Than Me series with a powerful look at the mission of the Church.
The Church is not just about attracting crowds or offering self-help. It exists to be a Kingdom outpost—a place where heaven touches earth. In this message we explore:
Why the Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future inheritance.
How Jesus has given us power and authority to bring freedom, healing, and transformation.
What it looks like to live as representatives of heaven in our homes, workplaces, and communities.
Why operating in both power and authority is key to dethroning the enemy and enthroning Christ.
How to recognize where satan has been given illegitimate authority—and how to take that territory back for God.
This message will challenge you to step into your calling, see your life as Kingdom territory, and live as part of God’s unstoppable mission.
👉 Watch the original message here: https://youtu.be/Uq3FTLj-Pmw?si=8SPGPXaFbgmndOzS
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Audio: Podbean

The True Character of Charlie Kirk Revealed

📖 Episode Description:This bonus episode of Creating the Future steps aside from our normal rhythm to reflect on the personal character of Charlie Kirk in the wake of his tragic death.
In a world full of soundbites and secondhand opinions, it’s vital to return to original sources if we want to understand truth. That’s why in this episode, we lean on the words of my friend and mentor Dr. Frank Turek, who knew Charlie personally and spoke about his life, faith, and integrity.
Much of this episode is an edited version of Frank’s powerful podcast where he shares who Charlie was behind the scenes—not just the public figure, but the man he knew.
We encourage you to watch the full conversation at your convenience here:👉 Frank Turek on Charlie Kirk (YouTube)
Together, let’s remember Charlie not only for his public voice, but also for the character that shaped his private life.
 
👤 About Dr. Frank TurekDr. Frank Turek is a Christian apologist, speaker, and author of books such as I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist and Correct, Not Politically Correct. Through his ministry, CrossExamined, he has trained thousands to defend the faith with clarity and courage. Frank was also a personal mentor to Charlie Kirk.You can learn more about Dr. Frank Turek here: https://crossexamined.org/
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Audio: Podbean

The Story of the Trinity: Controversy, Crisis, and the Creation of the Nicene Creed. AN Interview with Dr. Bryan Litfin

📖 Episode Description:In this special 1700-year anniversary conversation on the Nicene Creed, I sit down with author and scholar Dr. Bryan Litfin to discuss his groundbreaking new book The Story of the Trinity: Controversy, Crisis, and the Creation of the Nicene Creed.
Together we explore:
Why the early church used baptism creeds to shape faith and discipleship.
The question: Was Jesus really God, or just a demi-god?
How the Nicene Creed gave clarity to the divinity of Christ.
What role race and ethnicity played in the early church—were some church fathers Black?
The shock persecuted Christians must have felt when Christianity went from outlawed to endorsed at the Council of Nicaea.
This episode will help you see the Nicene Creed not as a dusty artifact, but as a living confession of faith that still grounds the Church today.
 
👤 Guest Bio – Dr. Bryan LitfinDr. Bryan Litfin is a professor, historian, and author dedicated to helping Christians understand the story of the early church. He holds a Ph.D. in Ancient Church History and has written multiple books, including both fiction and scholarly works. His latest release, The Story of the Trinity, unpacks the intense debates, courageous leadership, and powerful faith that gave birth to the Nicene Creed.Learn more about Bryan and his work at BryanLitfin.com.
📚 Get The Story of the Trinity here: Amazon Link
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Audio: Podbean