Transforming Families Through Kingdom-Centered Parenting: Su Park's Story

What happens when God calls someone from the most unlikely place and turns their pain into purpose? In the latest episode of the GraceFilled Community Podcast, Su Park shares her remarkable journey from a childhood in an anti-Christian home to becoming a transformational family ministry leader. Her story reveals the power of heart-based parenting, healing from emotional wounds, and embracing God's kingdom perspective in raising children.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2441885/episodes/16915749-transforming-families-through-kingdom-centered-parenting

🙏 From Resistance to Redemption Su Park grew up in a household where Christianity was not only discouraged—it was forbidden. Attending church was out of the question, and faith was a foreign concept. But as Scripture reminds us, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5). Su encountered Christ and responded to a divine call to ministry, even when law school seemed to be her destined path. Just before her college graduation, God redirected her steps toward full-time ministry and family discipleship.

👩‍👧‍👦 Heart-Based Parenting Over Behavior Modification One of the most transformative insights Su shared is the importance of heart-based parenting. Instead of focusing on controlling behavior, Su encourages parents to aim for discipleship—developing a child’s heart and character in alignment with God's word. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." True transformation starts from the inside out.

Su contrasts discipline (training) with punishment (hurting). She explains that discipline equips children with wisdom and godly character, whereas punishment often stems from anger or frustration. Her approach prioritizes compassion, connection, and Christ-centered instruction.

💔 Healing the Hidden Wounds Su bravely shares how father and mother wounds can deeply affect our ability to connect with others, especially our children. These unhealed wounds often create blind spots that affect how we parent and how we relate in our communities. "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" (Psalm 147:3).

Creating safe spaces for heart-to-heart conversations is vital in Su’s model of parenting. Instead of correcting emotions or saying, "I told you so," Su teaches that empathy opens the door to healing. Parents must learn to nurture their children's souls by validating their feelings and responding with grace.

💬 The Power of Words and Identity Su underscores that words have the power to build up or tear down (Proverbs 18:21). Encouraging words, filled with truth and love, affirm a child's identity in Christ—not in cultural performance or perfection. As Romans 12:2 exhorts, we must "not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind."

By helping children understand who they are in God’s kingdom, parents set a foundation for unshakable identity and purpose. Su’s coaching helps families shift away from cultural pressure and into kingdom-rooted parenting.

🏡 The Gift of Community Su also highlights the role of community in raising children and in healing from personal wounds. Just as the early church shared life together (Acts 2:42-47), families today need spiritual support systems to thrive. Whether through small groups, church fellowship, or coaching, community provides encouragement, accountability, and wisdom for the parenting journey.

📣This conversation is a powerful reminder that God is in the business of transformation—from our homes to our hearts. Su’s journey will inspire you to rethink how you parent, how you heal, and how you live out your faith in everyday family life.

🎧 Catch the Full Episode now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2441885/episodes/16915749-transforming-families-through-kingdom-centered-parenting

📬 Need trusted parenting community or support? Email us at grow@gracefilledcommunity.com and we’ll connect you.

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