Friendship

Making Friends in 24 Hours: How a Stranger Becomes a Friend at Camp

At camp a stranger can become a best friend in 24 hours, but only if somebody walks over first. Through Proverbs 18:24, kids learn that real friendship starts with one kind word and get three simple moves to try on the first day.

Proverbs 18:24

When a Friend Moves Away

When a friend moves away, real friendship doesn't end. Proverbs 17:17 reminds us a friend loves at all times, and there are simple ways to stay connected.

Proverbs 17:17

What Should I Do If My Friend's Not in the Same Class as Me Next Year?

A What Should I Do If episode for the end-of-school-year moment when the class list comes out and your best friend is in a different room. Pastor Justin names the real loss, walks kids through Proverbs 17:17, and gives them one concrete first step: pick a recess spot for day one of next year before school ends.

Proverbs 17:17

What Do I Do If My Friends at School Don't Believe in Jesus?

A Questions from the Backseat episode for kids whose friends don't believe in Jesus. Pastor Justin walks them through 1 Peter 3:15 and lands them in the truth that their job isn't to argue, it's to live in a way that makes friends curious enough to ask.

1 Peter 3:15

Did Jesus Have a Best Friend Like I Do?

A Questions from the Backseat episode for kids wondering if Jesus knew what friendship felt like. Pastor Justin walks them through Peter, James, and John, and lands them in the truth that Jesus had close friends AND calls them his friend too.

John 15:15

Jesus and the Woman at the Well: One Conversation Can Change Everything

Jesus stopped at a well to talk with a woman everyone else was avoiding, and that one conversation changed her whole town. Kids learn that small moments of kindness can change a life.

John 4:14

Too Late? Jesus Isn’t Done Yet

This episode explores what happens when situations feel completely over and impossible. Pastor Justin shares the story of Jairus and his daughter from Luke 8 to show kids that Jesus is still in control even when things look too late.

Luke 8:50

Real Faith Finds a Way

This episode walks through Mark 2, where four friends dig through a roof to lower their paralyzed friend down to Jesus. It challenges kids to think about what kind of friend they are and whether they're willing to go the extra mile to help someone get closer to Jesus.

Mark 2:4

Jesus Stops for People

This episode is about how Jesus made time for people even when He was busy and had urgent things to do. Using the story from Mark 5 where Jesus stops to help a sick woman on His way to help Jairus's daughter, Pastor Justin shows kids that we should notice and care for people around us even when we're rushing to the next thing.

Mark 5:30

Choosing Good Influences: The Friends Who Shape You

A Saturday CWJ subscriber episode on the friends who shape you. Pastor Justin walks kids through Proverbs 13:20 and lands them in the truth that the people they walk with shape who they become, and choosing wisely matters.

Proverbs 13:20

Jesus Listens: What Good Leaders Actually Do

A CWJ episode for kids who want to be leaders but talk over their friends. Pastor Justin walks them through Luke 9:18 (where Jesus already knew the answer but still asked) and lands them in the truth that listening shows people they matter.

Luke 9:18

Be the Friend Someone Needs

A CWJ episode for kids who walk past someone sitting alone at lunch. Pastor Justin walks them through Matthew 25:40 and lands them in the truth that when you love someone who feels left out, you're loving Jesus too.

Matthew 25:40

Choose Friends Wisely

The Way To Build Trust

Fixing Friendships the Way Jesus Taught

How to Make New Friends | The Golden Rule for Kids

31) helps kids take simple, brave steps toward friendship.

Luke 6:31

Be a Peacemaker

Today’s Carpooling with Jesus episode reminds kids how to handle drama when the week is already in full swing.

Matthew 5:9

Scared of Being Bullied? What Jesus Would Say

Part of the October What Would Jesus Say series. A free Wednesday CWJ episode revisiting the bullying topic (originally covered as a What Should I Do If bonus the week prior). Pastor Justin walks kids through Psalm 34:18, names that real people in the Bible were bullied too, and lands them in the truth that you do not deserve to be bullied ever.

Psalm 34:18

Scared of Being Left Out? What Jesus Would Say

The first ever subscriber-only Saturday episode of CWJ. Part of the October What Would Jesus Say series. For kids not invited to the party, dropped by a friend, or left out of the game. Pastor Justin walks them through John 15:15 and lands them in the truth that Jesus doesn't just put up with them, he calls them friends.

John 15:15

Iron Sharpens Iron: The Power of Real Friendship

📖 Proverbs 27:17 — “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.” Today on Carpooling with Jesus, Pastor Justin shares what true friendship looks like through one of the most powerful verses in Proverbs.

Proverbs 27:17

What Real Friendship Looks Like in Proverbs 17:17

🚗 Whether you’re excited to see your best friend or still rubbing your eyes in the backseat, I’m Pastor Justin—and I’m so glad you’re here.

Proverbs 17:17

How Your Friends Shape Who You Become

🚗 Whether you’re walking to school with earbuds in or riding in the backseat surrounded by backpacks, I’m Pastor Justin—and I’m so glad you’re here.

Proverbs 13:20

Be the Kid Who Includes Others Who Feel Left Out

🚗 Whether you’re buckled up in the car or getting ready for homeschool, I’m Pastor Justin — and I’m so glad you’re here.

Romans 12:16

How to Be a Friend Who Shows Up When Someone Hurts

Whether you’re heading to a friend’s house or just riding along on errands, I’m Pastor Justin—and I’m so glad you’re here.

Job 2:13

The Greatest Kind of Friend, the Way Jesus Loves

Whether you’re cruising to your next summer adventure or just headed home, Pastor Justin is here with a powerful reminder: real friendship looks a lot like Jesus.

John 15:13

You Were Never Meant to Do Life Alone

In today’s episode of Carpooling with Jesus, Pastor Justin shares why we all need people by our side — especially when life gets hard.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

How to Be a Real Friend Even When It Is Hard

In this episode of Carpooling with Jesus, Pastor Justin digs into what the Bible says about real, loyal, stick-with-you friendship—even when life gets messy.

Proverbs 17:17

Jesus Helps Us Fix Friendships and Make Things Right

Has your summer day ever gone from awesome to awful in seconds?

Matthew 5:23-24

Rip the Roof Off: Friends Who Bring You to Jesus

Whether you’re cooling off with a Slurpee or relaxing in the shade, today’s story is next-level wild.

Mark 2:3-4

True Friendship: The Story of David and Jonathan

📖 Bible Verse of the Day: ”Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.” – 1 Samuel 18:3 🌟 Big Idea: Jonathan and David’s friendship shows us what it means to be a loyal friend—one who encourages, sacrifices, and stands by others no matter what.

1 Samuel 18:3