The Legacy Imperative Podcast

Jeff Ling and Dr. Bob Petterson explore the fifth commandment—"Honor your father and mother"—as part of a series on teaching the 11 commandments to the next generation. They discuss how true love is committed action, why honoring earthly parents reflects honoring our heavenly Father, and how family, discipline, and modeling authority shape children’s moral development.

The episode covers practical guidance for parents and grandpare...

Jeff Ling and Dr. Bob Peterson explore the often-neglected fourth commandment, explaining the meaning of Sabbath (Shabbat), its purpose as a gift of rest, and why Jesus’ resurrection reframed Sabbath rest for Christians.

They discuss practical ways to teach children and grandchildren about spiritual rest, the importance of weekly worship and fellowship, and how the Ten Commandments are a love letter meant to make our lives healthie...

In this episode Jeff Ling and Bob Peterson explore the third commandment—do not take the Lord’s name in vain—and how to teach it to children. They explain the original meaning of “vain” (empty or meaningless), illustrate common violations (using God’s name as an expletive, cursing, swearing oaths, and speaking for God), and emphasize that honoring God’s name grows out of love and relationship.

Practical examples and stories show wh...

Pastor Jeff Ling and Dr. Bob Peterson introduce a new Legacy Imperative podcast series on teaching the Ten Commandments—plus the "11th" Jesus gave: love one another. They discuss why the commandments remain a moral compass, how they point to Christ, and why we teach them to children and grandchildren.

This episode focuses on the first commandment (God alone) and practical ways to pass faith to the next generation, while clarifying ...

In this final episode of our four-part series on effective prayer, we delve into the critical aspect of timing. Discover why praying first thing in the morning is essential, how to maintain an attitude of prayer throughout the day, and the importance of praying whenever your loved ones come to mind. Join Dr. Bob and Jeff as they share insightful stories and practical tips to enhance your prayer life, ensuring it is both powerful an...

Join Bob Peterson, founder and president of Legacy Imperative, and his good friend Jeff Ling, pastor of Clear River Church, as they delve into the impactful role of grandparents in guiding the spiritual journey of their grandchildren. With a century of combined ministry experience, Bob and Jeff emphasize the power of prayer in shaping the lives of the next generation.

In this episode, they explore the essential prayers for the sal...

Welcome to this episode of the Legacy Imperative podcast, where we dive into the art of effective prayer. Today, we explore how grandparents can harness the power of prayer to build lasting connections with their next-gen loved ones. Discover insights into transforming your prayer life, inspired by timeless biblical teachings.

Join Bob and Jeff as they discuss the widespread struggle with prayer effectiveness, despite the significa...

In this episode of the Legacy Podcast, Bob and Jeff embark on a series dedicated to guiding grandparents on the spiritual journey of praying for their grandchildren. They discuss the profound impact prayer can have and explore the reasons why it is essential for the well-being of future generations.

Bob shares his personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of prayer despite its challenges. He highlights the unique privilege ...

Join hosts Jeff Ling and Bob Peterson as they explore the essential steps grandparents can take to build lasting gospel bridges with their grandchildren. In this episode, they discuss the importance of engaging in difficult conversations and expressing love and appreciation to maintain open doors with adult children and their families. Discover practical tips for overcoming communication barriers in today's cancel culture and learn...

Welcome to another enriching episode of the Legacy Imperative podcast, where hosts Jeff Ling and Bob Peterson discuss the crucial role of active listening in nurturing relationships with adult children and grandchildren. In this episode, they explore the art of listening not just with ears but with eyes and hearts, emphasizing the importance of transforming from a dictating figure to a supportive friend and advisor. Join us in lear...

Welcome to another episode of our Legacy Imperative podcast. Today, we tackle the vital topic of maintaining open doors to our adult children’s homes, which is essential for nurturing a relationship with our grandchildren. Join us with Dr. Bob Peterson, the founder, and president of Legacy Imperative, as we discuss the significance of respecting boundaries to prevent getting shut out by our children.

In this episode, we delve into...

Join Jeff Ling and Dr. Bob Peterson in this insightful episode of the Legacy Imperative podcast as they explore the crucial role of grandparents in nurturing a gospel-centered legacy. Learn about the importance of maintaining open relationships with adult children and grandchildren, and discover how overcoming common pitfalls like criticism and worry can strengthen family bonds. Packed with personal anecdotes and expert advice, thi...

Welcome to a new edition of the Legacy Imperative podcast, now with video! Join Jeff Ling, pastor from Northern Virginia, and Bob Peterson, the founder of Legacy Imperative, as they embark on a conversation highlighting a growing crisis among grandparents — the unanticipated barriers with their adult children and grandchildren.

Studies reveal troubling statistics: approximately 27% of people over 18 have severed family ties, and m...

In this engaging episode, Pastor Jeff Ling and Dr. Bob Petterson delve into the challenges of raising children in today's digital age. They address the critical issue of exposure to inappropriate content in schools and the role of social media in influencing young minds. Highlighting the importance of vigilance and proactive involvement, they explore how grandparents can build meaningful connections and impart values to their grand...

Join host Jeff Ling and Dr. Bob Petterson, founder of Legacy Imperative, as they delve into the challenges and responsibilities of guiding the youngest members of society through the complexities of the digital world. With 40 million digital-native Alpha kids in the U.S., the influence of social media is unprecedented, often eclipsing traditional sources of learning like schools, churches, and families.

This episode explores the ph...

Join Pastor Jeff Ling from Clear River Community Church in Manassas, Virginia, and Dr. Bob Petterson, founder of Legacy Imperative, as they discuss the challenges and responsibilities of navigating social media in today's world. This episode explores the importance of truthfulness and healthy relationships, especially when engaging with younger generations.

They address the prevalence of misinformation and 'village experts' in soci...

Join Jeff Ling, pastor of Clear River Community Church, and Dr. Bob Petterson, founder of Legacy Imperative, as they discuss the pervasive influence of social media on younger generations. In this enlightening episode, they delve into the challenges posed by unchecked information and the cultural shifts driven by these platforms.

Learn practical strategies for grandparents to connect with and guide their grandchildren amidst the di...

In a world of hot takes and cancel culture, let's make 2025 the year of understanding. 🌟

Key takeaways from today's Legacy Imperative podcast:

• Seek to understand before being understood

• Ask questions instead of making statements

• Treat everyone as precious in God's sight

• Practice patience in conversations

Remember: 'God gave us two ears and one mouth for a purpose.' - Puritan wisdom

How will you listen more deeply this year...