Chip Kendall: “Don’t be afraid of tough love—help your kids face their struggles honestly and let them know you’re there”

Tell us a little about yourself and how you got to where you are now?

I’m Chip Kendall, a singer-songwriter born in Florida. At 12, my family moved to Jerusalem, Israel, so I spent all my teenage years in the Holy Land. Later, I went to Bible college in California, where I met my British wife. We had an arm-wrestling match, and she won so we ended up in England! I was in thebandwithnoname, then the Chip Kendall Band, and now I’m part of !Audacious Church in Manchester. I’ve written albums, musicals, and I’m a proud dad to Cole, Eden, and Elliot.

What was family life like growing up?

My dad was often away, building the church. He did everything, he’s been the worship pastor, youth pastor, even secretary. My mum led the dance team. We were massively involved in church, which grew from about 200 to 2,000 people. We lived near Dodgertown in Florida, so as a Little League baseball kid, it was a dream. My biggest dream was to be the first person to play baseball on the moon! Dad also started the area’s first Christian radio station.

Mum’s devotion and dad’s tenacity shaped me. Together, they taught me faith, commitment, and listening for God’s voice

Why the move to Israel?

Dad was invited to sing in a choir in Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. What started as a one-off trip turned into a family move within a few months. It was a huge step of faith. Dad made it clear: if my sister or I didn’t feel right, we wouldn’t go. We all felt called as a family. The first year was hard—I struggled with friends, the food, and missing home. But then I started writing songs. I promised God I’d always use that gift for Him, and that’s been a defining moment for me.

What was your family’s faith life like?

My mum was devoted to Jesus. I vividly remember waking up to her dancing and singing to Integrity Hosanna worship tapes. The presence of God was so real at home. She led me to Jesus as a kid, explaining faith in a way I could understand. Our church in Florida was fantastic—dad led worship and directed musicals that brought God’s word alive. The arts were valued; it showed me that the creative arts could be and should be valued in church.

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How did things change after moving?

My dad’s obedience and tenacity really showed. If he believed God said something, that was it. That kind of faith was crucial. He modelled what it means to hear from God and follow through, even if it means uprooting the family. Mum’s devotion and dad’s tenacity shaped me. Together, they taught me faith, commitment, and listening for God’s voice.

I just wanted to get parenting right, I said to God “please don’t let me screw this up.” That feeling has never left me

What did you do differently as a parent?

One thing I learned from my dad’s absence was to do family differently. When my wife and I had Cole, we decided to bring him on the road with us rather than me leaving them both at home. We faced all sorts of challenges, from touring tough places to balancing roles, but it was important to do ministry as a family.

Becoming a dad was emotional. Just before Cole was born, I found myself tearing up at random things. My mum told me God was making my heart tender. Holding Cole for the first time was amazing, I just wanted to get parenting right, I said to God “please don’t let me screw this up.” That feeling has never left me.

I’m a big believer that it takes a village to raise a child—not just parents and grandparents, but also church and community

What have been your biggest challenges as a parent?

One of the toughest things is truth-telling. Ministry families sometimes feel the pressure to be ‘poster families,’ so kids may hide their struggles. We’ve tried to turn every weakness into a strength, learning together and using resources like Premier NexGen. I’m a big believer that it takes a village to raise a child—not just parents and grandparents, but also church and community.

What has worked well for you in terms of family faith formation?

There have been some intentional things we’ve done and then some unintentional things.

So, one of the big things that has worked brilliantly is the “Year 9 fund” for each child. We save up from their birth so when they hit Year 9, they can use the money for a special adventure with us. Those trips have been brilliant for deepening relationships – they have been amazing adventures.

I also believe in honest, tough conversations. Don’t be afraid to confront your kids. Show tough love, ask the hard questions

We pray before meals, letting anyone who wants to lead. Hearing your child pray is a great sign of spiritual growth. I write scripture memory songs for church, and our kids have picked up so much Bible through those songs. We’re intentional about rest—taking family sabbaticals, like a month in Honduras this year, which made such a difference to us all.

I also believe in honest, tough conversations. Don’t be afraid to confront your kids. Show tough love, ask the hard questions, and let them know you’re there for them. Remind them that your job as a parent is to help, even with difficult topics.

I’m grateful for the wider community, like Premier NexGen, that helps families walk this journey together

What advice would you give your past self as a new parent?

Give your kids to Jesus from day one. Dedicate them to God, knowing you’ll get some things right and some things wrong. Ultimately, they belong to Him. Rely on God, and don’t try to do it all yourself. Don’t be afraid of tough love—help your kids face their struggles honestly and let them know you’re there.

Anything else you want to share?

My mum wasn’t always a Christian—she grew up Catholic and later found a personal relationship with Jesus, which was foundational for me. I’m grateful for the environment my parents created, full of faith, music, and commitment. As a parent, I want the same for my kids: to be surrounded by God’s presence and to know that their dad is with them, not just for them. And I’m grateful for the wider community, like Premier NexGen, that helps families walk this journey together.