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Gender identity. Sexual orientation. Pornography. Casual sex. Consumerism. Affluence. Substance abuse. Violence. Technology. Social media. Entertainment. Racial tension. Pluralism. Secularism. Atheism.
Are they ready for these conversations? Are we? The typical evangelical kid in our typical evangelical church is not. Neither are their parents or leaders. Rather than bemoan the situation and give in to despair, the church needs to redouble her efforts in discipling the next generation. And we need to do it in culturally-savvy and relevant ways, while never compromising the truth of Christ.
Recently, I was at a youth event where a video was played for students to watch. The content was right on. However, the way it was packaged—the music, the graphics—was way off. I had my initial reservations about the video, but surveyed some students afterward to hear their thoughts.
Sure enough, the production and packaging of the video alone turned them off, so much so, they didn’t even hear the message. And these were Christian students who care. The important message of truth was lost because of the way it was presented. It only confirmed something that we’re all now seeing in the next generation: they listen with their eyes.
Therefore, we must repackage and re-present the truth to media-saturated students who have been raised on screens and images. We must wrap the truth in culturally savvy ways that grab the attention of their distracted minds, gain a hearing and woo them back to Christ. We need a new brand—a new movement—to reach that kind of kid. That’s why we need MAVEN.
Check out our game plan to carry out this mission.
This is by far the most asked question. We wanted a name that didn’t sound academic or educational and that wasn’t overly “apologetic-y,” because (sadly) that simply does not appeal to the average Christian student. However, we also wanted a name that communicated accurately what we’re about.
Our “field” is faith in the truth of Christ. So for us, a maven is one who knows the truth of Christ and seeks to pass it on to others. That’s what we want to be for young people. That’s what we want students to become. That’s what we want to help parents, pastors and youth leaders become for their children and youth.
How will we carry out our mission? Check out our game plan.
Know. Be. Live.
Know Jesus more deeply.
Be transformed in your character.
Live a life of Kingdom influence.
Located in Pine Mountain, Georgia, Impact 360 Institute has been cultivating leaders who follow Jesus since 2006. Through biblical worldview education, community-based discipleship, leadership coaching, vocational mentoring, and missional opportunities, students are equipped to live as change-agents in the world. Impact 360 Institute serves high school graduates through a life-changing 9-month Impact 360 Fellows experience, and teenagers for one and two weeks through the Impact 360 Immersion and Propel programs.
