Impact 360 Institute

Why Do Students Walk Away From Their Faith? | Dr. Jonathan Morrow on Welcome to College In this episode of the Impact 360 Institute podcast, host Dakota Powell sits down with Dr. Jonathan Morrow — Director of Cultural Engagement and Student Discipleship at Impact 360 Institute — to discuss his brand new book, Welcome to College. Together they unpack why so many students quietly drift from their faith during the high school-to-college transition and what families, parents, and church leaders can do about it. College is filled with new experiences, learning, and growth, but navigating this landscape as a Christian student is a challenge of its own. If you're a high school student preparing for the college journey, this practical resource will guide and ground you as you step onto campus. Jonathan Morrow pulls from biblical truth and his own experiences with students as he engages with topics like critical theory and social justice, emotional resilience, moral and spiritual relativism, dating and relationships, social media and AI, gender, sexuality, and identity, and discovering God's will.Topics Discussed Why students walk away from faith — The hidden drift that happens on the inside long before it's visible on the outside "Faith that feels real but isn't ready" — How comfort and unchallenged belief create a fragile faith Common pitfalls — Relativizing faith, encountering unanswered questions on social media, and "coloring book Jesus" worldviews College doesn't create a faith crisis — it reveals one  What a lasting faith looks like — Rational anchors, relational anchors, and a compelling mission Practical advice for parents — How to narrate reality, ask good questions, and set the table for faith conversations The 44 chapters of Welcome to College — Topics ranging from apologetics and Bible trust to money, purity, entertainment, gender ideology, dating, alcohol, and more Impact 360 summer experiences & gap year program — Propel, Immersion, and the 9-month Fellows program Realign Conference — September 10th in the Atlanta area featuring Rosaria Butterfield, Alisa Childers, Jeff Morgan, and Dr. MorrowResources & Links Get the book: welcometocollege.org Impact 360 Institute: impact360.org Summer Experiences (Propel & Immersion): impact360.org 9-Month Gap Year Program: impact360.org Realign Conference (Sept. 10, Atlanta area): impact360.org Give to the Multiply Fund: impact360.org → Click "Give" Online Courses — Explore Truth & Explore the Resurrection: impact360.orgBooks Mentioned Welcome to College by Jonathan Morrow (NEW edition) Questioning the Bible: 11 Major Challenges to the Bible's Authority by Jonathan Morrow About the Podcast The Impact 360 Institute podcast explores biblical worldview and servant leadership to equip you for everyday influence. Learn more at impact360.org. Host: Dakota Powell Guest: Dr. Jonathan Morrow Impact 360 Institute — Know. Be. Live.

In this episode of the Impact 360 Institute Podcast, Jonathan Morrow examines new national data suggesting a significant decline in LGBTQ identification among U.S. young adults, reversing a years-long upward trend. He unpacks what’s driving this shift, why it matters, and how Christians should thoughtfully respond in a rapidly changing cultural moment. The conversation begins by framing the importance of understanding culture through a biblical worldview, emphasizing that followers of Jesus are called not only to be grounded in Scripture but also to accurately interpret the times. Morrow highlights recent research, particularly from Jean Twenge and CDC-backed datasets, showing that LGBTQ identification among young adults (ages 18–24) has dropped sharply since its peak in 2022. The episode explores several possible contributing factors behind this trend, including: 🔵 The fading influence of social contagion, especially through social media 🔵 Increased open dialogue and reduced censorship around gender and identity topics 🔵 Growing scrutiny of medical and therapeutic approaches related to gender identity 🔵 The role of mental health challenges and over-diagnosis culture 🔵 Shifting social incentives and cultural norms, particularly among Gen Z Jonathan also discusses legal and cultural developments, including a recent Supreme Court decision reinforcing parental rights in matters of gender identity, arguing that these shifts reflect a broader rebalancing of authority between families, institutions, and the state. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes a Christian response rooted in both truth and love, calling believers to engage culture actively, disciple the next generation, and avoid retreating into privatized faith. The episode closes with encouragement: while cultural confusion has been widespread, these new trends may signal a meaningful shift worth paying attention to and engaging with intentionally. Key Topics Covered 🔵 Decline in LGBTQ identification among Gen Z 🔵 Cultural vs. biological identity frameworks 🔵 Social media and “social contagion” theory 🔵 Mental health and identity formation 🔵 Legal shifts around parental rights 🔵 Christian worldview and cultural engagement 🔵 Discipleship in a post-confusion cultural moment   Key Takeaways 🟢 Cultural trends are not fixed—they can shift দ্রুত and significantly 🟢 Identity formation in Gen Z is deeply influenced by social, psychological, and digital environments 🟢 Christians are called to engage culture actively, not passively 🟢 Truth and compassion are not opposites, both are required 🟢 Discipling the next generation requires clarity, courage, and consistency   Resources:  Impact 360 Institute (https://www.impact360institute.org/) - Programs: Propel (summer), Fellows (gap year), courses on worldview and discipleship - Realign Conference (focused on cultural engagement and Gen Z) Key Event Details Event: REALIGN Date: September 10, 2026 Location: Hosted by Impact 360 Institute at SouthCrest Church (Newnan, GA) Audience: Pastors, ministry leaders, parents, educators, and mentors. Early Bird Registration: $39 through May 1 (increases to $79 afterward) https://impact360institute.ticketspice.com/impact-360-realign Past Conversations: The Five Core Needs of Every Human Being with Dr. Kathy Koch:  --> https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ep0QWGHAz2Q1VoJlkuL0k?si=4qRDZGjcTcGZ8IxO6Qzihg Five Lies of our anti-Christian Age with Dr. Rosaria Butterfield: --> https://open.spotify.com/episode/0A7wy5iV9XlwOHbNYdcq8s?si=URFdkTG1QEOIgH9RyOoOAw How Do You Disciple Teens About Biblical Sexuality? With Dr. Christopher Yuan --> https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tHeVv5zsc951MUDE6oPUU?si=dd5f_GJ7T3Wl7rRrjqR4yA      

In this episode of the Impact 360 Institute Podcast, host Jonathan Morrow sits down with Dr. Kathy Koch, author, speaker, and founder of Celebrate Kids, to explore her well-known teaching on the Five Core Needs, Security, Identity, Belonging, Purpose, and Competence, as outlined in her book Five to Thrive: How to Determine If Your Core Needs Are Being Met (and What to Do When They're Not). Together, they discuss how understanding and meeting these God-given needs can help students and adults alike flourish emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.Resources & LinksDr. Kathy Koch’s Website: Celebrate KidsBook: Five to ThrivePodcast: Celebrate Kids with Dr. Kathy KochImpact 360 Institute: impact360.orgLearn more about Explore Truth and Explore the Resurrection online coursesOn-campus programs in worldview and leadership developmentFollow on social media: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube This episode provides a deeply practical and biblical roadmap for understanding human motivation and flourishing. Dr. Kathy Koch shows how helping students and adults meet their core needs in Christ can transform insecurity and confusion into confidence, belonging, and purpose-driven living.

Join the Impact 360 podcast for an in-depth conversation with Robert Bowman, a leading evangelical scholar on apologetics, theology, and new religious movements. In this episode, we explore the biblical case for the deity of Christ through Bowman's book "The Incarnate Christ and His Critics: A Biblical Defense," co-authored with Ed Komoszewski.The HANDS Acronym FrameworkBowman introduces the memorable "HANDS" framework for understanding Christ's deity:Honors - Divine worship given to JesusAttributes - Divine characteristics (eternality, omnipotence)Names - Divine titles (Lord, God, I AM)Deeds - Divine actions (creation, miracles, judgment)Seat - Sharing God's throneKey Theological ConceptsThe Incarnation: Understanding Jesus as fully God and fully humanThe Paradox of Christ: How Jesus can be both eternal and born, divine and humanEarly Christian Worship: Evidence that first-century Jewish Christians worshiped Jesus as God from the beginningThe "Big Bang" of Christology: How divine Christology emerged immediately, not graduallyAddressing Common Objections"Why doesn't Jesus explicitly say 'I am God'?""If Jesus is God, who is he praying to?""Doesn't 'Son of God' mean Jesus is lesser than God?"John 1:1 translation debates ("the Word was God" vs. "the Word was a god")Resources MentionedBooks"The Incarnate Christ and His Critics: A Biblical Defense" by Robert Bowman and Ed Komoszewski"Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ" (2007) by the same authorsWebsitesInstitute for Religious Research: IRR.org - Hundreds of free articles on apologetics, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, and biblical reliabilityRobert Bowman's Personal Site: RobertBowman.net - Blog, book information, and free excerptsImpact 360 Institute ProgramsPropel & Immersion - 1-2 week summer experiences for high school studentsFellows Program - 9-month gap year program for post-high school studentsWebsite: Impact360.org

Host Jonathan Morrow shares insights from Impact 360's nine-month Fellows gap year program, featuring student testimonials about their transformative experiences. Topics DiscussedBiblical Apologetics & Worldview TrainingCore Questions Explored:How do we know Jesus is who He claimed to be?Was Jesus God?Can you trust the Bible?Evidence for Jesus's resurrectionHas the Bible been corrupted?Who chose the books of the Bible and why?Curriculum: Students work through Jonathan Morrow's book "Questioning the Bible" and develop their own apologetic casesStudent TransformationFellows (ages 18-20) taking nine months to invest in spiritual and intellectual formationFocus areas: knowing Jesus more deeply, character transformation, kingdom influenceExperiential learning in multiple locations: Georgia, Utah, Brazil, and Washington D.C.1 Chronicles 16: "Oh, give thanks to the Lord. Call upon his name. Make known his deeds among the peoples. Sing to him. Sing praises to him. Speak of all his wonders."Additional Resources & LinksImpact 360 Institute Website: impact360.orgDonation Page: https://impact360.givevirtuous.org/donate/impact-360-institute-give-today Online Courses Mentioned:Explore TruthExplore the ResurrectionBook Referenced: "Questioning the Bible" by Jonathan Morrow

In this episode of the Impact 360 Institute Podcast, host Jonathan Morrow analyzes dramatic new findings from Gen Z Volume 3 research (with Barna Group) about faith dynamics among young men and women. The conversation centers on the surprising trend: young men ages 18–24 are returning to church and recommitting to biblical faith while young women in the same age group are disengaging from organized religion at increasing rates.Topics Discussed:Introduction to biblical worldview and servant leadership  Review of Gen Z Volume 3 statistics: church attendance, faith identification, gender divide  Biblical foundation for male and female (Matthew 19:4–6); God’s design for gender Why young men are experiencing renewed agency, hope, and church engagement  Factors behind female Gen Z’s rise in “nones” (no faith affiliation) and moral relativism Cultural and educational shifts: college degree gaps, mental health, deaths of despair  Zero-sum game trap in faith conversations, why both young men and women matter “Men have been left behind, women have been lied to." Sexual revolution’s consequences for women, featuring Louise Perry’s journey from atheism to Christianity How secular scripts have failed young women’s flourishing; marriage and family insights  Reanimation of meaning among young men, agency in faith, and rising Bible engagement  Discipleship challenges and practical steps for churches, parents, and leaders  Encouragement for creating men-friendly spaces, supporting both sexes, and clear gospel teaching  Resources and programs at Impact 360 Institute for Gen Z students and ongoing research Additional Links:Gen Z Volume 3 Research: https://www.barna.com/gen-z-volume-3/Impact 360 Institute Courses & Conferences: https://www.impact360institute.org/courses/Article: Gen Z Women’s Faith Trends https://www.barna.com/trends/gen-z-women-struggling-in-faith/Louise Perry’s Story: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/case-against-sexual-revolution-perry/Social Media & Contact:Instagram: @impact360instituteTwitter/X: @impact360Facebook: Impact 360 InstituteEmail: info@impact360.orgFor more resources, episodes, or to support discipleship initiatives, visit Impact360.org.

What can we learn from the legacy of Charlie Kirk? How should Christians think about his public assassination, the gospel opportunities that have followed, and the challenges and opportunities facing the next generation? In this episode, Jonathan Morrow reflects on Charlie Kirk’s impact, the power of forgiveness, the three biblical spheres of family, church, and government, key biblical principles to anchor to in moments like these, and how Gen Z can step forward with clarity, courage, and conviction in this historic moment.Watch the eyewitness account of our friend Frank Turek as he reflects on being next to Charlie Kirk when he was shot. (YouTube) - https://youtu.be/rVaxvKtw5NQ?si=-2JpqW31aouRB-Lb Watch the 7 min presentation of the Gospel Frank Turek made at the memorial of Charlie Kirk - https://youtu.be/tDCUOtGJNtM?si=COspBzszwZxZAdfo Watch Erika Kirk 30 min talk where she forgives her husband's murderer - https://www.youtube.com/live/jAWG_LCRIWc?si=J1TZahOjgAmUwhnO&t=24765 Watch the entire memorial service for Charlie Kirk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAWG_LCRIWc (Get Access) Digital Course Discipling Gen Z (Conference Digital Pass) - https://learn.impact360institute.org/genz2025 

Jonathan Morrow sits down with Colson Center president John Stonestreet to unpack the new documentary Truth Rising, a timely look at our current “civilizational moment” and a practical call to cultural courage rooted in four anchors: hope, truth, identity, and calling. They preview the film’s free digital premiere, the companion 4-part study (with leader/participant guides), and how churches and families can host watch parties.Resources & LinksWatch the free premiere (Sept 5) + study guides & watch-party kit: TruthRising.comImpact 360 programs, courses, and Multiply Fund: Impact360.org 

Dakota Powell, a member of Impact 360's cultural engagement team, shares insight on discipling Gen Z in today's anxiety-driven, digital landscape. He highlights Gen Z's passion to make an impactful difference and discusses personal transformation stories stemming from genuine faith ownership. Powell identifies key questions that engage students, explores the balance between anxiety and spiritual curiosity, and defines resilience in faith. He also emphasizes the importance of prayer as a starting point for supporting this generation.

In this episode of the Impact 360 Institute Podcast, Director of Cultural Engagement Jonathan Morrow sits down with Dr. Paul Gould to tackle one of the most common modern myths: that faith and science are in conflict. Together, they unpack why Christianity and scientific inquiry are not only compatible, but how Christianity offers a more compelling explanation for the rationality, order, and wonder we find in the universe.Resources Mentioned:A Good and True Story by Dr. Paul GouldCultural Apologetics Follow Impact 360:Instagram: @impact360instituteFacebook: Impact 360 InstituteYouTube: Impact 360Contact Us:Have questions or want to learn more? Email us at info@impact360.org or visit Impact360.org