Impact 360 Institute

How do we have meaningful spiritual conversations in a culture that is curious about Jesus but often skeptical of Christianity?In this episode, Sean McDowell draws from Paul’s example in Acts 17 to offer a practical approach for engaging people with truth, courage, and genuine love. Sean explains why Christians should not be afraid of difficult questions or disagreement and why finding common ground can open the door to deeper conversations about Jesus.You’ll learn how to engage people who see the world differently, navigate potentially difficult conversations without compromising biblical truth, and recognize the spiritual opportunities already happening around you.In this episode:Why spiritual curiosity creates opportunities for gospel conversationsWhat Acts 17 teaches us about engaging cultureWhy Jesus should remain at the center of our conversationsHow to find common ground without compromising truthWhy Christians should not be afraid of disagreement or even offenseHow to approach spiritual conversations with both courage and loveHelp Equip the Next GenerationYour generosity helps Impact 360 Institute provide biblical teaching, deep discipleship, authentic community, and experiences that prepare the next generation to follow Jesus with clarity, courage, and conviction.Give to Impact 360 Institute:https://www.impact360institute.org/donation/ Explore More Resources & CoursesContinue growing in your ability to understand and engage today’s culture through Impact 360 Institute resources and online courses, including our Realign Conference Digital Pass - https://learn.impact360institute.org/offers/RKbJwftW/checkout Explore courses and resources:impact360.org

Can God find you when you're at your lowest point?In this episode, Jonathan Morrow sits down with Jeff Morgan to discuss his journey from New Age spirituality to faith in Jesus, the Jewish Messiah. What began as a search for spiritual meaning became a pursuit of truth that ultimately led Jeff to Christ.Along the way, Jeff discovered that God is big enough to meet us in our darkest places, strong enough to overcome our deepest doubts, and loving enough to pursue us when we feel beyond hope. Jonathan and Jeff explore the role of curiosity in spiritual discovery, how to investigate the identity of Jesus for yourself, and why prayer, courage, and genuine care for others remain powerful tools for sharing the gospel.Whether you're seeking answers yourself or looking to engage others in meaningful spiritual conversations, this episode offers hope that no one is too far gone and no situation is beyond God's reach.Topics include:From New Age spirituality to faith in JesusHow spiritual curiosity can lead to truthHow to know who Jesus really isGod's pursuit of people in their darkest momentsThe power of prayer and spiritual conversationsCourageously caring for othersWhy no one is beyond hope or beyond God's graceIs Jesus really for the Jews?Evidence for the Messiah from the Hebrew ScripturesHIGHWAY 53 by Jeff Morgan is a gospel-centered, media-based ministry from Israel, sharing the hope of Jesus through real street conversations, testimonies, and on-location Bible moments.

Host Jonathan Morrow, author and Director of Cultural Engagement at Impact 360 Institute, examines the state of discipleship in the American church and offers a clear, biblical framework for what it means to follow Jesus.Topics Discussed Why "disciple" is used often in Scripture but rarely clearly defined or practiced Recent Lifeway Research findings: only 11% of U.S. Protestant pastors strongly agree discipleship is their church's strongest function The need for both clarity and a plan in disciple-making (Colossians 4 — gospel clarity + wisdom toward outsiders) Impact 360's definition of a disciple — a faithful follower of Jesus who: Thinks like Jesus (Romans 12:2, Colossians 2:3 — biblical worldview) Is transformed by Jesus (spiritual transformation, fruit of the Spirit) Shares Jesus (verbally sharing the gospel, not just "living it out") Lives out their calling with Jesus (everyday influence, starting where you are) Multiplies disciples like Jesus (the Great Commission, generational faithfulness) Why "attendance-only" faith and a Sunday-morning-only Christianity fail to form true disciples The Ministry Leader Collective — a 9-month cohort through Impact 360's Center for Student Discipleship, helping pastors and youth leaders build a clear, confident disciple-making plan for Gen Z and Gen Alpha (new cohort launching early fall; space limited) A summer challenge to listeners: pick one of the five discipleship marks and ask God where to grow Mention of the Realign Conference (September 10, Atlanta area) featuring Jonathan Morrow, Rosaria Butterfield, Alisa Childers, and Jeff Myers Episode Notes & Links Learn more / apply for the Ministry Leader Collective: impact360.org → Coaching, or impact360institute.org/collective Realign Conference (Sept 10, Atlanta area): impact360.org → Realign Conference Online courses (Explore Truth, Explore the Resurrection) and on-campus programs: impact360.org Connect with Impact 360 Institute Website: impact360.org

In this episode, Jonathan Morrow sits down with Katie Faust, children's rights advocate, founder and president of Them Before Us, and voice behind the Greater Than Campaign,  for a wide-ranging conversation on why God's design for marriage and family is the foundation of child protection, human flourishing, and civilizational health.   Katie shares her personal backstory: a stay-at-home mom and pastor's wife who was moved to action out of "blind rage" over the normalization of mother and father loss in the gay marriage debate. Drawing on her own experience with family fragmentation and her years in youth ministry, she brings both personal conviction and rigorous argumentation to the table.   Topics Discussed:   Why the religious liberty argument against gay marriage failed, and what should have been said instead The three things children uniquely receive when raised by their biological mother and father: biological identity, safety and love, and a complementary gender balance The Cinderella Effect and what decades of social science say about unrelated adults in the home How to respond to common objections: "Love makes a family," "This is an equality issue," and "The studies show no harm" Why Christians cannot opt out of this issue in the name of "just preaching the gospel" A vision for Gen Z and Gen Alpha: why this generation has the greatest calling of any in history   Resources Mentioned:   Them Before Us (thembeforeus.com) Greater Than Campaign (greaterthancampaign.com) Impact 360 Institute (impact360.org) Realign Conference — September, Atlanta area Ministry Leader Collective — cohort training for youth pastors and next gen directors Documentary: This Is a Child (Focus on the Family, upcoming) Book: Them Before Us: Why We Need a Global Children's Rights Movement by Katie Faust

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: [email protected] more resources, episodes, or to support discipleship initiatives, visit Impact360.org.