Fuller Theological Seminary changed my life, so it’s probably not a surprise that you see me talking about the seminary so much. Fuller was and is an amazing community of people who provide a safe place for someone to wrestle with the big questions of faith. Fuller challenged me to think about my faith, rather than just tell me how to think. But they also provided the boundaries to work that out in a loving community who loves Jesus Christ. I tell you all of this because I’m continually astounded by the work that they continue to do, the graduates that come out of there, and the professors and administration that guide them. And Fuller Youth Institute is no exception.
Under the direction of Kara Powell, Brad Griffin, and many others, FYI is the premier place that continues to research and provide resources to families on a large number of topics. I am constantly referring clients and colleagues to their website as it’s one of the best places at the intersection of youth, families, faith, justice and technology. In this episode I had the opportunity to sit down with Brad Griffin who is the Associate Director of FYI, and who over the years I have had the opportunity to develop a friendship with. Ironically enough, Brad and I have only met one time in person several years ago. But over the years he has been my main encouragement and editor on the many articles that I have written for FYI. Brad, you made my articles sound great…thank you.
In this episode we cover a lot of ground. There were so many more things I wanted to be able to discuss with Brad, so I will definitely have him back on the podcast. But we covered a lot around the intersection of faith, families and technology, while focusing a lot on the pressure kids experience in our culture with the overscheduling of their lives.
But in this episode we explore:
- the work of Fuller Youth Institute
- the Sticky Faith research and curriculum
- the epidemic of overscheduling kid’s lives.
- youth and sports.
- NCAA latest report on youth and the specialization of kids in one sport.
- the transmission of faith in families.
- how we can successfully navigate the use of technology in families.
- and so much more….
Resources Mentioned in the Episode
Right Click: Parenting Your Teenager in a Digital Media World
Denise Pope’s Research at Stanford
Families and Faith: How Religion is Passed Down across Generations by Vern Bengston
NCAA Survey Sheds Light on Athletes’ Youth Sports Experience
