College Bound [Podcast]

Michael WintherPodcast

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Mike Winther has a message for those who are preparing for college. To become good leaders, our youth need to understand what the bible says about every area of life. After 12 years of coaching homeschooled high school students, we’ve seen some go off to college successfully and some not so much. College is a major part that frames who our kids become. 

He talks about four main topics that apply to students and college. These include:  1. Should a student go to college? 2. How do you best prepare your kids for college? 3. How do you pick a college? 4. College options and creative alternatives. College is a huge opportunity and responsibility. It’s time for parents and young people to prepare thoughtfully and with a biblical perspective.

You’ll Learn:

  • [02:32] Most of the people we know have met their spouses in college. Looking at a student body where your potential spouse might be is an important college decision.
  • [05:10] Something is an idol if it takes the place of God or elevates itself to a position higher than God. It’s also an idol if we are willing to violate God’s law to get it or achieve it. We need to make sure that we don’t make college an idol.
  • [06:51] College is the most influential time for our kids when it comes to things like worldview, understanding right from wrong, and major beliefs.
  • [09:34] Relativism teaches that the ends do justify the means. The objective in college is to break down your worldview and create a vacuum.
  • [11:24] Kids are losing faith in college and even adopting abhorrent world views.
  • [11:45] 1. Should a student go to college? 2. How do you best prepare your kids for college? 3. How do you pick a college? 4. College options and creative alternatives.
  • [12:15] College is a good environment and a beneficial thing. It’s not necessarily for everyone.
  • [15:51] When it comes to college, there’s skill set preparation and worldview preparation. Reading and writing ability are key.
  • [19:27] Being able to read and see other viewpoints and take a position is a powerful skill. Speech and debate capabilities also enhance college.
  • [23:04] Most of us and our students don’t have an adequate biblical worldview. It’s a journey not a destination. It’s so important to build a biblical worldview in the heart of our students.
  • [25:24] When selecting a college, you first need to decide on a Christian or non-Christian college. There’s a high percentage of kids who lose their faith at college, even Christian colleges.
  • [30:07] 1. Don’t choose a college by how pretty the campus is. 2. Don’t limit your visit to what they want to show you. 3. Don’t fully trust the recommendations of others. 3. Don’t base your choice on the admissions department.
  • [34:43] 1. Do visit the campus. Visit on an ordinary week and a school day. 2. Tour the dorm rooms and the hallways where the professor’s offices are. 3. Evaluate nearby off-campus church options. 
  • [40:44] Look at affordability last. My process includes pray, research, pray, more research, and more prayer before deciding.
  • [43:56] Mike talks about things to look for when choosing a college. What standards are you looking for?
  • [44:45] There are also off-campus college alternatives. 
  • [48:21] Junior colleges also have a similar worldview to the four year colleges. Use the same caveats, because the professors are trying to shift the worldviews of our kids.
  • [51:46] We need to seek out the resources to teach our kids that there are absolutes, but first we need to understand those concepts.

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