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Dr. Del Tackett is the author, architect and teacher for Focus on the Family's The Truth Project, a nationwide initiative designed to bring the Christian worldview to the body of Christ.
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The Institute…Trends
Posted on March 1, 2008
Filed Under Personal, Worldview |
One of the greater joys that God has granted to me at this time in my life is the privilege of teaching college students. Each semester, 88 of them make their way from all over the U.S. and internationally to attend the semester-long Institute at Focus on the Family.
I know that the word “transformed” is grossly overused today, but that is the best way to describe what happens to them while they are here. God does an amazing work within them and among them. It is not an emotional experience, though the semester is full of that. Emotional experiences are usually more fleeting in their impact. What happens here is much more permanent—a change in perspective, a worldview shift, a new pair of glasses. Our purpose is to “equip today’s student leaders to impact culture for Christ…to give each student the inspiration and ability to change lives while shaping culture.”
It is a remarkable program. The student’s propagate the saying: “God roams the halls of the Institute”. One student put it this way: “I now see the world in color.”
They are bright Christian students with proven leadership potential. Their grade point average is usually around 3.5 and they are loaded with talent and energy and charisma.
However…they are not immune from the shaping forces of our culture. They love the Lord, but they, too, just like all of us, are bombarded by the incessant attempt of the world, the flesh and the devil to squeeze all of us into its mold…in terms of how we act, how we think, and how we feel. The consequences are huge and we see it in student after student. One would think that this time of their life should be so free and joyful. But for many, it isn’t. Some come with a lot of baggage…baggage that is so heavy and so burdensome. It would make your heart break.
One of the things I enjoy most is the personal interaction that I get with the students. I usually follow class with an hour of “open forum” when students as a group can ask or discuss anything that is on their mind. However, my favorite is the “one-on-one” time when each student comes into my office for a private chat. Each professor at the Institute makes this a priority. Often, it is here that eyes tear up (both mine and theirs) as we get a chance to talk about their families, their struggles, and their hopes & dreams.
It is this very direct and personal involvement that I believe makes the Institute rather unique—personal involvement between students & staff, personal involvement between students & professors, and personal involvement among the students (which they are doing right now on the ski slopes of the Rocky Mountains). There is an amazing bond that develops within each class—lifelong relationships.
This involvement, then, gives us a privileged look into the heart of today’s college student. It also gives us the opportunity to witness trends and shifts. Each semester, a new group of 88 arrive, and though each class has its own personality and set of gifts & talents, over time they present a picture of what is happening—in them, and indirectly, in our culture.
I would like to address three of these trends with you—starting next time. See you then.
Soli Deo Gloria!
P.S. For those who are interested or have friends/children who might be interested, there are a few slots left for the Summer semester and registration for the fall ends mid-March. They will never regret it!
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16 Responses to “The Institute…Trends”
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It is with tears in my eyes I post this response. For when I look at that picture I see a face I know so well. One I see every where I look. There you are Morgan in the center of the picture. Surrounded by your friends. Surrounded by a host of people who love God. Surrounded by those who want to know and follow his son Jesus.
Right where I have always prayed you would be.
I love you - Dad
To all you parents - send your children.
To all you students - GO.
To Dr. Tackett - sorry if I threw you off by giving Morgan the answer to your ‘why did Jesus come into the world’ question in class. She said you had a great recovery. LOL
In Christ,
John Scheppler
FFI is indeed a life changing experience. I certainly will never forget my time there. It drives my desire to affect change in our world today. The vast number of things I learned I cannot express fully in words but I learned so very much both within and outside of the classroom. It was certainly a privilege to attend there and be blessed by you and the other faculty and staff there at FFI. You’re in our prayers. (FA ‘05)
I am glad that you are back to blogging!
It is great that Focus on the Family has the Institute to help train young people!
The Institute changed my life forever. I loved every minute of it. I always said that I heard God’s voice more clearly than ever before. Thanks for teaching the truth at the Institute and investing in people like me!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Crystal Becker
FFI Alumni, Summer 2005
Des Moines, IA
Our son had been at a great christian college for 3 semesters. He learned life lessons; he learned academics; he enjoyed his solo adventure outside of the “nest.” Jon is now a student at FFI this semester and the phenomenal excitement over his personal walk with God is contagious! His personal growth in every aspect of his life is a huge blessing. For those students considering the “cost” of putting other life plans aside for the FFI experience…It’s value far outweighs other possibilities.
Oh the change that happens!! Everyone should go. I remember those chats with professors. It is one way that place is so unique. Thanks for bringing back some wonderful and bittersweet memories about the “mountain”.
Summer 2004
The saving power and grace of Christ is at the core of our Christian beliefs. Yet, I sometimes wonder if we fully comprehend how he works in our lives and the lives of our children. It’s all about Trust! A mere 5 years ago (and the 10 preceding that), I thought I’d lost my daughter, even though she’d been raised in a loving Christian home. Today, I see her smiling face on your blog as she attends FFI. She wasn’t “supposed” to attend a good Christian college. Nor was she “supposed” to attend FFI. My wife and I always told her that nothing, nothing will get in the way of what God wants for her life if she submits it all to Him. Nothing did. Now we can only cry tears of joy for what she has become through God’s saving power and grace. We love you so much Jess!
Hi Dr. Tackett!!
This is such an awesome post! I love reading your blog. WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO COME BACK??? WE MISS YOU!!!! TONS.
Amy - FFI student
It’s true–I am a life transformed.
Thank you FFI for letting Jesus work through you in BIG ways!
Hi Dr. Tackett.
Your post about FFI brought tears of joy as I remembered my time at the Institute (Spring 03). My life was forever changed that semester. Not only was I challenged and encouraged by leaps and bounds, that is also where I met my wife.
My wife and I still enjoy conversations on so many things we learned during our time there. It was an investment well worth it!!
I am now looking forward to leading a Truth Project group at my church. I’m excited about going back through the material and being refreshed in HIS truth.
Thank you for the time you and the rest of the FFI staff dedicated to us. I’m looking forward to your next post…
Walking in His Dust,
Josue Sierra
Spring 03 (Omega)
Any thought to offering a Focus on the Family Institute experience ( condensed ) for those of us ” beyond ” the college years ? Perhaps a week or two for a ministry to those of us who are ” seasoned “.
I, also, am a life transformed—one that is still being moved by the Truths learned at FFI by the groups my husband and I lead with through The Truth Project. It is amazing to see others being transformed, also. I wish I could send everyone to experience it first hand, but your work through us continues to have a ripple effect. All we can say is thank you, for allowing yourself to be used, and for beleiving enough to use us. Soli Deo Gloria!
Beth Pope
FFI Alumni, Summer 2005
Tennessee
FFI was a monumental transformation season in my life even after being raised in a wonderful Godly home. I no longer run hard away from the cocoon. Dr. Tackett is one of the most accredited yet humble men I know! Leading Truth Project groups continues to reveal deeper roots of cultural lies that I have believed and reveal the Truth. It is vital to share FFI & Truth Project with others!
Melissa Levitt
FFI Alumni, Summer 2005
Texas
Our daughter, Bonnie was privileged to attend FFI last spring. We know she has the deepest respect and admiration for you, and we thank you from the depths of our hearts for what you taught her. Bonnie may not be a leader in movements or events, but she is a leader in that she stands so firmly in her faith, that others look to her because they see something is different about her. Two sessions at Summit certainly helped that, and her experience at FFI confirmed and enhanced it. We will be attending the Truth Project event in Appleton, and only wish you were going to be there. We would enjoy meeting you so very much!
Thank you again for being an example to Bonnie, and so many others, - and teaching the truth!
Del,
Transformed is only one of the words I would use to describe my experience at FFI (Fall 2004, my maiden name is Spier). I would also use the words defining, challenging, uplifting, and compelling. Thank you, Del, for allowing yourself to be used. I am forever changed because you, Sheryl, Doc Leland, and the Bottomlys were open to what God wanted to do through you. Thank you for your obedience to Him. That’s what it’s all about.
I often review my FFI materials and am again refreshed and reminded to live my life with purpose and vision. I also still have some of the best friends I’ve ever had because of that place.
Press on. God is not yet finished with FFI.
Blessings,
Chrissie ‘Spier’ Duncan
Dr. Tackett,
I am reminded of the awe and joy I experienced while attending the weekly studies of the Truth Project last summer. I have a college-attending son and identify with so much of what you have said with this article. Needless to say I look forward to your coming installments with anticipation. Thank you and all related staff for sending me these emails. They mean so very much to me. God’s blessings to you all!
Caroline