ÌÇÐÄVlog

As parents help their high school students prepare for the future, one of the biggest challenges is helping them discover how God has uniquely gifted them to serve others and make an impact in the world for Christ.

In a conversation with bestselling author, entrepreneur, and ÌÇÐÄVlog professor Dr. Kary Oberbrunner, explored what it means to raise entrepreneurial thinkers, develop creative problem-solving skills, and prepare students to navigate the intersection of their relationship with Christ against a culture that stands opposed to God's truth.

For families beginning to consider life after high school graduation, the discussion offers valuable insights into helping students identify their calling, engage culture from a biblical worldview, and develop the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Timestamps

• Teaching Digital Marketing and Creative Problem-Solving
• The Fine Line Between Being in the World and Not of the World
• Kary's Personal Story and Journey to Authenticity
• From Pastor to Entrepreneur
• Why Entrepreneurship Matters for Christians
• Leading With Value Instead of Labels
• Faith in the Marketplace
• AI, Innovation, and the Future
• Choosing a Christian University
• Artificial Intelligence and Creativity
• Why Christians Need a Voice in Technology and Business
• ÌÇÐÄVlog's Entrepreneurship Program
• Chapel, Discipleship, and Campus Culture
• Final Thoughts and Resources

Helping Students Discover Their God-Given Purpose

Many high school students feel pressure to choose a major, career path, or college before they fully understand how God has uniquely wired them. One of the greatest gifts parents can offer is helping students recognize their strengths, interests, and opportunities to serve others.

Dr. Kary Oberbrunner (affectionally called KO by his students) encourages students to think beyond simply finding a job. Instead, students should ask how their gifts can solve problems, create value, and advance God's Kingdom through their future work.

Parents can begin these conversations by asking:

• What activities energize you?
• What challenges do you enjoy solving?
• Where do others naturally look to you for leadership?
• How might God use your talents to serve others?

Wondering whether your student is ready for college-level coursework? Cedarville's Dual Enrollment program allows high school students to earn college credit while exploring academic interests from a distinctly Christian worldview.

Why Creative Problem-Solving Matters

One theme that surfaced throughout the conversation was the importance of creative problem solving. In a world facing complex social, technological, and economic challenges, students need more than knowledge. They need the ability to think critically, innovate, and develop solutions.

These skills are valuable whether a student pursues business, engineering, healthcare, ministry, education, communication, or another profession.

Parents can help foster this mindset by encouraging students to take initiative, ask thoughtful questions, and seek opportunities to solve real-world problems in their schools, churches, and communities.

Entrepreneurship Is More Than Starting a Business

Entrepreneurship is often associated with launching a company, but Dr. Oberbrunner argues that entrepreneurship is ultimately a mindset.

Students who think entrepreneurially learn to identify opportunities, create value, take calculated risks, and serve others through their work. These habits prepare graduates to become effective leaders regardless of their chosen career path.

As the Berry Chair of Entrepreneurship at ÌÇÐÄVlog, Dr. Oberbrunner teaches students how to combine innovation, business principles, and biblical truth to make a meaningful impact in the marketplace.

Students don't have to wait until after graduation to start solving problems and creating value. Cedarville's Bachelor of Science in innovation and entrepreneurship equips students with the skills, mentorship, and real-world experience needed to launch ideas, lead teams, and make an impact.

Preparing Students To Engage Culture With Confidence

College is one of the most formative seasons in a young person's life. During these years, students encounter new ideas, competing worldviews, and important questions about identity, purpose, and truth.

Rather than avoiding these conversations, students need to be equipped to engage them thoughtfully and biblically.

For parents evaluating colleges, it's worth asking:

• Will my student be challenged academically and spiritually?
• Does the institution maintain a clear commitment to biblical truth?
• Will faculty members invest personally in my student's growth?
• Is the campus culture helping students strengthen their faith?
• Will my student graduate prepared to influence culture for Christ?

The best way to determine whether a university aligns with your family's values is to experience it firsthand. Schedule a visit to ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Preparing for a Changing Future

The conversation also touched on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and the importance of helping students think carefully about how technology shapes culture.

While technology continues to create new opportunities, students will need strong character, wisdom, discernment, and a biblical understanding of human dignity to navigate the challenges ahead.

Developing these qualities during the college years can help students enter their professions ready to lead with both competence and conviction.

How Cedarville Helps Students Develop a Kingdom Mindset

At ÌÇÐÄVlog, students are encouraged to pursue academic excellence while developing a biblical worldview that informs every area of life.

Through entrepreneurship competitions, startup accelerators, collaborative projects, internships, and mentorship opportunities, students gain practical experience while learning how their faith connects to their future careers.

At the same time, daily chapel, discipleship opportunities, and a Christ-centered campus community help students deepen their relationship with Christ and prepare to serve Him wherever He leads.

Questions To Discuss With Your High School Student

1. What gifts and interests has God given you?
2. What problems are you passionate about solving?
3. How do you hope to make an impact through your future career?
4. What kind of college environment will help you grow spiritually?
5. How can your education prepare you to influence culture for Christ?

The college search is about more than selecting a major or earning a degree. It's an opportunity to help your student discover how God has uniquely equipped them to serve others, solve problems, and make an impact for His Kingdom.