Mark Stacy II, Purcell, OK–One of the biggest challenges facing Christians today is the challenge to stand for what we believe, even if it’s not “respectable” by the world’s standards. At a time where it’s tempting to forsake Apostolic identity in pursuit of intellectual respectability and accolades of this world, I’ve learned that it’s possible to maintain Apostolic identity and be influential in the secular world. I’ve learned that institutional respectability is not essential; we don’t have to compromise in order to make a difference in this world.
Alli Corbitt, White Hall, AR–One challenge I think a lot of Christians experience is the desire to convert people at a rapid rate. We measure our success by how fast people receive the revelation of truth, how quickly we can get them baptized, etc. Indiana Bible College has taught me that you don’t have to rush people into receiving truth. It’s perfectly acceptable to take the time necessary to build relationships with people who might be “closed off” to receiving truth at first. The increase in the kingdom might take a while to see, but it’s always worth the time invested!
Jonathan Schellhardt, Granite City, IL–A challenge that modern Christians are facing is the fact that seemingly every week in our society, new crises arise. With the rapid development of technology, the dramatic shifts in recent decades in world affairs, etc., new problems are seemingly being created faster than we can create solutions for them. IBC has taught me to intentionally become aware of the problems in my society. The instructors at IBC are each equipped to not only keep me informed on the varying issues that our world is facing, but also how to solve them.
Stephanie Sanders, DeLand, FL–I think a lot of today’s Christians struggle with the challenge of indulging themselves in too much entertainment. Entertainment has the power to pull us away from doing the will of God in our lives. At Indiana Bible College, I’ve been challenged to reject more entertainment, so that I can refocus my mind and prioritize my time for the Lord. In order to grow my relationship with God so that He can use me for ministry, I’ve had to intentionally get away from entertaining myself, and invest that time into entertaining Him.
Mathew Cottrell, Zanesville, OH–For modern Christians, it seems that outreach can be more of a burden than a blessing. We don’t want to get out of our comfort zones and face the needs of our cities face-to-face. During Reality Week at IBC, I’ve been prepared to get hands-on experience in outreach. I’ve knocked on doors, witnessed to people on the streets, and coordinated events that have reached out to the community. Most of all, I’ve learned that outreach is not a heavy burden to carry. IBC has taught me that it’s one of ministry’s most enjoyable experiences.
Natasha Moore, Broken Arrow, OK–Amongst today’s Christians, one challenge that is extremely evident is that of an apathetic attitude. We simply can’t get excited or motivated about defending truth in our culture. In order for us to make a difference in our generation, we have to become intentional about the work of the Kingdom. IBC has given me preparation for this challenge by cultivating in me a passion for God’s plans and desires for my life. The more I seek His will for my life, the more I understand the significance of what He’s doing in the world, and the more I want to be a part.
Alex Spooner, Swartz Creek, MI–Before coming to Indiana Bible College, my attitude about success was extremely material. I feel that many Christians today also face this challenge in their lives. We’ve developed this cultural mindset that it takes a large bank account to be successful. Many times, this attitude comes at the cost of doing the will of God in our lives. IBC has changed my view of success. With so many friends around me with amazing testimonies of God’s provision, I know that I don’t have to worry about the Lord providing for me when I follow His plan for my life.
Becca Pace, Atlanta, IN–I think modern Christians face the challenge of being genuine in our immoral society. It’s hard for us to be genuine in our convictions and about what we believe in our hearts. Indiana Bible College has totally prepared me to be genuine in my walk with God and in the way that I stand for truth. With entry-level classes such as Personal Christian Development, I’ve been made accountable to be a genuine Christian in my society.
Brandon Abbott, Amory, MS–Aside from the cultural degradation of Scripture, communication, through various forms, obstructs the collective cause of a Christian most severely. I am of the opinion that the divide between those who are Christ-like and those who are not has been widened through both a lack of communication and an immoderation of communication. Even amongst believers divisive arguments persist – all originating from our communication. Amid the invaluable theological teaching at IBC, I have learned that winning souls requires unnerving patience and divine wisdom. Words quickly become cheap vanity if left unchecked.
London Pace, Bismarck, ND–One of the biggest challenges facing Christians today is a lack of boldness. In today’s society, it can become tempting to refrain from speaking about what you believe as a Christian. People are so apt to attack you anymore if you attempt to talk to them about morals, ethics, and the difference between right and wrong. IBC has prepared me for this with the knowledge to speak boldly and aptly about what I believe. It is not only right, but it is dutiful, to take a stance and speak the full truth in love.