Summit.org

The traditional path to higher education is being reimagined as faith-based gap year programs emerge as powerful alternatives to conventional college experiences. This eye-opening conversation reveals how programs like Summit Ministries and Patriot Academy are creating immersive educational models that develop biblical worldview foundations while helping young people discover their vocational calling.

Jeff Myers of Summit Ministries shares startling statistics that challenge our assumptions about higher education's value proposition: less than 27% of college graduates find employment in their specific degree field, while accumulating significant debt and often facing worldview challenges. The Summit gap year offers a compelling alternative—a structured program where students develop critical thinking skills, theological foundations, and participate in vocational internships while earning transferable college credit.

What makes these programs particularly remarkable is their holistic approach to education. Rather than simply acquiring information, students learn how to evaluate ideas, maintain their conscience amid opposing viewpoints, and discover meaningful vocational pathways. The emphasis on practical experience through internships and mentorship creates opportunities for genuine discernment about future direction.

The digital landscape presents unique challenges for today's youth, with social media algorithms deliberately monetizing anger and shaping worldviews. Myers provides practical wisdom for navigating these influences, emphasizing that young people don't need perfect answers to every challenge they encounter. Instead, they can maintain a grounded confidence in truth while continuing to learn.

Whether you're a parent exploring educational options for your child, a young person seeking direction without the debt and potential indoctrination of traditional college, or someone interested in cultural trends, this conversation offers fresh perspective on education's purpose and potential. These growing alternatives represent a return to founding principles—preparing young people not just academically, but developing the character and wisdom needed for meaningful contribution to society.

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https://baptize.org/

A spiritual tidal wave is rolling across America's shores, beginning at California's beaches and now reaching every corner of the country. What started as one pastor's vision has exploded into a nationwide movement uniting hundreds of churches across denominational lines.

Pastor Mark Francey shares the remarkable story of how a simple prompting led him to organize what would become the largest coordinated baptism events in recent American history. The results have been nothing short of extraordinary—from 4,166 baptisms in 2022 to over 7,700 people baptized in a single day at Huntington Beach this April.

The movement's genius lies in its simplicity. Baptism, as Francey notes, is "big enough for all of us to agree on," allowing Baptist, Pentecostal, evangelical, and other churches to set aside theological differences and come together around this fundamental Christian practice. This unity fulfills Jesus' prayer in John 17 that believers would be "one as we are one."

Perhaps most surprising is where this revival is flourishing. Beyond California's beaches, secular college campuses like the University of Kentucky and University of Arkansas have become unexpected epicenters, with thousands of students attending revival meetings and choosing to be baptized. This generational engagement suggests something deeper than a momentary spiritual fad.

The timing feels significant amid America's cultural and political divisions. "Darkness and the devil always overplays his hand," Francey observes, creating what he calls a "righteous rebellion" where standing for biblical values becomes the true counterculture. "You want to be a rebel? In the 60s it was drugs, sex, and rock and roll. Now it's righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit."

Ready to be part of what could be the largest synchronized baptism in American history? Churches across all fifty states are joining together on Pentecost Sunday, June 8th. Whether you're seeking baptism or want your church to participate, visit baptizeamerica.com to join this historic movement.

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https://wallbuilders.com/teachers-conference/

Faith is experiencing an extraordinary resurgence across the globe, defying predictions of religion's decline in modern society. From the shores of California to university campuses in the United Kingdom, we're witnessing what many are calling the early stages of a new Great Awakening.

The evidence is compelling and widespread. At Huntington Beach, 7,750 people participated in what organizers called the largest single-day baptism event in American history. Among them was a 71-year-old woman who finally took the plunge after four decades of contemplation – a powerful reminder that spiritual transformation knows no age limit.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, church attendance among British young adults has quadrupled in just six years. When 2,000 young people packed a church in London for an all-night prayer gathering, it became clear that what researchers are calling a "quiet revival" is gaining momentum. This spiritual shift isn't happening in isolation from cultural tensions but alongside them – much like America's historical Great Awakenings which unfolded during periods of significant societal conflict.

Even in unexpected places, change is happening. Washington State reduced abortion funding by 55% – its largest cut ever. The Merchant Marine Academy restored a massive painting of Jesus after it had been relegated to storage following complaints. When the decision was announced, midshipmen "lost their minds" with joy, according to officials.

The political landscape reflects this shift as well. Despite mainstream media narratives, 92% of Trump voters remain satisfied with their choice. This disconnect has led some polling organizations to seek out obscure new pollsters rather than citing the historically accurate ones whose findings contradict preferred storylines.

What makes these developments particularly meaningful is their organic nature – these aren't manufactured movements but authentic expressions of changing hearts and minds. If history is our guide, genuine spiritual awakenings unfold gradually over decades, often recognized fully only in retrospect.

Want to be part of this movement? Visit wallbuilders.com for more good news and resources to help you engage with faith and culture. Teachers, don't miss our upcoming conference this July – it's an opportunity to be equipped for making a difference in the next generation.

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The path to American independence wasn't a sudden revolution but a carefully orchestrated progression spanning decades. This fascinating journey from separate colonies to united nation offers profound lessons for today's constitutional restoration efforts.

When the British Parliament passed the Intolerable Acts in 1774, they inadvertently sparked unity among thirteen previously disconnected colonies. As David Barton explains, "We were 13 separate nations...It's kind of like being in Europe - France versus Spain versus Germany versus Italy. They don't think alike, they don't act alike." These colonies had even experienced border wars with each other, yet facing common British oppression, they began working together.

The Articles of Association (1774) marked their first collaborative step, followed by the Articles of Confederation (1777, ratified 1781), culminating in the Constitution (1787). This progression mirrors biblical wisdom from Deuteronomy 7 where God promised to deliver victory "little by little" rather than all at once. Our constitutional republic emerged through patient, incremental development as colonies became comfortable with each new level of cooperation while maintaining their sovereignty.

This historical perspective offers crucial insight for today's challenges. Constitutional restoration won't happen overnight or through a single election. As Tim Barton notes, there's encouraging progress with originalist judges asking, "What is the actual, proper role of the federal government according to the Constitution, according to the founding father's original intent?"

The episode also explores how judicial activism transformed the 14th Amendment from its original purpose of securing rights for formerly enslaved people into a mechanism for federal overreach into state and local affairs. This "selective incorporation" allowed courts to apply federal restrictions to every level of government, dramatically expanding federal power beyond constitutional boundaries.

What meaningful change could you contribute to America's ongoing constitutional restoration? Like Roger Sherman, who signed all four founding documents, your consistent engagement matters in our generation's chapter of liberty's story.

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Leadership ripples outward. As the WallBuilders Show reveals in this compelling episode, the bold government efficiency initiatives at the federal level have inspired similar reforms in Texas, where Senator Phil King is spearheading a powerful regulatory overhaul.

Texas has discovered a surprising contradiction – despite being known for freedom and economic opportunity, it ranks as the fifth most regulated state in America. In response, the Texas legislature has passed its own version of DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), created a new Regulatory Efficiency Office, and established concrete mechanisms to cut unnecessary red tape that has accumulated over decades.

Senator King shares fascinating insights into how regulatory reform happens on the ground. "We're going to be serious for the first time about regulations," he explains, detailing how agencies will now face real consequences for implementing rules without proper cost-benefit analysis. The initiative also tackles professional licensing barriers through expanded reciprocity and creates an AI-powered portal for businesses to navigate regulatory requirements.

The conversation extends beyond regulatory reform to another significant piece of legislation in Texas – Senate Bill 10, which would allow Ten Commandments displays in public school classrooms. With characteristic Texan humor, King shares how one official actually asked if they could remove one of the commandments, prompting a staff member to remind everyone they were "literally written in stone."

A deeper thread running through the discussion is how leadership at all levels creates momentum for positive change. From historical figures like Washington and Churchill to current leaders willing to tackle entrenched problems, courage becomes contagious. This episode offers a masterclass in how states can implement practical, conservative solutions that benefit citizens through lower costs and expanded freedom.

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takebacktheclassroom.com

The battle for our children's innocence rages across America's schools and libraries, transcending political divisions and geographic boundaries. Karen England of Capital Resource Institute joins the WallBuilders team to unveil the shocking reality of sexually explicit materials being made available to minors through school libraries nationwide.

England shares the powerful resource her organization created - takebacktheclassroom.com - where parents can lookup specific school districts and view excerpts from inappropriate books currently accessible to children as young as kindergarten age. What began as isolated concerns has revealed itself as a systematic problem affecting communities in both conservative and progressive areas.

David Barton brings striking biblical perspective to the conversation, highlighting Jesus's unusually harsh warning in Matthew 18:6 about those who cause children to stumble. This represents one of the strongest condemnations in scripture, underscoring how seriously we should approach protecting children's innocence.

The discussion challenges listeners to recognize their responsibility even if they don't have children in public education. As Tim Barton notes, "When we are not involved in the process, our uninvolvement is ultimately giving a level of consent." Today's public school students will become tomorrow's neighbors, voters, and leaders - giving everyone a stake in this fight.

England provides practical guidance for concerned citizens, explaining the legal framework established by Supreme Court precedent for removing inappropriate materials from school libraries. She emphasizes the importance of community involvement and highlights that this represents an issue where an overwhelming majority of Americans agree.

Ready to protect the children in your community? Visit takebacktheclassroom.com to identify concerning materials in your local schools and access resources for effective advocacy. The innocence of a generation depends on citizens willing to stand in the gap.

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America stands at the threshold of its 250th anniversary, and something remarkable is happening. Grassroots movements across the country aren't just planning celebrations – they're launching deep educational initiatives focused on the principles that made America exceptional in the first place.

During a recent gathering of conservative organizations, the most striking observation wasn't just the enthusiasm but the diversity of approaches. Like the builders in Nehemiah's time, each group contributes uniquely to rebuilding understanding of America's founding principles. Some focus on education, others on legislation, but all recognize that merely electing the right officials isn't enough – Americans need to rediscover the foundational ideas that created our republic.

The Declaration of Independence serves as America's philosophical foundation, establishing that our rights come from God, not government. This revolutionary concept transformed understanding of governmental authority. When the founders gathered to create the Constitution and Bill of Rights, their debates weren't about whether rights existed – they knew rights came from our Creator – but rather how to protect these God-given rights from government overreach.

In Arkansas, groundbreaking legislation now requires schools to teach the religious principles undergirding the Declaration. Students will learn not just historical facts but the philosophical and theological foundations that shaped our founding documents. This represents perhaps the first major legislation in decades specifically focused on teaching the religious principles of the founding fathers in public education.

As we navigate challenges with federal appointments and the proper role of government in healthcare, these foundational understandings become even more crucial. The approaching 250th anniversary provides the perfect opportunity for Americans to rediscover that our exceptional system of government was built on the recognition that our rights come from God, and government's primary purpose is to secure those rights – a concept as revolutionary today as it was in 1776.

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The tide is turning in America as constitutional principles make a powerful comeback. Trump's second administration has wasted no time implementing changes that reflect a return to the vision of the founders—and the results are both immediate and impressive.

From the judicial branch to the southern border, we're witnessing what happens when leadership applies constitutional principles in practice. New judicial nominees with solid conservative credentials, like Whitney Hermendorfer for the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals (who previously clerked for Justices Alito, Barrett, and Kavanaugh), signal a renewed commitment to constitutional interpretation. These appointments will shape American jurisprudence for decades to come, with better vetting processes in place than during Trump's first term.

The border crisis that seemed intractable just months ago has seen a remarkable 99.9% reduction in illegal crossings—without any new laws. By simply enforcing existing immigration laws, deploying 9,000 troops to the southern border, and ending programs that flew illegal immigrants directly into the country's interior, the administration has demonstrated that political will, not additional legislation, was the missing ingredient. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's clear message that "criminals are not welcome" represents a dramatic shift in tone and policy.

Fiscal responsibility has returned with the defunding of constitutionally questionable programs like NPR and PBS, along with hundreds of millions in cuts to bizarre initiatives like a $620,000 Department of Agriculture grant for studying transgender menstrual cycles. The administration is recommitting to the constitutional understanding that government should protect innovation, not fund it—letting the market determine which enterprises succeed.

Perhaps most encouraging is the spiritual renewal happening alongside these policy changes. The American Bible Society reports 10 million more Americans reading Scripture outside of church, with dramatic increases among millennials (29%) and men (19%). This spiritual awakening mirrors the constitutional restoration, suggesting that America's legacy of liberty grounded in virtue may be experiencing a renaissance.

Join us as we continue tracking these positive developments and exploring how a return to founding principles creates tangible benefits for all Americans. The good news isn't just that policies are changing—it's that America seems to be rediscovering its constitutional soul.

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The idea that federal judges have "lifetime appointments" is deeply embedded in our national consciousness, but is it actually true? In this eye-opening episode of Foundations of Freedom Thursday, we dive into what the Constitution actually says and what the founders genuinely intended for the judicial branch.

When the Constitution states judges "shall hold their offices during good behavior," it established a carefully designed balance that's been lost in modern interpretation. Through rich historical context from the Constitutional Convention debates, we uncover how figures like Alexander Hamilton, James Wilson, and John Dickinson wrestled with competing concerns about judicial independence versus accountability. This wasn't a monolithic view among the founders, as they debated vigorously about the proper role and tenure of judges.

The conversation shifts to another timely constitutional question: what rights do non-citizens illegally present in the United States actually possess? We break down the Constitution's precise language—"We the People of the United States"—and contrast statutory procedures with constitutional protections. The perfect analogy emerges: if someone illegally moves into your home, would they be entitled to years of "due process" before removal?

Most fascinating is our exploration of how deeply the founding fathers disagreed with each other while still operating within constitutional boundaries. Jefferson and Adams represented opposing political visions so stark that artists depicted them stepping on each other's feet, yet both faithfully executed their constitutional duties according to their understanding of the document's meaning.

Want to understand how our judiciary was meant to function? Looking for clarity on constitutional rights versus statutory procedures for immigration? This episode provides the biblical, historical, and constitutional foundations you need to navigate today's most contentious debates.

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cefonline.com

Child Evangelism Fellowship stands as a remarkable yet often unheralded force in faith-based outreach, serving 20 million children annually across 192 countries worldwide. Founded in 1937, this organization has grown to employ over 2,000 staff members globally while maintaining a steadfast commitment to sharing biblical teachings with young people.

The WallBuilders team discovers a particularly compelling aspect of CEF's work: their Military Children's Ministry. This specialized program addresses the unique challenges faced by military families, whose children navigate frequent relocations, parental deployments, and the constant uncertainty of military life. Through partnerships with base chaplains, CEF brings stability and spiritual grounding to these young people at approximately 30 military installations across the United States.

Their approach combines three distinctive program models tailored to military community needs. "Party Clubs" offer holiday-themed events with games, snacks and biblical lessons. Weekly "Good News Clubs" provide consistent after-school gatherings throughout the academic year. Summer "Five-Day Clubs" function similarly to vacation Bible schools, often led by teenagers who previously participated in the programs themselves – creating a beautiful cycle of discipleship and leadership development.

What makes this ministry particularly powerful is how it creates immediate connection points for families transitioning between bases. When military children find familiar faith-based programs at their new location, it provides a sense of continuity and belonging during otherwise turbulent transitions. The organization's careful coordination with military chaplains ensures proper authorization while meeting the specific needs of each base community.

Military families seeking support for their children can easily connect with existing programs or even help establish new ones by contacting their base chaplain or visiting cefonline.com . As we observe Military Appreciation Month this May, this ministry reminds us that supporting our military extends beyond thanking service members – it includes caring for the children who also sacrifice for our freedom. Ready to help military kids find stability through faith? Learn how you can get involved today.

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