What happens when students step away from the constant noise of social media, academic pressure, and cultural confusion?
In this episode, Kasey Leander sits down with Dustin Jizmejian, Senior Director of Conferences and Events at Summit Ministries, to explore why immersive Christian experiences can have a lasting impact on a student’s faith, worldview, and purpose.
Today’s students are more connected than ever, yet many feel increasingly anxious, isolated, and uncertain about what is true. Dustin explains why intentionally stepping away from everyday distractions creates space for meaningful conversations, authentic community, and a deeper encounter with God. Together, they discuss how Scripture shapes our understanding of retreat, discipleship, and spiritual formation—and why Christian conferences remain one of the most effective ways to equip young people with a biblical worldview.
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, youth pastor, educator, or student, this conversation will encourage you to think differently about the power of intentional discipleship and investing in the next generation.
In this episode:
*Why are students more anxious, isolated, and distracted than ever
*How constant digital noise shapes identity and faith
*Why stepping away creates room for spiritual growth
*What the Bible teaches about retreat, community, and discipleship
*How Summit’s student conferences help young people build a resilient biblical worldview
*Stories of students whose lives were transformed through Summit
*Why lasting faith is often formed through an immersive Christian community
*How parents and churches can better prepare students for today’s culture
For more than 60 years, Summit Ministries has equipped thousands of students to think critically, evaluate competing worldviews, and embrace God’s truth with confidence. Through two-week summer conferences and other immersive programs, students engage with leading Christian scholars, build lifelong friendships, ask honest questions, and develop a faith that can withstand today’s cultural challenges.
If you want to help the student in your life grow in wisdom, confidence, and a biblical worldview, there’s no better place to start. Learn more or register here.
If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a parent, pastor, youth leader, teacher, or student looking for practical ways to grow in truth and live faithfully.
Have a question you’d like us to discuss on a future episode? Email us at podcast@summit.org.