Hosts Bill Gorman and Jacob Nannie sat down with Andrew DeKanter, founder of Better Story Ministries and a passionate advocate for connecting young adults to the deeper, richer story of the gospel. The conversation explores what it means to "re-enchant" college students and young adults who are navigating complex cultural narratives–from the pursuit of achievement and romance to the overarching influence of secularism.

Andrew DeKanter shares his hands-on work with students at the University of Louisville, his thoughts on revival on campus, and how he helps young people live out the biblical narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. This episode offers practical wisdom for parents, mentors, and anyone eager to make biblical truth compelling in a world full of competing stories.

3 Main Takeaways

1. Engaging Young Adults with the "Better Story" of the Gospel
   Andrew DeKanter emphasizes that young adults are often living within “lesser stories” offered by our culture (achievement, romance, and consumerism) that don’t fully satisfy. His ministry, Better Story Ministries, seeks to “re-enchant” students by showing how the grand narrative of Scripture (creation, fall, redemption, restoration) offers deeper meaning, purpose, and fulfillment than these cultural scripts.
2. The Power of Relationship and Story in Ministry
   Relational connection is foundational. Andrew and our hosts stress the importance of being a safe, trustworthy friend who listens well and moves toward others’ pain. It’s through real, ongoing relationships—not just handing out commands or quick answers—that the gospel truly connects to students’ questions about identity, purpose, and suffering. Storytelling—both from Scripture and personal testimony—becomes a bridge between biblical truth and lived experience.
3. Apologetics: From Argument to Invitation
   The discussion considers apologetics today as less about simply proving Christianity is true, and more about showing that it is both good and beautiful. Rather than “winning arguments,” it’s about connecting shared longings (love, justice, meaning) back to the biblical narrative, and inviting people into a story that makes the most sense of their desires and pain. This holistic, story-driven approach re-frames apologetics as an act of hope and hospitality.

Resources:

• Telling a Better Story - Josh Chatraw: https://a.co/d/d4rUOBF
• Cultural Apologetics - Paul Gould: https://a.co/d/3wSShEP

Timestamps:

00:00 "Connecting Gospel to Student Stories"

03:39 Campus Revival and Spiritual Awakening

09:57 Living with Purpose and Freedom

11:57 "Adventure, Suffering, and Hope"

14:36 Forming Lives Through Biblical Story

20:43 "Work and Purpose Through Faith"

21:50 Practical Bible Commands in Story

25:43 "Love in Christian Story"

30:55 Becoming a Safe Person

31:58 "Listening, Learning, and Exposing Scripts"
36:34 "Reenchanting Lives with the Gospel"

39:07 "The Author Steps Into Story"

41:43 College Ministry and Creative Communication

Poem:

Lord Jesus,
I have nothing to give today,
Except you.
I have nothing to receive today,
Except you.

A perfect day.

~ Esther Huhn

On today’s episode, Bill and Paul share some exciting news about an incredible journey Christ Community Church is embarking on in 2026 called “With God.” This isn’t just another sermon series. It's a year-long, church-wide experience that invites everyone, from kids to adults, to engage with the entire story of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.

They discuss how this initiative will weave together weekly sermons, daily reading plans, special events, and new resources, all designed to help individuals and families immerse themselves more deeply in God's word—not just on Sundays, but all throughout the week. Listen in as they reflect on the history and heart behind this vision, share personal hopes for its impact, and offer a glimpse of what’s to come for Christ Community in this pivotal season of spiritual formation.

3 Main Takeaways

1. Year of the Bible in 2026: Christ Community Church is launching a year-long, church-wide focus called "With God" in 2026. It is a journey from Genesis to Revelation. It’s designed to help everyone engage deeply with the whole story of the Bible—not just on Sundays, but in daily life.
2. Integrated Spiritual Formation: This initiative is much more than a sermon series. It involves multiple layers of engagement, including tailored Bible reading plans, the Formed.life spiritual formation resources, events (like the Story of Scripture seminar with Dr. Yarborough), and children’s and student ministry integration. The desire is for intergenerational participation and transformation.
3. Hope for Deep Transformation: Bill and Paul express their excitement and hope that the church community will fall more in love with God's word and be transformed by being "with God" through Scripture. Their vision is for this year to foster unity, spiritual growth, and a deeper commitment to living out biblical truths both individually and as a community, especially in a season of transition for the church.

Resources:

• Story of Scripture Event: https://www.thestoryofscripture.org/event/kansas-city-mo-january-2026
• theFormed.life: https://theformed.life/
• With God: cckc.church/withgod/
  
  

Timestamps:

00:00 "Engaging God's Timeless Word"

04:28 "Scripture Engagement and Growth"

06:29 "With God, Together Transformed"