POD 057 | College Students and the Christian Narrative with Andrew DeKanter

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 TakeawaysEngaging Young Adults with the "Better Story" of the GospelAndrew 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.The Power of Relationship and Story in MinistryRelational 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.Apologetics: From Argument to InvitationThe 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/d4rUOBFCultural Apologetics - Paul Gould: https://a.co/d/3wSShEPTimestamps:00:00 "Connecting Gospel to Student Stories"03:39 Campus Revival and Spiritual Awakening09:57 Living with Purpose and Freedom11:57 "Adventure, Suffering, and Hope"14:36 Forming Lives Through Biblical Story20:43 "Work and Purpose Through Faith"21:50 Practical Bible Commands in Story25:43 "Love in Christian Story"30:55 Becoming a Safe Person31:58 "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