Day of Dialogue Helps Students Express Their Biblical Views

About 90 percent of today’s school-age children attend public schools – and they’re discussing a lot more than reading, writing and arithmetic in their classes.

Conversations on controversial topics like homosexuality, transgenderism and same-sex marriage now form a surprising part of a teen’s school life. Part of it can’t be avoided – these topics dominate the national conversation as courts hear case after case devoted to homosexual rights and same-sex marriage.

However, it’s also becoming apparent that an increasing number of schools are actively promoting views that are contrary to biblical teaching. Many times, this promotion occurs without parental knowledge or permission – and only one point of view is allowed, while others are disparaged.

Imagine how challenging it is for students in public high schools or colleges to navigate the competing messages they hear about the Bible, sexuality and marriage.

The truth is, many of these students are Christians who would love to share a grace-filled perspective on these sensitive issues. All too often, though, they feel like there’s not a good opportunity for them to weigh in with their views.

Here’s where Focus on the Family can help. Through our Day of Dialogue free-speech website, we’re offering free, downloadable guides to help students initiate and lead a Day of Dialogue event at their school – and another one to help parents and pastors/young leaders support their teens’ participation.

Day of Dialogue will be held this year on April 10. It’s designed to create a safe space for students to express a biblical viewpoint on sensitive issues – and to take a stand against bullying. We want to help students take the lead in sharing God’s love for their classmates, and how He cares about every detail of their lives.

Last year about 8,000 students in at least 46 states participated in Day of Dialogue. We are looking forward to see how God will grow this event for 2014 – and we hope you’ll take part.

To download the free Day of Dialogue Student Guide or the Parent/Pastor guide, please visit www.focusonthefamily.com/empowerstudents. To visit the Day of Dialogue website, you can visit www.dayofdialogue.com.

Please help us by praying for this year’s event. We’re honored to play a small role in helping Christian teens find their voice – after all, no student should feel like they have to hide their faith when they walk in the school door.

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I’ll leave you with a video created by one of the thousands of Christian students who have a passion for sharing God’s love and truth with others. It gives you a glimpse into the heart of this event, as it’s linked to one of the free Day of Dialogue free-speech tools accessible through the kit: a downloadable Conversation Card participants can distribute at their schools.

Students who share these cards can discuss this video with classmates via a scannable code that goes to this video. It’s all designed to empower students to get the dialogue started.