Three Cowetans complete IMPACT 360
From Special Reportsreligion@newnan.com
Three Coweta County young people have completed the IMPACT 360 Leadership program.
Lindsey Buchanan and Katie Masters of Newnan and Brandon Barber of Sharpsburg have all completed the program affiliated with Chick-fil-A. All three said IMPACT 360 prepared them for their first year of college in a way they were not prepared after finishing high school a year ago.
“I have learned so much about how to live as a Christian in today’s culture,” Barber said, “and would urge anyone considering this program to spend time praying about it.”
The Pine Mountain campus of IMPACT 360 is part of a growing movement among high school grads seeking a structured way to grow in faith and real-world experience before continuing on the traditional university path. Its innovative “living and learning” philosophy allows participants the chance to fully integrate their daily lives with their faith and academics.
IMPACT 360’s goal is to draw out each student’s God-given abilities so they best know how to become leaders on their campuses and in the marketplace.
“Nine months ago I had no idea what to do for college, or if I even wanted to go to college,” said Masters. “Through what I learned here, I have chosen a college and major that will utilize my passions and gifts for God’s glory.”
Students at IMPACT 360 grapple with worldview and philosophy during classes with various renowned Christian leaders, but program founders John and Trudy Cathy White believe their education is incomplete if not practiced in the local and world communities.
For this reason, each individual student chooses a ministry or organization to serve in the Pine Mountain area, while the entire class joins stationed missionaries in Brazil for a one-month international experience.
“Taking the gap year at IMPACT 360 has allowed me the opportunity to really understand and think about what I believe. It has also given me time to work on myself and my heart, and to wait upon the Lord and see where He leads me,” Buchanan said.
Barber plans to study music and mathematics at Emory University in Atlanta this fall, and credits IMPACT 360 for equipping him with Christ-centered purpose and focus as he begins this new chapter.
“I have seen God provide through the uncertain this year,” Barber said. “I am confident my future will be taken care of if I seek God in everything I do.”
Buchanan plans to study youth and worship ministry, and business this fall, and credits IMPACT 360 for equipping her with Christ-centered purpose and focus as she begins this new chapter.
“When you get out of high school and are unsure about your future, and even your faith, you should take time to work on these things and find that direction,” Buchanan said. “IMPACT 360 gave me that opportunity.”
Masters plans to study youth ministry, family and culture at Columbia International University, and credits IMPACT 360 for equipping her with Christ-centered purpose and focus as she begins this new chapter.
“You find out so much about God, yourself, and others through this program – things that will prepare you for college, and for the rest of your life,” Masters said.
IMPACT 360 was founded in 2006 to prepare students to be leaders and changers in their generation and to break the cycle of young adults who abandon their faith when faced with opposition and challenges in the university setting.
At the commissioning service, participants were presented with certificates by Dr. John Basie, director of the program, and by the Whites.
