There is a specific kind of tension that fills a classroom when the topics move from the abstract to the deeply personal. At OneLife, this tension isn’t viewed as a distraction; it is viewed as a catalyst. Recently, the students at Three Springs experienced the final—and perhaps most “fiery”—guest speaker week of the year, focusing on the intricate intersection of Humanity and Culture.
Learning to Live in the Moment
While the winter snow continues to linger on the local hills—providing a backdrop for students to learn skiing and snowboarding—the atmosphere inside the classroom has been anything but cold. As the students approached the end of their speaker series, there was a natural tendency for minds to “race toward the future.” However, the curriculum of the week demanded they stay firmly planted in the present.
Returning guest speaker Rebekah Strangarity challenged the students to evaluate their worldviews through the lens of God’s intense love for all people. By sharing her own testimony and the “broken worldview” from which her passion for Christ emerged, she invited the students into a space of radical honesty.
The Art of the “Deep Dive”
The hallmark of a OneLife student is not just the ability to listen, but the drive to investigate. Following sessions that touched on controversial thoughts and cultural layers, many students “peeled off” into their own independent studies. They spent hours researching Bible translations, exploring the concept of generational sin, and seeking clarity on denominational history.
The classroom became a laboratory for practice. Students didn’t just absorb information; they asked for strategies to put new ideas into action. This reached a peak during evening Discipleship Groups (D-Groups), where students used the “safe space” of their community to ponder difficult questions and seek wisdom from staff members. Whether discussing gender, marriage, or the ethics of social media and entertainment, the goal remained the same: to foster growth through honest wrestling.
When in Rome: The Call to Curiosity
A recurring theme of the week was the preparation for their upcoming cultural immersion trip to Rome. The students were challenged to adopt a specific posture: to be extra curious. In a world that is quick to judge and slow to listen, these young leaders are being trained to “notice the people and the place.” This isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about “Cultural Exegesis”—learning to read a city’s history, its values, and its needs. By studying the layers of culture in the classroom now, they are preparing to engage the “Eternal City” with a heart of service and a mind of Christ.
Balancing the Weight with “Mandatory Fun”
To process the weight of these deep cultural topics, the program maintains a vital balance of reflection and recreation. The week concluded with a mix of “Rome prep” and “Mandatory Fun,” featuring painting, board games, and open gym sessions. One student even led a topical teaching segment on the concept of “Wrestling”—a fitting metaphor for a week spent grappling with big ideas.
As the snow continues to fall, the students are learning a valuable lesson in leadership: appreciation for the current season. Whether they are navigating a difficult conversation about sexuality or navigating a snowy hill on a snowboard, they are learning that every moment is an opportunity to show up, to listen, and to grow.
The final speaker week may have ended, but the “impression” it left will travel with these students far beyond the farm. They are no longer just students of a book; they are becoming students of humanity, equipped to launch into the world with curiosity, compassion, and conviction.