In episode 479 of the Church Solutions Podcast, Phil Thompson and Steve Lacy welcome a very special guest: Dr. Bill Senyard, a longtime pastor, author, and speaker who’s taken an exciting turn into the world of Christian fantasy writing for young readers.
Dr. Senyard joined hosts Phil Thompson and Steve Lacy to explore a critical topic: how the church can better connect with today’s digital-native youth—especially those aged 10 to 16—using story-driven discipleship.
Why This Age Group Needs Our Attention
According to Dr. Senyard, the 10–16 age range is “ground zero” for shaping a young person’s worldview. Kids in this phase are increasingly anxious, isolated, and overwhelmed by social media, academic pressure, and family stress. They’re also deeply influenced by story.
Citing neuroscience and data from mental health studies, Dr. Senyard emphasized how digital culture is rewiring childhood, contributing to record levels of anxiety, depression, identity confusion, and social comparison.
“There are two core questions that 10 to 16-year-olds are constantly asking,” Dr. Senyard said. “Am I enough? And is there anyone out there who has my back?”
He argues that social media bombards the first question but completely ignores the second, leaving kids desperate for real connection and meaning. That’s where Christian fantasy steps in.
Storytelling as Spiritual Formation
Fantasy novels like The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings aren’t just entertainment—they’re formative experiences. Dr. Senyard explains that Christian fantasy can:
- Offer kids a hopeful worldview where good triumphs over evil.
- Introduce archetypes that reflect Christ’s love, sacrifice, and redemption.
- Quiet anxiety and increase emotional resilience (a 68% drop, according to some studies).
“Good stories build kingdom-shaped mental frameworks. They help kids grasp that there is a good force guiding their journey—and that it all ends well.”
What Makes Fantasy Christian?
Dr. Senyard breaks down the core ingredients of Christian fantasy:
- A moral universe with clear good and evil.
- A protagonist who sacrifices for others.
- A redemptive arc that ends with restoration and hope.
- A sense of divine providence woven throughout the story.
This genre isn’t about preaching—it’s about planting seeds. “We call it pre-evangelism,” he said. “The goal is to shape a framework so when kids hear the gospel, it fits naturally into their worldview.”
Books That Build Faith
Dr. Senyard recommends the following Christian fantasy titles for parents and youth leaders:
- The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson
- The Green Ember Series by S.D. Smith
- The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
- His own books:
- The Tale of the Unlikely Prince
- The Storyteller’s Tale
- The Garden Tale
- The Tale of the Orphan Magician
These stories address real-life issues such as failure, identity, loneliness, and social media addiction—all within engaging, age-appropriate narratives.
“When kids read about characters who fail and are still loved, they’re hearing the gospel in a language they can relate to.”
How Churches Can Respond
Dr. Senyard challenges pastors and youth leaders to shift their focus:
- Preach God’s relentless love—especially for the unlovable, the rejected, and the broken.
- Tell more stories—Use books, films, and fantasy to spark gospel conversations.
- Equip parents—Encourage reading aloud, screen moderation, and storytelling at home.
- Engage youth with relatable characters—Introduce fictional heroes that mirror Christ’s qualities.
“Social media gives kids a dopamine hit, but the embrace of Jesus is a better one.”
Dr. Senyard is currently developing free workbooks and discussion guides for mentors and youth groups to accompany his books, available soon on drbillsenyard.com.
Get in Touch with Dr. Senyard
- 📚 Amazon Author Page
- 🌐 Website: www.drbsenyard.com
- 📧 Email: bill@gospel-app.com
He welcomes conversations with youth pastors, parents, and church leaders looking to equip the next generation through storytelling.
Final Thoughts
This episode was a refreshing reminder of how creative storytelling and the gospel can work hand-in-hand to reach a generation searching for truth, identity, and belonging. As technology changes the landscape, the church must find new ways to speak to young hearts.
Let’s give our kids stories that point them to the greatest story ever told.
🎧 Listen to the full episode:
Church Solutions Podcast – Episode #479
Available on all major podcast platforms.
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