Mondays with Mike: Preparing Our Children for 2050 Today
PCA Families,
This week’s Mondays with Mike takes a long look into the future—toward 2050—and asks what kind of world our children will inherit… and how we can prepare them not just to survive it, but to flourish in it.
As a retired officer and concept developer, and now as a head of school, dad, and grandfather, I’ve spent years thinking about the intersection of conflict, culture, and formation. That includes a lot of war, pain, and uncertainty and how to stand and prevail in those circumstances. Honestly, these topics are scary.
But this episode is not about fear—it’s about clarity and hope. It’s about what it means to stand firm in faith and raise children of courage, wisdom, and joyful strength in a changing world.
This episode kicks off a 4-part series on what our kids are facing and how we can walk faithfully with them.
I would be grateful to hear from you. What resonates with you from this episode? What questions are rising in your own heart?
Next week, I’ll be joined by author and educator Susan Arico as we explore how to cultivate wisdom and deep reading in a digital age. Until then—stay rooted, stay strong, and keep walking in hope.
With you in Christ,
Mike Runey
Key Takeaways
- Our children’s world will be shaped by competition, complexity, and digital confusion. We are already in a new era of information warfare, social disruption, and global uncertainty.
- PCA aims to remain on the leading edge of preparing students to thrive—not just academically, but spiritually and relationally. We integrate rigorous learning with Christ-centered formation, courageous character, and joyful creativity.
- Security will no longer be primarily military—it will be moral and relational. Families, churches, and schools like PCA are now on the frontlines of shaping identity, truth, and resilience.
- Formation—not just education—is our calling. Our kids will need discernment, strength, and hope rooted in Christ to flourish in a fragmented and fast-moving world.
- We are not raising safe children—we are raising strong ones. And we are doing it together.
Dinner Table Conversation Starters by Age Group (With Scripture reflections for your family)
For Younger Children (Grades 3–6):
- What does it mean to be strong when something is scary or new?
- Who do you know that does what is right, even when it is hard?
- How can we be brave and kind like Jesus?
→ Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous…for the Lord your God is with you.”
For Middle and Upper School Students:
- Where do you see truth being twisted or confused in the world?
- How can we grow in courage and clarity—not just fitting in, but standing firm?
- → Daniel 11:32b – “The people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.”
→ Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world…”
For Parents and Grandparents:
- What will our children need most to flourish in 2050?
- How can our family become a place of truth, formation, and joyful resilience?
→ Psalm 1:3 – “They are like trees planted by streams of water…”
→ Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go…”
ICYMI: Podcast “Top-10” from 2024-2025
- Celebrating Our Heroes: Teacher Appreciation Week Special
- Navigating the Digital Age with special guest Susan Arico: Empowering Parents and Students for the School Year Ahead
- Spotlight on Future Leaders: Meet Four of PCA’s Inspiring Middle Schoolers
- Behind the Curtain: Meet the Cast of PCA’s Fall Productions
- Uniting Through School Spirit: A Celebration of Community and Pride
- PCA Track Team’s Winter Highlights and Spring Preview
- Unlocking Student Potential: Insights from Dr. Connie Lawrence
- Celebrating the Class of 2025: A Journey of Growth and Faith
- Celebrating Legacy: 4 Grandparents’ Reflections
- A Journey of Faith: Dennis Runey’s PCA Legacy
To hear past episodes, share with your loved ones and friends, follow, and even review us, check out our PCA Podcast on these platforms:
