Best-Selling Author and Speaker Tim Elmore Visits DMC

Known as a generational expert, Dr. Elmore addressed DMC students, parents, faculty, and staff.

Dr. Tim Elmore is founder and CEO of Growing Leaders, an Atlanta‐based non‐profit organization created to develop emerging leaders. Since founding Growing Leaders in 2003, Dr. Elmore has spoken to more than 500,000 leaders in businesses, universities, athletic teams, and nonprofit organizations. 

Dr. Elmore has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, USA Today, Psychology Today, and he’s been featured on CNN’s Headline News, Fox Business, Newsmax TV, and Fox and Friends to talk about leading and parenting upcoming generations. He has written more than 35 books, including Habitudes: Images That Form Leadership Habits and Attitudes, Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership, and A New Kind of Diversity: Making the Different Generations on Your Team a Competitive Advantage. We were honored to welcome him to DMC. 

Dr. Elmore Keynotes Worldview Day with High School Students  

DMC high school students purposefully step back and reflect on the way they see the world during DMC’s annual Worldview Day. In the morning, students and staff were blessed to have the Northwestern College Worship Team lead them in a powerful time of worship, setting the tone for a day of learning and reflection. Dr. Elmore was the keynote speaker, bringing thought-provoking insights on how to navigate today’s culture with wisdom and a Christ-centered perspective. 

Mia Traeger (‘27), summarized Dr. Elmore’s keynotes saying, “We explored three historical eras—Pre-modern, Modern, and Post-Modern—recognizing that, despite shifts in thought and culture, sin has remained a constant presence throughout history. Dr. Elmore taught that everyone has a worldview, though many may not realize it. Our actions reflect the worldview we hold, shaping our expectations and influencing what we perceive—or fail to see. In order to have a healthy worldview in our postmodern society and life after high school, we need to view life through a Christ-like lens.

Naomi Trenkamp (‘25) had the opportunity for a one-on-one interview with Dr. Elmore during his visit. Her thoughtful questions inspired wisdom-filled responses from Dr. Elmore. He shared his desire for young people to realize the God-given influence they have inside of themselves and ways parents, teachers, and coaches can connect with the next generation by sharing timeless truths in a “with-the-times” way. He also shared the way faith has influenced his leadership approach, as well as the importance of servant leadership, taking the high road, and keeping a forward-thinking mindset. Listen to the full interview.

Breakout session speakers ranged from high school teachers, school leadership, local pastors, and DMC parents. Some of our students' favorite highlights from the sessions were washing each other's feet, digging into Scripture, men's and women's specific sessions, and motivations to take on challenges, failure, and pain.

Reed Chapman (‘25) attended a breakout session on the topic of risk, hosted by DMC Head of School Mr. Lambert. He said, “I chose the topic in hopes to learn of the invaluable skill of smart decision making. God calls us to take risks and get out of our comfort zone, because this is when we experience the greatest growth in our faith and in our own lives. The first takeaway I took from the presentation was the importance of making a decision and never looking back. Once the decision has been made, there will be either positive or negative results, but ultimately a lesson will always be learned from the process. Second, Mr. Lambert used the intriguing story of lobster diving to help students understand that it can be difficult to say yes to something so far into the unknown, but if the risk is smart, then you will be incredibly grateful that you said yes to something so unforgettable. I enjoyed the breakout sessions as they give new perspectives on insightful topics directly related to future success.” 

Dr. Elmore at Parent University

Parent University embraces relevant topics for parents in the 21st century that address trending issues in parenting today and provides tools and resources for parents to see their children flourish. More than 200 DMC parents and other community members heard from Dr. Elmore about Parenting the Next Generation. 

DMC Parents Greg and Debbie Eekhoff said, "We are grateful for the Parent University opportunities that Des Moines Christian provides us as parents. As Dr. Tim Elmore reminded us, there is not a parenting manual, and we're just trying to do our best with our children--these special gifts from God. There is no one rule or guideline that will fit all children when it comes to parenting. We must spend time with our children to learn what's important to them and then use that to help lead and guide them. Modeling behaviors that we wish our children to have starts with us. Phones and technology are important tools but can be harmful if used in the wrong way. We, as parents, should try to model a healthy way to use these tools.”

Dr. Elmore Encourages DMC Employees in their Important Work

DMC faculty and staff are on the frontlines with our children. They teach, disciple, equip, and lead the next generation, all while navigating the unique environment and challenges these students face. Many themes Dr. Elmore discussed, DMC already strives to do, such as letting students take risks, staying relevant with the material, and allowing students to lead the way.

“As a middle school teacher, it was helpful for Tim Elmore to put to words what I am seeing in this generation,” said ELA Teacher Mrs. Katie Norwood. “Gen Z is a dynamic group of students with so much potential to impact the world for Christ. They have a high sense of agency but can also have a high sense of anxiety. This knowledge can influence how we as teachers equip and nurture our students. I loved Dr. Elmore's exhortations to build relationships, provide opportunities for students to take ownership of learning, use visuals, engage students in solving real-world problems, and seek experiences for students that will deepen learning.”

Thank You Lion Fund
Dr. Elmore’s visit was made possible by donations made to the DMC Lion Fund. The Lion Fund provides resources for immediate opportunities for educational programs, athletics, fine arts, and activities. Donations to the Lion Fund benefit all students at DMC. Uniquely, the Lion Fund’s support of Dr. Elmore’s visit to DMC also directly benefited parents and employees.