Focus on the Family Institute

The Focus on the Family Institute (FFI), located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is dedicated to equipping tomorrow's leaders for family, church, and society. Commissioned by Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family organization, the FFI offers a college-level curriculum on family topics from the perspective of a Christian worldview.

Crossroads College has signed a Participation Agreement with FFI under which Crossroads promises to award academic credit to students who complete courses at the Institute. Students may use FFI credits to fulfill certain degree requirements at Crossroads.

Admission to the Focus on the Family Institute is very competitive. Application deadlines are April 15 for Fall Semester, March 15 for Summer Semester, and November 1 for Spring Semester. For more information, see the materials on file in the Academic Office. Also consult the Focus on the Family Institute website for updated information, forms and course descriptions.

Required Courses

Fall and Spring Semester Curriculum
PHL 426 Christian Worldview Studies (3)
POL 427 Family, Church & Society Studies (3)
PSY 453 Marriage & Leadership Studies (3)
PSY 454 Family Life Studies (3)
PSY 450 or PSY 490 Practicum (3)

Summer Semester Curriculum
PHL 428 Cultural Issues in Christian Perspective (4)
PSY 456 Family Issues in Christian Perspective (4)

Course Descriptions

PHL 426 Christian Worldview Studies (3)
The Christian Worldview Studies course is designed to deepen and broaden students' understanding of the core presuppositions of the Christian worldview and to equip them to evaluate those presuppositions in contrast with competing worldviews. The goal is to enable students to think more clearly and critically about the ultimate issues of human existence, so that they may live more purposeful lives and participate more constructively in the larger socio-cultural debate. Dr. Chris Leland

POL 427 Family, Church & Society Studies (3)
The purpose of this course is to allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the church's relationship to both the family and the complex set of institutions, policies, practices and culture known as society. Students are challenged to think carefully and deeply about the church as transformed and transforming community—a radically redemptive, kingdom-centered counterculture through which God heals individuals, families and societies. Dr. Lawrence F. Burtoft

PSY 453 Marriage & Leadership Studies (3)
The purpose of this course is to enhance students' understanding of how to have a successful marriage (focusing on the principle of the permanence of marriage), while emphasizing leadership. Students are exposed to typical issues that singles and spouses face in today's society. Biblical teachings, existing research and current, popular techniques are reviewed. Dr. Michael A. Rosebush and Mr. Roc Bottomly

PSY 454 Family Life Studies (3)
The purpose of this course is to enhance students' appreciation of the importance of proper parenting and the sanctity of human life. Students are exposed to typical problematic issues that most parents are forced to confront as they attempt to raise healthy children. Additionally, students are exposed to the principles that life is sacred, unique, broken, beautiful and deserving of love and truth. Biblical teachings, existing research and current popular techniques are reviewed, with the goal of aiding students in their development of a personal strategy for dealing with problematic parenting areas. Ms. Sheryl DeWitt

PSY 450 or PSY 490 Practicum (3)
The purpose of the practicum is to provide students specialized experiences in a career field tailored to one's academic discipline, skills and professional interests. The practicum allows students the opportunity to design a personalized program, by electing to work at a professional practicum site or work on an independent study. Students choosing to work at a professional practicum site work at an agency within the Focus on the Family or in the Rocky Mountain Region, learning about professions related to their discipline and life goals. It is expected that students ultimately log 120 hours at their practicum site performing practicum related requirements resulting in a two-page summary of their experience. In contrast, students choosing to work on an independent study are given the opportunity to work on a topic of choice (under the supervision of an advisor) which is related to the family arena, applies to their academic interests and gifts, and integrates a Christian world view. Students choosing this option produce the equivalent of a 15-page typed paper. Ms. Kelly Sheehe

PHL 428 Cultural Issues in Christian Perspective (4)
The purpose of this course is to deepen and broaden students' understanding of the core assumptions of the Christian worldview and to apply this perspective to critical issues involving the contemporary family, church and society. The goal is to enable students to think more clearly about the ultimate issues of human existence so that they may live more purposeful lives and participate more constructively in the calling of the Church as a transformed and transforming community through which God heals individuals, families and societies. Dr. Lawrence F. Burtoft

PSY 456 Family Issues in Christian Perspective (4)
The purpose of this course is to equip students with personal strategies for promoting healthy families by specifically focusing on marriage, parenting and the sanctity of all human life. Students are exposed to typical problematic issues that most spouses and parents are forced to confront as they attempt to establish healthy marriages and families. Biblical teachings, existing research, and current popular techniques are reviewed, with the goal of aiding students in their development of a personal strategy for dealing with these problematic areas whenever confronted by them. Offered: summer semester. Ms. Sheryl DeWitt