How do we move students from simply talking about truth, goodness, and beauty to actually living those ideals out in everyday life?
In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens is joined by Sharon Carlson for a thoughtful conversation about what it means to develop an “operational theology” , a faith that shapes not just beliefs, but daily decisions, relationships, failures, and future plans. Sharon draws from decades of experience in classical Christian education, student formation, counseling, and college advising to explore how schools and parents can help students connect theology to real life.
Together, they discuss:
- Why students often struggle to apply Christian truth in practical decisions
- What “the good life” actually means from a biblical perspective
- How parents and schools can respond redemptively when students fail
- Why discipline moments can become discipleship opportunities
- The difference between knowing Christian virtues and becoming more like Christ
- How theology helps students navigate anxiety, uncertainty, and major life decisions
- Why “the best next step” matters more than fear of making the “wrong” decision
Sharon also shares insights from mentoring students through college and career decisions, helping them understand that God’s will is ultimately about being conformed to the character of Christ, not simply finding the perfect school, job, or path.
🎧 Tune in for a rich conversation about spiritual formation, discipleship, and helping the next generation move beyond slogans into deeply lived faith.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
Life Architects
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Sharon Carlson is a native of Massachusetts and currently lives on the North Shore. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and English Literature from Gordon College, and her Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She worked in Student Development at Gordon College for nine years as a Resident Director, Director of Housing, and the Assistant Director of the A.J. Gordon Scholarship Program. In 2005 she became Dean of Students at Covenant Christian Academy in Peabody, MA. She helped start the high school program at Covenant, and created the school’s first student life and college guidance programs. She later became Assistant Head of School, and served as Interim Head of School. More recently, Sharon served as the Director of Recruitment at Gordon College in Wenham, MA. She currently works full-time as an independent college advisor in partnership with Guide Us Educational Services.
Sharon and her husband, Chris, have been married for 33 years and have two adult children.
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