From the Football Field to the Classroom: How Joel Penton Built LifeWise Academy

Former Ohio State Buckeye Joel Penton joins the show to share how a 1952 Supreme Court ruling and a vision from his hometown of Van Wert, Ohio sparked a nationwide movement. LifeWise Academy has grown from two pilot schools in 2019 to over 300 programs across more than a dozen states—bringing Bible education to public school students through Released Time Religious Instruction. Penton discusses the challenges of launching a faith-based initiative within public education, why he believes character formation matters now more than ever, and how local communities are driving this parent-permitted, privately funded model. Whether you're curious about the legal framework, passionate about student spiritual development, or interested in starting a program in your own community, this conversation offers practical insight into one of the fastest-growing religious education movements in America.