ACSI Podcasts

Rachael Jones sits down with Dr. Edward Bunn to explore ways leaders can listen beyond the silence to uncover hidden disengagement, misalignment, or burnout. Watch this episode on YouTube! The Flourishing Journey podcast explores strategies for building a thriving school culture through research and practical application. The show is hosted by Dr. Edward Bunn, ACSI's Director of Professional Development. The ACSI podcasts will help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info here: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts

This episode features Mike Epp, ACSI Senior Vice President of Global Development, speaking on the Holy Spirit during a recent ACSI Chapel service. Mike has been involved in Christian school education for over 40 years, including nearly 20 with ACSI. Mike served at Pan American Christian Academy, a bilingual international Christian school in São Paulo, Brazil, for 19 years. He holds a Master’s in Education and Guidance, a B.S. in Social Sciences, and a Specialist Certificate in Educational Leadership.

Jenn Lindemuth is the Curriculum Director of Chang Rai International Christian School in Thailand. She sits down with ACSI Chief Ministry Officer Dr. Gavin Brettenny to discuss the makeup of her school and her journey in Christ-centered education. Chang Rai International Christian School: https://crics.asia/ 

Dr. Tim Padgett, Resident Theologian with the Colson Center, and Megan Almon, a speaker with Stand to Reason, are both keynote presenters at the upcoming Rooted Educator Worldview Summit (June 15-17 in Colorado Springs). They share pieces of what they will speak on at the Summit; to register, visit acsi.org/rooted.

Douglas Campbell, Senior Coordinator with the ACSI Ministry Team, hosts this edition of the Grafted Together Podcast alongside two members of the ACSI Spiritual Formation Network, Courtney Crenshaw and Brayden Brown.   Courtney Crenshaw leads a team of five youth pastors at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas. She is passionate about intentional discipleship of the next generation, equipping staff members to confidently step into their roles as disciple-makers and partnering with parents in the stewardship and care of their children. In addition to her role in Spiritual Life, Courtney has developed Liberty’s Student Protection Program, a comprehensive safety plan fostering a culture of safety for students and faculty.   Digital Resources:  Liberty Christian School Website, Spiritual Life Page - https://www.libertychristian.com/student-life/spiritual-life  SL Podcast - https://www.libertychristian.com/student-life/spiritual-life/resources    Brayden Brown serves on the Spiritual Life Team at Liberty Christian School, where he has spent the past five years helping cultivate a Christ-centered culture for students, staff, and families. He’s passionate about holistic formation into the image of Jesus and caring well for people so they can flourish spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

"You can't just sprinkle Jesus dust on an otherwise secular education." Noah Brink joins the Grafted Together Podcast and shares how Franklin Christian Academy (TN) prepares students for God's calling by teaching Christianly. Noah Brink has spent the past twenty-three years serving in a wide range of roles within Christian schools and currently serves as the Head of School at Franklin Christian School in Franklin, TN. In 2023, Noah founded Renew Education, a nonprofit organization devoted to advancing Christ’s Kingdom by helping schools align more deeply with the gospel. That same year, he published his first book, Jesus Above School, launched the “RenewCast” podcast on Christian education, and began coaching and speaking through the Herzog Foundation. He holds graduate degrees from Reformed Theological Seminary and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Covenant College.

It's not an add-on: the real work of forming a biblical worldview takes a systematic approach at each Christian school. Billy Hutchinson, Director of Colson Educators with the Colson Center, shares insights and resources.   LINKS: To learn more about Colson Educators visit, https://colsoneducators.org/ Educators get 50% off your Colson Fellows program at http://www.colsonfellows.org For more free tools to help you teach like a Christian, visit Colsoneducators.org/store To get cutting edge Christian education tips, sign up for the Planning Period newsletter at https://www.colsoneducators.org/planning-period. Social Media Handles (click on each link to access) Facebook  @colsoneducators  Instagram  @colsoneducators  YouTube  @colsoneducators  TikTok  @colsoneducators 

As an admissions specialist, Angie St. Pierre sees how spiritual formation begins with the very first interaction, ensuring that Christ is central in every aspect of the school experience. She joins Jerry Nelson to discuss how every moment with parents and students is treated as a ministry opportunity, with a focus on building relationships and pointing families toward Christ—even if they don’t ultimately enroll. Angie St. Pierre is an Admissions Specialist at Calvary Christian Academy (FL), the largest private Christian school in the continental United States. Digital Resources: CCA's school website: www.CCAEagles.org.  

This episode features Dr. Adam Wilson, speaker at the Secure & Sound Mental Health Symposium (May 1 in Denver, with a virtual option as well), and Elizabeth Urbanowicz, speaker at the Rooted Educator Worldview Summit (June 15-17 in Colorado Springs). Register for the Secure & Sound Mental Health Symposium at acsi.org/secure Register for the Rooted Educator Worldview Summit at acsi.org/rooted

Rachael Jones sits down with Dr. Edward Bunn to discuss ways to move beyond the typical “my door is always open” promise and truly create an environment where people feel safe, heard, and encouraged to speak openly. Watch this episode on YouTube! The Flourishing Journey podcast explores strategies for building a thriving school culture through research and practical application. The show is hosted by Dr. Edward Bunn, ACSI's Director of Professional Development. The ACSI podcasts will help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info here: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts

This episode is from a recent meeting of ACSI Early Educators in which Jerry Nelson spoke to the group about a biblical approach to current cultural beliefs on gender.  To connect with the ACSI Early Education team, please visit https://www.acsi.org/academic-programs/early-education/early-education-network

Nathan Stark, founder of FolioBridge, shares his journey from a new teacher with no classroom structure to a leader passionate about systems thinking in education. Nathan Stark is a 16-year educator with experience across both public and private education, having served as a classroom teacher, district trainer, PLC and team leader, county History Fair coordinator, and as an assistant principal within Christian education. He founded FolioBridge, an EdTech platform designed to help school leaders create clearer systems and processes that better support teachers. Nathan is also the author of Hidden Strength: Resiliency of the Sequoia, a work centered on leadership, perseverance, and growth through adversity. -- Connect with Nathan Stark, author and EdTech founder, and learn how FolioBridge helps schools simplify processes and better support teachers. Website: FolioBridge  LinkedIn: Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn  Facebook: Follow FolioBridge on Facebook  Instagram: Follow FolioBridge on Instagram  Let's connect: Schedule time with Nathan    Hidden Strength: Resiliency of the Sequoia is a story about resilience, growth, and the strength found in overcoming challenges—perfect for leaders, educators, and anyone seeking inspiration.  Book Title: Hidden Strength: Resiliency of the Sequoia  Author: Nathan Stark  Link to Purchase: Amazon 

Dr. Sean McDowell, keynote speaker at the upcoming Rooted Educator Worldview Summit, joins the podcast to discuss Rooted, how to encourage questions in your classroom, and the impact of Christian education when done right—or wrong. To register for the Rooted Educator Worldview Summit this June 15-17 in Colorado Springs, CO, visit acsi.org/rooted

Should we consider a faith-informed form of risk and reward for educators who choose to teach in a population other than their own? How can leaders navigate the tension between pursuing a more diverse culture while fostering belonging for both staff and students? John Murray, Head of School at Brookstone Schools (NC), joins the podcast with Jerry Nelson. With 31 years in Christian education–23 years as Head of School–John is a thought leader when it comes to equipping children and parents to impact modern culture for Jesus Christ. With a B.A. from Vanderbilt University and a M.A.L.S. from Dartmouth College, John has extensive experience in impacting the broader public through speaking, writing, and filmmaking. He currently serves as the Head of Brookstone Schools, a K-8 school in Charlotte, NC whose mission is to glorify God by equipping under-resourced students spiritually, socially, and academically for future lives of leadership and service.

What does it mean to be a Christlike teacher? Kevin Miller, Director of Spiritual Life at Cincinnati Christian Schools, joins the Grafted Together Podcast, with Douglas Campbell hosting. Kevin began his ministry in Christian education in 2014 at Cincinnati Christian Schools as a biblical studies teacher. In 2020, at home because of COVID lockdowns, he finished his Doctor of Ministry degree with Christian Theological Seminary focusing on a biblical model for Christian education. Today, Kevin serves as Director of Spiritual Life, Biblical Studies Department Chair, and a Biblical Studies Teacher at Cincinnati Christian.

Tatiana Smith, the Superintendent’s Assistant for the Enlightium School System Agency, discusses the evolution of Christian education, the role of international and distance learning models, and more. Tatiana Smith serves as the Superintendent’s Assistant for the Enlightium School System Agency, an international, accredited private Christian school district. In this role, she supports administrative operations and contributes to the review and editing of the Bible curriculum at Enlightium Academy, the virtual Christian school that the school district branches from. Tatiana is currently beginning the first semester of her Doctor of Ministry in Bible Studies and welcomes prayer as she steps into this season of study and service. Digital Resources: Enlightium Virtual Christian Academy: https://www.enlightiumacademy.com/ Enlightium School System Agency (Enlightium School District): https://www.enlightium.ai/ Enlight Learning - non-profit organization that provides scholarship opportunities to Enlightium Academy students: https://www.enlightlearning.org/  

Deon Parker rejoins the Grafted Together Podcast to discuss biblical themes stemming from the recent ACSI Biblical Unity Summit. Deon is the author of ChristiUnity: The History of God-authored Unity as well as Biblical Unity: It Takes You And Me. Deon Parker has spent over two decades in vocational Christian ministry–primarily in pastoral ministry. He is currently serving as the Director of Biblical Unity at Christian Academy School System in Louisville, Kentucky & New Albany, Indiana. Deon is the author of ChristiUnity: The History of God-authored Unity as well as Biblical Unity: It Takes You And Me. To order Deon Parker’s books: ChristiUnity: The History of God-authored Unity on Amazon: https://a.co/d/eIWnF6z Biblical Unity: It Takes You And Me on Amazon: https://a.co/d/f5EEPHK  

When a school leader gets fired up about the right things, transformation happens. Dr. Cy Smith joins Jerry Nelson to discuss practical ways for spiritual formation directors to influence students. Dr. Cy Smith is the Superintendent of Mansfield Christian School and a national leader in Christian education. As host of the Clearly Christian Podcast, he challenges cultural drift, highlights the importance of Christian education to turn the tide, and contends with conviction for the biblical worldview.  Dr. Smith is a Colson Fellow with the Colson Center for Christian Worldview and has degrees in Educational Leadership from the University of Toledo and Ashland University.  He is a conference speaker, executive coach, and school board consultant in addition to his role as Superintendent.  Dr. Smith has served at Mansfield Christian [MCS] for 34 years. Digital Resources:   https://www.clearlychristianeducation.com/  https://mcsflames.org/  

Jerry Nelson discusses Gospel-centered racial reconciliation with Dr. James Noble, the Vice President for the Center of Community, Dignity, and Inclusive Campus Family at Anderson University (SC), and the Pastor of Kingdom Community Church of Anderson. Dr. Noble earned his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy degree from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of Race and Grace: Gospel-Centered Racial Reconciliation. Dr. Noble's book: https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/race-and-grace-gospel-centered-racial-reconciliation.

Why do some students seem to be ready for leadership but don't take the initiative, and what can we do about it? Emily Pigott has insights on what leads to the leadership gap and how educators can help bridge it. -- Do you read the quarterly Student Leadership & Learning newsletters? Subscribe at www.acsi.org/subscribe The Student Leadership & Learning Podcast aims to help create enriching experiences beyond the classroom, explore ways to maximize educators' impact, and develop student leaders. Your host is Emily Pigott, ACSI's VP of Educational Resources & Student Programs. The ACSI Podcasts help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info on all four shows here: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts  

What would happen if our desire for more parental involvement extended beyond the child's academics to something of greater worth? Dr. Toyin Atolagbe shares how parental engagement shapes spiritual formation. Dr. Toyin Atolagbe serves as Executive Director of Great Hearts Christos, a private Christian classical school with campuses in Phoenix and Gilbert, Arizona. Previously, she led Archway Lincoln Classical Academy as Headmaster and was a founding faculty member at Archway Arete Classical Academy and Archway Trivium Classical Academy, all Great Hearts Academies. She is also the co-founder of Agape International School in Ilorin, Nigeria, which offers free classical education to underserved communities. She is the founder of Lighthouse Parenting Hub, a partnership that equips parents through public speaking, training, coaching, and curated resources to foster flourishing families. Dr. Atolagbe earned her Doctor of Education from Grand Canyon University, a Master of Education from the University of Lethbridge, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from the University of Ilorin. Digital Resources: Dr. Atolagbe's email: [email protected]   Website: www.lighthouseparentinghub.com  Instagram: lighthouseparentinghub 

Rachael Jones sits down with Dr. Edward Bunn to discuss ways to recognize the crucial role that middle leaders serve as the "bridge" between upper-level leadership and staff. The Flourishing Journey podcast explores strategies for building a thriving school culture through research and practical application. The show is hosted by Dr. Edward Bunn, ACSI's Director of Professional Development. The ACSI podcasts will help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info here: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts

Dr. Chuck Fuller, Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Anderson University, shares his transition from pastoral ministry to higher Christian education and identifies traits of "good" and "the right" types of education. Dr. Chuck Fuller serves as Director of the Honors College and Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Anderson University. A native of Kentucky, Dr. Fuller came to AU in 2010 following thirteen years in full-time pastoral ministry. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, where his primary emphasis was homiletical theology with additional studies in philosophy and systematic theology. https://andersonuniversity.edu/honors-college/

How does someone in charge of spiritual formation build a team to ensure growth continues beyond themself? Are you a spiritual formation lone ranger? Dr. David Brinkley, Director of Spiritual Life at Rosslyn Academy in Kenya, has helpful insights. David is the Director of Spiritual Life at Rosslyn Academy, a Christian international school in Nairobi serving about 700 students from over 50 nations. Previously at Rosslyn, he taught Bible to 11th–12th graders and served as Department Chair for seven years. He holds a D.Min from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and an M.Div and Th.M from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. David also serves on the pastoral team at International Christian Fellowship in Nairobi. Before moving to Kenya, he spent seventeen years in youth ministry and five years in Christian education. Digital Resources: www.rosslynacademy.org

Hear a snippet of Trevin Wax's presentation at the 2026 FSi Dallas, learn more about the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship, and hear how God is working through ACSI Europe. For more on the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship, visit everystudenteverystate.org and childrenstuitionfund.org

To discuss how underserved students have been transformed by Christian education, Jonathon Basurto joins the Grafted Together Podcast. Jonathon is the Principal at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy South Campus in Tucson, AZ, the first school in the nation that is Christian, Classical, Covenantal, and Dual Language. He has been in education and educational leadership for over fifteen years. He serves at his local church, helping the teens and college students through Bible studies. Digital resources: Pusch Ridge Christian Academy website Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization Institute for Better Education Scholarships Center for Unity 2026 Summit

What is the responsibility of leaders to invest in the spiritual formation of the employees they steward? Chris Loncar, ACSI's VP of Human Resources, discusses how organizations should care for their most important asset: people. Chris Loncar is the VP of Human Resources at ACSI. He spent the first 10 years of his calling as a pastor before transitioning to the human resources field, a blend that has given him a versatile and thoughtful approach to leading the HR function of an organization. He has a bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management and is a Senior Certified Professional through the Society of Human Resources Management. -- The Grafted Together Podcast examines how biblical worldview and spiritual formation should integrate into everyday Christian education. All four shows of the ACSI Podcasts have a new episode each month, available here on YouTube and in audio-only form on most major podcast platforms. These podcasts will help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info here: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts

Darin Long hosts a session on making biblical unity a goal across your entire organization, using stories from his Christian school leadership experience. Darin Long is the Superintendent of the Christian Academy School System, serving more than 3,000 students across campuses in Louisville, Kentucky, and New Albany, Indiana. With over 26 years in education — from teacher to principal to superintendent — Darin also serves in leadership roles with ACSI and statewide education boards. Darin Long presentation slides: https://www.acsi.org/docs/default-source/communication---engagement/podcasts/updated-darin-long-biblical-unity-summit-slides.pdf Click here for a document on the Biblical Unity Summit here: 

Deon Parker hosts a session on pursuing biblical unity with Jesus Christ as the pace setter.  To view Deon Parker's presentation slides, view here. Deon Parker has spent over two decades in vocational Christian ministry–primarily in pastoral ministry. He is currently serving as the Director of Biblical Unity at Christian Academy School System in Louisville, Kentucky & New Albany, Indiana. To order Deon Parker’s books: - ChristiUnity: The History of God-authored Unity on Amazon: https://a.co/d/eIWnF6z - Biblical Unity: It Takes You And Me on Amazon: https://a.co/d/f5EEPHK   Click here for a document on the Biblical Unity Summit here.

The question isn't if culture transforms students, but how. Emily Pigott shares what it means to make classrooms a place of safety and being known for the sake of spiritual growth. -- Do you read the quarterly Student Leadership & Learning newsletters? Subscribe at www.acsi.org/subscribe  The Student Leadership & Learning Podcast aims to help create enriching experiences beyond the classroom, explore ways to maximize educators' impact, and develop student leaders. Your host is Emily Pigott, ACSI's VP of Educational Resources & Student Programs. The ACSI Podcasts help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info on all four shows here: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts.

Dr. Matt Daniels hosts a session on biblical unity and looking to Dr. King for an antidote to political hate. For more on Dr. Matt Daniels, visit here. Click here for a document on the Biblical Unity Summit here. Read Dr. Daniel's writing on Dr. King as an Antidote to Political Hate. Read "Bringing Americans Together with Dr. King’s Dream" with Chaplain Barry Black and Dr. Daniels here.

Rachael Jones interviews Dr. Edward Bunn to discuss strategies for clear communication that lead to collaboration and clarity. Watch this episode on YouTube! The Flourishing Journey podcast explores strategies for building a thriving school culture through research and practical application. The show is hosted by Dr. Edward Bunn, ACSI's Director of Professional Development. The ACSI podcasts will help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info here: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts

What are common pitfalls for a spiritual life director, and how can they best care for themselves as they lead others? Greg Tonkinson has insights on this and more. Greg Tonkinson is the Spiritual Life Director at Valley Christian Schools in Chandler, AZ, where he has served for 18 years. A Phoenix-area resident for nearly four decades, Greg is the author of Unwanted Fraternity and hosts Meliora The Podcast with the Herzog Foundation. He is also a TEDx speaker, a former NPR guest with Guy Raz, and he recently conducted a 45-minute interview with President George W. Bush. Greg holds a Master’s from Phoenix Seminary and a Doctorate from Talbot School of Theology. He and Jennifer have five children.   Greg's Resources: Meliora The Podcast – focused on Christian education  Unwanted Fraternity – a book focused on a biblical perspective on grief 

Dr. Michael Lindsay, keynote speaker at FSi 2026, shares how to capitalize on life's "hinge moments," the topic of his keynote presentation at FSi this month. Also, learn how the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship could help your school, from Shanda Adams of the ACSI Children's Tuition Fund. Finally, see how Pantego Christian Academy (TX) supports its community. ACSI loves to highlight member schools! -- The Stronger Together Podcast highlights member schools, educators, and important happenings in a 15-minute news magazine-style format.

Russ Gregg started a Christian school in Minneapolis not only for his own kids, but for his neighborhood with no access to quality Christian education. Hear his insights on how to start a school and how Christian education can transform lives in a city. Russ Gregg (M.A. in Educational Leadership, Gordon College) has served as Head of School at Hope Academy in Minneapolis since its founding in 2000. For Spreading Hope, Russ is the Visionary President and co-Founder (alongside Dan Olson). In 1999, God inspired Russ to quit his job to help lay the groundwork for a classical Christian school for his inner-city neighbors. He and his wife Phyllis, who teaches at Hope Academy, live just four blocks from the school where they raised their 3 children who are all grown with families of their own.  Russ serves on the Board of Directors of the Society for Classical Learning. He is a regular speaker and writer on Urban Classical Christian Education and is the author of The Mark of God and our Education Crisis (2018).  More resources: 2.) 7 Myths - Spreading Hope Network  3.) 8 First Steps to Launch Guide through the Herzog Foundation. -- The Grafted Together Podcast examines how biblical worldview and spiritual formation should integrate into everyday Christian education. All four shows of the ACSI Podcasts have a new episode each month, available here on YouTube and in audio-only form on most major podcast platforms. These podcasts will help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info here: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts

Spiritual Formation is the Foundation of Student Leadership and Engaged Learning. Emily Pigott shares encouragement on being a Christlike example in the classroom, because when it comes to worldview formation, learning is never neutral. Watch this episode on YouTube! -- Do you read the quarterly Student Leadership & Learning newsletters? Subscribe at www.acsi.org/subscribe  The Student Leadership & Learning Podcast aims to help create enriching experiences beyond the classroom, explore ways to maximize educators' impact, and develop student leaders. Your host is Emily Pigott, ACSI's VP of Educational Resources & Student Programs. The ACSI Podcasts help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info on all four shows here: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts.

Jerry Nelson and Stephen Deck discuss a biblical view of accreditation.  For more on accreditation, visit https://www.acsi.org/accreditation-certification/accreditation-for-schools Stephen Deck, Ed.S. serves as the Vice President of Education Standards for the Association of Christian Schools International, overseeing ACSI’s accreditation and credentialing teams. During his time at ACSI, Stephen has chaired numerous accreditation visits, served as the liaison between ACSI and partner accrediting agencies, and played a pivotal role in the revision of ACSI’s accreditation protocol. Prior to his time at ACSI, Stephen taught in an ACSI Accredited school. Stephen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education, a Master of Arts degree in Ministry, a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership. He lives in Kansas with his wife and 10 children. The Grafted Together Podcast examines how biblical worldview and spiritual formation should integrate into everyday Christian education. All four shows of the ACSI Podcasts have a new episode each month, available here on YouTube and in audio-only form on most major podcast platforms. These podcasts will help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info here: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts

Jerry Nelson and Dr. Page Curlee share research on recruiting and retaining a more diverse staff in Christian schools, drawing from Dr. Curlee's experience overseas. Digital Resources: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/page.curlee/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pagecurlee/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/page-curlee-edd-562294157/  Dr. Page Curlee is an educator and ministry leader passionate about fostering biblical unity and cultural humility in Christian communities. She recently earned her EdD in Educational Leadership from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where her research focused on the shared lived experiences of teachers who identify as Black and/or African American and work in predominantly white Christian schools. With experience as a teacher, missionary, and diversity advocate, Page brings a heart for helping Christian educators and leaders cultivate communities of belonging through unity, empathy, and cross-cultural understanding.  -- The Grafted Together Podcast examines how biblical worldview and spiritual formation should integrate into everyday Christian education. All four shows of the ACSI Podcasts have a new episode each month, available here on YouTube and in audio-only form on most major podcast platforms. These podcasts will help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info here: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts

Philip Scott, ACSI VP for Legal Affairs, discusses how what civil discourse should look like for Christians today, and how to properly view our involvement and responsibility to our immediate and larger community. Philip Scott’s background is a blend of education, religion, and law. He has taught middle and high school students U.S. Government and Civics in Christian schools.  Most recently he has been a lecturer in undergraduate and graduate programs teaching on ethics, nonprofit law, and education law.  Philip has been with ACSI since 2011.  He currently serves as Vice President for Legal Affairs. He and his wife, Heather, met in the 5th grade while attending a small Christian school in central Virginia. Philip and Heather have three children. The Grafted Together Podcast examines how biblical worldview and spiritual formation should integrate into everyday Christian education. All four shows of the ACSI Podcasts have a new episode each month, available here on YouTube and in audio-only form on most major podcast platforms. These podcasts will help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info here: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts

Rachael Jones sits down with Dr. Edward Bunn to discuss how to recognize when our mission begins to drift and explore strategies for helping our teams stay aligned with the school’s Christ-centered mission. The Flourishing Journey podcast explores strategies for building a thriving school culture through research and practical application. The show is hosted by Dr. Edward Bunn, ACSI's Director of Professional Development. The ACSI podcasts will help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info here: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts

Simon Jeynes, Co-Founder of Christian School Management, discusses cultural shifts in and around Christian education, and more. Watch this episode on YouTube! -- The Stronger Together Podcast highlights member schools, educators, and important happenings in a 15-minute news magazine-style format.

Douglas Campbell hosts an episode with three major contributors to ACSI's Spiritual Formation Network meetings: Laurie LaFon, Sean Englert, and Sam Farinacci. HOST BIOS: Laurie LaFon received her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and has been part of the Lucas Christian Academy community for over 22 years, with three of her four children graduating from LCA. Before becoming Director of Student Life eight years ago, she served in many volunteer roles and has spent more than 15 years in youth ministry. Laurie oversees the spiritual formation of students in grades 7–12 through chapel, retreats, small group discipleship, and leadership development programs such as student council and cross-grade mentoring. She also coordinates many of the fun events that shape student life throughout the year. Laurie’s greatest joy is seeing students grow in their relationship with the Lord, discover their God-given gifts, and step confidently into the next season of life—passionate about pursuing Jesus, loving Him deeply, and loving others well.  Digital Resources: Https://lucasca.com/   -- https://www.instagram.com/lcawarriorssl/  Sean Englert serves as the Interim Co-Head of School and Director of Spiritual Life at Northlake Christian School in Covington, Louisiana. He is passionate about seeing communities flourish as God’s people love and serve their neighbors. Believing that Christian education is a powerful means of equipping the next generation for this calling, he is committed to advancing God’s kingdom by faithfully stewarding that opportunity.  Digital Resources: northlakechristian.org, FB - @Northlake Christian School, IG - @ncscovington  Samantha (Sam) Farinacci received her bachelor's degree in English at California Lutheran University and her master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary.  She loves her job at Oaks Christian Online School where she develops online spiritual formation and Christian education for 6-12th grade students and provides online chaplaincy care for the faculty and staff.  She has been at OC Online since the program's genesis in 2011.  Outside of work, Sam is into her pet llamas, hiking, reading, and swimming in Bass Lake, CA near where she lives with her husband, who is a pastor.  https://www.oakschristianonline.org/

Emily Pigott shares how to lead with presence to remind students that peace is not the absence of chaos, it's the awareness of Christ in that chaos. Isaiah 9:6 calls Jesus the Prince of Peace; your stillness reflects Him. -- Do you read the quarterly Student Leadership & Learning newsletters? Subscribe at www.acsi.org/subscribe  The Student Leadership & Learning Podcast aims to help create enriching experiences beyond the classroom, explore ways to maximize educators' impact, and develop student leaders. Your host is Emily Pigott, ACSI's VP of Educational Resources & Student Programs. The ACSI Podcasts help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info on all four shows here: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts.

Rachael Jones sits down with Dr. Edward Bunn to discuss strategies for receiving and implementing healthy feedback as leaders. The Flourishing Journey podcast explores strategies for building a thriving school culture through research and practical application. The show is hosted by Dr. Edward Bunn, ACSI's Director of Professional Development. The ACSI podcasts will help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info here: acsi.org/podcasts

This episode features Dr. Chad McNatt, Superintendent at Seattle Christian School (WA), on the topic of apologetics and students asking tough questions. We also hear from Heath Nivens, Head of School at McKinney Christian Academy (TX) at the Catalyst Conference, and return to Asheville Christian Academy (NC) to hear about their recovery from Hurricane Helene in 2024. Learn more about ACA and other stories at acsi.org/stories The Stronger Together Podcast highlights member schools, educators, and important happenings in a 15-minute news magazine style format.  

Jerry Nelson and Dr. Jeff Lawrence talk through building spiritual formation in schools from the top down, including defining a biblical worldview and practical steps leaders can take for spiritual formation in Christian schools.  Jeff Lawrence is the Director of Spiritual Development at Foundation Academy (FL). He is a writer, teacher, and cultural apologist passionate about helping people think deeply and live faithfully in a world that often rejects absolute truth. The Grafted Together Podcast examines how biblical worldview and spiritual formation should integrate into everyday Christian education. All four shows of the ACSI Podcasts have a new episode each month, available here on YouTube and in audio-only form on most major podcast platforms. These podcasts will help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info here: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts

This episode completes a three-part series on equipping students to make a courageous influence, with this episode focused on actionable steps to call students up to meet their potential. -- Do you read the quarterly Student Leadership & Learning newsletters? Subscribe at www.acsi.org/subscribe The Student Leadership & Learning Podcast aims to help create enriching experiences beyond the classroom, explore ways to maximize educators' impact, and develop student leaders. Your host is Emily Pigott, ACSI's Student Leadership & Learning Director. The ACSI Podcasts help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info on all four shows here: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts.

Rachael Jones sits down with Dr. Edward Bunn to discuss ways to ensure that we as leaders intentionally focus on our own spiritual formation. The Flourishing Journey podcast explores strategies for building a thriving school culture through research and practical application. The show is hosted by Dr. Edward Bunn, ACSI's Director of Professional Development. The ACSI podcasts will help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info here: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts

Every school is being discipled by culture. Often, it happens subconsciously. To discuss how to engage students where Christ & culture meet, Dan Stuart joins Jerry Nelson and shares about his role as the Director of the Christian Leadership Program and Institute for Christ & Culture at The King's Academy (FL).  Dan Stuart has a diverse teaching history from the youth group to the college classroom. During that time, his desires became clear: he wants to see students challenged through difficult questions and loved with the love of Christ. His education is in biblical studies and apologetics. -- The Grafted Together Podcast examines how biblical worldview and spiritual formation should integrate into everyday Christian education. All four shows of the ACSI Podcasts have a new episode each month, available here on YouTube and in audio-only form on most major podcast platforms. These podcasts will help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info here: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts

The recent Student Leadership Conference in Hungary was a major success. Hear updates on that event, from outgoing Senior Director of the International Division, Tim Shuman, and leadership advice from a head of school. -- The Stronger Together Podcast highlights member schools, educators, and important happenings in a 15-minute news magazine style format.