RenewCast

Seek the welfare of the city! While the notion of place-based education isn't an entirely new concept, it's not the sort of focus we typically find in Christian Schools. However, there's strong theological and philosophical reasons why Christian schools should focus their curriculum and programs to helping students flourish in the place where God has put them. In order to do this well, the Christian School ought equip students with a deeper understanding of their communities: the history, geography, environment, stories, culture, and art. Not only does this build upon the notion of flourishing where God has planted us, it also grounds students and gives them a greater sense of belonging as we build programs to help student connect ideas to what they see and can experience around them.

All Parents feel overwhelmed, but the two books we discuss in this episode are intended to help parents feel a bit more "on top" of what it means to be parents, and both books provide practical advice to be more intentional in this great calling. Justin Whitmel Early's book (Habits of the Household) and Jon Tyson's book (The Intentional Father) are both designed to get parents thinking more proactively about discipleship and formation as the the primary focus of Christian parents. Both books are convicting but encouraging, because they remind of us of things we all know we should be doing, but they provide great hope, rooted in the gospel of Jesus. You can find the books hereHabits of the Household: https://a.co/d/3rjtVlrThe Intentional Father: https://a.co/d/9sPisPh

Every Christian School emphasizes the importance of God's Word, but we're likely inconsistent and confused about the place that God's Word has in our schools - not just philosophically, but in the day-in, day-out practices and programs. Tragically, many of our Christian schools reduce the Bible to a tool inserted into our lessons, displayed on posters, and quoted on the tops of quizzes and tests but not foundational to the very fabric of our schools. In fact, by inserting Scripture all over the place, we may actually be minimizing the place Scripture should have, rather than exalting it. Host Noah Brink discusses the necessity of Christian school leaders to know and love God's Word who long to see a God-centered approach to Scripture as the very goal of the school and all its parts.

A Conversation with Paya Sample of Peak Leaders Collective. The health of a school culture is directly linked to the health of the faculty culture. Building that culture requires rhythms of growth and trust that are nurtured by intentional leadership presence. Our conversation with Paya Sample primarily focuses on being present in classrooms (faculty evaluations and observations), but it's so much bigger than that. Commitment to being in the classroom has to be at the top of any academic leader's priority list, because a healthy faculty culture requires that teachers feel seen and known; it requires that they feel trusted; it requires that they are nurtured toward growth by a leader who is first-and-foremost there to support them. In this episode, Paya offers wonderful reflections on school leadership, some "principal hacks," and fabulous resources. Super important information, because a culture of learning and growing teachers will necessarily result in a culture of learning and growing students. Even more than this, it also models a tangible belief in the gospel of Jesus. For, we are people of need - need for Jesus, and need for each other. This is where we find hope and vibrancy. To learn more about Paya and her work at Peak Leaders Collective, visit https://www.peakleaderscollective.com and to learn more about Renew Education, visit https://www.renew-education.org

Joy may be the most important aspect of the healthy, Christian school. Because we're not merely trying to impart information but see lives transformed and shaped, we must be communities of joy. If we're not, our schools will merely be schools: biblical, spiritual formation won't happen; our students will see Christianity as an add-on to an otherwise secular endeavor; learning will become utilitarian - to further the personal interests of our students and their families. But, if we want to see lasting change, we have to run headlong toward joy. Host Noah Brink offers a brief reflection on why Joy needs to be front-and-center in the lives of our schools. To ever make it possible, it has to start with our teachers and administrators.

We need breaks - not just in school life, but in all of life. Not only do these breaks provide bookends and rhythms for the academic calendar, they also say something about who we are and what we need as people. Host Noah Brink talks about the theology of rest and recreation to both provide greater context for understanding the need for these breaks, but also to encourage reflection in the normal day-to-day of our school weeks, days, and individual class periods or lessons. We were made for rest; spiritual formation requires pause, reflection, and solitude. So, how can we do a better job of weaving a theology of recreation and rest into the fabrics of our schools? that's the question and goal of this Episode. #christianeducation #christianschool #christianpodcast http://www.renew-education.org

It's not uncommon to hear people of faith say, "it's not about you." It's even the first sentence in Rich Warren's popular book, *The Purpose Driven Life.* But, this statement is more than a healthy reminder; in fact, it's a foundational aspect of the Christian worldview. http://www.renew-education.org #rickwarren #purposedrivenlife #christianworldview #christianphilosophy #biblicalworldview #christianity #faithformation #spiritualformation #lifeoffaith #christianliving

What should we do when a students ask their teachers whether or not Santa is real? It's especially complicated at the Elementary school grades, where parents have different perspectives, and teachers want to both respect those differences and capitalize on the opportunity for transformative learning. Actually, the conversation surrounding Santa Claus goes far beyond whether or not Santa Claus really exists. Host Noah Brink builds a case for why Christian teachers shouldn't shy away from Santa Claus conversations; they help us to embrace the power of stories and our need for hope, imagination, mystery and wonder. In the conversation, Noah provides some of the background legends and historical contexts that gave us our current Santa Claus, leaning heavily on G.K. Chesterton and Jesus Christ's insistence that we have faith like a child. http://www.renew-education.org Jesus Above School – https://a.co/d/1txGwA2 #santaclaus #christianeducation #christmas #christianteacher #christianschool

At Christmastime, Christians talk about the importance and necessity of the Incarnation, and we celebrate Jesus as Immanuel. The words of Christmas bring wonder and thanksgiving, but they're also critical parts to seeing Christianity as a worldview. The realities of both "incarnation" and Immanuel" are worldview-shaping beliefs that should affect Christians' view of all things – not merely at Christmas, but every day. #christmas #incarnation #immanuel #godwithus #christianworldview #biblicalworldview #gospel #gospellife #goodnews #jesus #jesuschrist #oldtestament #newtestament #bethlehem

What do we really want to see in our schools? What's the goal? Why do our schools exist? What do we want our students to learn? Far too often, we go through the motions of "doing school," yet we rarely consider how our philosophy and theology affect our approach to learning - both in the overall curricular program and in the day-to-day. Host Noah Brink concludes our six part series on learning by returning to essential questions about the purpose of our Christian schools. Christian schools ought rethink what it means to be an educated person and what's most important for our students to learn. Do our "Portraits of a Graduate" reveal a truly Christian commitment, or are they essentially the same as what we'd find in secular school? What do we mean by success? These struggles aren't aren't limited to the Christian Education sphere alone, but they reveal our general approach to "the Christian life." However, our task is to cling to what the Bible calls us toward, believing the gospel and accepting the unique realities of a gospel-immersed worldview. #christianeducation #portraitofagraduate #faithformation #spiritualformation #christianliving #christianschool #christianworldview #biblicalworldview #christianphilosophy #podcast #christianlearning #christianpodcast #educationpodcast #learning

A Conversation with Craig Harris When Craig Harris set out to plant new church in Yakima, Washington, he already had the intention of planting a Christian school as a ministry of his new church (St. Andrew's, Yakima). Three years later, Immanuel Classical School has a building, over 100 students, has begun the process of hiring its first Headmaster, and just graduated its first high school student. Host Noah Brink and Craig talk about the courageous story of starting a school right on the heals of starting a church - in the midst of a pandemic, none the less. This conversation not only should provide inspiration and encouragement for those considering starting a school, but also helps to recast the notion of the critical relationship between the local church and school and engage and shape the local community through this partnership. #schoolplanting #churchplanting #christianeducation #christianschool #christinculture #yakima #podcast #christianworldview #formation #faithformation #spiritualformation #discipleship #pca https://www.saintandrewsyakima.org https://www.immanuelclassical.org/visionmission http://www.renew-education.org

Thankfulness (both as a virtue and as an individual instance) reveal something about a worldview. Gratitude suggests that we know what we do and don't deserve ... that there's an "ought," and even a "something" to which this thanksgiving is owed. Deep down we know we ought to be thankful, and this reveals that we're hard-wired for recognizing who we are, in relation to the One who deserves our gratitude. As a result, people of faith ought to be the most thankful among all people and should model it for the onlooking world. #thanksgiving #thankfulness #gratitude #christianworldview #christianphilosophy #biblicalworldview #christianity #gospel #grace #christianvirtues

Yes, the world is not as it ought be. We see myriad instances of suffering, pain, loneliness, and sorrow. And yet, God continues to sustain the world through His goodness. It's God's common grace that we see at work - his blessings upon the entirety of his creation - whether His people or not. God's common grace is a vital aspect of the Christian worldview, giving us reason to find great value in all people and enabling us to celebrate the truth, beauty, and goodness we see at the hands and in the minds and words of others. #coommongrace #grace #graceofgod #godsgoodness #christianworldview #biblicalworldview #godscreation #christianity #lovinggod #godatwork #worldview #podcast #christianpodcast

Continuing our series on Learning, it's important to build structures (lessons, experiences, and assessments) with understanding as the goal. That starts by having a clear goal in mind - what we want our students to know/understand. These goals ought be consistent with our school mission, theological foundation, and philosophy of learning. From there, we must be willing to design our classrooms and curricula around a framework that is most likely to help students meet these goals. Host Noah Brink introduces the popular method Understanding by Design as a useful tool to help teachers and academic leaders build maps and frameworks to enable our students to meet these learning objectives. This model sets teachers along the right path to put student learning as a primary goal. #understandingbydesign #curriculum #studentlearning #christianworldview#biblicalworldview #christianeducator #christianeducation #christianteacher #christianschool #christianschools #reneweducation #noahbrink #christianpodcast #podcast #educationpodcas

We're continuing our series on learning and the Christian school by considering how the image of God affects our approach to learning. One of the clearest statements the Bible gives about the nature of humanity is that people are created in the image of God. Consequently, the notion that all people are created in God's image must be a core belief of the Christian school, and this belief has to be foundational to the school's philosophy and practice. Host Noah Brink discusses how seeing students as Rational, Relational, Moral, Spiritual, and Creative beings (a simple starting point for what it means to be image bearers) should radically affect our approach to learning, affecting not only our philosophy and mission, but the day-to-day learning activities of the school. Learn more about RenewEd at http://www.renew-education.org #podcast #christianpodcast #christianpodcastcommunity #christianeducator #christianeduaction #christianschool #christianteacher #learning #imageofgod #imagodei

A Conversation with John Roberts John Roberts, Head of School at Covenant Christian School in St. Louis joins the show to talk about the distinctiveness of the CCS curriculum. It's rare to find a Christian school (or any school for that matter) that can build its curriculum to fit its own mission and objectives. But, that's why John and his team at Covenant have been able to do. Rather than merely buying curriculum from various publishers, Covenant Christian School began a multi-year process of building a curriculum that fits its core distinctives. Host Noah Brink and John discuss the uniquenesses of Covenant's philosophy, program, and the process Covenant undertook to build a curriculum that fits the identity of the school. It's hard work, but listening to John should inspire and encourage any Christian school to set upon this journey. Learn more about Covenant Christian School http://www.renew-education.org #christianeducation #curriclumdesign #christianschool

When we begin to formulate a plan for building school wide frameworks for learning, there may be no better place to go than to the "Greatest Commandment." By calling people of faith to love God with all of our hearts, mind, and strength, Jesus is showing us what it looks like to love God with the totality of our natures, and it also gives us a foundation for what we should think about learning. Host Noah Brink uses this foundation to introduce several "Threefold" frameworks to guide a more biblical dependent approach to learning: Head, Hand, and Heart Inward, Upward, and Outward Prophet, Priest, and King Any of these three frameworks could be used as starting points for aligning our approach to learning with a more biblical model.

It's certainly a necessary step to create a school philosophy of learning that aligns with the school mission. But, having that in place, we have other make sure that this philosophy is actually supported by the school's practice (with its policies, procedures, and programs). Host Noah Brink uses Professor Lou Voskuil's Culture Box as an organizer and tool to help us ensure that there is consistency between our school artifacts and our beliefs. Unfortunately, we continue to underestimate the impact of well over a hundred years' commitment to a secular system and approach to education. But, if we're going to make progress, we have to start with honest reflection on our alignment. http://www.renew-education.org #christianworldview #biblicalworldview #learning #teachingandlearning #christianteacher #christianeducation

Though not books about Christian education (or even education, specifically), both *The Anxious Generation* by   Jonathan Haidt  and *Hidden Potential* by  Adam Grant  are fabulous resources to help teachers and Christian educators in their roles. Host Noah Brink provides brief recommendations of each book, in hopes that teachers can find these books as useful tools for their jobs and ministries. Hidden Potential: https://a.co/d/5afdZT5 The Anxious Generation; https://a.co/d/7qjtwaX

Whether we realize it not, Christian schools are affected by a secular approach to education more deeply than we'd like to admit. This most shows up in our approach to learning which speaks volumes to what we believe about the purpose of education (and thus our schools) and what we fundamentally believe about our students. As the first in a multi-part series on learning, Host Noah Brink begins the conversation on learning by addressing the differences (and implications) between a secular approach to learning (instituted on the heals of the Industrial Revolution) and a spiritual approach, which focuses not on what a student knows, but on who a student becomes. That's the goal #christianeducation #christianschool #christianteacher #christianworldview #biblicalworldview #integrationoffaithandlearning #biblicalintegration #noahbrink #reneweducation

Paul Matthews joins our show to talk about his new book, A Time to Lead, his software to help teachers us A.I. to improve their practice (MyTeacherAide), and how teachers can develop a posture that enables them to embrace changes which helps them become better teachers. Even though the bulk of our conversation connect revolves around the topic of A.I., the main goal is helping teachers fulfill the great commission by more faithfully fulfilling their roles (without fear) so that our students can thrive. Paul is a wonderful resource for today's Christian school teachers, and it is our great joy to celebrate and recommend the great work he's doing. Find out more about his books and resources below. A Time to Lead (Amazon): https://a.co/d/dsIoqcw A Time to Lead (Christian Schools International): https://store.csionline.org/product/a-time-to-lead/ http://www.myteacheraide.com http://www.paulmatthews.ai

Every healthy school has a culture of faculty growth, where the school provides and encourages opportunities for teachers to grow in their philosophy and practice. And, these programs are often most effective when they're dependent upon internal leadership, rather than upon external programs. Even more healthy is a culture that nurtures growth in such a way that it's organically ongoing, because it's part of the habits, rhythms, and rituals of the school. Host Noah Brink offers two practical models to nurture a culture of regular reflection improvement among teachers and discusses a theological foundation for why schools should always be committed to professional development.

Brother Lawrence's Classic work *The Practice of the Presence of God* provides a helpful, practical starting point for beginning to experience the presence of God. And, this is something we need if we're going to see any progress in the area of Spiritual Formation, which has to be one of the greatest priorities in the life of the Christian School. Host Noah Brink discusses what it could look like for the Christian school or individual Christian school teacher to begin to use this teaching from Brother Lawrence and how to begin to put these into the habits and rhythms of the school and/or classroom.

Luke 15's parable of the two brothers (often referred to as the Parable of the Prodigal Son) has profound lessons for all Christians - but especially for those of us who work with Kids. Host Noah Brink discusses how this parable can help us think about our students and children in light of both brothers and the response of the Father. We aren't merely trying to nurture students toward conformity, but we want to see lasting change. That's central to Spiritual Formation, which is central to the mission of Christian education

Schools as Communities and Building a Better School Sometimes, it's hard to make it through an entire book and find the Most poignant, practical nuggets to take away. But, both of these books are anthologies or compilations of essays and articles to provide Christian School with helpful resources on a wide variety of topics, ranging from school culture and philosophy to finance and governance. Because they are both compiled from essays written by experts in specific, both books provide easy to digest wisdom for the various dimensions of Christian school leadership. Schools as Communities: https://a.co/d/4Bt19cu Building a Better School: https://www.cesaschools.org/books #podcast #christianeducator #christianeducation #christianschool #christianleadership #bookrecommendation #bookrecs

A Conversation with Bible Teacher, Mark Brink Join us for a reflective conversation with Mark Brink, 12th-grade Bible Teacher at Evangelical Christian School in Memphis, TN. Over his forty-nine years of teacher more than 5,000 high school students (most of them seniors), Mr. Brink’s life and career were marked by an unmistakable commitment to the gospel of Jesus. Our conversation ranged from topics about curriculum (both for his class, but also for an entire Bible department) and the importance of a clear philosophy to the relationship between academics and faith formation. More than anything else, Mr. Brink’s faithfulness to the supremacy of the gospel and to his students is unmistakeable in our conversation, and that is the legacy that we hope can shape future Bible teachers for years to come.

The best teachers are storytellers. Students need stories; it's how they best connect with the things they're learning. It's part of the reason why Jesus often chose to teach through stories. As a result, teachers need to see themselves as storytellers, and work to get better at seeing their task specifically through the lens of telling stories. Host Noah Brink discusses the importance of storytelling through focussing on its ability to connect with that which is uniquely human in our students. #storytelling #christianeducation #christianteacher #christianworldview #biblicalteaching #biblicalworldview #podcast #noahbrink #christianpodcast #christianpodcaster #christianschool

Regardless of the grades we teach and Even if the words themselves don't show up in our regular practice, Christian teachers must be aware of the worldviews competing not only for our students' attention, but for our own as well. This not only helps us better connect with and shepherd our students, but it also helps us to properly diagnose inconsistencies in our own practice so we can be more aligned with foundational Christian commitments. Host Noah Brink recommends two books to help Christian school teachers understand the most significant, contemporary worldviews (the "isms). The first of which (*The Universe Next Door* by James W. Sire) does a wonderful job of defining and offering a response to these worldviews, and the second book (*The Best Things in Life* by Peter Kreeft) helps us understand these worldviews through a contemporary dialogue. The Universe Next Door: https://a.co/d/gXQIfZK The Best Things in Life: https://a.co/d/gXQIfZK #christianteacher #christianeducator #christianeducation #christianschool #christianworldview #peterkreeft #JamesWSire #apologetics

Good teachers are Storytellers; it's part of what helps to the students - not just to their minds, but to who they are as persons. So, if we work with kids in any capacity (from birth through teenage years), it's important for us to read stories, so our own capacities to become lovers and tellers of stories are improved. Yes, it's good to read stories written on adult levels, but it's also good for us to read children's and young adult stories, because not only do they help us connect with the things they are reading, but sometimes the simplicity of these stories helps us to connect with the simplest and greatest of truths. Host Noah Brink highlights The Green Ember Series and The Wingfeather Saga – two, contemporary Christian book series, written for children and young adults, but incredibly meaningful for adults to read as well. Book 1 of Andrew Peterson's WingFeather Saga: https://a.co/d/4a6Up7g Book 1 of S.D. Smith's Green Ember Series: https://a.co/d/4XTelQb #christianity #christianeducation #christianworldview #christianschool #christianteacher #christianparenting #bookrecommendation #bookrecs  @andrewpetersonmusic  #wingfeathersaga #greenember

Christian Schools' World Language departments are often the most overlooked when it comes to developing a framework for teaching Christianly. But, our philosophy of Christian education must be as well developed and implemented there as with any other part of the School. In fact, the World Languages Department has advantages that other departments don't. Host Noah Brink discusses how the questions and categories of the RenewEd Worldview Grid can shape our approach to thinking about teaching within the World Languages - in a way that's not merely looking for verses or biblical analogies, but focusing on biblical themes throughout the department. #biblicalworldview #christianeducation #christianworldview #christianschool #christianteacher #noahbrink

While it's always important to have a strong foundation for a Christian education philosophy (and constantly lean on resources to strengthen that foundation), we also need resources to go to that next level and help to shape our teachers' approach to teaching in a way that's consistent with that philosophy. Jon Eckert's *The Novice Advantage* and Sarah Mackenzie's *Teaching from Rest* and incredibly helpful resources to shape the posture teachers need as they approach the task of teaching. While the two authors are writing toward different audiences, both books are highly practical and applicable. And, our teachers, regardless of their experience level, can use resources like these to continue to learn, risk, and reflect (Eckert) and bring with them a grounding of rest and security (Mackenzie). #christianeducator #christianteacher #christianschool #bookrecommendation #bookrecs The Novice Advantage: https://a.co/d/foJiIhH Teaching from Rest: https://a.co/d/50AJGKO

Kids need to belong. From the earliest age, all the way through their teenage years, they need to know that they're a part of something. It grounds them; it rescues them from the anxiousness that results from trying to find meaning on their own terms. Quite possibly, "Belonging" could be what kids need more than anything else if they're going to grow to become healthy people. Host Noah Brink offers three words (Boundaries, Bravery, and Belovedness) to help frame how we can aim our kids toward belonging, regardless of our roles with kids – whether it's as parents, teachers, or coaches. #christianeducator #christianteacher #christianeducation #christianschool #christianparenting #faithformation #spiritualformation

As with every academic discipline, teachers need a framework for teaching history that requires more than merely finding a verse or biblical analogy. Rather, teaching History from a Christian perspective requires an understanding of the key categories of a biblical worldview and applying them to the discipline. Host Noah Brink reintroduces the categories and questions of the RenewEd Worldview Grid to provide both a perspective toward teaching History Christianly and to nurture the sort of posture and longings we want to see in our students - because of their History studies. #christianteacher #christianeducation #biblicalworldview #christianworldview #christianschool http://www.renew-education.org

The Two books that most grabbed my attention and shaped my approach to Christian education have very different arguments, but were equally formative for me as I began to grow greater understanding of the life of faith in relation to the task of Christian Schooling. Mark Noll's book *The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind* (1994) was formative for me in the area of deep thought, intellectual pursuits, and the life of the mind. James K.A. Smith's book *Desiring the Kingdom* was equally formative, but in the area of desires, affections, and how our habits shape our loves. The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind: https://a.co/d/2v0XbcC Desiring the Kingdom: https://a.co/d/9Ignqxv Jesus Above School: https://a.co/d/3ON1wqt #bookrecommendation #bookrecs #bookrecommendations #christianworldview #biblicalworldview #christianeducation #christianschool #noahbrink http://www.renew-education.org

While Christian education and secular education are quite different (and should be even more different than many of the models we have), a Christian who teachers in a secular context can still teach "Christianly" within that context ... because teaching Christianly is far more than merely adding a verse or Christian lingo to an otherwise secular content. Host Noah Brink unpacks the ways that RenewEd's Worldview Grid can provide a framework for what it would look like to teach Christianly in a not Christian context. But, not only is this conversation intended for secular school teachers, it should also be helpful to any Christian teacher - to understand and apply the big categories that are critical to a truly Christian education. #biblicalworldview #christianworldview #christianeducator #christianeducation #christianteacher #christianschool http://www.renew-education.org

Maybe one of the most important skills teachers need to have in their tool belt is the ability to help students understand the "bigness" of God and the beauty and wonder that result from living in a world He has created. And, there may be no author to help develop that skill than G.K. Chesterton. His writing continues to shape so much of what we believe it means to live faithfully, sensibly, and joyfully in God's world. Though he's written extensively on all sorts of topics, the two books we recommend first are *Orthodoxy* and *The Ballad of the White Horse* Orthodoxy: https://a.co/d/5NKXz9b The Ballad of the White Horse: https://ignatius.com/the-ballad-of-the-white-horse-bwhp/ Jesus Above School: https://a.co/d/aEW6dIZ #gkchesterton #chesterton #bookrecommendation #bookrecs #bookrecommendations #christianworldview #biblicalworldview #christianeducation #catholiceducation

It shouldn't even be a question in Christian schools, but we live in a world where the Fine Arts are the first to fall victim to budget cuts and the last to receive the funding and institutional support they need to flourish. This reveals a common flaw in the way we think about school in general. Host Noah Brink uses the oft-overlooked and underfunded Fine Arts programs in our schools to both reemphasize the ultimate purpose for Christian education and revise a theological foundation for what it means to be human. http://www.renew-education.org #schoolfinearts #finearts #christianeducation #christianschool #christianworldview #biblicalworldview #beauty #art

It's nearly impossible to talk about the Christian worldview without a healthy dose of the biblical framework of Creation, Fall, and Redemption. Not only do these categories help us to the story of Scripture more fully, but they also give us a stronger foundation for knowing how to understand our own stories, our place in the world, and to see God's work in it. Host Noah Brink introduces two book: "Creation Regained" by Albert Wolters and "Engaging God's World" ... our favorite Creation, Fall, and Redemption books. In unique ways, they both prove to be invaluable resources for anyone who's trying to think more intentionality of the foundation for a biblical worldview, but also how we should live it out. Creation Regained: https://a.co/d/9ikpedV Engaging God's World: https://a.co/d/6bK9xf9 Jesus Above School: https://a.co/d/bePteF3 #christianeducator #christianeducation #biblicalworldview #christianworldview #creationfallredemption #christianschool #christianteacher #bookrecommendations #bookrecs

Christian education must be far more than providing essentially secular models and practices of schooling with Christian components (Jesus Dust) sprinkled on top. Far too often, this ends up looking like finding a verse or Christian lingo to attach to a lesson, or praying at the start of it. But, not only is this bad both theologically and pedagogically, it trains students to think that Christianity is also a fragmented way of looking at life ... essentially a secular life with just some Christian components added in for good measure. Host Noah Brink offers helpful reminders about what Christian education must be and encourages the use of frameworks like the RenewEd worldview grid to enable us to have a freer and theologically sounder approach to our practice. http://www.renew-education.org #noahbrink #christianeducation #christianeducator #christianschool #christianteacher #christianworldview #biblicalworldview

Frank Gaebelein's *The Pattern of God's Truth* and Donovan Graham's *Teaching Redemptively" are the two books at the top of our recommendation list for Christian educators. They both provide profound introductions to and foundations for Christian schooling. *Pattern of God's Truth* : https://a.co/d/aP5PRZZ *Teaching Redemptively* : https://a.co/d/145fxC5 *Jesus Above School* : https://a.co/d/7WBkbkZ #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #christianteacher #christianeducation #noahbrink #christianeducation #christianeducator #bookrecommendation

It's extremely common for Christian Schools to claim to be cultures of Grace, yet these very same schools either struggle to have clear understandings of what that means in practice or they're actually scared of moving in that direction because of the friction it will cause. It's increasingly normal to want order, structure, consistency, and everything "appearing" stable; grace means that things will get messier. It means that we'll have to embrace the hard work of prioritizing lasting change and transformation about the easy of conformity. But, that's where the good news of the gospel becomes most felt in the lives of our kids. Host Noah Brink provides a theological foundation for the necessity of grace - grace in our schools and in the life of the Christian. We'll also provide definitions, implications, and press us to understand the distinctives of the school that's more interested in grace than rules and rigidity. #christianeducation #christianteacher #grace #christianworldview #faithformation #noahbrink

An unhurried education. Is such a thing possible? How do we bring about more rest in our schools? How do we allow students to have greater ability to pause and grow within the community of the school, rather than hurrying through the day? Is it possible to reduce stress and anxiety? Host Noah Brink discusses the theology of rest (and of Sabbath) and the cultural and pedagogical necessities of finding ways to slow down, to prioritize human flourishing above volume of content. We'll also introduce some practical ideas for creating the necessary space to nurture spiritual formation and student flourishing.

The Olympics can teach us a great deal about ways to further engage our students into the lives of our schools. Students need to feel a sense of belonging, and sports natures this longing and connection in a unique way. The Olympics also has a profound ability to model what it looks like to bring people together. How can we use similar things in the lives of our schools? Host Noah Brink discusses the great opportunity that the Olympics provides to nurture a sense of wonder, communal pride, and respect for individual gifting. #olympics #christianeducation #christianschool #christianworldview #noahbrink #sports #schoolsports

Christian School teachers have to be prepared to know how to respond to the most talked-about issues of the day. Events like that of July 13 are the sort that prompt students to come to class with countless opinions, looking for both validation and answers. While there's no way to properly prepare for shocking events like these, it's critical that we have the biblical frameworks in place to provide a foundation for our response. Host Noah Brink discusses the ways we should talk about events like the shock of an attempt on a former president's life. This episode seeks to provide an example of what it should look like to provide answers, to cling to what we know to be true, and to model for our students that we are willing to allow them to enter into hard spaces with their questions. #christianworldview #christianeducation #christianteachers #christianschool #trump #july13th

When we prioritize honoring God and recognizing our students' dignity as image bearers of God, we have to rethink our approach to what we require or expect of our students on Mondays.

Every aspect of the Christian school ought be held under the lens of a biblical worldview, including the structures we put in place for compensating faculty. Of course, we need to figure out ways to provide even higher compensation, but the model we use to calculate that rate of pay is of the utmost importance. And, it should align with our philosophy and beliefs. Host Noah Brink describes some key components and examples of the ways schools can determine the best way to pay their faculty with the objectives of properly honoring them as image bearers, building community, and nurturing a culture of growth.

Nearly every Christian school laments that it doesn't have an intentional program to both develop its teachers to teach "Christianly" and to ensure that all of its faculty is on the page when it comes to articulating the schools mission and core distinctives. Host Noah Brink offers a program that he helped to design at Evangelical Christian School in Memphis to provide a practical example of the sorts of things Christian schools should (and can) be doing to make the necessary progress in this area. #christianworldview #worldviewframework #christianeducation #christianteachers To learn more about RenewEd, visit our website at http://www.renew-education.org

The fourth category of the RenewEd Worldview Grid asks, "Are we cultivating a culture of Grace-prompted obedience?" This question guides us toward having an approach to behavior that's consistent with a gospel-centered worldview. Host Noah Brink unpacks the question and provides reasons why the Christian approach to behavior is so radically different than what's seen elsewhere in culture. You can find out more about Renew Education's at https://www.renew-education.org, or read Noah's Book "Jesus Above School" found everywhere books are sold. https://tinyurl.com/Jesus-Above-School #christianworldview #biblicalintegration #biblicalworldview #christianteachers #christianschool

Taking a Gap Year between High School and College ought not be Plan B. In fact, it might be one of the greatest ways for a student to accelerate the process of maturity into adulthood. Host Noah Brink discusses the many reasons why students should take a hard look at the benefits of gap year programs, think deeply about using the unique gifts God has given them, and evaluating the best ways to further Christ's Kingdom in the process.

The seventh category of RenewEd's Worldview Grid asks "Are we seeking and celebrating a restoration of all things according to Jesus's Plan?" and then applies this question to our approach and practice in Christian Schooling. Host Noah Brink unpacks the many ways Christian educators should think about the redemptive aspects of our task as we use the worldview framework to help make sense of the world in light of the Gospel of Jesus.