ACSI Podcasts

Rachael Jones sits down with Dr. Edward Bunn to discuss lessons he has learned as a leader and ways in which he has grown. -- 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...

Helen Schleper is the Head of School at Sekolah Pelita Harapan (Lippo Village campus) in Jakarta, Indonesia.  Helen  talks with ACSI Chief Ministry Officer Dr. Gavin Brettenny about her journey from San Jose, CA to Indonesia, the importance of teaching classes before—or during—her tenure as a head of school, and lessons from the  International Christian Educator Conference. Sekolah Pelita Harapan:...

Jerry Nelson talks with AJ Crocker and Caleb Williams about the importance of spiritual formation and discipleship, and the lessons they've learned in their journey in Christian education. Caleb Williams is the Director of Student Development & Discipleship at Briercrest Christian Academy, College, and Seminary in Saskatchewan.  Caleb resides in Caronport, Saskatchewan, with his wife, Jori, an...

Guest host Josh Leonard shares insights from Jesus' teaching about a fruit-bearing tree to encourage Christian educators to abide in Christ. How can we recognize both the presence and the work of our creator the entire day? This episode is part of a series of episodes hosted by core members of ACSI's Spiritual Formation Network. Learn more about the SFN at  www.acsi.org/spiritual-formation Josh Le...

Jerry Nelson and Dr. Chuck Fuller explore death, grief, and the human experience through a biblical worldview, discussing how Christians can approach suffering, mortality, and hope in Christ. The conversation offers practical and theological insight for Christian educators, school leaders, and believers seeking to understand how faith shapes the way we process loss, purpose, and eternal life.   Dr...

When you were a student, what moments shaped you? Emily Pigott explores how experience forms in ways that information alone cannot, and how we can use this to develop leadership skills in our students.

True unity is not forced uniformity, but a Christ-centered commitment to relationship & shared purpose. Tia Gaines, Executive Director of UnifiEd, shares how Christian education can move beyond surface-level diversity efforts toward genuine biblical unity. Tia Gaines is the Executive Director of UnifiEd: A Center for Hope and Unity, and she also serves as Associate Director in the Office of So...

Guest host Lilly Wooten shares her heart for seeing students grow in their understanding of God, and how to ensure the events and missions programs at your school actually provide opportunities for students to grow. Lilly Wooten currently serves as the Christian Life Director at North Raleigh Christian Academy in Raleigh, NC. In this role, she is actively involved in student life and discipleship...

Guest host Mark Wickersham discusses parent engagement and provides practical steps. Students with engaged parents tend to do better academically, socially, and most importantly, spiritually. So how do we get parents engaged? This episode is part of a series of episodes hosted by core members of ACSI's Spiritual Formation Network. Learn more about the SFN at  www.acsi.org/spiritual-formation Mark...

Dr. Nathan Johnson, Head of School at Charleston Bilingual Academy, joins the Grafted Together Podcast to discuss how what we teach--and how we teach-- in Christian schools should be colored by suffering, service, and awe. Dr. Nathan Johnson is the Head of School at Charleston Bilingual Academy in South Carolina and serves on the board of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)....

Rachael Jones and Dr. Edward Bunn discuss ways leaders can maintain high standards without slipping into micromanagement, by empowering teams while fostering trust. -- 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 podc...

Guest host Sean Englert shares what Northlake Christian School (LA) has learned through student assessments about biblical literacy and what type of biblical reading plan can help. This episode is part of a series of episodes hosted by core members of ACSI's Spiritual Formation Network. Learn more about the SFN at  www.acsi.org/spiritual-formation Sean Englert serves as the Head of School and Dire...

Steve Buttry is a real estate developer as well as the President of Workplace Ministries, Inc., and he joins Jerry Nelson to discuss God's vision for work.   Steve Buttry has more than 25 years of experience in both commercial and residential real estate development. As a founding partner at Buttry & Brown Development, Steve has led complex projects that blend strategic vision with practical e...

Learn about how the Legal Defense Reimbursement Fund can supplement your school's risk management with ACSI VP for Legal Affairs, Philip Scott. Also hear about advocacy work in Christian education and the Public Policy and Advocacy Summit from keynote speaker Dr. Shirley Magazi.   Learn more about the LDRP at www.acsi.org/LDRP Register for the Public Policy & Advocacy Summit at www.acsi.org/Su...

Guest host Samantha Farinacci of Oaks Christian Online School shares insights on chaplaining at a Christian school during an era of artificial intelligence. This is the first of several episodes this summer that will be hosted by core members of ACSI's Spiritual Formation Network. Learn more about the SFN at www.acsi.org/spiritual-formation Samantha (Sam) Farinacci received her bachelor's degree i...

Dr. Steve Whitaker, Head of School at The First Academy (FL), talks with Jerry Nelson about the Flourishing Faith Index and how to properly assess your school's spiritual formation progress. Learn more about the FFI at  acsi.org/ffi   Dr. Steve D. Whitaker has been the Head of School at The First Academy since July 2003. Under his leadership, the school has implemented an ambitious spiritual forma...

David Singh is the founder of Harbour International School in India. He talks with ACSI Chief Ministry Officer Dr. Gavin Brettenny about leading a Christian school in India and how the school lives out faith within the context of Indian culture.   Harbour International School:  https://www.harboureducation.org/  

Douglas Campbell, Senior Coordinator with the ACSI Ministry Team, hosts this edition of the Grafted Together Podcast alongside three members of the ACSI Spiritual Formation Network, Josh Leonard, Mark Wickersham, and Lilly Wooten. Guest bios: Mark Wickersham is in his 10th year at Evansville Christian School (where he serves as the Director of Spiritual Formation), 24th year in Christian education...

Katherine Gallagher, CEO of GoStrategic, joins the Grafted Together Podcast to discuss God's command to make disciples. Gallagher is an experienced speaker and writer on topics including biblical worldview and organizational stewardship. Katherine Gallagher is the CEO of GoStrategic, operating in generational momentum as second generation in leadership. With a robust background in education and le...

Laci Demeter, Director of ACSI Europe, shares a devotional about long-term faithful leadership, using the example of Noah. Laci shares how Noah's capacity to withstand the culture came from relationship, not willpower. More on Laci Demeter: Laci holds four master's degrees: MSc in Engineering, MA in Teaching EFL, MEd in Christian School Education, and EdS in Educational Leadership. Laci has been w...

This episode features Kim Park, ACSI Accreditation Specialist in the International Division, speaking in a recent ACSI online chapel service on how true believers live in the realm of the spirit. Kim Park is an experienced education professional who has served at ACSI for the past 11 years as an accreditation specialist for schools in the international division. A former educator, Kim holds a mast...

Emily Pigott hears from four seniors at Christian schools about how Christ-centered education has shaped their understanding of God and their own identities. These interviews were captured at a recent ACSI Apologetics Conference in Florida.

This episode features Dr. Mauro Meister, Director of ACSI Brazil, speaking on the Romans Road in a recent ACSI online chapel service. Mauro has been involved with Christian Education for over 30 years in theology and over 20 years with Christian Schools. He holds a Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, and a Th. M. from Covenant Theological Seminary. He...

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 Devel...

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 E...