Gospel Centered Education

In this episode, Tom and Kelly take the opportunity to share the Gospel, exploring its message of hope, grace, and salvation. Join them as they discuss its relevance in everyday life and how it can bring transformation and encouragement. ——— The Gospel of Jesus Christ In Simple Language 1.1 God created humans as unique and special creations, designed to live in relationship with the God of the uni...

Today, Tom and Kelly are joined by Mrs. Lawson Smith, Director of Educational Services at CCS, and Mrs. Jill Ashoo, Bethesda Academy Coordinator and Educational Services Instructor. Together, they introduce Bethesda Academy, a unique program that empowers students with special needs by immersing them in the Community Christian School environment. Focused on abilities rather than limitations, Bethe...

What does it take to be a great leader? Join Tom and Kelly as they dive into the Senior Leadership Program at CCS with Mr. Jeff Collier, CCS Leadership Instructor and School Chaplain, and Kayleigh Stuart, CCSHS Senior Leader. Discover how this program goes beyond leadership training to instill lifelong values, mentorship, and discipleship, following the biblical model of 2 Timothy 2:2—“and what yo...

In this episode, Tom and Kelly explore the unique aspects of gospel-centered art education with Mrs. Danielle Henn, an art education teacher at Ignite Christian Academy and an adjunct professor at UAB, UNCG, and FSU. Mrs. Henn discusses the profound connection between creative work and spiritual well-being and shares practical tips for educators to inspire creativity in their students. Can beauty...

Today, Tom and Kelly welcome Mrs. Melinda Gernhardt, CCS’s Elementary and Middle school art teacher. Mrs. Gernhardt talks of the importance of art education and how creativity benefits all students no matter their artistic ability. Also in this episode, Tom and Kelly review the book, Refractions by Makoto Fujimura, in which essays are written highlighting the significance of a Christian perspectiv...

Today, Tom and Kelly unpack the book “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt, a New York Times Bestseller that has become very popular with parents. Theology is the “big brother” of all sciences, and Tom and Kelly filter Mr. Haidt’s conclusions through the word of God as they share interesting and unexpected statistics relating to teens and the virtual world. Questions or Comments? Produced by...

In this episode, Tom and Kelly welcome a panel of experts in the field of emotional health in children and teenagers. Listen as panelists discuss what they feel are the common roots of emotional health issues and a wide range of other topics relating to this subject.  Our panelists for this episode include: Dr. Richard Keezer: Dr. Richard Keezer is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist currently workin...

Today, Tom and Kelly talk about the importance of protecting children and devices from internet threats. During this episode, they discuss talking points gathered from CCS’s Technology and Kids Q&A that featured Special Agent Noah Pratts from FDLE’s Cyber Crimes Unit.  Also, mentioned are upcoming live events that our listeners are invited to attend! Follow us on social media for more informat...

Today, Tom and Kelly discuss their key takeaways from the book “Screens and Teens” by Kathy Koch. In the words of Mrs. Koch “Technology isn’t good or bad, but the use of it can be either.” Parents are the navigators of their family’s journey through the ever changing world of tech. Ultimately, your relationship with your child is key, requiring an investment of time, energy, truth-teaching, listen...

Today, Tom and Kelly are joined by our own Vance Rutherford, CCS’s Technology Director and GCE podcast producer. Mr. Rutherford explains how the use of technology can enhance learning at home and in the classroom, as well as some of the positive and negative aspects of its use. Tom and Kelly also share what they learned from the book “Parent Differently” by Kathy Koch, and how the development of B...

Today, Tom and Kelly welcome Mrs. Donna Berlinghoff, Community Christian School’s Elementary Music and Chapel teacher. Mrs. Berlinghoff shares how she creates an atmosphere of worship for Elementary students allowing them to praise the Lord even in the face of life’s uncertainty. Questions or Comments? Produced by Vance Rutherford 

Season 2 has begun! In this episode, Tom and Kelly invite you to participate! From reading material to on site events, this season promises to be something memorable. Listen to hear what we have in store for season 2 of Gospel Centered Education! Recommended resources for Season 2: Parent Differently by Kathy Koch Screens and Teens by Kathy Koch The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Refractions...

Today’s episode is our Season 1 finale! Tom and Kelly welcome Mrs. Hillary Underwood, Creative Arts Director for Community Christian School in Tallahassee, FL and Ms. Madelyn Brannon, a recent graduate and longtime student of CCS’s arts program.  Mrs. Underwood and Ms. Brannon share how the LeTour multi arts ensemble is using the arts to bridge into the world with a gospel centered perspective. Ch...

Today, Tom and Kelly welcome Pastor Joshua Hughes of Four Oaks Community Church East in Tallahassee, FL. Pastor Hughes helps lead the discussion on how church and school can complement each other, guiding students with all abilities to a real relationship with Christ. Questions or Comments? Produced by Vance Rutherford 

Today, Kelly interviews Mrs. Ashley Gaskins, Community Christian School’s 4th grade teacher. Mrs. Gaskins explains the impact that Christ centered traditions have on gospel centered education. She also shares some old and new traditions that she has been involved in creating.  Questions or Comments? Produced by Vance Rutherford 

Today, Tom and Kelly discuss the challenges parents have in keeping their children mentally and spiritually engaged during the summer months. Join them as they unpack summer related issues and useful practices that can be beneficial to students. Questions or Comments? Produced by Vance Rutherford 

Today Tom and Kelly interview Dr. Joshua Eller, secondary principal of Community Christian School in Tallahassee. Dr. Eller explains how using innovative techniques such as experiential learning can contribute to a rigorous learning environment. He also shares how the emotional health of teachers and students can play a valuable role in education.  Questions or Comments? Produced by Vance Rutherfo...

Today Tom and Kelly welcome Mrs. Sabrina Grubbs; Community Christian School’s  Elementary principal. Mrs. Grubbs, explains how CCS Elementary approaches gospel centered education to young students. She gives valuable examples of how CCS incorporates the gospel in developmentally appropriate ways while integrating God’s truths into everyday learning. Questions or Comments? Produced by Vance Rutherf...

Today, Tom and Kelly interview Rev. Jeff Collier, CCS Chaplain and Director of the Leadership Program. They discuss why CCS has a Leadership program and its challenges and benefits. From it’s formation, CCS High School has been training students to answer the call of God, whenever it comes, wherever it leads, and whatever the cost. Questions or Comments? Produced by Vance Rutherford 

Today Tom and Kelly discuss what they learned from their interview with Dr. Nari Jeter. They will also unpack CCS’s three part legacy. Ultimately they uncover that the legacy of our families and school is secure in the hands of our loving Father in heaven.  Questions or Comments? Produced by Vance Rutherford 

Today Tom and Kelly will talk with Dr. Nari Jeter, PhD in Marriage and Family therapy. Dr. Jeter will discuss the normalcy of fear and anxiety throughout parenting. She will also share with us what individuals and couples can do to manage these feelings and discover that, ultimately, there is no perfect parent. Thankfully, we serve a perfect Father who allows us to grow in this process. Questions...

Today Tom and Kelly welcome back Mrs. Anna Nelson, CCS event coordinator and school nurse. Anna is passionate about mental health and shares her experience and professional application of the Biblical concept of lament. We will also discuss the effects of suffering and lament in an atmosphere of learning.  Questions or Comments? Produced by Vance Rutherford 

CCS is strategic in developing the minds of our students. Today Tom and Kelly review what was learned from episode 07 (CCS Alumni: Standing for Jesus in the Real World) and uncover the purposeful process that CCS uses to produce thinking Christians.  Questions or Comments? Produced by Vance Rutherford 

CCS loves our Alumni! Today Tom interviews Kim Johnson, CCS Alumni Coordinator and Hannah Osterbye, a CCS Alumni. Listen to learn how Kim is working to reconnect Alumni like Hannah with her classmates, and hear Hannah’s unique perspective on how she flourishes as a Jesus follower in this difficult and challenging world. *Link to CCS Alumni page:  https://myccs.org/alumni **Link to “Broken Tip Jar”...

Today, Tom and Kelly recap insights from their recent guests and discuss how wise preparation and an active relationship with Christ provides a firm foundation to stand on and an unfailing source of hope in a challenging and broken world.  Questions or Comments? Produced by Vance Rutherford