ACSI Podcasts

Dr. Denver Daniel, President of Open Door Christian Schools, joins Douglas Campbell to discuss living as a citizen and ambassador of God's kingdom. They discuss integrating this philosophy across all areas of school life, evaluating student spiritual growth through an intentional inventory, and the vital role of Sabbath rest for school leaders.   Join the Spiritual Formation Network at acsi.org/sp...

Dr. Matthew Weathers, Chief Enrollment Officer at Bob Jones University, joins the Grafted Together Podcast and highlights the strategic value of humanities and liberal arts education, emphasizing how foundational learning fosters "cultural dexterity" and equips students for diverse callings. Guest bio: Dr. Matthew Weathers has served globally as a K–12 Christian school vice-principal, university i...

How do we equip students to wrestle with questions with wisdom and grace? Emily Pigott shares practical tips for educators. - 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...

Billy Sparacio rejoins the Grafted Together Podcast for the third part of the Kingdom Athletics Series, discussing how coaches in both Christian and public schools can look beyond scoreboard wins to intentionally cultivate character, leadership, and faith in athletes. See the 7 enemies of greatness (and how to defeat them) document here: https://www.acsi.org/docs/default-source/communication---eng...

Dr. Larry Taylor, ACSI President & CEO, gave a presentation at the recent ACSI Public Policy & Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. on how, and why, we advocate for Christ-centered education. This episode is the majority of that presentation, plus a quick summary of the ACSI Convene network.    Learn more at acsi.org/convene

Chad McDaniel with WorldVision joins Jerry Nelson to discuss how students learn not just by hearing but by witnessing, practicing, and connecting lessons to real-life circumstances. View the Walk for Water School Guide here: https://www.acsi.org/docs/default-source/communication---engagement/podcasts/walk-for-water-school-guide.pdf Chad McDaniel leads World Vision’s efforts to serve Christian scho...

Chad Dirkse, Head of School at Annapolis Area Christian School (MD), joins the Grafted Together Podcast for a conversation on the relationship between the church and the school. Chad Dirkse has served in Christian education for over 25 years in roles that include math and science teacher, coach, athletic director, principal, head of school, and board member. He is currently the Head of School at A...

How do we help students navigate complexity, truth, and discernment? Emily Pigott has helpful insights on how to lead students in not only what to think, but how to process the biggest questions. - 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 beyon...

Hear a portion of John Stonestreet's presentation at the Rooted Educator Worldview Summit earlier this year, as he discusses schools who want to lead with a biblical worldview. Plus, Dr. Steve Whitaker, Head of School at The First Academy (FL) shares how the FFI fits into his school's larger goal of preparing students to walk with Jesus far beyond their graduation.

Part Two of the Kingdom Athletics Series focuses on how identifying your goals will lead to forming your vision. Billy Sparacio, longtime athletic director and educator, rejoins the Grafted Together Podcast. Victory Formation exists to equip and encourage coaches to see their role as more than coaching a sport. Learn more: www.victoryformation4hg.org  

Billy Sparacio, longtime athletic director and educator, rejoins the Grafted Together Podcast to discuss Kingdom athletics and how to forge deeper connections and discipleship through sports. With close to 30 years of experience in high school athletics, Billy Sparacio is a seasoned and respected leader in the field. Billy has worked in both the Public and Private School arena, serving as a Classr...

Heather Hager, Head of School at Harp's Crossing Christian Academy (GA), didn't realize how beneficial the ACSI accreditation process would be until she experienced it. Hear her school's story and also learn what makes Calvary Christian High School (FL) unique with Head of School David Kilgore. Learn more about ACSI accreditation at www.acsi.org/accreditation  

Robb Warfield, Superintendent of Cascade Christian Schools (WA), joins the podcast to discuss the partnership of various parties in spiritual formation. Robb Warfield serves as the Superintendent of Cascade Christian Schools (WA) and formerly Superintendent of the International Schools of West Africa (ISWA), bringing over two decades of transformative leadership experience in educational environme...

Discussing the latest research on spiritual formation, Dr. Lynn Swaner joins the Grafted Together Podcast. Dr. Lynn Swaner is the President, US at Cardus, a non-partisan think tank dedicated to clarifying and strengthening, through research and dialogue, the ways in which society’s institutions can work together for the common good. She is a Senior Fellow at ACSI. Dr. Swaner holds a doctorate in o...

What does it mean to be human in the age of AI? Paul Matthews, bestselling author and TEDx speaker, joins Jerry Nelson to take about wise AI use. Paul Matthews is a school leader at an independent school in Southern Tasmania, a TEDx speaker, and a bestselling author with a passion for helping others navigate Artificial Intelligence with clarity and confidence. He speaks to professionals across Aus...

When student leadership becomes primarily about being seen, the heart behind it is corrupted. At the same time, it is good to recognize students when they serve others. Emily Pigott provides a helpful framework for developing students who lead beyond the spotlight. - Do you read the quarterly Student Leadership & Learning newsletters? Subscribe at www.acsi.org/subscribe  The Student Leadership...

Jerry Nelson talks with ACSI's Mike Epp and Dr. David Balik about the foundation of prayer in leadership roles. Watch this episode on YouTube! Mike Epp & David Balik bios: Mike Epp has served for more than four decades in Christian education, including 19 years at Pan American Christian Academy in São Paulo, Brazil. Now in his 19th year with ACSI, he serves as the Vice President of Global Deve...

Jerry Nelson shares the second part of a two-part devotional-style teaching on Biblical study and how to allow God's Word and the Holy Spirit to transform you. This podcast is also on YouTube with accompanying slides, watch here: https://youtu.be/tcLRWByny1w  

Lainie Montgomery, ACSI Director of Spiritual Formation, talks with Jerry Nelson about the Flourishing Families initiative and how to get all constituents at your school to see family as a core value. Flourishing Families website: https://flourishingfamiliesplan.org/ Lainie Montgomery serves as the Director of Spiritual Formation for ACSI, where she leads initiatives that help schools cultivate Ch...

Jerry Nelson shares a brief devotional-style teaching on Biblical study.  This episode is also on YouTube with powerpoint slides accompanying it. Watch here: https://youtu.be/FrC9c6Ud69o When the assumptions we have held about scripture are challenged, it is the responsibility of every believer to return to the inerrant, infallible word of God to hear his voice afresh. Hear more insights in this e...

Middle school is not something to get through. It's something to steward. Emily Pigott provides ways to reclaim the middle and capitalize on the special opportunities that middle school educators possess. -- 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 experi...

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...