ACSI Podcasts

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: Toyin@lighthouseparentinghub.com 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