ACSI Podcasts

Rachael Jones interviews Dr. Edward Bunn to discuss strategies for clear communication that lead to collaboration and clarity. 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

What are common pitfalls for a spiritual life director, and how can they best care for themselves as they lead others? Greg Tonkinson has insights on this and more. Greg Tonkinson is the Spiritual Life Director at Valley Christian Schools in Chandler, AZ, where he has served for 18 years. A Phoenix-area resident for nearly four decades, Greg is the author of Unwanted Fraternity and hosts Meliora The Podcast with the Herzog Foundation. He is also a TEDx speaker, a former NPR guest with Guy Raz, and he recently conducted a 45-minute interview with President George W. Bush. Greg holds a Master’s from Phoenix Seminary and a Doctorate from Talbot School of Theology. He and Jennifer have five children. Greg's Resources: Meliora The Podcast – focused on Christian education Unwanted Fraternity – a book focused on a biblical perspective on grief

Dr. Michael Lindsay, keynote speaker at FSi 2026, shares how to capitalize on life's "hinge moments," the topic of his keynote presentation at FSi this month. Also, learn how the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship could help your school, from Shanda Adams of the ACSI Children's Tuition Fund. Finally, see how Pantego Christian Academy (TX) supports its community. ACSI loves to highlight member schools! -- The Stronger Together Podcast highlights member schools, educators, and important happenings in a 15-minute news magazine-style format.

Russ Gregg started a Christian school in Minneapolis not only for his own kids, but for his neighborhood with no access to quality Christian education. Hear his insights on how to start a school and how Christian education can transform lives in a city. Russ Gregg (M.A. in Educational Leadership, Gordon College) has served as Head of School at Hope Academy in Minneapolis since its founding in 2000. For Spreading Hope, Russ is the Visionary President and co-Founder (alongside Dan Olson). In 1999, God inspired Russ to quit his job to help lay the groundwork for a classical Christian school for his inner-city neighbors. He and his wife Phyllis, who teaches at Hope Academy, live just four blocks from the school where they raised their 3 children who are all grown with families of their own. Russ serves on the Board of Directors of the Society for Classical Learning. He is a regular speaker and writer on Urban Classical Christian Education and is the author of The Mark of God and our Education Crisis (2018). More resources: 2.) 7 Myths - Spreading Hope Network 3.) 8 First Steps to Launch Guide through the Herzog Foundation. -- 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

Spiritual Formation is the Foundation of Student Leadership and Engaged Learning. Emily Pigott shares encouragement on being a Christlike example in the classroom, because when it comes to worldview formation, learning is never neutral. Watch this episode on YouTube! -- 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.

Jerry Nelson and Stephen Deck discuss a biblical view of accreditation. For more on accreditation, visit https://www.acsi.org/accreditation-certification/accreditation-for-schools Stephen Deck, Ed.S. serves as the Vice President of Education Standards for the Association of Christian Schools International, overseeing ACSI’s accreditation and credentialing teams. During his time at ACSI, Stephen has chaired numerous accreditation visits, served as the liaison between ACSI and partner accrediting agencies, and played a pivotal role in the revision of ACSI’s accreditation protocol. Prior to his time at ACSI, Stephen taught in an ACSI Accredited school. Stephen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education, a Master of Arts degree in Ministry, a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership. He lives in Kansas with his wife and 10 children. 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

Jerry Nelson and Dr. Page Curlee share research on recruiting and retaining a more diverse staff in Christian schools, drawing from Dr. Curlee's experience overseas. Digital Resources: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/page.curlee/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pagecurlee/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/page-curlee-edd-562294157/ Dr. Page Curlee is an educator and ministry leader passionate about fostering biblical unity and cultural humility in Christian communities. She recently earned her EdD in Educational Leadership from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where her research focused on the shared lived experiences of teachers who identify as Black and/or African American and work in predominantly white Christian schools. With experience as a teacher, missionary, and diversity advocate, Page brings a heart for helping Christian educators and leaders cultivate communities of belonging through unity, empathy, and cross-cultural understanding. -- 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

Philip Scott, ACSI VP for Legal Affairs, discusses how what civil discourse should look like for Christians today, and how to properly view our involvement and responsibility to our immediate and larger community. Philip Scott’s background is a blend of education, religion, and law. He has taught middle and high school students U.S. Government and Civics in Christian schools. Most recently he has been a lecturer in undergraduate and graduate programs teaching on ethics, nonprofit law, and education law. Philip has been with ACSI since 2011. He currently serves as Vice President for Legal Affairs. He and his wife, Heather, met in the 5th grade while attending a small Christian school in central Virginia. Philip and Heather have three children. 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

Rachael Jones sits down with Dr. Edward Bunn to discuss how to recognize when our mission begins to drift and explore strategies for helping our teams stay aligned with the school’s Christ-centered mission. 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

Simon Jeynes, Co-Founder of Christian School Management, discusses cultural shifts in and around Christian education, and more. Watch this episode on YouTube! -- The Stronger Together Podcast highlights member schools, educators, and important happenings in a 15-minute news magazine-style format.

Douglas Campbell hosts an episode with three major contributors to ACSI's Spiritual Formation Network meetings: Laurie LaFon, Sean Englert, and Sam Farinacci. HOST BIOS: Laurie LaFon received her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and has been part of the Lucas Christian Academy community for over 22 years, with three of her four children graduating from LCA. Before becoming Director of Student Life eight years ago, she served in many volunteer roles and has spent more than 15 years in youth ministry. Laurie oversees the spiritual formation of students in grades 7–12 through chapel, retreats, small group discipleship, and leadership development programs such as student council and cross-grade mentoring. She also coordinates many of the fun events that shape student life throughout the year. Laurie’s greatest joy is seeing students grow in their relationship with the Lord, discover their God-given gifts, and step confidently into the next season of life—passionate about pursuing Jesus, loving Him deeply, and loving others well. Digital Resources: Https://lucasca.com/ -- https://www.instagram.com/lcawarriorssl/ Sean Englert serves as the Interim Co-Head of School and Director of Spiritual Life at Northlake Christian School in Covington, Louisiana. He is passionate about seeing communities flourish as God’s people love and serve their neighbors. Believing that Christian education is a powerful means of equipping the next generation for this calling, he is committed to advancing God’s kingdom by faithfully stewarding that opportunity. Digital Resources: northlakechristian.org, FB - @Northlake Christian School, IG - @ncscovington Samantha (Sam) Farinacci received her bachelor's degree in English at California Lutheran University and her master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary. She loves her job at Oaks Christian Online School where she develops online spiritual formation and Christian education for 6-12th grade students and provides online chaplaincy care for the faculty and staff. She has been at OC Online since the program's genesis in 2011. Outside of work, Sam is into her pet llamas, hiking, reading, and swimming in Bass Lake, CA near where she lives with her husband, who is a pastor. https://www.oakschristianonline.org/

Emily Pigott shares how to lead with presence to remind students that peace is not the absence of chaos, it's the awareness of Christ in that chaos. Isaiah 9:6 calls Jesus the Prince of Peace; your stillness reflects Him. -- 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.

Rachael Jones sits down with Dr. Edward Bunn to discuss strategies for receiving and implementing healthy feedback as leaders. 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: acsi.org/podcasts

This episode features Dr. Chad McNatt, Superintendent at Seattle Christian School (WA), on the topic of apologetics and students asking tough questions. We also hear from Heath Nivens, Head of School at McKinney Christian Academy (TX) at the Catalyst Conference, and return to Asheville Christian Academy (NC) to hear about their recovery from Hurricane Helene in 2024. Learn more about ACA and other stories at acsi.org/stories The Stronger Together Podcast highlights member schools, educators, and important happenings in a 15-minute news magazine style format.

Jerry Nelson and Dr. Jeff Lawrence talk through building spiritual formation in schools from the top down, including defining a biblical worldview and practical steps leaders can take for spiritual formation in Christian schools. Jeff Lawrence is the Director of Spiritual Development at Foundation Academy (FL). He is a writer, teacher, and cultural apologist passionate about helping people think deeply and live faithfully in a world that often rejects absolute truth. 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

This episode completes a three-part series on equipping students to make a courageous influence, with this episode focused on actionable steps to call students up to meet their potential. -- 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 Student Leadership & Learning Director. 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.

Rachael Jones sits down with Dr. Edward Bunn to discuss ways to ensure that we as leaders intentionally focus on our own spiritual formation. 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

Every school is being discipled by culture. Often, it happens subconsciously. To discuss how to engage students where Christ & culture meet, Dan Stuart joins Jerry Nelson and shares about his role as the Director of the Christian Leadership Program and Institute for Christ & Culture at The King's Academy (FL). Dan Stuart has a diverse teaching history from the youth group to the college classroom. During that time, his desires became clear: he wants to see students challenged through difficult questions and loved with the love of Christ. His education is in biblical studies and apologetics. -- 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

The recent Student Leadership Conference in Hungary was a major success. Hear updates on that event, from outgoing Senior Director of the International Division, Tim Shuman, and leadership advice from a head of school. -- The Stronger Together Podcast highlights member schools, educators, and important happenings in a 15-minute news magazine style format.

Jerry Nelson and Mark Senseman, Director of Business Development with Servant Solutions, discuss stewardship over finances, a biblical view of retirement, and other important topics that affect educators' lives in and out of the classroom. Mark serves as Director of Business Development at Servant Solutions. He develops, communicates, executes, and sustains corporate strategic initiatives. He is a 1988 graduate of Anderson University with a B.S. in Business Management. Servant Solution website https://servantsolutions.squarespace.com/employees-toolbox -- 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