ACSI 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

Darin Long hosts a session on making biblical unity a goal across your entire organization, using stories from his Christian school leadership experience. Darin Long is the Superintendent of the Christian Academy School System, serving more than 3,000 students across campuses in Louisville, Kentucky, and New Albany, Indiana. With over 26 years in education — from teacher to principal to superintendent — Darin also serves in leadership roles with ACSI and statewide education boards. Darin Long presentation slides: https://www.acsi.org/docs/default-source/communication---engagement/podcasts/updated-darin-long-biblical-unity-summit-slides.pdf Click here for a document on the Biblical Unity Summit here:

Deon Parker hosts a session on pursuing biblical unity with Jesus Christ as the pace setter. To view Deon Parker's presentation slides, view here. 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. 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 Click here for a document on the Biblical Unity Summit here.

The question isn't if culture transforms students, but how. Emily Pigott shares what it means to make classrooms a place of safety and being known for the sake of spiritual growth. -- 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.

Dr. Matt Daniels hosts a session on biblical unity and looking to Dr. King for an antidote to political hate. For more on Dr. Matt Daniels, visit here. Click here for a document on the Biblical Unity Summit here. Read Dr. Daniel's writing on Dr. King as an Antidote to Political Hate. Read "Bringing Americans Together with Dr. King’s Dream" with Chaplain Barry Black and Dr. Daniels here.

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