ACSI Podcasts

Afleveringen

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  Student Leadership & Learning Ep 32: Leading Beyond the Spotlight: Developing Servant Leaders in a Self-Focused Culture 17.08.2026 18min

  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 & 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.
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  Grafted Together Ep 72: Lead with Prayer, with David Balik and Mike Epp 06.08.2026 57min

  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 Development. Mike holds a Master’s in Education and Guidance, a B.S. in Social Sciences, and a Specialist Certificate in Educational Leadership.   Dr. David Balik currently serves as Vice President, North America for the ACSI. Prior to joining ACSI in 2015, he served as Dean of Faculty & Academic Affairs at Briarwood Christian Schools in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Balik holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English & Science from Cornerstone University (Michigan), a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Brock University (Ontario), and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Gardner-Webb University (North Carolina). He is a regularly featured guest speaker, consultant and trainer at various conferences and schools all over the world."
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  Grafted Together Ep 71: Reading Your Bible for All It's Worth, Part Two 28.07.2026 7min

  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  
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  Grafted Together 70: May All Your Families Flourish, with Lainie Montgomery 27.07.2026 34min

  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 Christ-centered spiritual formation for staff, students, and families. With more than 30 years of experience in family ministry across church, parachurch, and Christian education settings, she is passionate about equipping schools to partner with families in lifelong discipleship. In 2025, she helped launch ACSI’s Flourishing Families, a three-phase process designed to help schools strengthen family discipleship and build meaningful partnerships with parents.
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  Grafted Together Ep 69: Reading Your Bible for All It's Worth, Part One 21.07.2026 8min

  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 episode of Grafted Together from ACSI.  
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  Student Leadership & Learning Ep 31: Reclaiming the Middle | Why Middle School is the Most Strategic Leadership Window 20.07.2026 16min

  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 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.
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  Aha Leader Series Ep 9: Failing Forward (Flourishing Journey Podcast) 10.07.2026 8min

  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 explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info here: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts  
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  Stronger Together Ep 19: From California Public School to Indonesian Christian Education, with Helen Schleper 08.07.2026 15min

  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: https://sph.edu/ Previous episode with Mark Thiessen of Sekolah Pelita Harapan: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts/ACSI-podcasts/sharpening-kingdom-leaders-ep-15--mark-thiessen-and-a-calling-to-christian-school-leadership  
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  Grafted Together Ep 68: Education that Disciples, with AJ Crocker & Caleb Williams 07.07.2026 1u 12min

  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, and their three daughters. With a decade of experience in Christian education, he served for nine years as the Director of Discipleship at Briercrest Christian Academy, where he developed a deep-seated passion for allowing spiritual formation to permeate the entire school experience. Currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Briercrest Seminary, Caleb also serves on the Board of Directors for ACSI Western Canada.  Digital Resources:   https://www.briercrestchristianacademy.ca/   https://www.briercrestchristianacademy.ca/bca-life/discipleship AJ Crocker is the Executive Director of ACSI Western Canada, where he serves and resources Christian schools across the region. He brings 17 years of experience in Christian education, primarily at Briercrest Christian Academy, College and Seminary, where he spent nine years as a high school chaplain, investing deeply in student spiritual formation and discipleship, alongside leadership roles in communications and organizational leadership.
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  Grafted Together Ep 67: Abiding with Christ in the New School Year, with Josh Leonard 30.06.2026 15min

  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 Leonard is the Executive Director of Spiritual Formation at Foundation Academy (FL). Josh and his wife Abby live in Central Florida with their three children: Julia, Liam, and Jacob. After studying Psychology at the University of Florida, Josh earned his Master of Divinity degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC.
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  Grafted Together Ep 66: Death and the Human Experience, with Dr. Chuck Fuller 29.06.2026 1u 2min

  Jerry Nelson and Dr. Chuck Fuller explore death, grief, and the human experience through a biblical worldview, discussing how Christians can approach suffering, mortality, and hope in Christ. The conversation offers practical and theological insight for Christian educators, school leaders, and believers seeking to understand how faith shapes the way we process loss, purpose, and eternal life.   Dr. Chuck Fuller, who also appeared on Episode 39 of the Grafted Together Podcast, 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.   Anderson University Honors College website: https://andersonuniversity.edu/honors-college/  
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  Student Leadership & Learning Ep 30: Learning That Lasts, Why Experiential Learning Forms Better Leaders 24.06.2026 19min

  When you were a student, what moments shaped you? Emily Pigott explores how experience forms in ways that information alone cannot, and how we can use this to develop leadership skills in our students.
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  Grafted Together Ep 65: From Belonging to Unity, with Tia Gaines 23.06.2026 1u 3min

  True unity is not forced uniformity, but a Christ-centered commitment to relationship & shared purpose. Tia Gaines, Executive Director of UnifiEd, shares how Christian education can move beyond surface-level diversity efforts toward genuine biblical unity. Tia Gaines is the Executive Director of UnifiEd: A Center for Hope and Unity, and she also serves as Associate Director in the Office of Social Equity and Community, part of the President’s Center, at the University of Pennsylvania. A seasoned consultant, writer, and conference speaker, Tia is passionate about advancing kingdom diversity, unity, and belonging within Christian education. Tia sits on the Board of Trustees for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).   Links:  Center for Unity website https://centerforunity.com/ LLU Global 2026 Highlight Reel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5PK2prZ_aE Dr. Pamela Larde (referenced during episode): https://andersonuniversity.edu/dr-pamela-larde-the-relentless-pursuit  
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  Grafted Together Ep 64: Engaging Students Effectively Through Events, with Lilly Wooten 22.06.2026 10min

  Guest host Lilly Wooten shares her heart for seeing students grow in their understanding of God, and how to ensure the events and missions programs at your school actually provide opportunities for students to grow. Lilly Wooten currently serves as the Christian Life Director at North Raleigh Christian Academy in Raleigh, NC. In this role, she is actively involved in student life and discipleship across grades K–12.  Before joining NRCA, Lilly served at Liberty Christian Academy in Richlands, NC—first as a high school Bible teacher and later as the Christian Life Director. She has also been involved in missions work through Charity Mission Center with Baptists on Mission and has served the Eastern Baptist Association as the Women on Mission Director.  Lilly is a graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. She is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity in Ministry to Women at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is passionate about discipleship, God’s Word, and missions. Outside of ministry, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and coaching middle school girls’ soccer.  Digital Resources:   https://www.nrcaknights.com/spiritual-formation-discipleship  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-rhythms-podcast/id1711628292 
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  Grafted Together Ep 63: Parent Engagement, with Mark Wickersham 18.06.2026 8min

  Guest host Mark Wickersham discusses parent engagement and provides practical steps. Students with engaged parents tend to do better academically, socially, and most importantly, spiritually. So how do we get parents engaged? 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 Mark Wickersham, aka Wick, is in his 10th year at Evansville Christian School (ECS), 24th year in Christian education, and 31st year in education. He was a classroom teacher for 17 years, teaching primarily social studies and Bible, and a secondary school principal for ten years before becoming the Director of Spiritual Formation at ECS in 2022. Wick served as a Christian educator in South Korea for one year and in Northern China for 13 years before returning to Indiana.   Digital Resources:   www.evansvillechristian.org/  www.facebook.com/ECSwired/  www.instagram.com/ecswired/  https://www.evansvillechristian.org/biblical-worldview/ 
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  Grafted Together Ep 62: Service, Suffering, and Awe in the Christ-centered Curriculum, with Dr. Nathan Johnson 16.06.2026 55min

  Dr. Nathan Johnson, Head of School at Charleston Bilingual Academy, joins the Grafted Together Podcast to discuss how what we teach--and how we teach-- in Christian schools should be colored by suffering, service, and awe. Dr. Nathan Johnson is the Head of School at Charleston Bilingual Academy in South Carolina and serves on the board of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). A 2001 graduate of Furman University (B.A., History and Secondary Education), he went on to earn an M.Ed. from Columbia International University and an Ed.D. from Vanderbilt University, where his research focused on building world-class schools within diverse, urban contexts. Drawing on his academic work, cross-cultural experience, and passion for bridging cultures through the love of Christ, Nathan founded Charleston Bilingual Academy. The school’s mission is to partner with parents to inspire world changers through Christ-centered, intercultural, language immersion education. Digital Resources:  www.charlestonbilingualacademy.org www.facebook.com/charlestonbilingualacademy/
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  Aha Leader Series Ep 8: Attention to Detail That Slips Into Micromanagement (Flourishing Journey Podcast) 12.06.2026 13min

  Rachael Jones and Dr. Edward Bunn discuss ways leaders can maintain high standards without slipping into micromanagement, by empowering teams while fostering trust.--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  
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  Grafted Together Ep 61: Implementing a Bible Reading Plan to Increase Biblical Literacy, with Sean Englert 11.06.2026 22min

  Guest host Sean Englert shares what Northlake Christian School (LA) has learned through student assessments about biblical literacy and what type of biblical reading plan can help. 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 Sean Englert serves as the 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 
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  Grafted Together Ep 60: Recovering the Divine Purpose of Work, with Steve Buttry 09.06.2026 44min

  Steve Buttry is a real estate developer as well as the President of Workplace Ministries, Inc., and he joins Jerry Nelson to discuss God's vision for work.   Steve Buttry has more than 25 years of experience in both commercial and residential real estate development. As a founding partner at Buttry & Brown Development, Steve has led complex projects that blend strategic vision with practical execution — helping shape communities and deliver value for investors, partners, and stakeholders alike.     Beyond his professional achievements in real estate, Steve is deeply committed to helping others integrate faith and work in meaningful ways. He is the founder and President of Workplace Ministries, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to equipping Christians across industries to view their everyday work as a place of purpose and mission.  Workplace Ministries, Inc. serves individuals as well as business owners, Christian schools, and churches, providing practical, Scripture-grounded resources that help people understand and live out the purpose of work in everyday life.    Digital Resources:  Website: https://www.divinepurposeofwork.com/christian-schools Personal LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buttry/ The Divine Purpose of Work LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106441964/
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  Stronger Together Ep 18: The "No-Brainer" of the LDRP (with Philip Scott), and PPA Summit Keynote Speaker Dr. Shirley Magazi 05.06.2026 19min

  Learn about how the Legal Defense Reimbursement Fund can supplement your school's risk management with ACSI VP for Legal Affairs, Philip Scott. Also hear about advocacy work in Christian education and the Public Policy and Advocacy Summit from keynote speaker Dr. Shirley Magazi.   Learn more about the LDRP at www.acsi.org/LDRP Register for the Public Policy & Advocacy Summit at www.acsi.org/Summit   Dr. Shirley Magazi is actively involved in legislative reform, civic engagement, and national development from a biblical worldview, primarily in Namibia, Africa. She serves as the Executive Chairperson of the Christian Coalition of Churches and Organisations on Ethical Social Justice, through which she advocates for Christian Education, church involvement in public policy and legislative reform. She is the Founder of Family Protection Foundation and the Executive Director of Institute of Public Policy, Administration, and Governance. She also serves as a leadership coach and consultant servicing UN bodies, NGOs, Governments, Church and the Corporate Sector on governance and strategy.