ACSI Podcasts

Aha Leader Series Ep 6: The Open-Door Illusion (Flourishing Journey Podcast)

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

Grafted Together Ep 48: Addressing Gender Ideology: Four Foundational Strategies

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

Grafted Together Ep 47: From Goals to Systems to Flourishing, with Nathan Stark

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.
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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 

Stronger Together Ep 13: Dr. Sean McDowell on Building a Culture of Curious Students

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

Grafted Together Ep 46: Faith, Reconciliation, and the Blessings of Diversity, with John Murray

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.

Grafted Together Ep 45: Biblical Infusion: Equipping Educators to Teach Like Jesus, with Dr. Kevin Miller

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.

Grafted Together Ep 44: Christian Education: The Next Generation, with Tatiana Smith

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/
 

Grafted Together Ep 43: From Spiritual Formation to Biblical Unity, with Deon Parker

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
 

Grafted Together Ep 42: A Spiritual Formation Plan That Gets a Result, with Dr. Cy Smith

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/
 

Grafted Together Ep 41: Race and Grace: A Providential Journey, with Dr. James Noble

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.