Advertise on podcast: ACSI Podcasts

Dr. Jon Hill emphasizes a mindset of faithfulness over success and explores how schools can help students discover and pursue their unique callings. Dr. Hill came to Merritt Island Christian School as Superintendent in 2026 after serving at Rosslyn Academy in Nairobi, Kenya.

Douglas Campbell speaks with Sean Englert, Head of School at Northlake Christian School (LA) about addressing the growing crisis of biblical illiteracy. They discuss practical ways Christian schools can cultivate a culture of scripture reading and spiritual formation by engaging students, staff, and families through structured reading plans and community initiatives.

Veteran Christian school administrator Dr. Christian Klaue discusses the intersection of faith, education, and discipleship with Jerry Nelson. They explore the authentic Christian educator model, the collaborative roles of home, church, and school, and the importance of fostering a biblical worldview in students.   Bio: Dr. Christian Klaue is currently in his 32nd year as an administrator of a Christian school within ACSI Western Canada. He received his Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northcentral University in 2016. Dr. Klaue has been a sessional instructor for the MA (Educational) Leadership program at Trinity Western University and for the Masters of Global Christian Education program at Prairie College. He is also ordained through the Evangelical Free Church of Canada and was an Associate Pastor for 10 years and transitional pastor for 3 months.   Contact: [email protected]

Dr. Denver Daniel, President of Open Door Christian Schools, joins Douglas Campbell to discuss living as a citizen and ambassador of God's kingdom. They discuss integrating this philosophy across all areas of school life, evaluating student spiritual growth through an intentional inventory, and the vital role of Sabbath rest for school leaders.   Join the Spiritual Formation Network at acsi.org/spiritualformation

Dr. Matthew Weathers, Chief Enrollment Officer at Bob Jones University, joins the Grafted Together Podcast and highlights the strategic value of humanities and liberal arts education, emphasizing how foundational learning fosters "cultural dexterity" and equips students for diverse callings. Guest bio: Dr. Matthew Weathers has served globally as a K–12 Christian school vice-principal, university instructor, cross-cultural leader, and student mentor. Matthew teaches leadership at Bob Jones University and directs the summer LeadershipX camp at BJU. He currently serves as Chief Enrollment Officer at Bob Jones University and previously led the BJU Center for Leadership Development. More on Bob Jones: website: bju.edu Instagram: @bjuedu Centennial website (this is our 100th year!): 100.bju.edu

How do we equip students to wrestle with questions with wisdom and grace? Emily Pigott shares practical tips for educators. - 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.

Billy Sparacio rejoins the Grafted Together Podcast for the third part of the Kingdom Athletics Series, discussing how coaches in both Christian and public schools can look beyond scoreboard wins to intentionally cultivate character, leadership, and faith in athletes. See the 7 enemies of greatness (and how to defeat them) document here: https://www.acsi.org/docs/default-source/communication---engagement/podcasts/7-enemies This is the third part of the Kingdom Athletics Series; Parts 1 and 2 are episodes 76 and 77 of the Grafted Together Podcast. Guest bio: Billy Sparacio has served for 17 years as an Athletic Director which includes oversight of multiple sport programs at the Middle and High School levels. In 2008 he launched a High School Athletic Program from the ground up with less than 100 high school students. Billy not only led the Athletic Program but he was responsible for raising capital for multi-million dollar athletic facilities. Under his leadership and commitment to excellence some 14 years later this culminated into a Football State Championship victory and the school was awarded the Floyd E. Lay Sunshine Cup and the Carey E. McDonald Award in Class 3A given to the Overall Florida Athletic Program of the Year.

Dr. Larry Taylor, ACSI President & CEO, gave a presentation at the recent ACSI Public Policy & Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. on how, and why, we advocate for Christ-centered education. This episode is the majority of that presentation, plus a quick summary of the ACSI Convene network.    Learn more at acsi.org/convene

Chad McDaniel with WorldVision joins Jerry Nelson to discuss how students learn not just by hearing but by witnessing, practicing, and connecting lessons to real-life circumstances. View the Walk for Water School Guide here: https://www.acsi.org/docs/default-source/communication---engagement/podcasts/walk-for-water-school-guide.pdf Chad McDaniel leads World Vision’s efforts to serve Christian schools across the U.S., helping schools connect faith, learning, and meaningful action. With a background in pastoral ministry, coaching, and nonprofit engagement, Chad is passionate about helping students move from simply learning about the needs of the world to discovering how they can respond. He works with school leaders and educators to create engaging, on-campus learning opportunities that help students put their faith into action. Website: https://www.worldvisionphilanthropy.org/christian-school-partnerships

Chad Dirkse, Head of School at Annapolis Area Christian School (MD), joins the Grafted Together Podcast for a conversation on the relationship between the church and the school. Chad Dirkse has served in Christian education for over 25 years in roles that include math and science teacher, coach, athletic director, principal, head of school, and board member. He is currently the Head of School at Annapolis Area Christian School, where he serves more than 850 students and 200+ faculty and staff. He also serves as a senior fellow for the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education (CACE). Chad has an undergraduate degree in education from Covenant College and an MBA with a specialization in school leadership from LeTourneau University. Chad speaks regularly to groups about the school sustainability and the importance of consistency in the process and content of Christian schooling.

How do we help students navigate complexity, truth, and discernment? Emily Pigott has helpful insights on how to lead students in not only what to think, but how to process the biggest questions. - 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.

Hear a portion of John Stonestreet's presentation at the Rooted Educator Worldview Summit earlier this year, as he discusses schools who want to lead with a biblical worldview. Plus, Dr. Steve Whitaker, Head of School at The First Academy (FL) shares how the FFI fits into his school's larger goal of preparing students to walk with Jesus far beyond their graduation.

Part Two of the Kingdom Athletics Series focuses on how identifying your goals will lead to forming your vision. Billy Sparacio, longtime athletic director and educator, rejoins the Grafted Together Podcast. Victory Formation exists to equip and encourage coaches to see their role as more than coaching a sport. Learn more: www.victoryformation4hg.org

Billy Sparacio, longtime athletic director and educator, rejoins the Grafted Together Podcast to discuss Kingdom athletics and how to forge deeper connections and discipleship through sports. With close to 30 years of experience in high school athletics, Billy Sparacio is a seasoned and respected leader in the field. Billy has worked in both the Public and Private School arena, serving as a Classroom Teacher, P.E. Teacher and P.E. Department Chair.  He has also served for 17 years as an Athletic Director which includes oversight of multiple sport programs at the Middle and High School levels.  Known for his vision, dedication, and results-driven approach, in 2008 he launched a High School Athletic Program from the ground up with less than 100 high school students. Billy not only led the Athletic Program but he was responsible for raising capital for multi-million dollar athletic facilities. Under his leadership and commitment to excellence some 14 years later this culminated into a Football State Championship victory and the school was awarded the Floyd E. Lay Sunshine Cup and the Carey E. McDonald Award in Class 3A given to the Overall Florida Athletic Program of the Year. While earning these accolades and becoming an athletic powerhouse Billy never lost sight of doing things in a way that honors God and gives Him all the Glory.

Heather Hager, Head of School at Harp's Crossing Christian Academy (GA), didn't realize how beneficial the ACSI accreditation process would be until she experienced it. Hear her school's story and also learn what makes Calvary Christian High School (FL) unique with Head of School David Kilgore. Learn more about ACSI accreditation at www.acsi.org/accreditation