AACS Today

This episode of AACS Today features Billy Hutchinson, Director of Colson Educators at the Colson Center. Hutchinson addresses the vital distinction between simply teaching Bible stories and cultivating a comprehensive biblical worldview that informs every aspect of a student's life. He argues that while many schools operate with a biblical framework, a true biblical worldview requires teachers to act as “worldview communicators” who replicate their own character and faith in their students.

The discussion introduces a framework where the campus becomes a manifestation of culture, shaped specifically by what is stated, tolerated, and celebrated. By emphasizing “relational capital” and a leadership style that balances justice and mercy, Hutchinson illustrates how schools can foster genuine human flourishing. He also highlights free professional development resources available through Colson Educators, including worldview formation courses and the “Planning Period” newsletter, designed to help busy teachers integrate faith into subjects like math and science. This episode serves as a practical guide for leaders striving to ensure their school environment is a living embodiment of the biblical worldview.

For more information about Colson Educators, visit this link.

To signup for the Planning Period newsletter, click here.

Join Matt and Jamison as they welcome back Tim Goeglein, Vice President for External Relations at Focus on the Family, for an insightful discussion on his forthcoming book, What Really Matters: Restoring a Legacy of Faith, Freedom, and Family. In this episode, Goeglein explores the urgent need to "restate the obvious" by returning to first principles—faith, family, and marriage—to counter aggressive secularism.

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on "restoring the American male," addressing the crisis of fatherlessness and the cultural shift toward a more "feminized" society. Goeglein presents sobering data on male loneliness and employment trends, arguing that strong marriages remain the highest predictor of life satisfaction in America. The discussion also highlights the importance of historical literacy and character-based education in sustaining a constitutional republic. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that true restoration will not come from government or politics, but from a bottom-up reclaiming of the foundational values that define the American experience. This summary provides a roadmap for listeners dedicated to preserving a legacy of virtue for the next generation.

Tim's book can be purchased here or at your favorite bookstore.

In this episode, Jamison interviews Dr. Matthew Mehan, Associate Dean at Hillsdale College, and together, they explore the modern identity crisis facing young men. The discussion delves into the rise of the "manosphere"—a digital ecology of influencers who, while filling a cultural vacuum, often promote a "toxified" version of masculinity characterized by misogyny, vanity, and a lack of self-restraint.

Countering these trends, Dr. Mehan argues for a return to true masculinity modeled after Christ and virtuous fatherhood, emphasizing roles as protectors, providers, and men of wit. He proposes practical solutions for educators to foster academic and character growth. The episode also previews Dr. Mehan’s work, The American Book of Fables, which offers redemptive stories of family life and masculine virtue. This podcast serves as a "soulful venture" for those dedicated to shaping the next generation of responsible men through sacrifice and intentional modeling.

Join Jamison as he welcomes Luke Ball, an alumnus of the AACS Youth Legislative Development Conference (YLDC) and a prominent political communications strategist. Luke shares his journey from a student exploring worldviews to a professional navigating the fast-paced world of Capitol Hill and high-level presidential communications. The conversation dives deep into the "ministry of politics," emphasizing the biblical foundation of government service found in Romans 13. Luke provides a candid look at the spiritual challenges of Washington, D.C., reflecting on his own "quarter-life crisis" and the danger of placing one's identity in a job title rather than in Christ. Listeners will gain valuable insights on overcoming the "sacred-secular split" and the necessity of maintaining a fellowship of believers within high-pressure vocations. This episode serves as both a roadmap and an encouragement for the next generation, offering practical counsel on pursuing a career in public service while serving "someone big"—God himself.

In this episode of, Jamison is joined by Dr. Matthew Spalding, a distinguished constitutional scholar and Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College. They discuss Dr. Spalding’s award-winning book, The Making of the American Mind, which provides a clause-by-clause commentary on the Declaration of Independence. Spalding argues that while many Americans "venerate" the Declaration, few truly understand its deep philosophical and theological roots. The conversation explores the transition from instinctive patriotism—a natural love for one’s home—to reflective patriotism, which is rooted in a deep understanding of the nation’s founding principles. Spalding describes the Declaration as a "symphony" of legislative logic that synthesizes reason and revelation, drawing from Greek, Roman, and Christian traditions to establish the "laws of nature and of nature's God". For Christian educators, the episode offers profound insights into using storytelling and historical truth to help students transcend themselves and "know" the country they are called to love. Ultimately, the Declaration is presented as the "electric cord" that unifies all Americans through its timeless, universal claim that all are created equal.

In this episode of AACS Today, Jamison is joined by Dan Zacharias, Executive Director of the Old Dominion Association of Church Schools (ODACS), to discuss the landscape of Christian education in Virginia. As ODACS celebrates its 50th anniversary, the conversation highlights the association's unique role in supporting member schools across the state of Virginia.

A primary focus is the recent legislative battle over House Bill 359, a radical proposal that sought to grant the state absolute control over private school hiring, curriculum, and disciplinary procedures by broadly defining private donations as "public assistance." While the bill is currently stalled in appropriations due to its significant fiscal impact, Jamison and Dan emphasize that this is only a temporary victory requiring continued vigilance. 

The episode also recounts vital regulatory victories involving childcare ratios and fundraising overreach, underscoring the necessity of active political engagement. 

Looking forward, Zacharias and Coppola explore the "golden opportunity" presented by the Education Freedom Tax Credit, a federal provision set for 2027 that will allow taxpayers to reclaim funds for Christian education. The discussion concludes with a reflection on the spiritual importance of maintaining a Biblical worldview in the classroom.

In this episode of AACS Today, Matt and Jamison welcome Hannah DeBruler back to the podcast. Hannah serves as the Higher Ed Policy Analyst for AACS, and she brings her expertise to unpack the implications of the "Do No Harm" test—a key accountability measure within the Working Families Tax Cut legislation.

The episode provides an in-depth analysis of how this federal mandate requires college programs to prove their graduates out-earn high school graduates to maintain eligibility for federal funding. The conversation specifically addresses the potential threat this "utilitarian" view poses to Christian higher education and service-oriented vocations like ministry and teaching, which prioritize spiritual and societal impact over material wealth. Furthermore, the hosts examine how this federal standard is already influencing state-level legislation in places like Indiana. 

With implementation beginning in July 2026, this episode is an essential resource for educators and advocates looking to understand the shifting landscape of higher ed accountability and the upcoming opportunities for public comment to protect faith-based institutions.

This episode offers an exclusive, first-hand account of the fifth Religious Liberty Commission hearing held at the Museum of the Bible. Matt and Jamison dive into critical issues discussed, including the rise of anti-semitism on college campuses, the concerning trend of "debanking" faith-based organizations, and the protection of First Amendment rights. 

The discussion centers on the "excitement" sparked by Commissioner Carrie Prejean Boller, whose combative questioning shifted the focus toward Zionism and theological disputes. The hosts provide insight into her subsequent removal by Chairman Dan Patrick, characterizing the event as a "hijacking" of the commission’s nonpartisan mission. Amidst these "fireworks," the episode highlights a powerful moment of spiritual clarity from Franklin Graham, who refocused the room on the central reality of the risen Christ. By examining these legislative and cultural tensions, AACS Today equips leaders with the discernment needed to navigate complex public policy while remaining anchored in their faith.

Jamison and Matt recap the annual LEAD conference, a cornerstone event where state leaders gather to coordinate a unified agenda for the conservative Christian school movement.

The episode provides deep dives into LEAD’s collaborative format, which pairs formal teaching sessions with hours of peer-to-peer discussion regarding state-level trends, accreditation, and legislative advocacy. 

Discussion at LEAD centered on launching a "turnkey" initiative for states to use as their schools and families participate in the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC). The AACS scholarship granting organization, designed to expand student access while preserving school autonomy, was also introduced. 

Furthermore, the episode captures the spiritual heart of the conference, featuring guest sessions by Matt Collier on the "theology of rest" to encourage leaders in their demanding vocations. 

Join Matt and Jamison for an in-depth look at the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC), a historic federal tax provision set to launch on January 1, 2027. After over a decade of advocacy, this landmark initiative offers a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $1,700 per taxpayer for donations made to non-profit Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs).

In this episode, Jamison provides insights from recent White House meetings, detailing how the EFTC empowers families to escape underperforming public systems for private education that meets their academic and spiritual needs. The hosts clarify that this is strictly a tax provision, not a federal education program, a distinction vital for protecting the autonomy and religious liberty of AACS schools from government interference.

With 27 states already opted in, the potential impact is massive—up to $25 billion annually for educational choice. Learn how AACS has established its own SGO to serve member schools and discover how you can prepare to reclaim your tax dollars to benefit the next generation of students.