ACSI Podcasts

Deon Parker and Jerry Nelson discuss biblical unity, spiritual formation, overcoming division, and the importance of active pursuit of God's design rather than just relying on geographical proximity or surface-level diversity.

Deon Parker currently serves as the Director of Biblical Unity at Christian Academy School System in Louisville, Kentucky & New Albany, Indiana. He is a 2004 graduate of Piedmont Baptist College (now Carolina University) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He spent 15 years in pastoral ministry and has served in Christian education for more than 6 years.

Digital Resources:  

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.

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.

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