🎙 Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com, Christian educator, and school leader.

In this episode, Jared reflects on a simple statement from a parent that changed the way he thinks about the cost and value of Christian education: “Why would we wait to invest for college? These are the investment years.” Her child was six.

While families often save, sacrifice, and plan for the four years of college, children may spend as many as 15 years in an educational environment before they ever arrive on a college campus. Those years are not simply preparation for what comes next. They are some of the most formative years of a child’s life.

Jared explores the idea of educational investment through the lens of probabilities rather than guarantees. Christian education cannot guarantee that a child will follow Christ or make wise choices as an adult. No educational setting can. But parents can influence the conditions, relationships, ideas, and experiences surrounding their children during these formative years.

Drawing on research about worldview formation and the role of teachers, coaches, friends, and school communities, this episode invites parents and Christian educators to reconsider when the most important educational investment really takes place.

Perhaps we shouldn’t wait until college to call them the investment years.

These are the investment years.

🎙 Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com, Christian educator, and school leader.

In this episode, Jared reflects on the slower pace of summer and what it can teach school leaders about hurry, attentiveness, and life in the Kingdom of God. While many educators spend the summer preparing schedules, refining strategic plans, hiring staff, and preparing for the year ahead, the season often provides something that can be difficult to find during the school year: margin.

Drawing on insights from Dallas Willard and examples from the life of Jesus, Jared explores the difference between being busy and being hurried. He discusses how the demands of leadership can gradually accelerate our pace, narrow our attention, and make it difficult to remain present with God and with the people we serve.

This episode is an invitation for Christian educators, administrators, and school leaders to consider what summer might be teaching them—not simply about rest, but about the pace of faithful leadership. If Jesus was often busy but rarely hurried, what might it look like for us to lead the same way?

🎙 Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com, Christian educator, and school leader.

In this episode, Jared reflects on 13 years in school leadership and the emotional weight many educators quietly carry. From replaying difficult conversations to navigating constant organizational pressure, leadership can often feel like a series of “mental gymnastics” that never fully turns off.

Jared discusses the relationship between spiritual formation, effort, physical health, and sustainable leadership through the lens of Christian education. He also shares how simple disciplines like weightlifting, walking, prayer, and healthy rhythms helped him become calmer, more grounded, and more fully present as a leader.

This episode is an encouragement to weary educators, administrators, and Christian school leaders who may feel exhausted near the end of the school year and need a reminder that they were never meant to carry everything alone.

God Is With You in the Middle of It

In this episode of Willard’s Wisdom for Leaders, I play a short clip from John Ortberg sharing a story about Dallas Willard arriving late to speak at a conference, yet fully present, rested, and full of joy.

Leadership often brings circumstances we cannot control. Schedules shift. Problems arise. People bring unexpected challenges. But Willard’s example reminds us that peace is not found in managing outcomes, but in trusting God’s presence in the middle of them.

Grounded in John 14:27, this brief reflection challenges leaders to step into that reality and lead with steadiness, clarity, and peace.

Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk, founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com.

Episode 6 — Placed Here for a Purpose
Stewarding Where God Has You Right Now

In this episode of Willard’s Wisdom for Leaders, I play a short clip from Dallas Willard and reflect on a foundational truth for leaders. You have been placed in a specific time and place for a purpose.

Jesus says in John 8:12 that He is the light of the world. Through Christ, that light now lives in us. As leaders, that means our presence matters more than we often realize.

This brief reflection explores what it means to steward the role God has given us and consider a simple question. If you are not the light in your organization, what happens?

Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk, founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com.

In this episode of Willard’s Wisdom for Leaders, I play a short clip from Dallas Willard and reflect on a simple but foundational question: What if we obeyed Jesus?

Leadership often focuses on strategy, systems, and outcomes. But what would our schools, churches, and organizations look like if obedience to Jesus became natural and routine?

Grounded in John 14:15, this brief reflection explores how leaders who are being formed by Christ begin to shape the culture around them.

Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk, founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com.

n this episode of Willard’s Wisdom for Leaders, I play a short clip from Dallas Willard and reflect on what it truly means to say, “The Lord is my Shepherd.”

Leadership in this season is full. There are decisions to make, conversations to have, and responsibilities that continue to grow. It is easy for our minds to become consumed with everything in front of us.

Grounded in Colossians 3:1–2, this brief reflection challenges leaders to consider whether their thoughts are being shaped by the pressure of leadership or anchored in the presence of Christ.

Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk, founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com.

In this episode of Willard’s Wisdom for Leaders, I play a short clip from Dallas Willard and reflect on a foundational truth for followers of Christ. We have nothing to fear.

As we move through Holy Week and approach Easter, Jesus’ words in John 11:25–26 remind us that He is the resurrection and the life. Because of this, even death is not something to dread.

This brief reflection explores how freedom from fear allows leaders to move beyond anxiety and lead with courage, clarity, and trust in God’s work.

Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk, founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com.

Episode 2 — Shut Up and Listen
The First Act of Love Is Attention

In episode 2 of Willard’s Wisdom for Leaders, I play a short clip from Dallas Willard and reflect on one of the most overlooked practices in leadership: listening.

Many people go through life—students, parents, teachers—without ever feeling fully heard. In leadership, it is easy to default to fixing problems, giving direction, and trying to straighten things out. But Willard reminds us that the first act of love is attention.

This reflection explores how listening communicates value, builds trust, and allows us to truly receive people. It also clarifies that listening does not mean agreement or giving in to every demand, but rather taking the time to understand before responding.

Grounded in James 1:19, this episode challenges leaders to slow down, ask better questions, and lead with patience and presence.

Willard’s Wisdom for Leaders is a weekly series of short 3–5 minute reflections connecting the wisdom of Dallas Willard with biblical leadership and the realities of leading in Christian education and ministry.

Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk, founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com.

In this first episode of Willard’s Wisdom for Leaders, I play a short clip from Dallas Willard and reflect on the pressure leaders often feel to constantly fix problems, improve systems, and make things happen.

Leadership in schools and ministries can bring expectations from boards, parents, students, and the broader community. Yet Scripture reminds us in Isaiah 40:31 that those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.

This brief reflection explores how faithful leadership requires not only our best thinking and effort, but also a deep dependence on God’s action in the work we have been called to lead.

Willard’s Wisdom for Leaders is a weekly series of short 3–5 minute reflections connecting the wisdom of Dallas Willard with biblical leadership and the realities of leading in Christian education and ministry.

Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk, founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com.