Java with Jay

Pastor Shaq Hardy, CCS’s 2026 Windy Gap speaker, grew up in foster care. At 17, everything changed when he encountered Jesus and His Word. That moment didn’t just give him hope, it gave him a mission. Today, he’s a pastor, Bible teacher and President of the Orphan No More Foundation who spends much of the year on the road preaching.

In 2007, the world changed forever. It wasn’t a revolution in the streets; it was a revolution in our pockets. We were promised a tool for connection, but two decades later, we’re finding ourselves—and our children—more isolated, anxious and stressed out than ever. 

What are parents to do? Well, as with any parenting endeavor, intentionality is critical. So, how about a cell phone plan? 

Ryan Jackson and Sophia Ferguson join us today to discuss a cell phone agreement developed by the Carmel Student Ministry. Ryan and Sophia serve on Carmel Baptist’s student ministry team and spend a lot of time with kids. You will find their insights valuable whether your kids already have a phone or one day will.

Mentioned in the Podcast:  

Sample Cell Phone Contract - Carmel Students (PDF)

12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You by Tony Reinke

The Wisdom Pyramid by Brett McCracken

Overcoming a childhood that lacked genuine relationships, David Hoffman successfully navigated a challenging upbringing to become a successful CEO in the real estate industry. David, a CCS dad and middle school soccer coach, shared his journey of resilience in our middle school and high school chapels as part of our series entitled “The Difference We Make.” In this episode, David shares his story, how he overcame his upbringing, and how those experiences led him to believe that our path to purpose begins with people. 

Mentioned in the Podcast: 

Relationships over Rules: Seven Principles to Lead Gracefully and Love Generously

Katy Faust is the founder and President of Them Before Us, a movement aimed at defending children’s right to their mother and father. Mrs. Faust has met with world leaders, spoken at places like the UN, and been interviewed on Jordan Peterson’s and Allie Beth Stuckey’s podcasts. She spoke to our HS students about her call to defend kids, and in this episode, Katy shares practical ideas about raising kids in a woke culture. 

Mentioned in the Podcast:  

ThemBeforeUs.com

“Truth Rising” Documentary (YouTube)

Book: Raising Conservative Kids in a Woke City 

Austin and Bailey are Licensed Professional Counselors with Sun Counseling and Wellness here in Charlotte. They were guests at our MS and HS chapels on October 23, where they spoke to our students about body image (girls) and building strength from the inside out (guys). In this episode, they offer practical advice and insights for parents. 

This episode of Java with Jay is a great discussion with CCS dad Chris Houston. Chris is a CCS dad and leads a Human Resources team at a local, family-owned company and shares great ideas for preparing your child for the Next Step! Jay has also included a special message for CCS parents at the 26:30 minute marker regarding recent events in our city and country. 

Carmel Christian School: Portrait of a Graduate can be found here. 

Naeem Fazal is the founding pastor of Mosaic Church. He is a Pakistani, born and raised as a Muslim in Kuwait. He came to the United States in 1992 after the Gulf War. That same year, Naeem had a supernatural experience with Christ that changed the course of his life. Pastor Fazal will lead our Middle & High School Retreats at Windy Gap this year. 

Mentioned in the Podcast:  

Ex-Muslim and Tomorrow Needs You

Dr. Hancock welcomes Dr. Jason Salyer, Student Teaching Pastor at Carmel Baptist Church. 

Pastor Jason and his wife Bethany, are parents of three teenage children. Jason loves equipping parents to spiritually lead their children. He leads two small groups Bible studies for parents on Sundays at Carmel where he inspires parents to embrace the Four Pillars of Family Discipleship. Jason shares those pillars and more parenting tips in this practical episode. 

4 Pillars of Family Discipleship

Dr. Hancock welcomes Dr. Chris Fryar, Associate Head of School at CCS for the past two years. Dr. Fryar leads the education team and under his leadership has taken disciple-making education to a new level. In this episode, we discuss CCS’s Academic Vision, our new Biblical Unity standards, and how Dr. Fryar makes school fun! 

CCS Academic Vision Statement

CCS Biblical Unity Standards & Outcomes

Dr. Hancock welcomes CCS High School students from the Christian Leadership class. The Christian Leadership class is an elective that helps students develop leadership skills while impacting the spiritual life of the school. These thirteen Juniors and Seniors talk about their experiences and the lessons they have learned throughout this school year.