This week, President Brad joins two of our lower school teachers who have benefitted from a number of opportunities provided by the Generations Campaign, the capital campaign Hillcrest is currently raising support for. Ashton Fuhs and Julie Stender talk about the new lower school building and the training they've received for Classical Christian instruction at the lower school. These are two of the many benefits Hillcrest is reaping from the Generations campagin. Principal Isaac also shares the findings of an in-depth research into student graduates from classical programs, and Mr. Undseth and Mr. Peterson share a snippet from the start of their classes this week. 

Student body chaplain Matthew Knutson joins Ava Renner in President Brad's office to look at the start of the school year. Matthew and Ava have led the Huddle services at Hillcrest this year, where students spend time unpacking the theme.

Lutheran Brethren Seminary President Troy Tysdal opened up the Huddle services, and we hear his opening message in this episode of the podcast. We also hear how the volleyball coaches guide their players to live into the theme this year. 

President Brad jumps up to the Girls' Dorm to see the enhancements and ways that the ladies are gearing up for students this weekend. Karina Larson, Augusta Ewan, and Nancy Stender unpack why they work in the dorm, what they've seen in the dorms over the years, and how God is using Hillcrest to impact the hearts and minds of students.

Luke and Noah share how Basketball is forming them at Hillcrest as President Brad shares a lesson from Mr. Preston and some excellent words from Deveny Vukonich on the lower school's classical program and how it's impacting their home.

This week President Brad sits down with Caden Mitchell and Breiden Stender to hear about their time at Inspiration Point's L4 program, a training program for future leaders and those who want to work at Inspiration Point in the future. The two boys explain the program, how they were discipled, and how unique camp and Hillcrest are while showcasing how they similarly train young people to know and love the Lord. Throughout the show we hear from Andrew and Stacie Miller, who really believe investing in Hillcrest is joining the mission of God worldwide. We also hear Principal Isaac detail how unique Hillcrest is in having a dormitory in our classical program.

President Brad Hoganson invites Joyce Aamot to the podcast as he celebrates her ministry through Morning Son Christian School and Hillcrest Academy. Joyce is retiring after the upcoming school year, marking an impressive career that is filled with excellence and self-sacrifice as she led Morning Son Christian School through a dynamic transition with grace and resolve to join the school to Hillcrest Academy while also adjusting the entire curriculum into the classical model. This week we also hear how the theme was developed, as Ryan Garvin and '23-24 Student Body Chaplain Matthew Knutson explain the process and highlight some finer points to the theme they will accentuate this year.

We also hear a testimony from alumn Elliot Pribbenow who shares how he changed at Hillcrest. Elliot was shy and struggled to understand the world, but during his time at Hillcrest he found the design in the world and how the church and church history provides guidance to fulfilling God's call on the lives of individuals, specifically on his own life. 

This week President Brad highlights the preschool and pre-k programs at Hillcrest. You'll hear from the teachers and a student as Brad asks Principal Jeff Isaac to co-host the show and explain the value of classical education for younger students. Then, Brad highlights the baccalaureate speech given at graduation by Rev. Roger Viksnes. Roger's message was encouraging and directional, guiding those in attendance to consider the grace of God in giving us the Holy Spirit and a model to follow. 

To close, President Brad asks Jeff to explain why we've moved our education curriculum to the classical model. Principal Isaac shares how the deep history of Hillcrest's discipleship program compels school leadership to adopt the classical program, and how teachers are buying in, receiving additional training as we continue to equip students in a Christ-centered environment for lives of eternal significance.

On this episode of Facing the Dark, we have an incredible lineup of guests joining President Brad Hoganson.

First up, former students from Bergen, Norway sit down and share their experience at Hillcrest. Tina Hellem and Hedda Thorland explain how they were mentored and grew in special ways at Hillcrest. Tina shares how she was equipped to teach at a Bible school from her time at Hillcrest. Hedda shared the impact of prayer days on her faith and on-going faith formation.

After that, Henrik Bjorndahl's Senior Class Night blessing is re-aired here, as Brad reflects on the power of parents in the life of Hillcrest, and how Hillcrest exists to partner with churches and parents to guide young people in discipleship to follow Jesus.

To close, Brad introduces Silvio Diniz, the new boys dormitory director. Silvio shares about his experience mentoring young people, including a recent ministry highlight where 90 young people came forward to commit their life to Jesus. Silvio is arranging mentors to follow-up with each student, as he prepares to move with his family to Hillcrest this fall.

Throughout this episode, we dive deep into questions of identity, purpose, and belonging, and we explore how Hillcrest serves as a Christ-centered environment to equip students. Our guests share personal stories, challenges, and successes that will inspire you to live intentionally and positively impact those around you. Tune in to this powerful episode of Facing the Dark as we delve into the lives and stories of our incredible guests, and discover the transformative power of living with intention and purpose."

Time Stamps:

00:01:19 Hillcrest is a discipleship place for parents. 00:06:09 Tina and Hedda, from Norway, share about their transformative year at Hillcrest. 00:13:51 Mentoring kids at Hillcrest, like parental guidance. 00:17:23 Henrik Bjorndahl Honored to speak to Seniors at Senior Night. 00:29:09 Sylvio rejoining staff, excited about shared connections.