WISE and Otherwise

WISE and Otherwise

By Heartland Christian Ministries Association and AIM Educational CollaborativeEducation
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WISE and Otherwise episodes

  • This Hidden Movement Could Change Christian Education as We Know It

    Did you know a quiet revolution is reshaping Christian education?
    Driven by parents, pastors, and church communities, the Hero Movement is breaking the mold, creating faith-centered learning spaces outside of traditional schooling. In today’s episode, Dalena Wallace shares how this grassroots initiative empowers families with new models of Christian education. Plus, we get an exclusive sneak peek into the upcoming Hero Movement documentary, capturing these powerful stories of faith, education, and community.
    Discover how this movement is inspiring families to think outside the box with hybrid models, church-based learning centers, and micro-schools that bring faith back into the classroom. We explore what the Hero Movement is, why it’s spreading so quickly, and how pastors and churches are supporting this educational shift to reshape Christian schooling through grassroots involvement.
    Make sure to sign up to our newsletter on our website to get the latest updates on this incredible movement of supporting Christian education!
    HERO Website: https://www.heartlandhero.org/

    18 min
  • Why 20% of Teachers Won’t Send Their Own Kids to Public School (And What It Means for You)

    Are you ready to take control of your child's education?

    In this powerful interview, former ACLU president turned educational freedom advocate, Lisa Watson, shares her remarkable journey from a social justice warrior to one of the leading voices calling for the abolition of public schools.
    As a Christian parent, pastor, or church leader, you know the importance of shaping young minds with truth and biblical values. But did you know that the very education system many families rely on is failing—and even indoctrinating children with harmful ideologies? Lisa’s firsthand experience will open your eyes to the shocking truths behind the public school system, including the hidden agendas being pushed on our children every day.
    In this episode, Lisa dives deep into her personal transformation after a supernatural encounter that shifted her from an atheist, feminist activist to a passionate advocate for faith-based education. She explains how public schools have become a conveyor belt of dangerous ideologies, reveals why even public school teachers are sending their own children to private schools, and makes a compelling case for why churches must lead the charge in offering Christian alternatives. With practical advice and inspiring insights, Lisa shows how churches can reclaim education and offers simple steps for pastors to start schools within their churches, providing families with the freedom to choose a better path.
    It’s time to stop waiting for change and take action. With the infrastructure already in place, your church can become a beacon of hope in your community, offering children a strong, faith-based education that equips them for life—while breaking free from the failing public school system.
    If you care about the future of our children and the role the church can play in transforming education, this interview is a must-watch. Don’t miss this compelling conversation that could change the course of your ministry, your community, and your children’s futures.
    Ready to get started?
    Check out the Herzog Foundation for free training on starting private schools: https://herzogfoundation.com/
    Connect with Lisa Watson on Twitter: @WatsonSpeaking
    Make sure to sign up to our newsletter on our website to get the latest updates on this incredible movement of supporting Christian education!
    HERO Website: https://www.heartlandhero.org/

    38 min
  • A Library Visit Sparked a Movement—What This Dad Found Will Shock You

    In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Dalena Wallace sits down with Pastor Justin Walker from Salt and Light Baptist Church in LaGrange, Kentucky. Justin shares his inspiring journey of faith, perseverance, and conviction that led him to start First Principles Academy—a tuition-free Christian school serving the community. As a widower and homeschooling dad of six, Justin's experience navigating both personal and educational challenges has shaped his vision for a ministry-based school that offers hope and academic excellence.

    Hear how a library experience with his daughter and the relentless requests from church members inspired him to take bold steps in Christian education. Justin also discusses the practical aspects of launching a donation-based school, his vision for more churches to follow suit, and how local communities can rally behind this vital mission. If you're a pastor, parent, or educator interested in innovative, faith-based education solutions, this episode is for you!
    Justin’s story illustrates how personal tragedy and deep conviction can lead to transformative change in education. He offers insights into how First Principles Academy operates tuition-free, why Christian education is crucial in today’s culture, and his bold vision for churches across the nation to adopt this model.
    Make sure to sign up to our newsletter on our website to get the latest updates on this incredible movement of supporting Christian education!
    HERO Website: https://www.heartlandhero.org/
    💡 Learn more about First Principles Academy:
    Salt and Light Baptist School Website: https://saltandlightbaptist.org/school/
    Find them on Facebook: First Principles Academy: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558481263341
    🎧 Listen now to be inspired by Justin’s story of hope, faith, and education!

    42 min
  • We Quit Our Jobs to Do THIS for Our Church (You Won’t Believe What Happened)

    In this episode, Dalena Wallace sits down with Mellissa Mendoza, Vice President of Servants Heart Leadership Academy, to discuss the incredible journey behind the founding of this unique school. Located in Gun Barrel City, Texas, Servants Heart Leadership Academy is more than just a K-12 school—it’s a mission to serve the youth of a community deeply impacted by broken homes, addiction, and poverty.
    Mellissa shares how she and her husband answered a calling from God to create a school that focuses on leadership, service, and spiritual growth. The academy partners with local churches and businesses to offer students a faith-based education while helping them become leaders in their communities, and the stories of student transformation are nothing short of inspiring.
    Subscribe to stay updated with more interviews on faith-based education and community impact!
    Make sure to sign up to our newsletter on our website to get the latest updates on this incredible movement of supporting Christian education!
    HERO Website: https://www.heartlandhero.org/
    For more information about Servant's Heart Leadership Academy, please visit https://servantsheartleadership.com/

    42 min
  • Could This Tool Be the Key to Your Christian Microschool’s Success?

    In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, host Dalena Wallace sits down with Larissa Green, a homeschool mom, software developer, and educational entrepreneur, to discuss how faith-based homeschooling is evolving through community collaboration and innovative technology. Larissa shares her personal journey from being homeschooled in the 80s to becoming a leader in the homeschool movement, co-founding a homeschool co-op, and eventually launching a micro-school for her children and others in her community. Together, they explore the power of community in education and the unique challenges and rewards of faith-driven homeschooling.

    A major highlight of the conversation is the development of Spark, an innovative learning management platform designed to streamline homeschool and microschool operations. Larissa explains how Spark simplifies everything from classroom management to communication and billing, promoting collaboration within faith-based communities. From managing homeschool co-ops to tracking assignments and fostering accountability, Spark is a game-changer for Christian educators.✨

    Special Offer: Use the AIM discount code for Spark! Sign up here: https://admin.sparkyourschool.com/schoolwizard/step1?partner=aim to try Spark today! ✨

    Whether you’re a homeschool leader, Christian educator, pastor, or parent, this episode offers valuable insights on how you can leverage technology to build a thriving faith-based homeschool community. Discover how Spark can be the key to expanding your homeschool mission and supporting your local education network.

    Make sure to sign up to our newsletter on our website to get the latest updates on this incredible movement of supporting Christian education!
    HERO Website: https://www.heartlandhero.org/
    For more information about Spark LMS, please visit https://sparkyourschool.com/

    29 min
  • What Your Church Is Missing in Its Mission

    In this insightful episode of WISE and Otherwise, host Dalena Wallace is joined by Kristie Flohra, the implementation lead at Soaring Education Services. With over 28 years of experience in Christian education, Kristie shares her journey from a principal to spearheading initiatives that help churches and individuals launch Christian schools. Together, they discuss the vision behind Soaring Education Services, a branch of OpenSky Education, and how their mission is making Christian education accessible and affordable.

    Kristie dives into the step-by-step process of launching a Christian school, addressing common questions like "Where do I start?" and "How do I create a mission and vision?" She also reveals the importance of feasibility studies, curriculum choices, and community engagement, helping aspiring school founders navigate their path with clarity and faith.

    Whether you're a pastor, homeschool parent, or educator with a calling to build a Christ-centered school, this episode offers practical guidance and encouragement to pursue your God-given mission.

    Don’t miss out on learning how to turn your vision into a thriving Christian school!Tune in for valuable insights, tools, and resources to start your own Christian microschool or innovative educational ministry.

    Make sure to sign up to our newsletter on our website to get the latest updates on this incredible movement of supporting Christian education!

    HERO Website: https://www.heartlandhero.org/

    For more information about Soaring Education Services, please visit their website: https://www.soaringeducation.org/

    46 min
  • Changing Lives Through Faith and Innovation: Meet Kidvation Global


    In this inspiring episode of the "WISE and Otherwise" podcast, host Dalena Wallace sits down with Harold and Brent, co-founders of Kidvation, an organization dedicated to empowering youth through entrepreneurship and life skills rooted in faith. Discover how Kidvation combines innovative thinking with project-based learning to create a transformative educational experience for students aged 8 to 15. Harold and Brent share their journey, from the inception of Kidvation to their impactful partnerships with churches and schools.

    Listen as they discuss the importance of integrating faith into their curriculum, providing real-world pathways for youth entrepreneurship, social activism, and global collaboration. Learn about their unique projects, like the inspiring story of Holy Hydration water bottles and the creation of Hope Apparel, a clothing brand started by a young student.

    This episode delves into the significance of involving young people in meaningful, faith-driven projects and how Kidvation's programs are making a tangible difference in the lives of students and educators alike. Harold and Brent also highlight their partnerships with faith-based organizations and the importance of equipping the next generation to face today's challenges with a Christ-centered mindset.

    Tune in to explore the dynamic ways Kidvation is shaping future leaders, empowering them to speak into God’s economy, and fostering a sense of purpose and innovation in today’s youth.

    Make sure to sign up to our newsletter on our website to get the latest updates on this incredible movement of supporting Christian education!
    HERO Website: https://www.heartlandhero.org/
    For more information about Kidvation Global, please visit their website: https://kidvationglobal.com/

    37 min
  • Building a Better School: A Teacher's Bold Move from Public to Private

    Join us in this episode of WISE and Otherwise as we delve into the transformative journey of Josiah Enyart, the founder of Freedom Learning Academy in the Kansas City area. Discover how Josiah transitioned from a disillusioned public school teacher to a pioneering educational entrepreneur, creating a unique and effective learning environment for children.
    Josiah shares pivotal moments that led him to start his own school, discusses systemic issues in public education, and describes how he transformed his basement into a thriving educational space. Hear about the overwhelming community support, Josiah's philosophy of balancing strong academics with parental rights to teach religious and political beliefs, and gain practical insights into starting a micro school and fostering church-school partnerships.
    This episode is a must-listen for homeschool parents, parents of students, educational entrepreneurs, Christian educators, and anyone interested in innovative education models. Whether you're considering starting your own school, looking for alternatives to public education, or seeking inspiration from a passionate educator's journey, this episode offers valuable insights and motivation.
    Tune in to WISE and Otherwise and explore how one teacher's frustration with the public school system led to the creation of a revolutionary learning academy that is making a significant difference in the lives of many children.

    Make sure to sign up to our newsletter on our website to get the latest updates on this incredible movement of supporting Christian education!

    HERO Website: https://www.heartlandhero.org/

    For more information about Freedom Learning Academy, please visit their website: https://freedomlearningacademy.com/

    41 min
  • Can Faith and Learning Coexist in Innovative School Models?

    Welcome back to another insightful episode of WISE and Otherwise! 🎙️ Today, we're delving into a compelling question: Can faith and learning coexist in modern education? Join Dalena Wallace as she sits down with David Pierce, the pastor at Sherwood Bible Church in Kansas City, to explore this intriguing topic.
    In this episode, Pastor David shares the incredible journey of how Sherwood Bible Church has become a beacon for faith-based learning in their community. Discover how their unique approach to education integrates biblical principles with academic excellence, creating a nurturing environment for students and families alike. Learn about the story behind Sherwood Bible Church's partnership with Refine KC, the challenges and triumphs of transforming church spaces into educational hubs, the role of prayer and community support in fostering successful educational initiatives, and Pastor David's insights on the importance of faith-based education in today's world.
    Whether you're a parent, educator, pastor, or simply curious about innovative education models, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice.
    👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring content. Share this video with friends and family to spread the word about the transformative power of faith-based education.
    Make sure to sign up to our newsletter on our website to get the latest updates on this incredible movement of supporting Christian education!
    HERO Website: https://www.heartlandhero.org/
    For more information about Sherwood Bible Church, please visit their website:
    https://sherwood.org/
    For more information about Refine KC, please visit their website:
    https://www.refinekcschool.com/

    32 min
  • Reviving Education Through Biblical Principles

    Welcome to another enlightening episode of Wise and Otherwise! 🎙️ Today, we're thrilled to introduce you to two remarkable individuals transforming the landscape of Christian education.
    Join Dalena Wallace as she sits down with Pastor Kyle Lammott of Exodus Church and Kyle Waters, the head of St. Boniface Academy, a groundbreaking hybrid classical Christian school in Wichita. Discover the inspiring story behind St. Boniface Academy and learn about their mission to integrate faith and learning in a unique educational model.
    In this episode, you'll hear about the vision and journey of founding St. Boniface Academy, the importance of hybrid Christian schooling and the three-day model, how education and discipleship go hand in hand, the role of the church in supporting and partnering with parents, and the long-term goals and generational impact of St. Boniface Academy.
    Pastor Kyle and Kyle Waters share their passion for providing a robust biblical education that prepares children to advance God's kingdom in all aspects of life. Whether you're a parent, educator, or church leader, this conversation is sure to inspire and encourage you.


    👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring content. Share this video with friends and family to spread the word about the transformative power of faith-based education.


    Make sure to sign up to our newsletter on our website to get the latest updates on this incredible movement of supporting Christian education!HERO Website: https://www.heartlandhero.org/


    For more information about St. Boniface Academy, please visit their website: https://saintbonifaceacademy.org/

    29 min

About WISE and Otherwise

From the publisher's feed

Join host and Christian education advocate Dalena Wallace on WISE and Otherwise, a podcast powered by the Heartland Education Reformation Organization (HERO). Each episode explores faith-based and family-centered education—featuring leaders reshaping learning through microschools, hybrids, and co-ops that keep Christ at the center.