Claim OwnershipChristian Education + Leadership
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© Jared Mlynczyk
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Exploring the value and mission of Christian education through the lens of leadership, discipleship, and biblical worldview.
41 Episodes
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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.
In Part VI of the Rethinking Academics in Christian Schools series, Jared Mlynczyk examines one of the most overlooked systems in education: grading and assessment.What are grades really measuring? Academic mastery, or a mixture of behavior, compliance, homework, and points?This episode challenges traditional grading assumptions and invites Christian school leaders to rethink assessment through a coaching mindset, where learning is the goal, time becomes flexible, and grades communicate growth rather than simply sorting students.If Christian schools are serious about discipleship and academic excellence, grading practices must align with both truth and learning.
🎙 Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — Christian educator and school leader, and founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com.In Part V of the Rethinking Academics in Christian Schools series, we press pause on methods and models to address an essential question:How do we meaningfully integrate a biblical worldview into the actual academic work happening in our classrooms?Instead of relying on devotions or spiritual add-ons, this episode walks through a simple, repeatable process for connecting Scripture to standards, skills, and unit objectives. You’ll see a real classroom example, practical steps teachers can start tomorrow, and why worldview integration becomes even more powerful in small-group and differentiated learning environments.If Christian schools exist to disciple students, then biblical integration cannot be optional. It must be intentional, thoughtful, and academically rigorous.
🎙 Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com, Christian educator, and school leader.In this episode, we explore Part IV of the Rethinking Academics in Christian Schools series and get practical about designing reading and math classrooms that actually work for today’s learners.Jared breaks down:Why “teach to the middle” no longer fits modern Christian classroomsHow to design a simple 50-minute station-rotation modelWays to group students using real classroom and MAP dataWhat research actually says about small-group instructionIdeas for adapting the model for secondary classroomsWhy this approach helps us honor every learner as image-bearers of GodIf you’re a Christian educator or school leader looking to rethink instruction without overhauling your entire system, this conversation will give you clear steps and hopeful direction.Listen now and share with your team as you reimagine how classroom time can better serve student learning and spiritual formation.
🎙 Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com, Christian educator, and school leader.In this episode, Jared walks through the next step in rethinking academics in Christian schools: identifying what truly matters for students to learn. Once we move beyond “covering the curriculum,” we can begin the real work of naming priority standards, understanding student readiness, mapping learning across the calendar, and aligning our teaching with mission and formation.This episode explores practical tools for leadership teams, biblical insights about prioritizing what matters most, and a preview of Part IV, where we’ll examine how to design classrooms that give every student the highest probability of learning.Listen, reflect, and share with your academic team.
🎙 Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com, Christian educator, and school leader.In Part II of Rethinking Academics in Christian Schools, Jared goes deeper — not into methods yet, but into mindsets.Before we redesign schedules, grading systems, or instructional strategies, we must confront the assumptions that have shaped classrooms for decades:✅ Points ≠ learning✅ Curriculum pacing ≠ mastery✅ Readiness varies widely✅ Teaching ≠ presenting✅ Yesterday’s model doesn’t fit today’s studentsJared shares a candid story from his early teaching days — and why his Algebra I “pre-test/post-test” cycle revealed a deeper truth: delivering content is not the same as ensuring students learn.Christian schools must anchor themselves in biblical formation and academic clarity. Learning must be the goal, not coverage.Listen now, and prepare for Part III where we move into practical steps for rethinking how instruction, assessment, and time are structured in Christian classrooms.
🎙 Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com, Christian educator, and school leader.In this episode of Case Studies in Christian Education, Jared explores how Chattanooga Christian School is reimagining what it means to serve every learner.The Learning Center at CCS offers a deeply individualized model for students with significant learning and developmental needs—combining academic excellence, therapy integration, and biblical formation.What if Christian schools stopped saying, “We don’t have the resources,” and started asking, “How can we design learning around growth, not limitation?”This episode challenges leaders to move beyond teaching to the middle—to focus on constant learning, personalized growth, and a biblical vision of education that honors every student as an image-bearer of God.
🎙 Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com, Christian educator, and school leader.In this episode of Case Studies in Christian Education, we explore how Northwest Christian Schools in Spokane has turned a thrift store into a ministry of stewardship, community, and potential student leadership.The NWC Thrift Store generates over $1.5 million in annual revenue (before expenses) while advancing the school’s mission—to educate and disciple students to become leaders within the church, community, and world.What can other Christian schools learn from this model? How can schools of any size create unique opportunities to serve their communities, teach business principles, and put faith into action?Listen as Jared unpacks how real-world enterprise can become discipleship in motion—where work, learning, and worship come together for the glory of God.
🎙 Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com, Christian educator, and school leader.In this episode of Case Studies in Christian Education, we explore how Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy integrates faith, innovation, and entrepreneurship into a powerful model for student formation.CHCA’s Entrepreneurship and Sustainability program places students at the center of real-world learning—running campus businesses, managing operations, and applying a biblical worldview to creativity, leadership, and service.What does it look like when Christian education prepares students not only to think biblically but also to lead courageously and create redemptively?Listen as Jared unpacks lessons from CHCA’s model that any Christian school—large or small—can apply to develop mission-driven, innovative programs that form tomorrow’s leaders.
🎙 Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com, Christian educator, and school leader.In this episode of Case Studies in Christian Education, we examine the recent situation at Lipscomb Academy, where a student gesture honoring Charlie Kirk led to public debate and administrative change.What happens when school policy meets a cultural moment? How can leaders engage passionate students while staying rooted in mission and conviction?Jared explores the tension between holding firm to standards and responding with grace, offering insight for Christian school leaders navigating public pressure, communication challenges, and the call to form students through every decision.
🎙 Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com, Christian educator, and school leader.In Part 3 of our Parent Partnership series, we explore the final step in building strong school–home relationships: how we answer parents. Listening and processing feedback are vital, but the way we respond communicates just as much as the content itself.Drawing from Colossians 4:6, Jared unpacks how to balance grace and truth in every response, avoid email battles by inviting personal conversations, and lead with transparency when handling both everyday concerns and urgent matters. You’ll also learn practical strategies—both informal and formal—for training your team, using parent feedback tools, and building trust through consistent follow-up.This episode will equip school leaders to move beyond listening and discerning, into answering with wisdom, clarity, and Christ-like care.
🎙 Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com, Christian educator, and school leader.In Part 2 of our Parent Partnership series, we explore why listening is the foundation of building trust with families. Parents are the first key group of stakeholders we partner with to raise disciples, and their voices matter. Drawing from Proverbs 1:5, we’ll discuss how wise leaders listen, focus on understanding events over emotions, and resist the urge to resolve every demand. You’ll also hear practical strategies—like moving difficult conversations away from email and into personal dialogue—that foster grace-filled, mission-driven relationships with parents.This episode will help school leaders strengthen parent partnerships by listening well and responding with discernment.
🎙 Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com, Christian educator, and school leader.In this episode: Jared kicks off a new three-part series, Parent Partnership: Easier Said Than Done, by exploring the first step in building a strong home–school connection—listening. Drawing from Proverbs 18:13 and James 1:19, he unpacks why parents are the primary partners in Christian education, why their insight matters more than we sometimes realize, and how schools can create intentional ways to hear the parent voice.Whether it’s feedback on small details or big-picture ideas, listening well honors parents, strengthens trust, and lays the foundation for true partnership.
🎙 Christian Education + LeadershipHosted by Jared Mlynczyk — Christian educator and school leader, founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com. In this episode, we unpack what really makes a Christian school Christian. Beyond chapels, handbooks, or Bible classes—it’s the people who model the life of Christ that shape the culture. Learn how to cast vision, hire with mission in mind, and celebrate Spirit-led impact as we seek to build schools where grace, truth, and the fruit of the Spirit are lived daily.
🎙 Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — Christian educator and school leader, founder of ChristianEdLeadership.comIn this episode, Jared reflects on the rising use of AI in education and why it will never be enough to truly form students. Drawing from Kent Ingle’s op-ed “AI Can Simulate a Teacher — But It Can’t Shepherd a Soul”, this conversation explores the deeper purpose of education, the philosophical void in public schooling, and the essential role of Christian worldview in shaping not just minds—but hearts and souls. Jared walks through the historical shifts in American education, the latest court battles over identity and self-expression, and a powerful framework from Dallas Willard on what makes someone truly good. If you're a Christian school leader, parent, or teacher longing to keep education rooted in Christ, this one's for you.
🎙 Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com, Christian educator, and school leader.In this episode, we explore why teacher compensation in Christian schools isn’t just a budget issue—it’s a ministry priority. Jared unpacks how salary reflects value, why underpayment shouldn't be worn as a badge of virtue, and five practical ways school leaders can start closing the gap. If you care about the future of Christian education, this conversation is for you.
🎙 Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — Christian educator and school leader at ChristianEdLeadership.com — this episode explores why teacher compensation, retention, and support aren’t just HR concerns… they’re Gospel-centered, mission-critical priorities for every Christian school.Jared reflects on his own early teaching experience, breaks down national salary data, and shares practical insights into building cultures where Christian educators feel seen, valued, and sustained.If we believe our teachers are the living curriculum, then we must lead like it.
🎙 Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com, Christian educator, and school leader.In this episode, Jared reflects on the real, raw, and rewarding journey of the first-year teacher. From grading papers at midnight to navigating parent emails and hallway chaos, he shares 3 key lessons every new teacher needs to hear — rooted in Scripture and the hope of faithful service. Whether you're finishing year one or mentoring someone who is, this conversation is filled with grace, grit, and gospel truth.
🎙 Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — Christian educator and school leader, and founder of ChristianEdLeadership.comIn this episode, Jared explores the idea that Christian school faculty are the “living curriculum.” Drawing from Scripture, the wisdom of Dallas Willard, and real-life examples from school life, he unpacks how students absorb far more than just lesson plans — they absorb us.What kind of life are we modeling? Are we worthy of imitation? And how do we remain faithful to Christ while pointing students to Him?This encouraging episode is for every teacher, coach, or school leader walking out the gospel in the daily rhythms of Christian education.
Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com, Christian educator, and school leader.In Episode 15, Jared closes out the Must Be Spring: Burnout and Renewal series with a powerful look at Biblical Renewal for the Weary Leader. Drawing from Matthew 11:28–30 and Dallas Willard's Renovation of the Heart, this episode explores how true renewal is found—not in more effort—but in deeper rest in Christ. Discover how to abandon outcomes to God, rest in His sovereignty, and lead from a place of spiritual overflow.If you’ve been carrying the weight of outcomes, this episode is your invitation to step into the easy yoke of Jesus.
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