Seek the welfare of the city! While the notion of place-based education isn't an entirely new concept, it's not the sort of focus we typically find in Christian Schools. However, there's strong theological and philosophical reasons why Christian schools should focus their curriculum and programs to helping students flourish in the place where God has put them. In order to do this well, the Christian School ought equip students with a deeper understanding of their communities: the history, geography, environment, stories, culture, and art. Not only does this build upon the notion of flourishing where God has planted us, it also grounds students and gives them a greater sense of belonging as we build programs to help student connect ideas to what they see and can experience around them.

All Parents feel overwhelmed, but the two books we discuss in this episode are intended to help parents feel a bit more "on top" of what it means to be parents, and both books provide practical advice to be more intentional in this great calling. Justin Whitmel Early's book (Habits of the Household) and Jon Tyson's book (The Intentional Father) are both designed to get parents thinking more proactively about discipleship and formation as the the primary focus of Christian parents. Both books are convicting but encouraging, because they remind of us of things we all know we should be doing, but they provide great hope, rooted in the gospel of Jesus. You can find the books hereHabits of the Household: https://a.co/d/3rjtVlrThe Intentional Father: https://a.co/d/9sPisPh

Every Christian School emphasizes the importance of God's Word, but we're likely inconsistent and confused about the place that God's Word has in our schools - not just philosophically, but in the day-in, day-out practices and programs. Tragically, many of our Christian schools reduce the Bible to a tool inserted into our lessons, displayed on posters, and quoted on the tops of quizzes and tests but not foundational to the very fabric of our schools. In fact, by inserting Scripture all over the place, we may actually be minimizing the place Scripture should have, rather than exalting it. Host Noah Brink discusses the necessity of Christian school leaders to know and love God's Word who long to see a God-centered approach to Scripture as the very goal of the school and all its parts.