In this episode, Dr. Cy Smith, Superintendent of Mansfield Christian Schools interviews Dr. Todd Marrah, the superintendent of Tree of Life Christian Schools in Columbus, Ohio, and President of the board at ACSI.

They discuss the importance of leading well over time, big-picture thinking, and passionate convictions in Christian education. They highlight the significant changes in education, such as the increased focus on emotional well-being and the influx of families who are new to the faith. They also emphasize the need for leaders to constantly gauge the horizon and maintain momentum in order to navigate change and celebrate the work of God.

In this conversation, Todd Marrah discusses his convictions and passion for Christian schooling. He believes that Christian schooling is God's idea and the most strategic thing we can do to disciple the next generation. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding children with other qualified adults who can pour into their lives.

Todd also serves as the board president of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and is the Pastor at Rock City Church in Columbus Ohio.

Takeaways

-Leading well over time requires constantly gauging the horizon and navigating change.

-The emotional well-being of students is a significant concern in education today.

-Christian schools have the opportunity to partner with families who are new to the faith and help raise children to have a deep relationship with Jesus.

-Leaders must capture, package, and celebrate the moments where they see God at work in order to maintain momentum.

-Looking over the horizon and maintaining momentum is the responsibility of leaders, and boards should support and create space for this.

-Christian schooling is seen as the answer for more and more families and children. Christian schooling is God's idea and the most strategic thing we can do to disciple the next generation.

-Surrounding children with other qualified adults in Christian schools, churches, and communities is crucial for their spiritual growth.

-The church should partner with Christian schools to create more opportunities for kids to be loved by Jesus every day.

-There are real threats and challenges in the field of Christian education, but there are also great opportunities for growth and impact.

-Leaders in Christian education should focus on big-picture thinking and have passionate convictions to lead well over time.

Helpful Links:

Mansfield Christian Schools: https://www.mcsflames.org/

Tree of Life Christian School: https://tolcs.org/

ACSI: https://www.acsi.org/

Rock City Church: https://rockcitychurch.tv/