What happens when faith meets education in today's high school classrooms? Teacher and former pastor J. Todd Bruning reveals the delicate balance of bringing values into secular education without imposing beliefs. Through candid conversation with host Rev. Jermine Alberty, Todd shares how his approach of being "wise, kind, and fair" creates a foundation for meaningful student connections that transcend traditional boundaries.

The conversation takes an illuminating turn when Todd discusses the unpredictability of student behavior and how authentic listening transforms these relationships. "The moment there's a situation where they know that you're listening to what's important to them... it changes everything," Todd explains. This philosophy manifests in heartwarming ways, like students who aren't even in his class stopping by just for a morning fist bump.

Most compelling is Todd's revelation about impact: "I do more ministry every day in the classroom than I felt like I would do in a week, or maybe even a month" in a traditional church setting. His three-part approach—listening authentically, building genuine connections, and "bending along with grace"—offers profound guidance for anyone working with young people. This episode reinforces the research-backed finding that one caring adult outside the home can significantly influence a child's development, making this conversation essential listening for parents, educators, and community leaders alike. Join us to discover how compassionate presence in everyday spaces can create extraordinary change in young lives.