Join us for a special episode of the Gospel-Centered Education podcast, specifically designed for our stakeholders who participated in our recent campus expansion survey. We’re pulling back the curtain on how we align our strategic growth with our mission.

We explore four critical questions:

• The Covenantal Model: Why our identity drives our decisions.

• Campus Security: Prioritizing safety through a biblical lens.

• Our Location: The intentionality behind where we plant our roots.

• Population Growth: Navigating expansion while maintaining community.

Tune in for an inside look at how we’re planning for the future while staying grounded in Christ.

#NewEpisode #EducationPodcast #ChristianPodcast #StakeholderEngagement #SchoolGrowth #ListenNow

Questions or Comments?

Produced by Vance Rutherford

In this episode of the Gospel Centered Education Podcast, we travel (virtually) to Montreal, Canada, to catch up with Erin Esguerra, a 2017 graduate of Community Christian School.

Erin’s journey is a powerful testament to how a high school elective can spark a lifelong calling. Today, she is the co-owner of a language school where she equips professionals in French, English, and Spanish. But for Erin, language isn't just about business—it’s about "crossing barriers" to share the Gospel in one of the most secular regions of North America.

Inside the Episode:

• The Power of Language: How a Spanish class in Tallahassee paved the way for a career in Quebec and ministry opportunities with neighbors from all over the world.

• Thinking Critically, Not Complacently: Erin reflects on the transition from the "Christian bubble" of the South to the multicultural reality of Montreal, and how CCS’s philosophy and ethics courses gave her the tools to engage in "honorable dialogue."

• The J-Rex Impact: A look back at the Junior Research Exhibition (J-Rex) and how the rigors of high school research prepared her to outpace her peers in the university setting.

• Shining Through Excellence: Discussing the CCS axiom of "doing good work to bring glory to God" and how professional excellence provides a seat at the table in unreached communities.

• Progress Over Perfection: Erin shares how she navigates the challenges of entrepreneurship and language learning by embracing imperfection as a space for God to work.

Key Quote:

"When you know different languages, you're able to cross barriers... you're able to connect with people that you never thought you'd be able to connect with.”

Listen now to hear how the foundations laid in the classroom continue to impact the Kingdom across borders.

#GospelCenteredEducation #CCSTallahassee #AlumniVoices #ChristianEducation #KingdomImpact #HonorableDialogue

Questions or Comments?

Produced by Vance Rutherford

In this episode of the Gospel Centered Education Podcast, hosts Tom and Kelly are joined by Dr. Angela Long, the Chief Engagement Officer at Tallahassee State College, for a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence. Dr. Long, a nationally recognized researcher and speaker who recently represented U.S. education at the United Nations AI for Good Summit, explores the shift toward Industry 5.0 and the emergence of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). The conversation highlights the urgent need for "human-led, tech-supported" learning, emphasizing that while AI can replicate many technical tasks, essential human "durable skills"—such as critical thinking, leadership, and socio-emotional intelligence—are more vital than ever. From discussing the political landscape and the AI Bill of Rights to the importance of maintaining a faith-based perspective on truth and human value, this episode provides a roadmap for parents and educators to ensure students are truly future-ready in an automated age.

#ArtificialIntelligence #AIinEducation #FutureOfEducation #gospelcenterededucation

Questions or Comments?

Produced by Vance Rutherford

In this episode of the Gospel Centered Education Podcast, hosts Tom Argersinger and Kelly Allen sit down with Steven Passetti, a CCS alumnus and current faculty member, to explore his profound journey of faith and restoration. Steven candidly shares his experience navigating a "culture shock" after leaving CCS in the fifth grade, his subsequent time in the military, and a pivotal season of wandering before a miraculous return to the Gospel at age 24. The conversation dives deep into the "scandalous grace" of Jesus, the formative power of suffering—including Steven’s reflection on breaking his neck in a car accident—and the importance of dying to oneself so that others may live. From discussing the challenges of modern technology and parental instincts to protect children from discomfort, to the rigorous academic mission of CCS, this episode serves as a powerful reminder that God is "good with mess" and is constantly working to unite us with Christ.

🔗Helpful Link:

GCE on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/KPiCySjFr3wsi=aHGw8ZVGF5Z_sMIw

#GospelCenteredEducation #ChristianEducation #Testimony #FaithJourney #CCSAlumni

Questions or Comments?

Produced by Vance Rutherford

In this episode of the Gospel Centered Education Podcast, guest host Kelly Allen sits down with Erin Collier, a 2021 graduate of Community Christian School (CCS) and a mechanical engineering alumna from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Erin shares how her seventh-grade teacher sparked her passion for engineering through a book recommendation and how the rigorous academic foundation at CCS, particularly in calculus and physics, prepared her for success in higher education. Now working in wastewater conveyance, Erin discusses how the school’s unique four-year leadership program and the “Vision Quest” experience taught her to rely on God’s strength, serve others in her professional life, and navigate challenges with resilience. Her story highlights the lasting impact of mentorship and faith-based leadership training in shaping a purposeful career dedicated to serving the community.

#GospelCenteredEducation #ChristianEducation #FaithBasedEducation #EducationPodcast #ChristianPodcast

🔗Helpful Link

GCE On YouTube: https://youtu.be/YHcOEnWT-oo?si=tKAgLdPiRXPYmKiv

Questions or Comments?

Produced by Vance Rutherford

In this episode of the Gospel Centered Education Podcast, CCS alumna Erin Keezer (Class of 2011) reflects on how her 12-year journey at Community Christian School in Tallahassee shaped her faith, career path, and leadership development. Now serving as a worship leader and former educator, Erin shares insights on the school’s culture of joy and authenticity, as well as the rigorous academic foundation—particularly in writing and speech—that prepared her for success in college. She highlights the lasting impact of intentional faculty mentorship, the importance of developing soft skills such as initiative and problem-solving, and the ways CCS helped cultivate both her vocational calling and lifelong commitment to ministry. Erin’s story underscores the enduring value of an individualized, Christ-centered education that challenges students to think critically while growing deeply in their faith.

🔗Helpful Link:

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YrvjD-iwdjE?si=LgzLuD6-xg4-nTNd

Questions or Comments?

Produced by Vance Rutherford

In this episode, Tom and Kelly explore the 12 common myths in modern parenting they covered in the previous two episodes, their takeaways from them, and the Christmas wishes they have for their children. They emphasize the critical role of consistency, modeling, and authenticity in raising children. They challenge the "do as I say, not as I do" mentality, highlighting that children are constantly watching and learning from their parents' actions. The discussion also covers the vital importance of involved fathers, the pitfalls of compartmentalizing faith, and the dangers of "trophy parenting," where a child's accomplishments become an idol for the parents. Finally, they address the modern obsession with safetyism and the tendency to make financial gain the primary filter for life decisions, urging parents to instead foster wisdom and trust in God's calling for their children's lives.

#ParentingMyths #ChristianParenting #FatherhoodMatters #FaithAndFamily #BiblicalWisdom #IntentionalParenting #Discipleship

🔗Helpful Link

https://youtu.be/eLC-eCO6SKE?si=sn0RmhMi0ZeKE9uR

Questions or Comments?

Produced by Vance Rutherford

Continuing on from our last episode, this episode examines six more modern parenting myths by contrasting them with Christian principles. Our hosts Tom and Kelly first debunk the "do as I say, not as I do" approach, emphasizing that consistency and modeling are crucial, as children watch their parents 24/7. They reject the myth that "dads are optional," citing research that links positive father involvement to better academic achievement and greater emotional security in children. The discussion moves to faith, arguing against its compartmentalization by stating that it should apply to every area of life and that reluctance often stems from idolatry. The hosts caution against making kids an idol with the myth, "my life should revolve around my kids," warning against "trophy parenting" and implicitly teaching a child they are the center of the world. They also address the danger of safetyism (the unhealthy obsession with safety) by challenging the myth, "I must make my child 100 percent safe," stressing that parents must use discernment and allow children to experience failure and practice independence. Finally, they confront the idea that "money is the final filter for decision making," asserting that for Christians, money should not be the central question, especially regarding life callings, and that the focus should be on trusting God's will and provision.

🔗Helpful Links

GCE on YouTube :

https://youtu.be/hh62LdxFtAw?si=fwUMunZtlCTV-uDX

Referenced In This Episode:

https://theparentcue.org/do-as-i-say-not-as-i-do/

https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/4-indicators-of-genuine-faith-in-everyday-life.html

https://www.irp.wisc.edu/resource/involved-fathers-play-an-important-role-in-childrens-lives/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/markcperna/2021/11/16/not-your-parents-career-or-is-it-parents-exert-significant-influence-on-kids-career-choices/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/targeted-parenting/202412/afraid-to-allow-your-kid-to-take-risks-heres-why

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/does-performance-drive-your-parenting/

Questions or Comments?

Produced by Vance Rutherford