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Preventing Mission Drift
Mission drift is predictable. And it should be expected if we aren’t vigilant. But knowing why drift happens gives us the insight we need to stop it. The recent Clearly Christian with Dr. Cy Smith podcast episode, Preventing Mission Drift: A Conversation with Dr. Jay McCurry, talks about this topic for businesses, school leaders, and parents raising families on purpose.
Dr. Cy Smith
Dec 18, 20253 min read


Reclaiming Authority for Christianity
Students trust those who know them, care for them, and walk with them in truth, and they’ll grow within that trust, no matter who or what delivers it. Information deemed to be true is coming at kids fast and from every direction. When Christian teachers invest relationally and teach a biblical worldview, then authority can be restored.
Dr. Cy Smith
Nov 24, 20253 min read


Made to Make Culture
This is a defining moment in culture. What will we allow to become normal, and what standards, values and principles will we fight to maintain? The question of what it means to live out faith in today’s culture is resurfacing in classrooms, churches, and dinner-table conversations. It’s not new, but the urgency feels sharper.
Dr. Cy Smith
Oct 27, 20254 min read


Getting Bigger and Acting Smaller
Growth is often seen as a marker of success, yet with growth comes complexity. This is true in business, certainly. But it’s also true for any well-run organization, including schools.
Dr. Cy Smith
Sep 24, 20253 min read


Sticker Shock: The Dollars and Sense of Christian Education
Christian education is gaining momentum. But as more families choose Christian schools and universities, the conversation often turns to the same pressing question: Why does it cost so much? And maybe even more importantly, is it really worth it?
Dr. Greg Miller, President of Malone University, joined Dr. Smith recently on an episode of the Clearly Christian Podcast. He offered a perspective that most parents and even many educators don’t always see.
Dr. Cy Smith
Aug 13, 20253 min read


Fundraising to Grow the Kingdom
Running a Christian school is like juggling three jobs at once. You're not only an educational institution, but also a ministry and a business. Balancing all three is challenging, especially because you can’t simply operate at a loss. No matter how good your intentions, or what impact you seek to make, you must make money.
Dr. Cy Smith
Jul 21, 20254 min read


The Problem with Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social and Emotional Learning, known in education as SEL, is a hot topic in today’s educational world, is also a problem. The effects are being felt in every school district, and it’s really stirring up concern among Christian parents and educators. Why? Because it leaves God and what it means to be human out of the equation. What was meant as a well-meaning focus on improving kids' emotional well-being has done more damage than good.
Dr. Cy Smith
Jun 23, 20254 min read


Training Resilient Disciples
In the latest episode of Clearly Christian, Dr. Cy Smith, Superintendent of Mansfield Christian School welcomed Dr. Dean Ridder, Head of School at Isaac Newton Christian Academy in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. With over 150 schools worldwide implementing the spiritual formation benchmarks developed under his leadership, Dr. Ridder is shaping the way Christian education is preparing students to become resilient disciples in today’s culture.
Dr. Cy Smith
May 16, 20254 min read


Leadership with a Mindset of Growth
When it comes to leadership, true greatness often arises from moments of struggle, faith, and commitment to service. These moments don’t just happen in the business community. They happen in education, too. To take it one step deeper, in Christian Education. What we can learn from the business community, as far as growth, navigating change, and even customer service in the form of servant leadership, is immense.
Dr. Cy Smith
Apr 28, 20254 min read


Engaging with Our Culture as a Christian
In our neighborhoods, more and more students are being exposed to a Christian education, but also in State and National Government.
Dr. Cy Smith
Mar 24, 20254 min read


Uncharted Territory And Uncertain Times
We are certainly living in uncharted territory which is why we must lead from a map, and with a compass.
Dr. Cy Smith
Feb 11, 20254 min read


Leading with the End in Mind
Teachers do not have it easy, especially in this day and age. It’s an important profession and it’s becoming more and more difficult.
Dr. Cy Smith
Jan 23, 20253 min read


Education as Transformation
Explore the concept of education as formation—how schools are not just places for academic learning but are integral to shaping character
Dr. Cy Smith
Dec 20, 20243 min read


Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Health in a Digital World
Cy Smith and Maria Baer explore challenges of raising children in the digital age, highlighting mental, emotional, and spiritual health
Dr. Cy Smith
Nov 12, 20243 min read


Character, Credibility, and Christian Leadership
In the latest episode of The Clearly Christian Podcast, host Dr. Cy Smith dives deep into credibility and character in Christian Leadership
Dr. Cy Smith
Oct 22, 20243 min read


Leadership, Passion, and Stewardship in Christian Education: Insights from Dr. Denver Daniel
leadership as a form of stewardship, where leaders are entrusted not just with people but with time, resources, an
Dr. Cy Smith
Sep 26, 20243 min read


Big Picture Leadership for Educators
It’s easy to get knocked off track. Every day, educators and school leaders come to work with a plan for success, and then end up putting o
Dr. Cy Smith
Sep 11, 20244 min read


The Case for a Community of Believers
Every day, someone is shaping your children's worldview. It could be teachers, social media, friends, or you. We need more you!
Dr. Cy Smith
Jul 25, 20243 min read


Where Science, Christianity and A Biblical Worldview Coincide
Why the Question of "Science or God?" is Best Answered With "Both" How do you answer your kids when they ask you about the science they...
Dr. Cy Smith
Jun 19, 20243 min read


The Secret Connection Between Truth and Relationship
Why we must understand our young people first, in order to lead well There is little doubt, and growing evidence to support the idea...
Dr. Cy Smith
May 14, 20243 min read
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