• 114 - When Servant Leadership Goes Too Far
    Jul 7 2025

    In this conversation, hosts Matthew George and Mark Zockoll of the CHRISTIAN PRINCIPALS PODCAST ( a part of the Herzog Foundation Podcast Network) explore the concept of servant leadership, questioning when it may go too far WHILE PAINTING!. They discuss the balance between serving others and fulfilling leadership responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of delegation and empowering others. The conversation highlights the need for leaders to model service while also recognizing the limits of their roles. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they examine the political aspects of service in leadership and the necessity of time management. The Christian Administrator Spotlight goes to Vanessa Jodock with the FHL Academy, another Minnesota Association of Christian Schools member school!

    TAKEAWAYS

    • Servant leadership can sometimes lead to overcommitment.
    • It's important to recognize when tasks are beneath your role.
    • Delegation is essential for effective leadership.
    • Service should not compromise leadership responsibilities.
    • Leaders should model service to inspire others.
    • Not every task should fall on the leader's shoulders.
    • Finding a balance between service and leadership is crucial.
    • Leaders should empower others to take on responsibilities.
    • Service can be a political move in leadership roles.
    • Reflection on personal time management is important.
    • When Servant Leadership Goes Too Far
    • The Dilemma of Servant Leadership


    KEYWORDS

    servant leadership, Christian leadership, delegation, responsibilities, service, leadership styles, church leadership, school leadership, community service, leadership balancetakeaways


    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Exploring Servant Leadership

    07:41 The Balance of Responsibilities

    12:35 Delegation and Leadership

    18:05 Self-Awareness in Leadership

    22:57 Wrap-Up and Reflection

    FIND US ON

    Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianPrincipalsPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/cprincipalspod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com

    Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.christianprincipalspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@CPrincipalsPod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    LinkedIN: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-principals-podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.herzogfoundation.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠to learn more about what the Herzog Foundation provides for YOUR Christian School!



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    26 mins
  • 113 - Sex Education in Christian Schools: A Case Study
    Jul 3 2025

    In this final episode of the Sex Ed in Christian Schools series, Mark Zockoll and Matt George discuss their experiences and insights on implementing sex education at Faith Baptist School. They reflect on the importance of addressing uncomfortable topics, the necessity of parental involvement, and the structure of the seminar titled 'God's Plan for Sex.' The conversation emphasizes the need for clear definitions, open communication, and a supportive environment for students to engage with these critical discussions. The Christian Administrator Spotlight goes out to Erin Gohl!

    TAKEAWAYS

    • This is the last episode of the series.
    • Uncomfortable conversations are necessary for growth.
    • We should challenge traditional methods of education.
    • Students should leave school with a clear understanding of sex.
    • Parental involvement is crucial in sex education.
    • The seminar was structured to provide a safe space for discussion.
    • Content was tailored to be age-appropriate and relevant.
    • The seminar included a Q&A session for student engagement.
    • Feedback from parents was generally positive.
    • Consistency in policy is key for effective education.
    • Navigating Sex Education in Christian Schools
    • Faith Baptist School's Approach to Sex Ed


    SOUND BITES

    • "This is our last one, we promise"
    • "The forbidden fruit syndrome, right?"
    • "None of the questions were inappropriate"


    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Introduction to the Series

    02:29 Reflecting on Previous Episodes

    04:59 Case Study: Faith Baptist School's Approach

    08:09 Defining Sex Education in Context

    11:56 Parental Involvement and Communication

    19:21 Implementation of the Curriculum

    20:38 Navigating Conversations About Sexual Education

    28:32 Implementing a Comprehensive Health Curriculum

    39:39 Reflections and Future Considerations

    KEYWORDS

    Sex Education, Christian Schools, Faith Baptist School, Parental Involvement, Curriculum Development, Health Class, Student Engagement, Biblical Principles, Sexual Purity, Educational Strategies

    FIND US ON

    Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianPrincipalsPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/cprincipalspod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com

    Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.christianprincipalspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@CPrincipalsPod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    LinkedIN: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-principals-podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.herzogfoundation.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠to learn more about what the Herzog Foundation provides for YOUR Christian School!


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    48 mins
  • 112 - Sex Education in Christian Schools : What Is the School's Place?
    Jul 2 2025

    In this episode of the Christian Principals Podcast, hosts Matt George and Mark Zockoll delve into the contentious topic of sex education in Christian schools. They explore the reasons why some believe schools should not be involved in sex education, including concerns about parental authority, social risks, and the challenges of having tough conversations. The hosts also discuss the importance of addressing these issues, emphasizing that students are already being informed by external sources and that schools have a responsibility to provide clarity and guidance. They conclude by encouraging open communication between schools and parents to ensure comprehensive education for students. Chelsey Nissley of El Dorado Christian School received the Christian Administrator Spotlight!

    TAKEAWAYS

    • The conversation aims to start discussions that are often avoided.
    • Christian schools historically have avoided sex education to respect parental authority.
    • Concerns about legal and social risks are significant in the discussion.
    • Assumptions about what is taught can lead to gaps in education.
    • Tough conversations about sex education are necessary for student development.
    • Schools should not shy away from addressing topics that students are already exposed to.
    • Clear communication between parents and schools is essential.
    • Comprehensive education includes discussing sex in a biblical context.
    • Scaffolding knowledge is important in all areas of education, including sex education.
    • The podcast encourages listener engagement and feedback on the topic.
    • Navigating Sex Education in Christian Schools
    • The Role of Schools in Teaching Sex Education


    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Introduction to the Controversial Topic of Sex Education

    01:53 The Role of Schools in Sex Education

    18:33 Arguments for Involvement in Sex Education

    29:25 Conclusion and Next Steps

    KEYWORDSChristian education, sex education, school involvement, parental authority, social risks, education curriculum, communication, student well-being, cultural expectations, educational standards

    FIND US ON

    Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianPrincipalsPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/cprincipalspod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com

    Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.christianprincipalspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@CPrincipalsPod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    LinkedIN: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-principals-podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.herzogfoundation.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠to learn more about what the Herzog Foundation provides for YOUR Christian School!

    And check out our friend over at https://www.theprivateschoolleader.com/ and tell Mark that we sent you!


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    37 mins
  • 111 - Sex Education in Christian Schools: Hear Us Out Please!
    Jun 30 2025

    In this episode of the Christian Principals podcast, hosts Mark Zockoll and Matt George delve into the controversial topic of sex education within Christian schools. They discuss the necessity of intentional conversations about sex education, drawing from personal experiences and research insights. The hosts emphasize the importance of addressing the realities of today's students, parental expectations, and the discomfort surrounding these discussions. They outline the structure of a three-part series aimed at exploring the role of Christian schools in sex education, highlighting the need for comprehensive and biblically grounded conversations.

    TAKEAWAYS

    • The podcast aims to work through the various views on sex education in Christian schools.
    • Hosts emphasize the importance of providing quality content to their audience.
    • There is a need for intentional conversations about sex education in schools.
    • Personal experiences reveal a lack of comprehensive sex education in the past.
    • Today's Christian school students are more worldly wise than previous generations.
    • Parents often expect schools to address sex education topics.
    • Research indicates a desire for more structured sex education in Christian schools.
    • Discomfort in discussing sex education should not deter schools from addressing it.
    • The harm of not discussing sex education is already present among students.
    • Future episodes will explore the role of Christian schools in sex education.

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Introduction to Controversial Topics in Christian Education

    02:46 The Importance of Intentional Conversations

    06:25 Personal Experiences with Sex Education

    09:00 The Reality of Today's Christian School Students

    12:01 Expectations from Parents and Schools

    14:18 Research Insights on Sex Education

    17:19 The Need for Formal Sex Education

    19:55 Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions

    22:51 The Role of Schools in Discussing Sensitive Topics

    25:07 Looking Ahead: Future Episodes and Topics

    KEYWORDS

    Christian education, sex education, parental involvement, student experiences, intentional conversations, research insights, discomfort in education, modern family, Christian schools, educational strategiessummary

    FIND US ON

    Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianPrincipalsPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/cprincipalspod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com

    Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.christianprincipalspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@CPrincipalsPod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    LinkedIN: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-principals-podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.herzogfoundation.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠to learn more about what the Herzog Foundation provides for YOUR Christian School!

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    31 mins
  • 110 - Burnout and Stress Management for Christian School Leaders with Mark Minkus
    Jun 26 2025

    In this conversation, Mark Minkus speaks with Matthew George and Mark Zockoll and shares valuable insights on effective leadership in Christian schools, focusing on the importance of active listening, setting boundaries, and maintaining a strong spiritual foundation. He discusses common pitfalls in parent relationships and offers practical strategies for administrators to foster positive communication and manage stress. The dialogue emphasizes the need for self-care and prioritizing spiritual practices amidst the demands of school leadership. The Christian Administrator Spotlight rests on Wendi Teten of Discovery Christian School!

    TAKEAWAYS

    • The biggest mistake administrators make is over-promising while stressed.
    • Active listening is crucial for effective communication with parents.
    • Validating feelings does not mean agreeing with parents.
    • Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining personal well-being.
    • No fly zones for work can help leaders stay present with family.
    • Gratitude practices can enhance spiritual well-being.
    • Choosing discomfort in conversations can lead to long-term peace.
    • Listening without the intent to respond fosters trust.
    • Effective leadership requires both strength and compassion.
    • Prioritizing spiritual practices is vital for school leaders.

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Navigating Parent Relationships

    08:19 Balancing Leadership with Compassion

    15:22 Spiritual Practices for Leaders

    KEYWORDS

    Christian school leadership, parent relationships, boundaries, spiritual practices, stress management, active listening, servant leadership, communication strategies, professional development, school administration

    FIND US ON

    Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianPrincipalsPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/cprincipalspod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com

    Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.christianprincipalspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@CPrincipalsPod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    LinkedIN: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-principals-podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.herzogfoundation.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠to learn more about what the Herzog Foundation provides for YOUR Christian School!


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    23 mins
  • 109 - Burnout and Stess Management for Christian School Leaders with Mark Minkus
    Jun 23 2025

    In this episode of the Christian Principals Podcast, hosts Matt George and Mark Zockoll engage in a deep conversation with Mark Minkus, a former Christian school administrator and current podcast host of the Private School Leader Podcast. They discuss the unique challenges faced by Christian school leaders, including stress and burnout, and the importance of creating a supportive community. Mark shares insights from his journey of starting a podcast to serve fellow educators, the impact of Thrive Academy, and practical strategies for managing time and productivity. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to recognize their own well-being and the importance of creating margin in their lives. The Christian Administrator Spotlight goes out to Dr. Chris Hobbs of Indian Rocks Christian School!

    TAKEAWAYS

    • The podcast aims to fill a niche for Christian school leaders.
    • Starting a podcast was a response to a perceived need in the community.
    • The impact of the podcast has grown significantly, reaching listeners worldwide.
    • Christian school leaders often experience chronic stress and burnout.
    • Recognizing early warning signs of stress is crucial for leaders.
    • The complexity of the role adds unique stressors to Christian school leadership.
    • Creating a framework for success is essential for effective leadership.
    • Managing email effectively can significantly reduce stress.
    • Creating margin in life is necessary for personal well-being.
    • Thrive Academy offers practical tools for school leaders.
    • Navigating Leadership in Christian Education
    • The Power of Podcasting for School Leaders

    SOUND BITES

    • "Burnout is the end state of chronic stress."
    • "We have this toxic hustle culture."
    • "I wish I had responded sooner."

    CHAPTERS

    00:00Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

    02:57The Birth of the Private School Leader Podcast

    05:39Understanding the Audience: Christian School Leaders

    08:41The Invisible Burdens of Leadership

    12:23Recognizing and Responding to Stress

    14:56The Complexity of Christian School Leadership

    17:40Creating Margin in Leadership

    19:42Introducing Thrive Academy

    22:32Practical Tools for Managing Email Stress

    25:45The Impact of Long-Term Stress on Leadership

    29:56Navigating Parent Relationships

    KEYWORDS

    Christian education, school leadership, podcasting, burnout, stress management, Thrive Academy, productivity, email management, private schools, coachingsummary

    FIND US ON:

    Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianPrincipalsPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/cprincipalspod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com

    Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.christianprincipalspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@CPrincipalsPod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    LinkedIN: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-principals-podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.herzogfoundation.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠to learn more about what the Herzog Foundation provides for YOUR Christian School!

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    35 mins
  • 108 - Principal's Timeline: July
    Jun 19 2025

    In this episode, Matt George and Mark Zockoll discuss the various observances and important dates in July, emphasizing the significance of planning for the upcoming school year. They cover topics such as human resources, community engagement, facilities management, and the importance of spiritual leadership and renewal during this busy month. The conversation highlights the need for preparation and organization to ensure. The Christian Administrator Spotlight goes out to Michael Elliott of Chisago Christian School!


    TAKEAWAYS

    • July is filled with various observances and celebrations.
    • Planning for the upcoming school year is crucial in July.
    • Human resources and staffing updates should be finalized by July.
    • Community engagement is important during the summer months.
    • Facilities and operations management should be prioritized during the break.
    • Spiritual leadership and personal renewal are essential for educators.
    • Communication with families should be maintained throughout the summer.
    • July is a time for inventory and curriculum checks.
    • Engaging with the community can enhance school visibility.
    • Preparation in July sets the tone for a successful school year.


    • SOUND BITES
      • "July is food month apparently."
      • "Keep it simple, special person, you."
      • "Don't waste that time."


      CHAPTERS

      00:00 July Highlights and Celebrations

      06:18 Key Observances and Monthly Themes

      08:23 Master Schedule Finalization and Curriculum Planning

      14:29 Human Resources and Staffing Updates

      17:57 Community Engagement and Communication Strategies

      22:16 Facilities and Operations Management

      29:59 Spiritual Leadership and Renewal


      KEYWORDSJuly, celebrations, school planning, human resources, community engagement, facilities management, spiritual leadership


      FIND US ON:

      Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianPrincipalsPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

      Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/cprincipalspod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

      Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com

      Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.christianprincipalspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

      X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@CPrincipalsPod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

      LinkedIN: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-principals-podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

      Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.herzogfoundation.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠to learn more about what the Herzog Foundation provides for YOUR Christian School!

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    37 mins
  • 107 - The Attic and an Inbox Review
    Jun 16 2025

    In this episode of the Christian Principals Podcast, hosts Mark Zockoll and Matt George delve into the metaphor of the attic as a representation of storage and organization within Christian schools. They discuss the importance of maintaining order and purpose in these spaces, sharing personal experiences and insights on what should and shouldn't be stored. The conversation emphasizes the need for guidelines, consolidation, and effective management of storage areas, while also engaging with listener feedback and insights on school practices. The Christian Administrator Spotlight goes out to Sherry Segal, interim administrator of Owatonna Christian School in Owatonna, Minnesota!

    TAKEAWAYS

    • The attic serves as a metaphor for storage and organization in schools.
    • Maintaining order in storage spaces reflects the mission of the school.
    • Personal experiences with attics highlight the challenges of organization.
    • Guidelines for what belongs in the attic can help prevent clutter.
    • Consolidation is key to effective storage management.
    • Labeling and ownership of items in the attic is essential.
    • Regular cleanouts can help maintain a functional attic space.
    • The role of a designated person in charge of attic organization is crucial.
    • Digital storage can reduce physical clutter in attics.
    • Engaging with listener feedback can provide valuable insights for improvement.
    • The Attic: A Metaphor for School Organization
    • Mission and Order in Educational Spaces


    SOUND BYTES

    • "The attic is a scary place."
    • "Store nothing in a trash bag."
    • "This show is wiggity-whack."


    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Exploring the Attic: A Metaphor for Storage and Reflection

    02:55 Mission and Order in the Attic

    06:20 Personal Experiences with the Attic

    09:04 What Belongs in the Attic?

    11:46 Guidelines for Attic Storage

    14:41 The Importance of Organization and Responsibility

    17:14 Clearing Out the Attic

    19:59 Feedback and Community Engagement

    22:00 Spotlight on Administrators and Closing Thoughts

    KEYWORDS

    Christian school, attic, organization, storage, principals, education, leadership, school management, Christian values, podcastsummary


    FIND US ON:

    Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ChristianPrincipalsPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/cprincipalspod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com

    Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.christianprincipalspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@CPrincipalsPod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    LinkedIN: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-principals-podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.herzogfoundation.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠to learn more about what the Herzog Foundation provides for YOUR Christian School!

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    32 mins