Heartland Christian Ministries Association

Are you feeling called to start a Christian school but don't know where to begin? In this episode of Wise and Otherwise, host Dalena Wallace sits down with David Hazell — founder of My Father's World curriculum and Discipleship Academies — to talk about one of the most practical and Spirit-led movements happening in Christian education today: the return of the one-room schoolhouse. David shares how churches and everyday believers are launching micro schools in as little as three to six weeks, with little more than a willing heart, a curriculum, and a community. Whether you're a pastor, a parent, or someone who simply feels the stirring, this conversation is for you. In this episode: Why public schools are accomplishing exactly what they were designed to do — and why that should concern every Christian parent How Deuteronomy 6 and Psalm 78 call the whole community — not just parents — to disciple children The surprising truth about socialization in one-room schoolhouses What a typical school day looks like across 8 different micro school models How to get started for as little as $125 at a Discipleship Academies conference How David and his wife have given away over $25 million — and why they ask "How much should I keep?" instead of "How much should I give?" Ready to take your next step? Visit 👉 discipleshipacademies.com to watch the free Rescue the Children video series and sign up for an upcoming conference. Also find resources at 👉 mfwbooks.com Wise and Otherwise is a podcast for Christians passionate about reclaiming education for the glory of God — from micro schools to school boards, from homeschool living rooms to church sanctuaries. New episodes regularly. #ChristianEducation #MicroSchool #HomeschoolCommunity #DiscipleshipAcademies #MyFathersWorld #WiseAndOtherwise #ChristianParenting #ChurchSchool #OneRoomSchoolhouse #BiblicalEducation BIG NEWS FOR March 2026: The HERO Matching Scholarship Challenge We have officially launched the HERO Matching Scholarship Challenge! We currently have a $100,000 match fund ready to support Christian education. Every dollar raised by our founders and schools goes directly toward tuition, ensuring that faith-based education is accessible to every family. How you can take action today: Find a School: Check out a HERO partner school in your community and see how you can contribute your time, talent, or treasure: ⁠https://heartlandhero.org/directory⁠ Visit Our Website: Learn more about our mission at ⁠https://heartlandhero.org⁠. Get in Touch: Have questions? Email Dalena at dalena@aimeducationks.com. We'd like to thank our generous sponsors for this year's podcast episodes: 1. Learning Lab Wichita: Programs, space and support foreducation done differently. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher or an education innovator – Learning Lab gives you the resources to create your own path.(https://www.golearninglab.org/) 2. VELA: Every day, millions of families are stepping up to own their education. Thousands of founders have broken the mold, providing solutions that work better for families. This is a movement of self-determined people doing education their own way. VELA is where they connect. Download the VELA App today! (https://vela.org/)

What if the reason Christian schools are struggling to stay affordable isn't a funding problem — it's a vision problem? In this episode of Wise & Otherwise, host Dalena Wallace sits down with Father Jarrod Lies, Vicar of Evangelization, Discipleship, and Stewardship for the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, and St Francis of Assisi parishioner Phyllis Kuckelman to uncover one of the most quietly remarkable models in Christian education today. For over 60 years, the Diocese of Wichita has been living out a stewardship way of life — not as a fundraising program, but as a full expression of what it means to follow Jesus Christ. The result? A community where Christian education is sustained not by tuition alone, but by an entire body of believers who see generosity as an act of worship. But here's the part most people miss: it didn't start with a school. It didn't start with a form, a budget, or a strategic plan. It started with faith, culture, and a vision that took 25 years to take root. In this conversation, you'll hear: Why stewardship that starts with an outcome is doomed to fail The biblical foundation for time, talent, AND treasure — from Genesis to Acts How 60% of Catholic school funding in Wichita comes from parishioners with no kids in the school The dangerous phrase Father Lies warns every church leader never to say What Protestant churches can learn from this model — and where to start today Whether you're a pastor, school founder, homeschool parent, or everyday believer wondering what role you can play in the future of Christian education — this conversation will challenge you, convict you, and give you a next step. 🔔 Subscribe so you don't miss the full episode 👇 Drop a comment: Does your church talk about stewardship beyond tithing? #ChristianEducation #Stewardship #ChristianSchools #HomeschoolMom #MicroSchool #ChurchLeadership #Discipleship #WiseAndOtherwise #CatholicDiocese #Wichita #ChristianParenting #BiblicalStewardship #FaithAndEducation #ChurchAndSchool #PrivateChristianSchool BIG NEWS FOR March 2026: The HERO Matching Scholarship Challenge We have officially launched the HERO Matching Scholarship Challenge! We currently have a $100,000 match fund ready to support Christian education. Every dollar raised by our founders and schools goes directly toward tuition, ensuring that faith-based education is accessible to every family. How you can take action today: Find a School: Check out a HERO partner school in your community and see how you can contribute your time, talent, or treasure: ⁠https://heartlandhero.org/directory⁠ Visit Our Website: Learn more about our mission at ⁠https://heartlandhero.org⁠. Get in Touch: Have questions? Email Dalena at dalena@aimeducationks.com. We'd like to thank our generous sponsors for this year's podcast episodes: 1. Learning Lab Wichita: Programs, space and support foreducation done differently. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher or an education innovator – Learning Lab gives you the resources to create your own path.(https://www.golearninglab.org/) 2. VELA: Every day, millions of families are stepping up to own their education. Thousands of founders have broken the mold, providing solutions that work better for families. This is a movement of self-determined people doing education their own way. VELA is where they connect. Download the VELA App today! (https://vela.org/)

What happens when you leave a lucrative corporate career in New York to follow God’s call—while holding $330,000 in student loan debt? In this episode of WISE & Otherwise, Dalena Wallace sits down with Analyssa Noe from Cardinal Learning Academy to discuss the radical, life-changing power of biblical stewardship. Analyssa shares her incredible testimony of paying off massive debt, learning to live below her means, and ultimately walking away from the corporate world to help build innovative Christian education communities. Plus, Dalena shares a powerful personal story about how God miraculously provided for her own family's educational needs while she was busy investing in others. If you've ever wondered how the Church can lead the way in education or what true financial freedom looks like when you put God first, this episode is for you! 🔔 Subscribe to the channel for more inspiring stories from the frontlines of Christian education! 💡 Learn more about our mission and support the movement: Visit our website: https://heartlandhero.org BIG NEWS FOR March 2026: The HERO Matching Scholarship Challenge We have officially launched the HERO Matching Scholarship Challenge! We currently have a $100,000 match fund ready to support Christian education. Every dollar raised by our founders and schools goes directly toward tuition, ensuring that faith-based education is accessible to every family. How you can take action today: Find a School: Check out a HERO partner school in your community and see how you can contribute your time, talent, or treasure: ⁠https://heartlandhero.org/directory⁠ Visit Our Website: Learn more about our mission at ⁠https://heartlandhero.org⁠. Get in Touch: Have questions? Email Dalena at dalena@aimeducationks.com. We'd like to thank our generous sponsors for this year's podcast episodes: 1. Learning Lab Wichita: Programs, space and support foreducation done differently. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher or an education innovator – Learning Lab gives you the resources to create your own path.(https://www.golearninglab.org/) 2. VELA: Every day, millions of families are stepping up to own their education. Thousands of founders have broken the mold, providing solutions that work better for families. This is a movement of self-determined people doing education their own way. VELA is where they connect. Download the VELA App today! (https://vela.org/) ⏱️ Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Teaser: Graduating with $330k in Debt 00:53 - Welcome to WISE & Otherwise with Deena Wallace 01:54 - Meet Analyssa Noe & The Biblical Premise of Stewardship 03:41 - Leaving Corporate America for Christian Education 05:01 - Redefining Success & Storing Treasures in Heaven 08:00 - Why God is Calling People into the Education Movement 10:55 - How Tithing & Discipline Changed Analyssa's Financial Life 14:26 - The Miracle of Paying Off $330k in Student Loans 18:13 - Dalena's Story: Investing in Others & Divine Provision 23:51 - Final Thoughts: How Stewardship Can Change the World Keywords/Tags: WISE & Otherwise podcast, Dalena Wallace, Analyssa Noe, Christian education, micro schools, hybrid homeschooling, biblical stewardship, Christian finances, paying off student loan debt, trusting God with finances, Heartland HERO, Catholic Diocese of Wichita, Cardinal Learning Academy, faith-based education.

Imagine sending your children to a private Christian school without paying a dime in tuition. It sounds like a dream, but for families in the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, it is a reality. In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, we dive deep into the "Wichita Miracle"—a stewardship model that funds education through the biblical principles of Time, Talent, and Treasure. This isn't just about money; it’s about redefining the role of the Church in education. Dalena and Emmi discuss how this model removes the financial barrier for families, the conviction behind the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25), and why stewardship isn't just an option—it's a mandate for believers. If you are a parent crushed by tuition costs or a pastor looking to transform your community, this episode offers a blueprint for how the Body of Christ can make Christian education accessible to all. In This Episode, We Cover: The "Free" School Reality: How the Catholic Diocese of Wichita makes tuition-free education possible. The Protestant Challenge: Why Protestant churches must adopt a "whole-life stewardship" model. Time, Talent, & Treasure: Practical examples of parents volunteering (marketing, cleaning, lunch duty) to lower school costs. The "Wicked Servant" Warning: A hard-hitting look at Matthew 25 and the spiritual danger of burying your talents. Education as Discipleship: Why funding schools is the Great Commission, not just a parental luxury. Keywords: Christian Education, Stewardship, Tuition Free Private School, Catholic Diocese of Wichita, Protestant Church, Biblical Stewardship, Parable of the Talents, School Choice, Faith Based Education, Dalena Wallace, HERO, Heartland Christian Ministries Association

What happens when you stumble upon a model of education that seems too good to be true? In our first episode of 2026, Dalena Wallace sits down with Emmi McCabe for a candid conversation about the "Wichita Model" of stewardship. As a member of the Wichita Catholic Diocese, Emmi experienced firsthand the unique reality of tuition-free K-12 education—a "Way of Life" that has sustained the Wichita Catholic community since 1968. Full disclosure: We are not experts on this topic. In this episode, we are diving in as novices, sharing our own "aha" moments and learning about Father Thomas McGread’s vision right alongside you. Dalena explores her own intrigue with this model and asks the big question: Is there a way for the broader Protestant church to catch this same fire? In this episode, we chat about: The "Discovery": The chance encounter that opened our eyes to the Wichita model. The "Air Quotes" Reality: How Emmi’s family experienced "free" education and what it actually requires from a community. A Different Perspective: Moving away from "fundraising" and toward stewardship as a daily mission. Intention & History: A first look at the years of intentional planning that built this culture. 🚀 BIG NEWS FOR 2026: The HERO Matching Scholarship Challenge We are officially launching the HERO Matching Scholarship Challenge! We currently have a $100,000 match fund ready to support Christian education. Every dollar raised by our founders and schools goes directly toward tuition, ensuring that faith-based education is accessible to every family. How you can take action today: Find a School: Check out a HERO partner school in your community and see how you can contribute your time, talent, or treasure: ⁠heartlandhero.org/directory⁠ Visit Our Website: Learn more about our mission at ⁠heartlandhero.org⁠. Get in Touch: Have questions? Email Dalena at dalena@aimeducationks.com.

Before you file a single piece of paperwork or enroll your first student, there’s one crucial decision that could make or break your school: your legal structure. In this essential episode of WISE and Otherwise, education leaders Becky Abrams Wilmoth and Allison Weide break down everything microschool founders need to understand about forming a nonprofit, choosing a board, and staying legally compliant with IRS regulations. From homeschool co-ops and hybrid models to full-time academies, they share what works, what fails, and what might get you in serious trouble if you're not careful. 🎙️ In this episode: – The difference between nonprofit and for-profit status (and what founders often misunderstand) – Why “keeping it simple” can backfire legally – The risks of collecting tuition under the wrong status – How Becky grew from field trips to a thriving 300-student nonprofit – What every founder should know about bylaws, boards, and parent volunteers – The importance of clear separation between church, school, and homeschool group 💡 Want the slides from this session? Email dalena@aimeducationks.com or becky@nonprofitedsolutions.com to request a copy of the presentation materials. 📅 Join Our Next Webinar Dalena + Becky Essentials: Writing Effective Mission/Vision Statements and Core Program Structure 🗓 Monday, January 26, 2026 · 7:00–8:00pm CT 📍 Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/vym-ywsw-vwz 📞 Dial-in: +1 929-277-5673‬ PIN: 847 698 289# 🔗 More numbers: https://tel.meet/vym-ywsw-vwz?pin=3201398619397 📢 Are you starting a school or co-op? Did you choose nonprofit or for-profit—and why? Share in the comments! 🔔 Like, subscribe, and follow for more real-world insights on launching and leading bold education models. 📌 Resources & Links: 🔹 Learn more about NonprofitEd: https://www.nonprofitedsolutions.com/ 🔹 Connect with Becky Abrams Wilmoth: becky@nonprofitedsolutions.com 🔹 More episodes of WISE and Otherwise: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTvVOFEIGF9B1Kl4joO8vc6vfwjR7-BSz&si=wgUWXhwT2ElrMnoV #Microschools #SchoolStartup #NonprofitEducation #ForProfitVsNonprofit #SchoolChoice #ChristianEducation #WISEAndOtherwise #LegalTipsForFounders

What do you do when the system has no place for your child—or any child with special needs? In this moving episode of WISE and Otherwise, you’ll meet Meghan Melchor, founder of Lionheart Academy, a microschool for children with autism, intellectual delays, behavioral challenges, and other high-support needs. When one mom reached out with nowhere else to turn, Meghan said yes—and opened her home, her heart, and eventually, her own school. 🎙️ In this episode: – Why most Christian schools weren’t willing to serve high-needs students – How Meghan began homeschooling someone else’s child in her basement – The daily miracles and spiritual battles of running a school for overlooked kids – What church partnership can look like when done right – Why she believes there are more Lionheart Academies waiting to be built This isn’t just a story about education—it’s about calling, compassion, and the kind of love that refuses to give up on a child. 📢 What would happen if every community had a Lionheart? Could you be the next one to say yes? Tell us in the comments. 🔔 Like, subscribe, and follow for more real stories of courage, creativity, and Kingdom work in education. 📌 Resources & Links: 🔹 Visit Lionheart Academy: https://www.lionheartacademykansas.com/ 🔹 More podcast episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTvVOFEIGF9B1Kl4joO8vc6vfwjR7-BSz&si=wgUWXhwT2ElrMnoV #SpecialNeedsEducation #FaithAndEducation #LionheartAcademy #MicroSchool #SchoolChoice #ChristianSchool #ParentAdvocacy #WISEAndOtherwise

Shawna Hein didn’t set out to lead a school. In fact, she tried to keep her distance. But when her daughter fell in love with Northfield Academy—a small, classically grounded school in Wichita—God started tugging on Shawna’s heart too. In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Shawna shares her surprising journey from skeptical homeschool mom to head of school, and how a simple campus tour turned into a personal transformation. 🎙️ Inside this episode: – Why a shy homeschooler felt instantly at home at Northfield Academy – How Shawna slowly went from volunteer to board member to head of school – The power of classical education to shape the soul—not just fill the mind – How studying the Iliad, Dante, and Scripture helped her rediscover her own faith – What makes this microschool culture so deeply human and transformative This is more than a school story—it’s about calling, beauty, motherhood, and how God sometimes pulls us into things we never planned… but were made for. 📢 Have you ever ended up somewhere you were trying to avoid—and realized it was exactly where you were meant to be? Share in the comments! 🔔 Like, follow, and subscribe for more stories of faith, education, and everyday courage. 📌 Resources & Links: 🔹 Learn more about Northfield Academy: https://www.northfieldacademy.org 🔹 Learn more about HERO: https://www.heartlandhero.org/ 🔹 Watch more episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTvVOFEIGF9B1Kl4joO8vc6vfwjR7-BSz&si=VKv7L4P0lHdI4Irv #ClassicalEducation #NorthfieldAcademy #FaithAndEducation #HomeschoolToHeadmaster #MicroSchoolMovement #SchoolChoice #WISEAndOtherwise #ParentLedEducation