The Journey: PCA Parent Podcast

The Christian Distinctives of Biblical Parenting

Guests: Dr. Connor Bales, pastor, Prestonwood Baptist Church, North campus

 

To watch Dr. Bales sermon in its entirety, please visit click here.

 

Psalm 127:3-5

• Children are a heritage from the Lord - an inheritance, a gift from God!
• Our children belong to God, we are to steward them well.
• Children are not a burden, they are not our self-esteem.

 

Children are like arrows…how are arrows made, what are they designed to do:

• Arrows have a purpose, so too should our children
• Arrows get shaped, so too should our children
• Arrows get aimed, so too should our children
• Arrows get released, so too should our children

 

Deuteronomy 6

1. Biblical parenting releases arrows that have a vision for God’s mission
2. Biblical parenting releases arrows that have a devotion to God’s son (Jesus)
3. Biblical parenting releases arrows that have a submission to God’s Word
4. Biblical parenting releases arrows that have an instruction in God’s Word

Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!

PCA Plano Girls Volleyball Team 2023

Guests: Coach Ryan Mitchell, Jaden Livings, Mikala Young, Macaria Spears, and Gillian Pitts

 

Last year the PCA Plano girls volleyball team finished an incredible 40-1 and capped the season off with the 5th TAPPS State Championship for PCA girls volleyball - read more about last season and their amazing run here.

 

There are some amazing young ladies on this team, featured on this podcast are the following:

• Jaden Livings, senior (committed to USC), pin hitter, outside, right side.
• Mikala Young, senior (committed to TCU), outsider/right side hitter.
• Macaria Spears, junior, outside hitter.
• Gillian Pitts, junior (committed to UHouston), libero.

ESPN will be hosting a showcase event on Friday, Oct. 6th in the evening at Prestonwood Christian Academy featuring four of the top girls volleyball teams in the country! If you can make this event, you won’t want to miss it! Also, check out the remainder of their TAPPS schedule for the year and come see them play!

Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!

PCA’s Biblical Worldview Conference 2023 - Prep for Parents

Guests: Dr. William Lane Craig and Lee Strobel

 

PCA’s Biblical Worldview Conference is scheduled for September 24-26 and has some outstanding speakers focused on the conference theme of “I Am” which examines the importance of the personhood and divinity of Jesus to our lives. Here is the schedule for the event held at Prestonwood Baptist Church, 6801 W. Park Blvd, Plano, TX 75093.

 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

6:00 p.m. – Doors Open
6:30 p.m. – Welcome & Introductions
6:45 p.m. – Panel Discussion (Lee Strobel, Allie Beth Stuckey & Jeremiah Johnston)
8:15 p.m. – Dismissed

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

8:00 a.m. – Doors Open
8:30 a.m. – General Session (Lee Strobel, Tim Barnett)
10:45 a.m. – Breakout Session 1
11:30 a.m. – Lunch
1:00 p.m. – Breakout Session 2
1:50 p.m. – General Session (Mary Jo Sharp)
3:00 p.m. – Dismissed

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

8:00 a.m. – Doors Open
8:30 a.m. – General Session (Justin Brierley, William Lane Craig & Jeremiah Johnston)
11:45 a.m. – Dismissed

 

This episode features interviews with two of the conference speakers - Dr. William Lane Craig and Lee Strobel. Bill Craig has two earned doctorate degrees and his 1994 apologetic book Reasonable Faith serves as the basis of his ministry of the same name, which provides “an intelligent, articulate, and uncompromising yet gracious Christian perspective on the most important issues concerning the truth of the Christian faith today.” Lee Strobel is an atheist-turned Christian and best-selling author of more than 40 books, including The Case for Christ, that have sold 14 million copies and won numerous awards. Lee currently serves as the founding director of the Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics at Colorado Christian University. Lee is also releasing his new book Is God Real: Exploring the Ultimate Question of Life and will be speaking about this issue at the conference.

Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!

The Generosity of the PCA Community - NTGD 2023

Guests: Lauren Aulenbach, Director of Annual Funds, Megan Rogers, Director of Development Operations, and Alex Bellamy, Director of Alumni Relations

 

The donations made to PCA during NTGD go to the PCA Fund - and these gifts help PCA maintain that margin of excellence that PCA has secured and maintained for the past 26 years! NTGD is Thursday, September 21st - but you can give NOW - no need to wait until Sept. 21st.

 

The goal this year is to raise $500,000 across the PCA system, $60,000 at the North campus alone! Each campus has grade level challenges based on the greatest percentage of participants! We want everyone to give something, no matter the amount!

 

To make a donation to PCA, visit the North Texas Giving Day website and search for Prestonwood Christian Academy!

 

PCA alumni have the opportunity to support the continued vision and mission of PCA - remember, “Once a lion, always a lion!” PCA loves our alumni and pray that they will continue to appreciate the investment that PCA made in their journey…and look forward to those incredible alumni returning some of that investment back into the PCA community!

 

Thank you to all those who give to support the mission and vision of PCA - you have been blessed to be a blessing - and your generosity is appreciated!

Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!

The Value of Minimester to the PCA Community

Guests: Dr. Chad Nichols, US Principal, Plano campus and Mr. Greg Wright, US Principal, North campus

You can also watch this episode on the PrestonwoodChristian YouTube channel.

PCA’s Minimester is an extension of the PCA classroom and enhances the mission of PCA giving students an opportunity to grow in their Biblical worldview by embracing Biblical truth, striving for academic excellence, and modeling Christlike leadership to influence their homes, churches, and communities for Christ! The entire PCA community has been blessed in so many ways over the years because of the experiences that students and faculty have encountered during Minimester and we are thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity again for PCA students both at the North and Plano campuses.

 

Minimester offerings for the North campus Upper School students include the following:

• Local - Celina and South Dallas
• Domestic - Kentucky, Colorado Springs, and South Florida
• International - England

 

Minimester offerings for the Plano campus Upper School students include the following:

• Local - Local Missions, Parent Led Missions, Parent Led College Visits, Internships
• Domestic - Puerto Rico, Abilene, Boston, Navajo Reservation in NM, NYC, OKC, Las Vegas, and Denver
• International - Amazon, Uganda, Costa Rica, France, DR (basketball teams), Germany, 
• Mexico (girls only), Greece, Romania, and Cuba

 

The students and faculty at PCA covet your prayers and support for the Minimester program and opportunities.

Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!

Plugging In So Your Family Can Shine Brightly for the Kingdom!

Guests: Dr. Jason Snyder, Discipleship Pastor, and Jason Mick, NextGen Minister, Prestonwood Baptist Church

To watch this episode, check out the PrestonwoodChristian YouTube channel.

Why is going to church essential in the life of a disciple of Christ?

• The church resources and equips Christ-followers to grow in their personal faith journeys
• The church gives the opportunity for believers to serve and minister to the needs of the body of Christ - don’t rob someone of the blessing that God has given you!
• The church gives us the opportunity to model for our children that we value Christ - your kids need to see you as you worship, as you study the Word of God, as you listen to corporate teaching/preaching - James reminds us that faith without works is dead!

 

Men, we need to “model the mission” and lead by example!

 

What is expected of a member?

1. Be in worship - we are instructed to gather together as the body of Christ. Bring your worship with you!
2. Be involved in community - don’t journey in isolation, get plugged in to a LifeGroup
3. Be available to serve the church and the community through the life of the church!

 

Text the word “Serve” to either 74788 for the Plano Campus or 55125 for the North Campus

 

Compare your “screen time” to the time that you spend serving the Lord, ministering to others, investing in your own spiritual growth and maturity!

 

Text the word “Groups” to 74788 (Plano) or 55125 (North) to find out about various LifeGroups that exist for you to connect with!

 

Wednesday evenings are filled with incredible opportunities for discipleship training - Crew, Hype, AWANA (Plano), JHigh Midweek, High School Midweek for students and several different offerings for adults, including several LifeGroups that meet Wednesday evenings. Check out HERE what is being offered for adults at the Plano and North campuses.

 

Women’s Ministry under the leadership of Tasha Calvert is starting a study of Nehemiah this fall on both campuses - click here to find out more. Tasha also leads the women’s ministry’s podcast called Digging In with Tasha Calvert. Bible study is not a class we take, but a rhythm that we keep!

 

Also check out the Friday Morning Men’s Bible study at both the Plano and North campuses.

 

On Sunday mornings, all three campuses - Plano, North, and Espanol - are teaching the Distinctives of a Disciple - the basics of walking out the life of a follower of Jesus!

 

Resources from Prestonwood called HomeLife are available for you as parents as well - check them out!

Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!

Cultivating Spiritual Fruit in the Lives of PCA Students

Guests: Maria Bower, Director of Spiritual Development for PCA Plano and Josiah Isom, Director of Spiritual Development for PCA North

 

The Plano Spiritual Development Team is led by Maria Bower and includes Coach Stephen Bryant and Courtney Caldwell. The North Spiritual Development Team is led by Josiah Isom and Megan Gover was recently added to the team as well. The Spiritual Development teams are responsible for all things related to the spiritual training of PCA students including retreats, chapels, and some upcoming parent panels at both the North and Plano campuses be looking for more information on these parent panels coming soon!

Parents, don’t forget to take a minute to provide some helpful feedback about the podcast here.

Also, reminder that The Journey podcast is now on the @PrestonwoodChristian YouTube Channel - you can listen AND watch each episode!

Parents please encourage your students to take their Bibles to chapel - and be engaged, set their hearts to be receptive to what the Lord is telling them!

Final word of encouragement - parents please be praying for Maria Bower and Josiah Isom and their respective teams at both PCA campuses!

Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!

Leadership Begins with the Heart!

Guests: Dr. Shannon Cole and Dr. Clarence Williams

 

Just a quick celebration - this is our 100th episode of The Journey - thanks for listening and for all those who made this podcast possible!!! And, reminder that you can listen, subscribe and rate the podcast!

 

Dr. Cole is an individual who loves the Lord, loves learning…and loves life! While serving as Head of School for the PCA Plano campus, she will continue working with her curriculum team that serves as an umbrella for all learning at both campuses.

 

Dr. Williams is an individual of highest integrity and competency as an educational leader - an “awesome administrator and a man of integrity.” He is also a man of faithful prayer and devotion to the Lord.

 

The Journey PCA Parent Podcast Feedback - if you would like to share your thoughts on past and recommendations for future podcasts, please check out this form - or to leave some parent feedback that administration will consider.

 

Civility Clause - parents, there is a new process being implemented to help further Kingdom-minded communication between parents and PCA faculty and administration. The desire is to make sure that not only are issues and situations aired and addressed, but also that all communications are conducted in a Christ-centered manner, treating others as you desire to be treated, honoring another in brotherly love.

 

MAP - Measure of Academic Progress. PCA utilizes the MAP testing at several times and stages during the year to make adjustments to the material they are teaching to ensure the greatest competency of their students. MAP scores are sent to parents for their evaluation as well.

 

Dr. Cole - PCA last year had 4 National Merit Scholars, which is significantly higher as a percentage of student population as compared to other schools in the area, both private and public. And PCA students scored at least a 3 on AP tests given at a rate of over 90%, which is very high.

 

Dr. Williams - we’re not just preparing students to get into college, we’re preparing students to be successful once they get there. And we have missed the mark at PCA if we’re only preparing students academically; that’s why Bible is a core content and a subject for PCA students. We are preparing students to be successful in life, and you can’t do that outside of a relationship with Jesus Christ and knowing His Word for your life!

 

PCA North is celebrating their 10th year! Starting with 52 students, PCA North now has over 600 students and just had their first graduating class in 2023!

 

Faculty Senate Council and a student-led council to offer feedback are things coming soon!

Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!

Dr. Mike Goddard ”Be the Light” 2023-24 Theme

Guest: Dr. Mike Goddard, Superintendent, Prestonwood System of Schools

 

Be the Light

Matthew 5:14

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

 

Dan’s new role at PCA is now the Director of Parent Engagement & Ministry - we’ll be discovering more about this in upcoming podcasts!

 

Two Things to Consider from This Year’s Theme:

1. God wants us to shine brightly for Him! How are you doing as a reflection of God’s glory to a dark and dying world?
2. Light exposes what is in the darkness - in the world and in my own heart and life!

 

Dr. Goddard - the Word of God is our “lightsaber”!

 

Dr. Goddard - we need more than a “firework” faith that shines brightly…then fades away quickly. We need to develop a sustaining faith that burns brightly by the power of the Holy Spirit!

 

Parents, you need to be plugged into the Word of God with the people of God (church) so that you can grow into the men and women of God! And what you have been given freely (God’s grace), give to others freely!

 

Parents, check out this and future episodes of The Journey on PCA’s YouTube channel as well. Please share this podcast and the YouTube video with your friends - it’s a great marketing tool for PCA and an excellent equipping opportunity from a Biblical worldview for others!

 

Dr. Goddard - prayer life has changed from “Lord let them have a great day” to “Lord, as we face adversity, let us bring glory to you.” Lean into the difficult and not on your own understanding…but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!

SAGE Dining with Chef Shaun

Guest: Chef Shaun Vaughn, SAGE Dining

 

Learn more about SAGE Dining Services on their website - and make sure you download the Touch of SAGE app.

 

Chef Shaun has been serving the PCA community through SAGE Dining Services for the past 6 years - he and his team provide incredible meals, soups, salads, drinks, and desserts for our students and staff at the Plano campus and hopefully will be providing the same level of service and excellence at the North campus soon!

 

Please encourage your students to TRY the wide variety of incredible offerings - including their awesome fruits and vegetables! Also, please remind your students that we are all stewards of the resources that God has entrusted to us - take what you can eat, be reasonable and fair with what you take (careful with all those desserts!), and make sure you clean up after yourself by throwing away disposable items and placing plates, cups, and silverware in the appropriate locations to be washed. It is an incredible privilege to share a good meal with good friends, a privilege that we need to remind our students about their responsibilities.

 

Parents, just as there are several ways to voice your concerns or desires to SAGE about various menu items, there are also opportunities to bless the SAGE employees for the great work they do day in and day out! Take a moment and write a note to the various SAGE employees, toss in a gift card, stop by and eat with your students and greet the SAGE dining staff in person - remember, you’ve been blessed to be a blessing!

Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!