E6: Willard's Wisdom for Leaders: Placed Here for a Purpose

Summer Speed and the Way of Jesus

🎙 Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com, Christian educator, and school leader. In this episode, Jared reflects on the slower pace of summer and what it can teach school leaders about hurry, attentiveness, and life in the Kingdom of God. While many educators spend the summer preparing schedules, refining strategic plans, hiring staff, and preparing for the year ahead, the season often provides something that can be difficult to find during the school year: margin. Drawing on insights from Dallas Willard and examples from the life of Jesus, Jared explores the difference between being busy and being hurried. He discusses how the demands of leadership can gradually accelerate our pace, narrow our attention, and make it difficult to remain present with God and with the people we serve. This episode is an invitation for Christian educators, administrators, and school leaders to consider what summer might be teaching them—not simply about rest, but about the pace of faithful leadership. If Jesus was often busy but rarely hurried, what might it look like for us to lead the same way?

Leading Schools Without Losing Your Soul

🎙 Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk — founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com, Christian educator, and school leader. In this episode, Jared reflects on 13 years in school leadership and the emotional weight many educators quietly carry. From replaying difficult conversations to navigating constant organizational pressure, leadership can often feel like a series of “mental gymnastics” that never fully turns off. Jared discusses the relationship between spiritual formation, effort, physical health, and sustainable leadership through the lens of Christian education. He also shares how simple disciplines like weightlifting, walking, prayer, and healthy rhythms helped him become calmer, more grounded, and more fully present as a leader. This episode is an encouragement to weary educators, administrators, and Christian school leaders who may feel exhausted near the end of the school year and need a reminder that they were never meant to carry everything alone.

E7: Willard's Wisdom for Leaders: Relaxed Amidst Chaos

God Is With You in the Middle of It In this episode of Willard’s Wisdom for Leaders, I play a short clip from John Ortberg sharing a story about Dallas Willard arriving late to speak at a conference, yet fully present, rested, and full of joy. Leadership often brings circumstances we cannot control. Schedules shift. Problems arise. People bring unexpected challenges. But Willard’s example reminds us that peace is not found in managing outcomes, but in trusting God’s presence in the middle of them. Grounded in John 14:27, this brief reflection challenges leaders to step into that reality and lead with steadiness, clarity, and peace. Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk, founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com.

E6: Willard's Wisdom for Leaders: Placed Here for a Purpose

Episode 6 — Placed Here for a Purpose Stewarding Where God Has You Right Now In this episode of Willard’s Wisdom for Leaders, I play a short clip from Dallas Willard and reflect on a foundational truth for leaders. You have been placed in a specific time and place for a purpose. Jesus says in John 8:12 that He is the light of the world. Through Christ, that light now lives in us. As leaders, that means our presence matters more than we often realize. This brief reflection explores what it means to steward the role God has given us and consider a simple question. If you are not the light in your organization, what happens? Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk, founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com.

E5: Willard's Wisdom for Leaders: What if We Obeyed Jesus?

In this episode of Willard’s Wisdom for Leaders, I play a short clip from Dallas Willard and reflect on a simple but foundational question: What if we obeyed Jesus? Leadership often focuses on strategy, systems, and outcomes. But what would our schools, churches, and organizations look like if obedience to Jesus became natural and routine? Grounded in John 14:15, this brief reflection explores how leaders who are being formed by Christ begin to shape the culture around them. Hosted by Jared Mlynczyk, founder of ChristianEdLeadership.com.