Summary:
Matt George and Mark Zockoll talk about why Christian schools should invite legislators onto campus early in the school year. They focus on a recent visit from Maryland State Senator Mary Beth Carozza to Faith Baptist School, why that relationship matters, and how these visits can shape future policy conversations. The episode is part practical strategy, part advocacy, and part encouragement to build real relationships with lawmakers before a crisis hits. It also closes with a Christian Administrator Spotlight on Todd Falk of Fishers Christian Academy in Indiana.
Timestamps:
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00:00 – Opening the case for inviting legislators to campus
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00:58 – Why the school wanted a legislator visit in the first place
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01:38 – Senator Mary Beth Carozza comes to Faith Baptist School
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03:09 – Maryland Christian education and the pressure of recent legislation
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04:33 – Why the goal is to shape lawmakers before votes happen
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05:59 – Why bringing a legislator in early in the year matters
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07:01 – Helping students see governance as real and local
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08:56 – Legislators enter session with school issues already in mind
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09:55 – Coalition building instead of tribal thinking
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10:21 – The school is at its freshest in the first month
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11:20 – Prayer, pledges, and the tone of the visit
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13:54 – Matt’s decision to keep the school’s opening distinct
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15:22 – Why praying with a legislator matters
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16:21 – Relationship makes the invitation easier to extend
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17:46 – Pastors, schools, and intentional prayer with legislators
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18:31 – Start with one visit and do it respectfully
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19:58 – Why even an opposing legislator benefits from seeing the school
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21:24 – A legislator only needs a short window, not a full day
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22:20 – What the public often misunderstands about Christian schools
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24:14 – How a visit helps correct false assumptions
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26:09 – Facilities, growth, and the practical realities schools face
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27:07 – Going to Annapolis to defend freedom and education
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28:32 – The gospel opportunity in public witness
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28:33 – The direct call: get legislators into your building
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29:50 – How to prepare for a legislator visit
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30:45 – Start local if you need to build the connection
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31:33 – Christian Administrator Spotlight: Todd Falk
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32:01 – Prayer for Fisher’s Christian Academy and its leadership
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33:28 – Closing blessing and sign-off
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Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!