Answering the Call: How Matt and Samantha Porter Stepped Out in Faith to Start Advocate Christian Academy

Obedience to God’s call is always worth it, even when it requires a dramatic shift in life and career. Matt and Samantha Porter, co-founders of Advocate Christian Academy, are living proof. 

Their journey began during the uncertainty of COVID-19. In the fall of 2019, as their oldest daughter entered kindergarten, Samantha remembers the questions that caught their attention: “She was asking big questions for a 5-year-old: ‘Why isn’t God allowed in school? Why can’t I pray with my friends?’”  

When schools shut down in March 2020, the Porters unexpectedly had time to reconsider the entire education process. During a year of homeschooling, they saw their children flourish through a focused, diverse classical education. The Lord then began to stir an idea in their hearts that they couldn’t ignore. 

In May 2024, Samantha went on a mission trip to Guatemala and Matt took their daughters on a road trip to visit family in Kansas the same week. During this week, God gave Matt an idea to create an education business. While Samantha was in Guatemala, and without she and Matt discussing it, she talked to friends about starting a school.

At the same time, Matt and the kids were planning and “planting the seeds” for an education business. When Samantha got home, she and Matt discussed these plans further; the two ideas—one for the education business and the other for a school—came together as Advocate Christian Academy.

The calling felt monumental, especially considering their backgrounds. Matt is a pilot by trade and currently works at the Federal Aviation Administration in aviation policy. Samantha is a certified registered nurse anesthetist. Education isn’t their field of expertise. But Matt compares their situation to Jesus calling Matthew the tax collector to become a disciple: 

“We tend to overcomplicate things… but in reality, it’s simple. Just do it. Have faith. And through prayer, the Lord will provide.” 

That conviction has carried them ever since. 

Support from ACSI and the Herzog Foundation’s SchoolBox program became a turning point. “We quickly realized ACSI fit exactly with what we were trying to do,” Matt says. “When the opportunities felt overwhelming, the Herzog Foundation bridged the gap for us as a startup.”  

Their mentor from ACSI, Former Vice President of Membership David Ray, became an invaluable guide. “He helped us grow in many ways we didn’t even realize when we started,” Matt said. Samantha added, “I truly feel like I could show up at his house and feel very comfortable at his kitchen table. That’s how much we talk.” 

Through SchoolBox, the Porters learned everything from administrative systems and handbook writing to marketing, website design, building a board, and onboarding students and teachers. For Samantha, who says she “knew very little about how education systems work,” the comprehensive guidance was a gift. 

After a year of laying the groundwork, Advocate Christian Academy opened its doors in fall 2025. Now they’re looking ahead to finishing the SchoolBox program, beginning ACSI accreditation, securing 501(c)(3) status, and eventually raising funds to purchase or build a permanent facility. 

Their long-term vision is self-sustainability for the school and affordability for local residents. “The Lord has called us to rural communities,” Samantha said. “We’re trying to create something that is both excellent and affordable.”   

As they reflect on their first year, prayer remains their foundation. Samantha pointed to Daniel’s example: “Being in prayer and being in communication with the Lord… our main resource is from the Lord.”  

They’ve already seen God provide the right teachers who are highly qualified educators, including one who built a STEM and computer science program at a Christian school in Texas.  

“God knew we didn’t have the ability to do this ourselves,” Matt said. “So He brought people along the way that do… prayer has fueled our mission.” 

Even their school’s name, which is very intentional, reflects that dependence.  

“Advocate Christian Academy comes from John 15:26,” Matt explained. “It’s all about the Holy Spirit and prayer.” 

Financial challenges remain, but their commitment to the mission hasn’t wavered.  

“We’ve met with foundations who asked us to bend our mission,” Samantha said. “And we’re like, ‘No, we can’t bend the mission.’ But then at the same time, at the last hour, the Lord provides.” 

Sometimes, that provision shows up in the smallest ways. Samantha recalled taking inventory of the kindergarteners’ colored paper, a supply that gets used on a near-constant basis.  

“One day it dawned on me that it’s like feeding the 5,000. I go back to the storeroom and it’s like nothing has left. Every color I began with in August, wow, they’re still there. The Lord is telling me, ‘I said I will provide. Just trust me. I have a storehouse of abundance.’” 

Starting a school from scratch is a daunting undertaking. But as the Porters have discovered through the process of creating Advocate Christian Academy, stepping out in faith is always worth it.  

To learn more about Advocate Christian Academy, visit the school’s website. To learn more about ACSI and The Herzog Foundation’s partnership opportunities, fill out the website form.