ACSI Podcasts
PODCAST EPISODE
Grafted Together 72: Lead with Prayer, with David Balik and Mike Epp
August 6, 2026
Jerry Nelson talks with ACSI's Mike Epp and Dr. David Balik about the foundation of prayer in leadership roles.
Mike Epp & David Balik bios:
Mike Epp has served for more than four decades in Christian education, including 19 years at Pan American Christian Academy in São Paulo, Brazil. Now in his 19th year with ACSI, he serves as the Vice President of Global Development. Mike holds a Master’s in Education and Guidance, a B.S. in Social Sciences, and a Specialist Certificate in Educational Leadership.
Dr. David Balik currently serves as Vice President, North America for the ACSI. Prior to joining ACSI in 2015, he served as Dean of Faculty & Academic Affairs at Briarwood Christian Schools in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Balik holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English & Science from Cornerstone University (Michigan), a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Brock University (Ontario), and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Gardner-Webb University (North Carolina). He is a regularly featured guest speaker, consultant and trainer at various conferences and schools all over the world."
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Grafted Together
Grafted Together with ACSI Chief Ministry Officer Jerry Nelson examines how biblical worldview and spiritual formation should integrate in everyday Christian education. Jerry Nelson joined the ACSI family in 2020 as the Special Assistant to the President and currently serves as ACSI's Chief Ministry Officer. He previously spent 11 years as the Head of School at Northwest Christian Academy in Florida. While there, Nelson created a Teacher Development Program, a Student Leadership Development Program, and Parent Education Program, and wrote three books. He earned his master's degree in Educational Leadership from St. Thomas University.