Coffee with the Superintendent

True Freedom: Christ, Conscience, and Country

On this special July 4th edition of Coffee with the Superintendent, Dr. Jack Farmer reflects on the true meaning of freedom from a biblical and historical lens.

In The First Pour, we explore Hebrews 10:5–10, where Christ declares, “I have come to do Your will,” emphasizing that the will of God was never about ritual sacrifice but about surrendered obedience. Christ offered His body once for all, fulfilling what the law and offerings could never accomplish.

In The House Brew, we recognize the birthdays of students and alumni, but also remember an important moment in Church history: the Synod of Orange (529 AD), which firmly declared salvation to be the sovereign work of God alone—not the result of human effort or will.

In One Last Cup, we walk through the Proclamation of Rebellion issued by King George III, the failure of the Olive Branch Petition, and the American colonists’ biblical case for independence. The Declaration of Independence cited 27 violations of English law—only one over taxation. Dr. Farmer closes with a gospel-centered call to remember that the greatest freedom is not from earthly tyranny but from sin, and that only Christ, not government, can free the soul.

Once for All: A Heavenly Redemption and a Grounded Vision

In this July 3rd episode of Coffee with the Superintendent, Dr. Jack Farmer begins with The First Pour, unpacking Hebrews 9:23–28. He dives into how the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant pointed to a better, heavenly reality fulfilled by Christ, whose one-time offering secures eternal redemption for those eagerly awaiting His return. In The House Brew, we mark the historical significance of the Synod of Orange in 529 AD, which upheld salvation by grace alone and rejected Pelagianism. We also celebrate two students' birthdays. In One Last Cup, we explore ISLLC Standard 4—how schools like Berean Baptist Academy, committed to making disciples of Christ, can build coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, and assessment despite limited budgets. It’s a powerful call to lead with vision, steward resources wisely, and shepherd the hearts and minds of students for both academic success and eternal purpose.

Covenant Blood, Daily Courage, and the Call to Compassionate Leadership

In today’s episode of Coffee with the Superintendent, we begin The First Pour by exploring Hebrews 9:15–22, where we’re reminded that every covenant God ever made required blood—death was always the gateway to new life. From Noah’s offering after the flood, to Moses' tabernacle rituals, to the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we follow the biblical thread that reveals God's justice and mercy. As we reflect on the cost of our salvation, we are challenged to stop hiding and step forward with courage—because Christ is enough.

In The House Brew, we remember a pivotal date in church history—July 2, 1752, when the first English-language Bible was printed in America, changing the landscape of gospel access and biblical literacy forever. We also celebrate birthdays and remind families that BBA remains closed until July 7 for summer break.

And finally, in One Last Cup, we look at the third national standard for educational leaders: Equity and Cultural Responsiveness. How do we steward this at Berean Baptist Academy, especially in a Christian school with limited resources? You’ll hear how we honor the image of God in every child, even when staffing is thin and budgets are tight. Compassion, clarity, and commitment guide us as we seek to make disciples who strive for academic excellence.

“Signed in Blood: A Better Covenant, A Better Way”

In this episode of Coffee with the Superintendent, we return from a short summer break and dive into three meaningful reflections. In The First Pour, we open Hebrews 9:15–17 and explore the legal and spiritual significance of Christ's death as the mediator of the New Covenant—like a will brought into effect by His sacrifice. Dr. Farmer shares how Christ’s blood closed the old system and opened access to eternal inheritance for all who believe, illustrating this truth through the conversion of the thief on the cross.

In The House Brew, we catch up on birthdays from June 28–July 1 and reflect on the power of rest. From preschool staff to alumni and current students, Berean celebrates the lives that continue to shape our community.

Then, in One Last Cup, Dr. Farmer shares insight from Standard Two of the National Policy Board for Educational Administration—urging Christian school leaders to root professional ethics and moral direction in Christ, not just codes of conduct. Through scriptural reflection and practical wisdom, we’re reminded that leadership in Christian education must be Spirit-led and student-centered, with Christ as the anchor.

The Curtain Pulled Back: Worship, Mercy, and Mission

In today’s episode of Coffee with the Superintendent, we step behind the veil—both literally and theologically. In The First Pour, Dr. Farmer walks us through Hebrews 9:1–14, revealing how the old covenant worship system was never designed to perfect the soul, but to provoke a hunger for mercy only satisfied in Christ. He unpacks the weighty significance of Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice in the heavenly temple, while showing us the sobering contrast between Judas—who called Jesus “Rabbi”—and the others who called Him “Lord.”

In The House Brew, we mark June 27 as the remembrance of Cyril of Alexandria, defender of the truth that Jesus is fully God and fully man. We celebrate birthdays in our school family and remind our community that Berean Baptist Academy will be closed next week for summer break.

Finally, in One Last Cup, Dr. Farmer unpacks what it truly means to share a vision, mission, and core values. This segment challenges staff, parents, and stakeholders to not just know our purpose, but to walk it, own it, and guard it with unified hearts.

Whether you're tuning in for theology, community updates, or leadership insight—today's episode brings clarity, conviction, and encouragement for your journey.

Anchored in the Better Way

In today’s episode of Coffee with the Superintendent, we start our morning in The First Pour with a rich walk through Hebrews 8:7–13, where the author quotes Jeremiah 31 to explain the superiority of the New Covenant. Jesus, the final High Priest, issues a new law written not on tablets of stone but upon the minds and hearts of His people. We explore the implications of this New Covenant for our daily walk and identity as followers of Christ.

In The House Brew, we remember the legacy of Hudson Taylor, missionary and founder of the China Inland Mission. His 1865 vision continues to stir hearts for global missions. We also celebrate the birthdays of several alumni and students and remind families of the upcoming summer break closure.

Finally, in One Last Cup, we reflect on the ISLLC standards—six foundational leadership principles that challenge Christian school leaders to lead with vision, integrity, fairness, and stewardship. Dr. Farmer shares how Berean Baptist Academy is taking these standards seriously while anchoring them in the compassion and clarity of Christ. This year, BBA is pursuing a bold culture reset, grounded in justice and mercy.

What If We Didn’t Stop? Rethinking Time, Teaching, and the Sabbath

In this episode of Coffee with the Superintendent, we start by celebrating Christ’s eternal priesthood and the better covenant secured in Hebrews 7–8. We explore how Jesus, seated at the right hand of the Father, ministers on our behalf in a heavenly sanctuary not made by human hands. He is both sacrifice and intercessor—once for all—anchoring our souls in the hope beyond the veil.

In “The House Brew,” we commemorate the boldness of the Protestant reformers who presented the Augsburg Confession on this day in 1530. Their courage to stand upon truth reminds us that conviction still matters.

Then in “One Last Cup,” we ask a timely question: what if we didn’t take summers off? Could a year-round school schedule not only help student achievement but also echo the biblical rhythms of rest and renewal? Join Dr. Farmer as he explores the 30/20 model, weighing research-based insights and spiritual applications for faculty well-being, student growth, and faithful formation.

From heaven’s tabernacle to today’s classrooms, we’re asking better questions—because better questions lead to deeper learning.

Anointed for Compassion: Better Priests, Deeper Love, and the Spirit Within

In today’s episode of Coffee with the Superintendent, we begin with The First Pour, exploring Hebrews 7:11–22, where Scripture teaches us that the Levitical priesthood—though divinely instituted—was never sufficient to bring perfection. It pointed to something better: a better hope, a better covenant, and a better priest—Jesus Christ. We discuss how the change in priesthood also changed the law, and how Jesus’ indestructible life and divine oath established Him as the eternal High Priest who brings salvation, not just symbolism.

In The House Brew, we celebrate the birthdays of alumnus Hannah Bowstring, and current students Emahel (4th grade) and Abigail (1st grade), and we also commemorate the birth of John the Baptist—six months before Jesus. His life was marked by boldness, humility, and a calling to prepare the way of the Lord. Just as he made paths straight for Christ, we are called to prepare hearts with grace and truth. And don’t forget—VBS kicks off today with great joy and purpose.

Then we close with One Last Cup, where we reflect on what it means to be “anointed for compassion.” With Jesus as our model, we recognize that the same Spirit who anointed Him now dwells within us. His compassion flowed from calling, not convenience. What if we saw our roles—as teachers, parents, neighbors—as Spirit-anointed assignments? When the phone calls are hard, when the students are struggling, when the pressure is high—remember, you are not alone. You're anointed for this.