Leaders in faith, culture, sport, and public life who have inspired the PCS community.
Nick Foles spent the evening with the Plumstead Christian School community at our twelfth annual Founders Forum. The Nick Foles that came to Founders Forum was not just the retired and decorated NFL quarterback who was chosen to be the MVP of Superbowl LII in 2018, although he was all that. It was evident to every person in the crowd that God has used so many experiences both before and after that amazing Superbowl victory – some that tested Nick’s faith in really big ways – to bring about profound spiritual formation, and we are grateful that Foles spoke out of the depths of his experiences in a way that inspired us and gave God the glory. Nick’s depth of faith, humility, and kindness that he displayed on stage as he passionately shared the good news of Jesus Christ drew all of us in. Foles was vulnerable, and his transparency about such things as heartache, disappointment, injuries, and the challenges and joys of raising children impacted our community.
John Elton, our beloved varsity boys basketball coach, was honored as he officially retired from coaching at PCS after coaching at various levels within our boys basketball program for seventeen years. We will cherish the memories of John’s dedicated service to the school. While these memories include a lot of victories and even an exciting run for a state championship, they also include so many incredible memories of his passion and dedication to the boys. John embodied the school’s mission, and he used the sport of basketball and the relationships he forged with students to teach them to think biblically, serve effectively, and lead Christ-centered lives.
Steven Curtis & Mary Beth Chapman
Award-winning Singer-Songwriter and Bestselling Author
Sarah Palin
Former Governor of Alaska and Vice Presidential Running Mate
Tim Tebow
professional athlete
The 13th Annual Founders Forum was both inspirational and gospel-rich, featuring award-winning singer, songwriter, pastor, and author Tauren Wells, who both spoke and sang throughout the evening! Tauren’s message and music powerfully point to the joy and hope we have in Jesus Christ.
Adding to the excitement, our very own 75-member Middle and Upper School Choir joined Tauren Wells on one of his songs – Let the Church Sing!
We honored Mr. Joe Ventresca as this year’s Honorary Founder, celebrating his faithful service and lasting legacy at Plumstead Christian School.
Eric Metaxas
Bestselling Author and Radio host
Steven Curtis & Mary Beth Chapman
Award-winning Singer-Songwriter and Bestselling Author
Bethany’s story of determination, faith, and hope has become a source of inspiration to millions. Bethany challenged us to use the talents and passions that God gives each us to make an impact on the world around us. She spoke of the costs and rewards of pursuing her dreams and, more importantly, of pursuing Christ. She helped our students to see the wisdom in pruning friendships that negatively impact one’s desire to walk with God. Her complete transparency and genuine self-deprecating humor was refreshing, and it allowed her to connect on a deep level with the audience.
Dusty and Darlene Bickford were honored as the 2022 Honorary Founders for forty years of generous volunteer service to the school as parents of PCS graduates and as the grandparents of current PCS students.
Dr. Ben Carson
presidential candidate
Danny moved the crowd with his retelling of God’s beautiful redemptive story in his own life – a story that included tragedy and heartbreak as well as joy and victory. Danny encouraged everyone through inspirational words and songs to find their God-given purpose. He challenged us to consider the concept of time as a precious commodity – to be effective rather than “just busy” – and to find our successes as we live on purpose for Christ. Danny’s message resonated with old and young because “it’s never too late to follow God’s will and to live life to the fullest for Him.”
Mr. Dave Eastburn (PCS alumni parent and former board member) was recognized as the 2023 Honorary Founder. Dave served as a board member for eighteen years, helped establish the school’s international student program, and served in a variety of volunteer capacities as the parent of four PCS graduates and as a host parent to numerous international students through the years.
Nick Foles
Tauren Wells
Singer, Songwriter & Pastor
During the main event, Kirk Cameron presented a compelling case for Christian education. He was quick-witted, gracious, and inspiring. He also encouraged the audience to be faithful to a Christian worldview, to be inspired by strong Christian role models that have gone before us, and to make a positive and lasting difference in our world. The audience appreciated his faith story as well – specifically how and why he rejected the atheism of his youth and embraced Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
Nick Foles
Carson Wentz joined us for Founders Forum after his rookie season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Carson shared his personal story of how he became a Christian as well as his struggles along the way. The audience was inspired by his commitment to academic and athletic excellence, and moved to applause by predictions of the Eagle’s future successes.
Mr. Dave and Mrs. Marilyn Lesko were honored as the honorary founders for their years of faithful employment and leadership at PCS.
Bethany Hamilton
Inspirational Speaker
Danny Gokey
Singer/Songwriter
Lee Strobel presented a strong case for Christian schooling in today’s culture and shared his optimism for the good that this generation of students will be able to accomplish throughout their lifetime. His talk was followed by a moderated question and answer session. Robert “Bob” Cooper, retired Director of Transportation, was honored as the honorary founder to celebrate his years of faithful service.
On the Tuesday morning following Founders Forum, PCS hosted its first ever Multi-School Assembly with over 700 students from ten different Christian schools. Lee Strobel discussed the historicity of Jesus Christ’s resurrection followed by a question and answer session moderated by PCS Bible teachers Matt Ogden and Seth Mangum.
Bethany Hamilton
Inspirational Speaker
Tim Tebow
professional athlete
Eric Metaxas
Bestselling Author and Radio host
Stephen Curtis Chapman shared his faith journey through stories and song, accompanied by just his acoustic guitar. His wife Mary Beth later joined him on stage during a moderated question and answer session. They moved the audience to tears as they shared of their pain over losing a child, and they moved the crowd to laughter and smiles as they shared how God has been living and working in their lives. At the end of the event a group of students who had traveled to Show Hope’s flagship medical care facility in Luoyang, China presented Stephen Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman with an oversized check to further Show Hope’s ministry.
During the event Mr. Raymond N. Swartley, Jr. was honored as this year’s honorary founder for his more than forty years of faithful leadership and volunteer service.
Dr. Ben Carson
presidential candidate
Nick Foles
Eric Metaxas openly discussed his strong commitment to Christian education as he weaved together a poignant talk that delved into his own faith journey from agnosticism to committed Christian. Metaxas weaved into his talk stories from Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther, and William Wilberforce as he challenged the audience on a variety of topics including ethics, education, and the health of our nation. Greg Thornbury, former president of The Kings College in New York City, joined Eric on stage for a moderated question and answer session.
Former PCS headmaster Mr. Lauren Rhine was honored posthumously as this year’s honorary founder for his dedicated service to the school. Lauren’s son Tim, a PCS alumnus and former PCS teacher, was present at the event to accept the award.
Dr. Ben Carson
presidential candidate
Tim Tebow
professional athlete
Sarah Palin
Former Governor of Alaska and Vice Presidential Running Mate
Sarah Palin electrified the crowd with her challenge that our nation must continue without apology to build on our Judeo-Christian heritage. She openly discussed the role of faith in her life and political career and of her belief that God should play a greater role in the public square. Her inspirational address was full of clever wit and moving stories. The evening also honored Honorary Founder Ms. Heidi Wolfskill, band teacher at Plumstead Christian School, for her years of faithful commitment to the school.
Lee Strobel
American Christian author and a former investigative journalist
Tauren Wells
Singer, Songwriter & Pastor
Dr. Ben Carson shared his moving personal story of growing up in the projects with a mother who, despite her own illiteracy, challenged her boys to become readers. He inspired the large crowd gathered in the Loren Rhine Memorial Gymnasium to put God first and to strive for excellence in everything we do. He moved the crowd with his humility, knowledge, and humor. His speech was followed by a moderated question and answer session.
Mr. Richard “Dick” Millham, an alumni parent and alumni grandparent, was honored as the honorary founder for his years of faithful board service and for his generosity to the school.
Tauren Wells
Singer, Songwriter & Pastor
Eric Metaxas
Bestselling Author and Radio host
President Bush spoke to a dinner crowd, the student body, and then to the general audience. In each of these venues President Bush showed remarkable humility and kindness, staying clear of present politics, but openly weaving into his presentation stories from his own experiences in office. He inspired the audience with his dedication to life long learning, spending time each day reading from God’s word and pouring over history books in the evenings. His love for the servicemen and servicewomen, particularly those injured in combat moved the crowd.
During the event Mr. Wayne and Mrs. Carol Lynch, alumni parents and former PCS employees, were honored as the honorary founders for their years of faithful service.
Sarah Palin
Former Governor of Alaska and Vice Presidential Running Mate
Eric Metaxas
Bestselling Author and Radio host
Tim wowed the crowd with captivating stories from both his collegiate and professional football experiences, and it was clear to all present that loving and serving God is the most important thing in his life. He challenged everyone present to love God and love each other. At the end of the moderated question and answer presentation the Plumstead Christian School student council presented Tim with an over-sized check from money they had raised for his foundation.
Mr. Jeff (former school lawyer, former school board member) and Mrs. Melanie Drake (former elementary teacher) were honored this year as the honorary founders for their many years of faithful service to Plumstead Christian School.
Nick Foles
Danny Gokey
Singer/Songwriter
Annual Founders Form (2019) featuring Kirk Cameron
May 31, 2019
Each year Plumstead Christian School invites a nationally known Christian whose faith informs the way he or she lives. The 2019 Founders Forum keynote speaker, Kirk Cameron, is an actor, director, and producer best known for his early work on TV sitcom Growing Pains, the Left Behind movies, and Fireproof. Most recently Cameron has produced documentaries entitled Monumental and Connect, and he speaks on marriage and parenting in churches across the nation with his Living Room Reset.
On Monday, May 6, 2019, Plumstead Christian School (PCS) held its ninth annual Founders Forum. Actor and Producer Kirk Cameron was this year’s keynote speaker.
During the main event, Kirk Cameron made a compelling case for Christian education. He also encouraged the audience to be faithful to a Christian worldview, to be inspired by strong Christian role models that have gone before us, and to make a positive and lasting difference in our world. His talk was followed by a question and answer session moderated by PCS headmaster, Patrick Fitzpatrick. John and Doris Spier, PCS alumni parents and former board members, were recognized during the evening as honorary founders to celebrate their nearly forty years of faithful service, leadership, and volunteerism.
Kirk Cameron agreed to stay an extra day, and Plumstead Christian School (PCS) hosted its second annual Multi-School Assembly with a total of twelve area Christian schools represented. The cost of the assembly was covered by a generous donation from Covenant Bank. In addition to Plumstead Christian School students and faculty, the auditorium was also filled with students and faculty from Calvary Baptist School, Cedar Grove Christian Academy, Crossroads Christian Academy, Faith Christian Academy, Grace Christian School, Holmesburg Christian Academy, Lehigh Christian Academy, Lehigh Valley Christian High School, Quakertown Christian School, Valley Christian School, and West-Mont Christian Academy. The crowd of almost 900 students and teachers enjoyed corporate worship and then heard from keynote speaker Kirk Cameron in both a presentation and a moderated question and answer session. Kirk was quick-witted, gracious, and inspiring. He challenged and encouraged the audience with his faith story – specifically how and why he rejected the atheism of his youth and embraced the truth of the Bible and the God of the Bible.
“Most schools only get together to compete,” says Plumstead Christian School’s headmaster Patrick Fitzpatrick. “To my knowledge, we are the only school in the country creating this kind of experience, and I believe the students and educators in the room really appreciate it.”
PCS values student leadership, and as evidence of this, the entire Multi-School Assembly was run by students. The senior class served as ushers, a senior welcomed the crowd – recognizing each school in attendance, a sophomore led the schools in prayer, a team of seniors led the crowd in worship, a senior introduced the speaker, and three students – a senior, a junior, and a sophomore, moderated the question and answer session.
Ministry Branding and our Founders Forum Speaker Series
April 23, 2019
What do Sarah Palin, President George W., Bush, Tim Tebow, Dr. Ben Carson, Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman, Eric Metaxes, Carson Wentz, and Lee Strobel have in common? They have all been keynote speakers at Plumstead Christian School’s annual Founders Forum event. In the paragraphs that follow, I describe the birth of this event and the intentional branding efforts that are accomplished through this event.
When I was hired to be the headmaster at Plumstead Christian School in the spring of 2010 I inherited a school where the enrollment had plummeted over the previous five years from the 500’s down into the 300’s. Board members shared with me that the school had “good bones,” but needed help “getting on the map.” According to one board member the school was “the best kept secret of Bucks County, PA.”
Being the “best kept secret” is the death nail for any business or ministry. As a ministry leader I have spent a lot of time and energy looking for ways to effectively brand our school. Effective branding proclaims a consistent, cohesive, and attractive story of the mission, the strengths, and the values of the ministry. The school’s website, printed literature, logos and signage are part of this story. A more critical part of our story, however, is the stories that customers share in face to face conversations, through social media, and through their level of engagement. Our customers’ experiences with “our product” create the most important narrative in our branding efforts.
With this in mind, I dug into the school’s archives and spent a lot of time talking to current staff and parents. During this time I discovered that the school had established a short-lived speaker series in the early 1990’s where they invited Vice President Dan Quayle, Cal Thomas, Elisabeth Elliott, Jerry Falwell, and Beverly LaHaye in each of five successive years.
Why was this speaker series short-lived? I pitched the idea of creating a new speaker series modeled after the historical success of our first series. Our plan was simple even if it was a bit daunting: Invite nationally recognized speakers whose Christian faith informs the way they live and work. Bringing such speakers to our school would further our school’s mission to educate students to think biblically, serve effectively, and lead Christ-centered lives, and do so in a way that would put our school on the map.
Launching our speaker series is where the real branding beauty took shape. We named the event “Founders Forum,” and we decided that in addition to having a keynote speaker, we would recognize individuals at each annual event who had contributed in meaningful ways to the formation of our school as faculty or staff, volunteers, board members, or financial partners in our kingdom work. Public recognition of these great men and women allows us to broadcast their stories to the larger community – stories that reinforce the branding efforts time and again.
And we started out with a bang. I gave my development director the time to brainstorm who might be a relevant first speaker, and he came up with the idea of inviting Sarah Palin, former Governor of Alaska. She shared her Christian testimony and talked about American exceptionalism. People came from miles around to see her, and for many Christians in our region this was the first time they had ever been on our campus. We gave a few of our high school seniors the opportunity to ask Sarah Palin questions during a moderated question and answer session, and the week after our event a family with two young children called our admissions director to set up a tour. The mom’s words to our admissions director were, “we saw your seniors asking Sarah Palin questions at the Founders Forum and we were so impressed by them. When our children are high school seniors we want them to be just like your seniors.” These high school seniors made a positive impact on this family. Their part in our unfolding story was a significant piece in our branding efforts.
Each Founders Forum consists of a dinner for sponsors of the event and their guests followed by the main event where the keynote speaker addresses the crowd. At the dinner we introduce a “Featured Alumni” who briefly tells his or her story. We ask them to comment on how Plumstead Christian School prepared them for college and life – how the school’s mission was fulfilled in their lives. We reinforce the school’s brand through story, and these stories are recorded and retold on social media, because it is important for us to be reminded of what is truly important about our ministry to the children.
At our last Founders Forum event I asked one of the current high school seniors if he would produce a video that told a poignant story of that year’s honorary founder. The story was an illustration of this employee’s commitment and love for students, but it was more than that. The fact that we entrusted such a movie into the hands of a current student also reinforced our school’s brand in a unique way. We tell the community that we raise up leaders, that we foster creativity through our programs, that we celebrate innovation. This student’s creation showed all of these claims to be true. This video can be viewed here.
Also at our last Founders Forum event we asked our speaker to stay for an additional day. He agreed, and we held our first multi-school assembly. Students from ten different Christian schools in the area, at no cost to these schools, joined together with Plumstead Christian School students to worship and to hear from apologist and best-selling author Lee Strobel. Our school’s mission demands that we teach our students to serve effectively. Modeling effective community service instructs our own students and gives us the opportunity to tell and retell our story to current and prospective families.
Founders Forum reinforces our brand and allows us to broadcast our story to a community that might not ordinarily set feet into our buildings. It also serves as an effective backdrop for layers of branding that tell and retell our school’s story in a consistent, cohesive, and attractive way.
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