Mondays with Mike: PCA Origins – Part 2
Are you ready for Part 2 of the PCA story?
PCA community, here we go! Many of you shared how much you enjoyed last week’s podcast with Headmaster Emeritus Dennis Runey. Some of you also noticed the abrupt cut at the end—what happened? Well, that was my lack of sound-editing prowess on full display! I simply split the conversation at a logical spot.
This week, we pick up right where Dennis left off—with God’s provision of the Dover Campus and the unfolding development of the school from there. He also reflects on the cultural headwinds facing Christian education, the surprising momentum of school choice, and the graduates who have become lights in their communities and churches.
Before we dive in, I want to congratulate all our Lower and Middle School students who received recognition at the Quarter 3 award ceremonies. Well done!
A special shoutout as well to the six Upper School All-State musicians Mrs. Veno took to Concord—an amazing achievement for a school our size! And kudos to Mrs. Schifano, who led four Middle School choir students to the state-wide music festival. So much to celebrate—and to thank God for.
And if you haven’t noticed how lively campus has been after dismissal, take a look! I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many of your kids running, throwing, catching, and competing in track, softball, and baseball—especially in track! Thanks to all the coaches prepping our athletes for their spring campaigns, starting with track this week. Go Eagles!
Finally, as we walk through Lent and prepare our hearts for Easter, I want to thank our Upper School student leaders, Ms. St. John, and Pastor Sam Huggard for leading us through Spring Spiritual Emphasis Days. Thank you for presenting the gospel of Christ in such powerful and creative ways.
Now, on to the podcast…picking up mid-sentence from where we stopped last week (add sound editing to my required skillbuilding this year). Enjoy!
Podcast Summary
Key Takeaways:
- God’s Provision and Miracles
- Dennis recounts the rapid transformation of PCA’s campus from “almost nothing” to a fully developed site—a clear testament to God’s provision.
- Miracles included acquiring the land, unexpected growth in enrollment, and successful construction despite financial uncertainty.
- “Crossing the River” and Strategic Relocation
- The campus move from Portsmouth to Dover was spiritually and logistically significant, likened to Joshua crossing the Jordan.
- It shifted the school’s regional base and unlocked new growth while retaining families through creative solutions like bus routes.
- Facilities Expansion Through Bold Faith
- From building the gym and soccer field to launching the Upper School, Dennis shares how God provided through donors, a creative bond financing solution, and favor with contractors and the state.
- Culture Shift and National Trends
- Dennis reflects on cultural headwinds such as declining birthrates and increasing secularization.
- Encouraging tailwinds include the plateauing of faith decline and the rise of school choice, especially in New Hampshire.
- Graduate Impact and Legacy
- PCA’s influence is most visible in its graduates—many of whom return as parents or serve God in meaningful ways around the world.
- Dennis highlights stories of transformation, including a student once nearly denied graduation who later became a ministry leader.
- Calling and Challenge in Christian Teaching
- Dennis emphasizes that teaching at PCA is a calling, not a career for riches, and praises teachers who serve joyfully and sacrificially.
- He notes that many leave public schools to serve in a place where they can integrate faith and learning.
- Final Reflection
- The greatest miracle, Dennis concludes, is the faculty and staff—men and women who love, lead, and labor for the next generation.
- He reminds listeners that students’ stories are not over and that PCA’s role is to steward hearts, minds, and lives for God’s glory.
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