Interview with Dr. Chris Harmon: Vision, Growth, and Community at Mount Pisgah Christian School
We recently had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Chris Harmon, Head of School at Mount Pisgah Christian School, to gain his perspective on how he leads through the uncertainty that seems to be the new normal. We hope you will be inspired and encouraged by his wisdom as you lead the schools God has entrusted to you.
Vision & Purpose
Interviewer: Dr. Harmon, what inspires you most about leading Mount Pisgah Christian School, especially in times of uncertainty or change?
Dr. Harmon: Students. God has entrusted us with the profound responsibility of shaping lives. While the world around us changes, the heart of a student remains the same. At their core, students long for mentorship, encouragement, intellectual challenge, and faith development. As a team, we continually ask: How are we supporting the emotional and spiritual growth of our students? How are we fostering a culture of curiosity and learning? Where are our students truly thriving? At the same time, we examine long-standing practices. Some traditions, though familiar, may no longer serve our students well. Letting go of these “ancient practices” can be difficult. Yet, holding on to what no longer works often becomes the very barrier to positive change.
Interviewer: How does Mount Pisgah’s mission, providing college preparatory excellence through a biblical lens, shape your leadership during challenging moments?
Dr. Harmon: Like many schools, we could easily be described as a strong college-preparatory institution. But our vision calls us to something deeper to teach timeless truth in a rapidly changing world. We chose humility over pride and set aside the assumption that we were “doing everything right.” We sought to learn from colleagues across the CESA network. Their warmth and generosity encouraged us to take in new ideas and inspired us to see Mount Pisgah with fresh eyes. These visits challenged us and energized our staff. Our vision for Pisgah changed in ways we hadn’t imagined even a year ago.
Opportunity & Growth
Interviewer: What new opportunities have emerged for Mount Pisgah students and staff from unexpected challenges?
Dr. Harmon: Challenges can spark innovation. One memorable example: several years ago, I attended a band concert. The director introduced a unique piece; her class had written a story and then collaborated with AI to compose the musical score. The performance was extraordinary, and the teacher’s early adoption of AI in the classroom was remarkable. She modeled risk-taking for students, supporting them in an environment that welcomes innovation. Today, she continues to inspire others to experiment and grow.
Community & Communication
Interviewer: How do you nurture belonging and positivity within the diverse Mount Pisgah community?
Dr. Harmon: We put people first. Policies matter, but real connection drives Christian schools. Listening well, providing feedback, and exploring new ideas are key. Policies give order, but if we let them take precedence over people, we miss real opportunities to meet needs. By prioritizing relationships, listening, caring, and seeking solutions, we cultivate genuine community.
Resilience & Hope
Interviewer: What lessons on resilience have you learned as a Christian education leader, and how do these guide your daily work?
Dr. Harmon: It’s easy to be swayed by generalized statements like “everyone is saying” or “all the parents think.” Over time, I’ve become cautious with those claims. Instead, I seek an authentic pulse by engaging ad hoc parent groups, gathering feedback, meeting with faculty, and spending time with students. Hearing directly ensures I understand what people truly think, keeping leadership relational and relevant.
Interviewer: What practices sustain hope and a forward-looking mindset for faculty and students?
Dr. Harmon: We’re committed to unity even with physical divides (a main road splits our campus). Every year, we design a calendar to bring PK–12 faculty together. Every six weeks, we worship, reflect on our spiritual theme, and share one corporate message. Faculty meet in small groups for prayer and devotion regularly, often building friendships outside these meetings. We also celebrate staff who go above and beyond, nurturing a community where faculty flourish through shared victories and encouragement.
Looking Forward
Interviewer: What excites you about the year ahead at Mount Pisgah?
Dr. Harmon: Like many schools, we face challenges in recruiting and retaining teachers. We’re committed to being a destination workplace, so we’re re-examining hiring, compensation, and culture. So far, progress has been modest, but the effort gives us real hope for continued strength in attracting excellent teachers.
Interviewer: Is there a verse, quote, or principle that inspires and guides your leadership at Pisgah?
Dr. Harmon: On my desk sits a plaque, a replica from President Reagan’s: “There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit.” It echoes Philippians 2 and the truth that Mount Pisgah is not my school; I’ve been called to shepherd it. The school belongs to Christ alone. Pursuing success together, with humility and shared purpose, is the best way forward.