Our founding board is composed of four erstwhile homeschooling fathers, who represent the vision of our church family at New Life Community Church for a private Christian school that integrates the family and the local church.
Jonathan Grose serves as Board President, bringing both management skills and a deep commitment to Christ-centered education. A graduate of Mount Mercy University, Jonathan works as a software engineer by day, but his most formative leadership experience comes from years spent investing in children and families. He is a father of four, a former foster parent, a longtime AWANA leader, and a dedicated homeschool dad.
Jonathan’s vision for the school is rooted in caring for each child’s developmental growth and nurturing their experience of the love of Christ. He is passionate about blending educational philosophies—drawing from both Charlotte Mason and Classical traditions—to create a holistic approach that engages the heart and mind. He believes in an educational environment where children flourish and where strong connections with entire families are at the center of school life.
Jonathan is grateful to support a community that reflects these values and provides a place where his own children, and many others, can thrive.
Karlin Stutzman has served the board by casting the vision for a different way of doing Christian education. He is passionate about young people growing deep in old truths, and growing up into their calling as members of Christ’s body.
Growing up on an Iowa farm and in a private Christian school gave him a deep love for learning and God’s creation, and an appreciation of the value of Christian education. He began reading about classical education while in college, and was drawn to the disciplined approach, deep historical roots, and emphasis on character. This resonates with his own drive to understand his faith better.
Karlin spent a year after high school studying theology at a small Bible college, before obtaining a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Iowa. He has worked as a Mechanical Engineer for the last 10 years, and enjoys helping his wife Megan homeschool their two children as much as possible, and teaching Latin at a weekly homeschool co-op. For the last two years, he has been taking courses toward a Master of Studies degree in Classical Christian Education from New St. Andrews College.
Ben Grose worked as a teacher for seven years in the Cedar Rapids public school district before his ordination as a full time pastor at New Life Community Church. He attained a Bachelor’s of Education and Master’s in Special Education degree from Mt. Mercy University. He has a deep passion for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training the youth of his community in righteousness through Christian education and theological study.
Ben and his wife Amy have three beautiful daughters, and a son due to be born in April. Their household has been lovingly described as equal parts Ft. Knox and Barbie Dreamhouse.
Ben Hunt was born and raised right here in Cedar Rapids, where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Jessica. Together they moved to pursue his seminary education, preparing for a life of ministry. At 28, Ben accepted his first pastoral role as Lead Pastor of a small church in Joplin, Missouri. When that church eventually closed its doors, it marked a painful season of transition and reflection. Shortly afterward, another ministry position he accepted unexpectedly shut down as well—a series of events that deeply shaped his understanding of calling, leadership, and perseverance.
Returning to Cedar Rapids, Ben stepped back into the workforce as he sought clarity and healing. During this time, he and Jessica became part of New Life Community Church in Marion, where Ben began meeting with Pastor Kurt for counseling and discipleship. Those two years proved transformative. As the Lord restored his confidence and renewed his sense of purpose, Ben discovered a growing passion for counseling and shepherding others through their own struggles.
New Life eventually invited Ben onto the ministry staff to work with college students. Over the years, he continued to grow in leadership and pastoral responsibility, and was later appointed as a Pastor. His deep love for Scripture, discipleship, and soul care shaped much of his ministry. Ben eventually stepped into the role of Lead Pastor—a position he has faithfully served in for the past three years. His ministry focuses on preaching, teaching, counseling, and developing men in their calling. Three of those men now serve alongside him on the Paideia Christian Academy Board—something that brings Ben tremendous joy, as he loves supporting others as they courageously advance God’s kingdom.
Ben and Jessica have been married for 25 years and have four children—Nathan, Nyah, Seth, and Selah (with the first two already married!). He loves doing God’s work, being the “wind in people’s sails,” and investing deeply in his family. And on any given day, if he’s practicing jiu-jitsu with his son Seth, he’s the one who needs the encouragement!
Paideia Christian Academy 