As Director of School Relations at Schools United, I was thrilled to witness Jim McKenzie’s impact at both Leadership Day and SUPD 2025. Jim’s enthusiasm and deep knowledge across a wide range of Christian educational topics was truly a blessing—not only to me, but to the more than 3,500 Christian educators who joined us over the two-day event. His passion for equipping leaders and educators to thrive in Christ-centered schools made a lasting impression and reflected the heart of our mission at Schools United.
Target Audience: Conference audiences, churches, educators, and leaders seeking vision and hope in challenging times.
Approach: Dynamic keynote with reflective, pastoral moments that invite deep personal engagement.
Duration Options: Keynote (45–60 minutes)
Target Audience: Educators, school leaders, professional development events, and church communities who want to care for teachers.
Approach: Pastoral presence with dynamic storytelling; combines practical strategies with spiritual encouragement.
Duration Options: Keynote (45–60 minutes), Half-day Workshop, Faculty Retreat
Target Audience: Christian educators, school leaders, and faith-based staff teams.
Approach: High-energy keynote, paired with pastoral insight and encouragement.
Duration Options: Keynote (45–60 minutes)
Target Audience: Educators, students, church groups, and leaders seeking to put their faith into practice and mobilize others to do the same.
Key Takeaways:
Approach: Stirring keynote with moments of pastoral challenge and encouragement.
Duration Options: Keynote (45–60 minutes)
We had the pleasure of hosting Jim McKenzie at our end-of-year professional development event. Jim has a blend of intellect, wit, and deep spiritual insight. He delivered a message that was both thought-provoking and deeply encouraging. Grounded in a strong biblical worldview, Jim spoke with humility and authenticity, drawing from his own experiences in education, leadership, and life. It was evident that he carries a genuine heart for teachers, families, and students. His ability to challenge and inspire while maintaining warmth and humor was such an uplifting close to our school year. Our staff left not only with practical insights but also with renewed purpose and encouragement for the new school year to come.
Seek Shalom - Shalom is more than peace—it’s the four-piece puzzle of flourishing with God, creation, others, and self.
Overview: We all long for things to be whole, complete, and at peace—like a puzzle with every piece in place. Scripture calls this shalom: God’s vision for flourishing in every relationship—our relationship with Him, with creation, with others, and with ourselves. In this message, Jim uses humor, storytelling, and Scripture to show students that shalom isn’t just the absence of conflict; it’s the presence of wholeness, harmony, and joy.
Jim can deliver a powerful talk introducing the idea of shalom as a “four-peace puzzle.” Students will leave understanding that true peace begins with surrendering self-reliance and rooting their identity in Jesus.
As a Chapel Series (4 Parts):
Shalom with God – Letting go of self-reliance and trusting fully in Christ.
Shalom with Creation – Experiencing God’s presence in the world He made.
Shalom with Others – Living generously and justly in community.
Shalom with Self – Rooting identity in Christ for true flourishing.
Impact: Students will walk away with a fresh vision of what it means to live in God’s wholeness—not just surviving their world, but flourishing in it.
Summary: Drawing from his own harrowing scuba diving experience, Jim paints a vivid picture of what it feels like to be disoriented in the dark, unsure which way to go. Just as a guide rope in the cave provided a way out, Jim reminds graduates that the Christian faith is a rope anchored across generations—a lifeline handed down to guide them when life feels uncertain. Blending humor, storytelling, Scripture, and blessing, this keynote equips graduates with both inspiration and a charge: stay rooted in faith, honor those who invested in you, and keep reaching for Jesus when the world feels dark.
Why It’s Perfect for Graduation:
Relatable Metaphor: Students on the cusp of adulthood identify with the unknowns ahead; the “rope” becomes a powerful image of guidance and security.
Biblical Blessing: Connects their milestone moment to the timeless words of Aaron’s blessing (Numbers 6), commissioning them into their next season.
Generational Legacy: Affirms the investment of parents, teachers, and mentors while charging graduates to carry the faith forward.
Encouraging & Hopeful: Strikes the perfect balance of celebration, challenge, and comfort—leaving graduates inspired and families reassured.
Jim McKenzie was one of two keynote speakers for our Edvance Christian Schools Association annual Educators Convention in Ontario, attended by over 800 educators. Jim addressed us twice on the final day of the conference with his keynotes “Do Something” and “Future Ready.” And he did it with attention to our own Edvance context, honouring our past work in this regard, even taking the time to celebrate a specific learning story from one of our own schools that embodied his focus.
His communication skills as a presenter are top-notch. He was meticulously prepared in his delivery; he engaged his audience with great humour and playful seriousness. Attendees describe his keynotes as “inspiring and applicable,” “amazing,” “moving,” “one of the most important that we have heard in a while,” “the best in all my years.