Restoring the Future: Madison Downs on Education, Leadership, and Healing a Broken System
In Episode 38 of Good News on GoodVue, hosts Duke White Jr. and Dr. Lee Kanter welcome a courageous and visionary guest: Madison Downs. From serving in two branches of the military to running for Congress and now launching a clergy-led school, Madison’s journey is a blueprint for faith-driven leadership that doesn’t just speak truth—it builds for the future.
This isn’t your average conversation about education or politics. It’s a bold and Spirit-led declaration that the systems of man are failing, and it’s time for spiritual leadership to rise up—starting with our children.
A School Led by Clergy—Why Now?
What if the educational system wasn’t designed by secular institutions, but led by spiritual leaders? That’s the vision behind Madison Xavier, a school founded by clergy, for the purpose of rebuilding education through biblical values, practical training, and generational impact.
Madison, who made history as the first Hebrew chaplain in the U.S. military, believes the time has come to separate from systems that are failing our children. “We’re operating under ecclesiastical law,” he explained, “because the state is doing detrimental harm to our kids.”
The vision isn’t just academic. It’s prophetic.
From the Military to the Classroom
Having served in both the Marine Corps and the Army, Madison’s resume includes more than service—it includes sacrifice. After years of ministry and teaching, he now brings his experience and conviction to the next generation.
He speaks with the authority of someone who’s seen broken systems up close—and who has chosen to confront them with truth, not fear.
“We keep electing the killers instead of the healers,” Madison said, challenging the Church to take its place as the moral and practical foundation of the community.
Reclaiming the Education System
One of the most powerful parts of the interview was Madison’s diagnosis of the education system—not just how it’s failing today, but how it was strategically stripped of its moral compass decades ago.
From systemic racism in integrated schools to the silencing of teachers who uphold traditional values, Madison described a system that punishes truth-tellers and rewards compliance.
“They’ll sue you, put you on leave, and fire you—for telling a child there are two genders,” he said bluntly.
But he doesn’t stop at criticism—he offers a solution. Madison Xavier School is built to teach what public schools no longer will: how to steward finances, build generational wealth, walk in biblical morality, and develop the whole child.
Generational Wealth: From Concept to Concrete
Few conversations on education go as deep as this one. Madison broke down step-by-step how generational wealth is built—not through inheritance from millionaires, but through property ownership, equity, and financial literacy.
“It starts when your grandfather gets a mortgage,” he explained, walking through a practical (and biblical) plan for families to pass down not just money—but opportunity and ownership.
This was more than an economics lesson. It was a challenge for families—and churches—to reclaim knowledge that’s been hidden, ignored, or dismissed for decades.
Fixing the System Requires Faithful Leaders
Throughout the episode, Duke and Madison unpacked how corruption spreads like mold, and how many of the systems we trust—politics, education, media—are infected. But instead of despair, they offered a spiritual solution.
“We need divine leadership,” Duke declared. “Not just political or intellectual leadership—but spiritual fathers who can stand in the gap.”
Madison echoed that with passion. “The Church was meant to carry the community—not the government,” he said. “We’ve reversed the roles. It’s time to take our authority back.”
A Vision Bigger Than One School
Madison’s plan goes far beyond the classroom. With partnerships forming for trade schools, apprenticeships, and career development, this school will serve as a launchpad for entire communities—especially in underserved areas.
Graduates won’t just get a diploma. They’ll leave equipped to build families, own homes, and live out their Kingdom purpose in every sphere of influence.
How to Support the Mission
If you feel stirred to help, you’re not alone. GoodVue Network is already partnering with Madison to support this launch—and they’re inviting others to do the same.
Contact Info for Support:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (202) 615-8329
- Social: Facebook & Instagram (search “Madison Downs”)
Final Thoughts: No More Cowards, No More Compromise
This episode wasn’t about pointing fingers. It was about taking responsibility. Madison Downs is doing what so many talk about—but so few attempt: creating real, God-centered solutions in a broken culture.
He’s not building a protest. He’s building a school.
He’s not just praying for change. He’s creating it.
“Now’s not the time to talk about how bad society is,” Duke said. “Now’s the time to make change.”
And with leaders like Madison, that change is already on the way.


Russell Spencer
I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!