Senior Leadership
I am inspired by the faith, courage, and reverence for God by Christian educators around the world! It reminds me of the story recounted in I Samuel 17 about David defeating Goliath. In verse 29, David’s response to the inaction of his
elder brothers and the Israelites especially encourages me. He boldly and nobly answers the call to action by asking, "Is there not a cause?”
I can think of no greater cause than to partner with you as you advance Kingdom education. We fully believe that authentic devotion to the Christian faith and academic excellence are mutually reinforcing. There are not two or three forms of excellence, but rather an ethos that is cultivated throughout every facet of our schools. Faith is not separated from learning but rather integrated intentionally, resulting in a distinctive Christian worldview.
Scholarship and learning become an integral component to the maturation process known as discipleship. Thus, becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ, the ultimate objective of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:16-20), is the prize for which we strive; it is the highest form of excellence! It is certainly conceivable that we could produce students with the spiritual depth needed to enter our pluralistic society and not fall prey to empty philosophies. Rather, they would be equipped to saturate the marketplace to which God has called them with confidence, purpose, and an eternal perspective.
ACSI’s ongoing mission is to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. We want to serve you as you continue to cultivate and sustain a flourishing school. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you—thank you for your obedience to God’s call on your life—you are indeed making a difference.
Dr. Larry Taylor, President & CEO, ACSI
larry_taylor@acsi.org
719-867-0200
ACSI Senior Leadership
Dr. David Balik
Vice President of USA
Dr. Gavin Brettenny
Chief Strategy Officer
Kevin Buelke
Chief Finance Officer
Cindy Dodds
Chief of Flourishing Initiatives
Michael Epp
Senior Vice President of Global
Brett Henry, J.D.
Chief Executive Officer, Sevenstar
Vice President, Educational Resources
John Klingstedt
Chief Operating Officer
Christi Lynn
Vice President, Communications & Engagement
Chris Loncar
Vice President, Human Resources
Jerry Nelson
Chief Ministry Officer
Philip Scott, J.D.
Vice President for Legal Affairs
P. George Tryfiates
Vice President for Public Policy and Legal Affairs
Susan Verheul
Vice President, Executive Initiatives
Dr. Cecil Swetland
Vice President for Development
News and Press Releases
ACSI and Axis Partner to Help Educators and Parents Stay Current with Youth Culture
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Feb. 16, 2021 – ACSI and Axis have partnered to provide relevant tools to educators and parents designed to help them stay current with rapidly changing cultural trends impacting youth.
The partnership represents the latest ACSI initiative designed to help schools to flourish. ACSI research indicates a flourishing Christian school is a community of students, educators, and families that glorifies Christ and excels in knowing Him and making Him known. The association believes Flourishing is best achieved through intentionality.
According to Dr. Larry Taylor, ACSI President, an important part of cultivating a flourishing school community is maintaining strong communication between adults and students.
“The purpose of this partnership is to equip educators and parents by keeping them apprised of current culture so they can have timely, Christ-centered conversations with their children,” he said.
Leaders from both ministries share a passion for discipling and training young servant leaders for Christ and see the tremendous relevancy of the partnership.
David Eaton, Axis President and Cofounder, believes this offering will help individuals better understand culture from a biblical worldview.
“Axis is thrilled to offer this opportunity to ACSI members,” he said. “These materials can be used by adults to stay informed about what their children are listening to, watching, or hearing from their friends.”
Axis is known for creating timeless, Christ-centered resources from great thinkers like C.S. Lewis, while keeping a pulse on relevant shifts in culture.
Membership grants users entry to an expansive library of relevant materials and access to a team of Gospel-focused researchers standing by to answer any questions.
Ultimately, both ministries believe the initiative provides tools to help adults and children cope with the dizzying, seismic cultural shifts they face.
“In this rapidly changing culture, it has never been more imperative that educators and parents reach the next generation for Christ,” Taylor said. “We believe this offering will prepare them not only to have important discussions with their children, but also to spur them on in their lifelong relationship with the Lord.”
ACSI schools will receive a 20% off discount for a one-year Axis membership. Member schools can learn more by visiting https://your.acsi.org/AXIS.
To learn more about ACSI, please visit the website at www.ACSI.org or connect with the ACSI Care Team by calling (800)367-0798 or by emailing careteam@acsi.org. To learn more about Axis, visit https://axis.org or connect with the support team by calling (888)719-2947 or by emailing support@axis.org.
About ACSI:
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., ACSI exists to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. ACSI advances excellence in Christian schools by enhancing the professional and personal development of Christian educators and providing vital support functions for Christian schools through multiple services including teacher and administrator certification, school accreditation, legal/legislative assistance, and curriculum publishing. Serving more than 25,000 schools in 108 countries, ACSI helps more than 5.5 million students worldwide connect to Christian education.
Follow ACSI on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin | Instagram
About Axis:
Axis is a 501c3 Christian nonprofit which, for 14 years, has focused on engaging with teens, studying culture, and bringing a biblical worldview into the conversations that parents have with their kids. Axis’s vision is to see all caring adults equipped with the conversation, discipleship, and culture translation skills needed to reach the next generation for Christ. Through membership, individuals gain access to a rich library of written, audio and video resources designed to prepare parents to communicate well with their children, ultimately guiding them into a lifelong relationship with Jesus.
Follow Axis on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram