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 Honors Lifetime Christian Educators with Annual Award
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 22, 2021 – The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to honor Christian education retirees across the globe with the annual ACSI Career Service Award (CSA).
The program recognizes lifetime Christian educators who have spent more than 35 years in education, with 25 of those years in service to Christian schools.
ACSI President Dr. Larry Taylor shared the importance of acknowledging the lifetime contributions of these individuals.
“The CSA has a long-standing history at ACSI,” he said. “We truly value all of our hardworking educators, and I cannot think of a better way to thank them for their contribution to Christian education.”
This year, ACSI granted 43 Christian education retirees the award. The program began more than two decades ago and has recognized more than 600 educators in total.
Recipients have expressed how meaningful this award was to them.
Wheaton Christian Grammar School leadership presented retiring Executive Director Steve Clum the CSA during the school’s year-end chapel.
“It is an honor to have been chosen to receive the ACSI Career Service Award,” he said. “I offer praise to the Lord who deserves all the credit for everything that has been accomplished at Wheaton Christian Grammar School during my 47-year tenure. This award honors all those faculty, staff, students, parents, grandparents and board members who labored, sacrificed, partnered, and believed with me in the mission and vision of this school— His school.”
Taylor shared that this program remains a high priority for ACSI moving forward.
“We plan to continue offering this service to our lifetime Christian educators as a token of appreciation for their commitment to the biblical call of shepherding the next generation for Christ,” he said.
To connect with the ACSI Care Team, call (800) 367-0798 or email careteam@acsi.org.
About ACSI:
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, 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.
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