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 Launches the Great Commission Project and Strategic Partnership with Joshua Expeditions
Colorado Springs, Colo. – The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is partnering with faith-based global travel organization, Joshua Expeditions, to advance the Great Commission Project—a mobilization effort for thousands of member school students to share their faith.
ACSI President Dr. Larry Taylor believes this partnership will provide ACSI students, faculty, and parents life-changing experiences.
“Teaching Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8, the biblical directive of the Great Commission, is vital, but leaving the classroom and chapel lessons and serving Christ in the field is transformational,” he said. “It ignites the hearts of the people hearing and responding to the gospel as well as the students sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.”
Both organizations share a common mission to help students grow in their relationship with Christ and to share the gospel across the globe.
Joshua Expeditions CEO Amir Mahadi looks forward to the impact this opportunity will have on hundreds of students.
"As Christians, we are called to take the gospel to every corner of the world,” he said. “We’re elated to join another Christ-centered nonprofit organization in combining our ministry resources to accomplish the Great Commission through ACSI's global outreach."
Destinations will initially include Uganda, Nigeria, Hungary and the Dominican Republic. Several other locations in Latin and South America, Asia Pacific Region and the 10/40 window will be added in the future. Although the pandemic restrictions will limit the launch, both organizations are preparing the logistical details.
Joshua Expeditions will also enhance this global travel by offering high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors dual-credit college courses. Students will be able to select from five course options including Humanities/Aesthetics, Oral Communications, Christianity, and Culture, Spanish 101, and English Composition.
Taylor is passionate about equipping students with the wisdom and tools they need to be ambassadors for Christ.
“The Great Commission is a commandment for this generation just as it was for the disciples when Jesus first spoke the words,” he shared. “ACSI is honored and excited to partner with Joshua Expeditions for this cause.”
To learn more about this partnership, visit acsi.org/greatcommission or contact ACSI Care Team by calling (800) 367-0798 or by emailing careteam@acsi.org.
To learn more about Joshua Expeditions, visit their website.
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. ACSI supports more than 5,000 member schools throughout the United States and around the world, which collectively serve approximately 1.2 million students. Through additional training programs, materials, and expertise provided to other educational groups worldwide, ACSI’s overall influence and positive impact reaches more than 26,000 schools operating in 100 countries, together serving 5.5 million people.
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