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 Spreading Hope Network Host Urban School Leaders’ Gathering Equipping School Administrators Serving Diverse Communities
Kansas City, MO– The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) has partnered with Spreading Hope Network to host an Urban School Leaders’ Gathering designed to support Christian school administrators who are serving diverse communities. The Gathering will take place March 16-17, 2023, after the ACSI Flourishing Schools Institute at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center.
School administrators serving diverse communities will hear relevant content from expert speakers including ACSI President and CEO, Dr. Larry Taylor, Russ Gregg, Head of School at Hope Academy, Marcus Oatis, Founder and Executive Director of Providence School of Arts, Dan Olson, Executive Director of Spreading Hope Network, and Jerry Nelson, ACSI Chief Ministry Officer. The theme will be structured around three main points: The Leader’s Purpose, The Leader as Steward, and The Leader as Servant.
Taylor believes this Gathering aligns with ACSI’s mission and vision—to advance and provide more students with access to a solid, Christ-centered education.
“ACSI is thrilled to come alongside Spreading Hope Network for the first time in offering The Urban School Leaders’ Gathering,” he shared. “The goal of this event is to equip and encourage our school leaders who are operating in socio-economically and ethnically diverse communities. We have been very intentional in the schedule to allow time for collaboration, ensuring that school leaders have the time to share the strategic issues they are facing in their schools.”
The Urban School Leaders’ Gathering is an offering from Spreading Hope Network, an extension of Hope Academy aimed at launching new urban Christian schools. Since its inception, hundreds of entrepreneurial educators have been equipped and inspired with innovative strategies to reach all students.
Gregg, founder of Hope Academy, is passionate about serving diverse populations, providing as many students as possible with access to Kingdom education.
“At the intersection of innovative education, educational justice and access issues, and missional living, we believe there is an energy to be fanned into flame to serve students of the city,” Gregg shared. “Many Christian schools already exist in our urban centers, serving some of the most disadvantaged students. We want to encourage them to continue the work and equip new educational leaders to do similar work.”
Taylor looks forward to serving as a panelist at the Gathering.
“It has been close to my heart that all of the Lord’s children are given the opportunity to receive a quality education taught from a biblical worldview,” he shared. “Our prayer is that each leader will leave with renewed vision, deepened insights, and a network of colleagues they can reach out to in navigating their unique challenges.”
To learn more about or register for the Urban School Leaders’ Gathering, visit the website or contact ACSI Care Team by calling (800) 367-0798 or emailing 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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About Spreading Hope Network:
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Spreading Hope Network exists to ignite a movement of God-centered education for at-risk youth in our nation's cities. Founded in 2017, the organization networks and catalyzes an emerging generation of Christian educators inspired by the model of Hope Academy in Minneapolis— a leader in the classical, Christ-centered, urban schooling movement. Spreading Hope Network shares resources, hosts conferences and site visits, networks school leaders, and helps kick-start new God-centered schools for children of the city. Learn more at spreadinghopenetwork.org.