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’s Ministry Team Keeps Organization Anchored to God’s Word and Prayer
Colorado Springs, Colo. – The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce its Ministry Team—a group of highly trained school leaders focused on assisting schools in the development of their spiritual formation for their students, staff, and parents.
The Ministry Team is concerned primarily with four areas of focus: The Great Commission; Spiritual Formation; Biblical Worldview Development; and Christian Philosophy of Education. These focus areas—with both internal and external components—will support the global vision of ACSI and will be scalable to accommodate organizational growth.
The team includes: Chief Ministry Officer Jerry Nelson, who served as Head of School at Northwest Christian Academy in Miami, Florida for 11 years; Director of Spiritual Formation Lainie Montgomery, who served as Director of Campus Ministries at Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano, Texas for 14 years; Ministry Team Senior Coordinator Douglas Campbell, who served at Eagles Landing Christian Academy for 10 years, the last three years as Spiritual Life Director; and Administrative Assistant Melanie Waisukirawa, who served in Uganda as Christian Education Coordinator and Spiritual Director at Genesis Primary School for 8 years.
ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor believes that the Ministry Team will oversee an organizational gate that is essential to fulfill the association’s mission.
“We have the opportunity to serve thousands of Christian educators across the globe who are discipling the next generation daily,” he shared. “The ACSI Ministry Team has done great work in keeping us focused on and accountable to the Lord. As ACSI expands and embraces a truly global perspective, it is imperative that we remain committed to prioritizing God’s Word and prayer.”
Nelson shared that the team has created a key document to undergird all external activities that they will facilitate. The document, titled, “The Spiritual Formation, Biblical Worldview Development, and Integration Document,” will be the foundation of all ministry efforts. It will be available soon on the organization's website.
Projects for the team include caring for and supporting ACSI staff, creating a Biblical Unity Study Guide and Monograph, facilitating a 4-part webinar series titled, “Spiritual Formation Core Convictions and Commitments,” and building PD by Design on-demand training resources.
Nelson shared that his vision for the Ministry Team is to partner with organization staff and schools so that all can be “complete and equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
“It is a high honor to be tasked with stewarding what I believe to be the most important part of the organization’s mission—to elevate and continually give glory to God,” Nelson said. “I am appreciative of Dr. Taylor’s vision and commitment of resources to make sure ACSI remains anchored in the Truth.”
To learn more about ACSI, please visit the website at ACSI.org or connect with the ACSI Care Team by calling (800) 367-0798 or at 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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