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. 26:28-30), 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, ACSI
larry_taylor@acsi.org
719-867-0200
President's Advisory Team
David Balik
Vice President of USA
david_balik@acsi.org
770-985-5840
Gavin Brettenny
Associate Vice President of Global Strategic Development for Christian Education
Kevin Buelke
Chief Finance Officer
kevin_buelke@acsi.org
719-867-0114
Juan Cabrera
Chief Information Officer
juan_cabrera@acsi.org
719-867-0116
Thomas Cathey
Chief Of Staff
tom_cathey@acsi.org
719-867-0201
Stephen Dill
Executive Director, ACSI Education Foundation
steve_dill@acsi.org
719-867-5260
Cindy Dodds
Vice President of Flourishing Initiatives
cindy_dodds@acsi.org
Michael Epp
Senior Vice President of Global
mike_epp@acsi.org
719-867-0223
John Klingstedt
Chief Operating Officer
john_klingstedt@acsi.org
719-867-0255
Larry Lincoln
Chief Communication & Engagement Officer
larry_lincoln@acsi.org
719-867-0213
Jerry Nelson
Special Advisor to the President
Stephen Novotny
Vice President for Public Policy and General Counsel
George Tryfiates
Vice President for Public Policy and Legal Affairs
george_tryfiates@acsi.org
202-497-9521
Lynn Swaner
Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer
lynn_swaner@acsi.org
719-867-5281
Kurt Unruh
Senior Vice President for Global Business Development
kurt_unruh@acsi.org
719-867-0128
Susan Verheul
Finance Director and Controller
susan_verheul@acsi.org
719-867-0250
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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