Remembering Dr. Jeff Mattner

By: Caitlyn Harding

Dr. Jeff Mattner’s life was an authentic testimony of faithfulness, service, and deep commitment to God’s calling, specifically through Christ-centered education.

For 14 years, Jeff served at the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), investing his time, gifts, and wisdom into hundreds of Christian schools. His steady devotion and graceful presence offered reassurance, counsel, and direction.

“Jeff was a servant leader and a true brother in Christ,” said ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor. “His legacy will continue throughout generations, both through his own family and through his ACSI family across the globe. We have been tremendously touched by his dedication.”

Leading ACSI’s Central Division, formerly the ACSI Mid-America Region, Jeff selflessly made himself available to schools who needed board training, guidance through issues, and the like.

"Jeff was one of the most dedicated and hardworking individuals I’ve ever had the privilege to work alongside,” said ACSI Vice President of USA, Dr. David Balik. “He had a heart of gold and was deeply admired by everyone who knew him, especially those in the 600+ schools across the Central Division he served so faithfully.”

Of Jeff’s many positive character traits, Balik shared that his unwavering commitment to ACSI’s mission stands out.

“Jeff will be profoundly missed. His impact will resonate for years to come,” Balik said.

"Last fall, Jeff shared his plans to retire, and we prayerfully began an intentional search for his successor, with the goal of a transition beginning in the summer of 2026. We hope to share more information soon."

Joining ACSI in 2011, Jeff brought with him decades of service in Christian schools. His love for education began in the classroom, where he taught junior high at Brookdale Christian School (BCS) in New Jersey. He covered a span of subjects including history, math, science, and Bible.

Jeff rose quickly through the ranks, being promoted at BCS to assistant principal, and then to principal.  He went on to serve as the superintendent at two Christian schools (in IL and IN).

He described his walk with the Lord by recounting, “I think of God’s faithfulness, how he opened my eyes to the truth. He did for me what I could not do for myself.”

Jeff accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior in early fall of his senior year of high school. After working a summer job packing books for what he later learned was a Christian book publishing company, he was “exposed to books and stories” he never knew before.

These titles included, “The Hiding Place,” and “Born Again.” Bringing these books home to read, Jeff discovered they had a profound impact on him.

On September 17, 1976, Jeff began a journey that would fill his life with purpose and passion.

He attended a state college for one year, becoming heavily involved with Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship. After experiencing wonderful Christian fellowship, he decided he wanted more training and enrolled in the Christian university, Nyack College.

“I devoted my life to full-time Christian service, desiring that the Lord use even me,” he said.

The heart for Christian education and of full-time service to God was one his wife, Wendy, shared. Together, the couple raised 3 children, all of whom have attended Christian schools.

As Jeff said himself, “God’s calling does not come from a loud voice or circumstances, but rather, a gentle leading from the Holy Spirit as one lives in obedience to the Lord and His word.”

This obedience was apparent throughout every stage of Jeff’s personal and professional journey. From his time early on in his career serving as an adjunct professor at Nyack College, to serving as a member of the Advisory Board of the Mid-Atlantic Christian School Association and as Chairman of the Executive Council of the New Jersey Christian School Association, Jeff led with a God-given grace.

While he will be deeply missed by all whose lives were impacted by him, Jeff never waivered from his commitment to serving God.

As stated on his resume, his objective was as follows:

“To glorify God using my talents, abilities, and experience gleaned from years in the Christian school to provide visionary leadership, wise consultation, and pastoral and collegial support to member schools for the Association of Christian Schools International.”

He not only met but surpassed this goal, forever changing the lives of hundreds of people for eternity.

There is no doubt that Jeff’s legacy will continue in the lives of the students, faculty, school leadership, colleagues, and family that he inspired.

“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’” –Matthew 25:23