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The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
ACSI Statement Regarding the Recent Attack on U.S. Capitol
Leading Christ-centered education toward excellence and flourishing
We want all schools to aspire to, achieve, and remain committed to a biblically-based philosophy of education, standards that are measurable, and flourishing-related criteria. ACSI strives to lead, support, and serve Christian schools, and educators, by placing them on a path of growth and flourishing using the research-based Flourishing Schools Initiative. This model should link leadership and faculty professional development accreditation, and every culture-driving component of a school. A common philosophy, and a flourishing-based metric, would unify our efforts of advancing Christian schools and educators.
Making Christ-centered education available and obtainable
ACSI is committed to making Kingdom education available to as many children and families as desire it, believing that such an education offers students an opportunity to grow in a loving relationship with their Creator, come to know His saving work through Jesus, and flourish in His Ephesians 2:10 calling for their lives. This commitment requires removing barriers to access for those who traditionally have not benefited from Christian school, as well as seeking out new ways to create access points to Kingdom education and the ability to thrive and be successful in that education—for all those who desire it.
Promoting and protecting Christ-centered education for today and tomorrow
As the largest evangelical Christian school association in the world, ACSI is by default viewed as the spokesperson for Christian schooling in the public square. In order to discharge this responsibility with excellence and seasoned speech (Colossians 4:6), and to equip our member schools to do the same, ACSI must invest in developing public-facing resources and forming strategic relationships with those working in the area of advocacy for Christian Education and for religious liberty.
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP | JANUARY 19, 2021
The Paradox Principle in the Gospel and Athletics
JUSTIN MCGEE
The Bible is full of mind-bending, seemingly nonsensical phrases that, on the surface, contradict themselves. For example, in Matthew 16:25 Jesus says, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” In 2 Corinthians 12:9 the Apostle Paul writes, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” And in Philippians 3:7, Paul also writes, “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.”
CULTURE AND COMMUNITY | JANUARY 12, 2021
Nationwide-Data on Christian Schools Yields 2020-2021 Profile
BECKI RUST
With 2020 thankfully behind us, and looking forward with hope in this New Year, we have once again asked our blog authors to share their top picks of books they are currently reading. Here is a selection of their favorites for 2021, along with a brief quote on why they recommend them.
ACSI Announces Key Changes to Communication and Engagement Staff Structure
As part of its strategic restructuring, Larry Lincoln is appointed as the association’s Chief Communication and Engagement Officer. Also, under Lincoln’s leadership, ACSI is combining the Communication Department, the Care Team (an internal group dedicated to providing outstanding member, customer, and stakeholder support), and marketing functions into the new Office of Communication and Engagement. The changes are a result of consolidation and redeployment of existing staff brought about by the association’s Strategic Plan and are designed to enhance member experience and create increased alignment with the plan.
Lincoln will focus on telling the story of ACSI and its member schools and advancing the association’s communication to key stakeholders. He will oversee all marketing, communication, and brand management while developing engagement strategies to enhance member experience.
A member of the President’s Advisory Team, Lincoln joined ACSI in 2018 as Director of Communication.
He brings an extensive background in strategic communication, marketing, and engagement to his new role. A 22-year U.S. Air Force veteran, Lincoln served primarily in public affairs and crisis communication management. Upon leaving the military, he served in several senior communication roles, including: Director of Global Communication at the International Bible Society (now known as Biblica); Director of Public Relations for Habitat for Humanity International; and Chief Communication Officer for the Navigators.
Prior to joining ACSI, he served as Director of External Affairs for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at its largest region in the Southeast, and led strategic communication, outreach, and engagement to more than 60 million stakeholders, and more than 80 members of Congress.
Lincoln has been married to his wife Dyxie for 29 years and together they have three sons.
In a related move, Caitlyn Berman will assume duties as Public and Media Relations Coordinator. In this key role, Berman will coordinate the development and implementation of focused local and global media strategies to elevate the cause of Christian education, the work of the association and its members, and will work closely with the Legal Legislative department to promote advocacy initiatives. Berman previously provided marketing and communication support for ACSI Professional Development department programs designed to strengthen schools and equip educators. She will begin her new role on November 1, 2020.
ACSI President Dr. Larry Taylor expressed anticipation and confidence in this move’s potential to increase member benefits through a renewed focus on communication and engagement. “Larry is an exceptional communications strategist and leader with a track record of developing and leading high-performing teams that enable organizations to deepen their engagement with stakeholders and drive outcomes,” he said. “I’m confident that both he and Caitlyn will make significant contributions to ACSI and more importantly to our members by telling more of their stories, as well as sharing information about ACSI people and programs to key stakeholders.”
“It’s a tremendous honor to step into this role,” Lincoln said. “I am blessed to work alongside such dedicated staff and leadership and consider it a privilege to support the association and our schools to promote the cause of Christian education. I look forward to expanding opportunities to enhance association visibility and engagement to our members and other key stakeholders.”
About ACSI:
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., 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 by offering 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.
For more information on the ministry, visit www.ACSI.org or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ACSIUSA or on Twitter at @ACSIUSA
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