Category: Parenting

Cofounder David Eaton steps into role of chief visionary for Axis as new CEO

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – David Eaton, one of the founders of Axis 16 years ago, has been appointed the ministry’s new CEO. He transitions from the role of president to take over casting and carrying out the vision of the organization that has helped nearly 1 million families guide their children through the challenges of pop culture to develop and grow their relationship with Jesus Christ.

“I’m so excited about the future of Axis. Every day our team wakes up and thinks about the parents and the tweens and teens in their families and in their care,” he said. “We research, we pray, we curate, we debate and we make resources just for those parents so they can have ‘one conversation’ with their kids -- one conversation that is ongoing, continuous and unending.”

Axis resources for parents include parenting guides, conversation kits and its Culture Translator, a weekly tool that translates pop culture to help parents and caring adults understand and disciple their teenagers.

“Each week, our team researches culture to help parents stay up to date on the music, movies, TV shows and social media trends impacting their kids’ world,” Eaton explained. “I want parents to know one simple truth: We believe in you. You have what it takes to influence, mentor and disciple GenZ.

“Axis is in your corner as your ‘research assistant’ to help you be confident, ready and ahead.”

Timothy Jenkins, president of the Axis board, said he and his fellow directors are “inspired by David’s vision to exponentially expand Axis’ reach and impact.”

“David has been the face of Axis for years and has tirelessly built relationships that have enabled our growth,” Jenkins said. “More importantly, David is passionate about connecting parents and their teen and pre-teen children through conversation.”

In a corresponding move for the ministry, veteran staffer Toben Heim has assumed the position of Axis’ chief operating officer.

“I will focus on the day-to-day operations of Axis,” he said, “with a particular eye towards culture as we seek to make Axis a great place to work with a team that can accomplish great things, helping parents and kids connect on difficult issues with an eye towards the Gospel.”

Eaton said one thing that won’t change for Axis, though, is its commitment to giving parents and mentors hope by being their guide through culture into conversation around Jesus.

“The empirical evidence is clear,” he noted. “No one is as influential as moms and dads in the life of kids. No church, school, camp, app, coach, college, pastor, teacher etc. All of these institutions and people are awesome, but their influence pales into virtual insignificance compared to parents.

“As we move into the next era at Axis, we want more parents to belong to our community and to experience Gospel transformation in their families.”

Axis Publishing Partnership With Jude 3 Project

Axis Publishing Partnership With Jude 3 Project (May 11, 2022)

Axis is pleased to announce that it will be partnering with Jude 3 Project to produce resources around the themes of how parents can respond when their kids leave the church and on LGBTQ issues. There are issues near and dear to both ministries and the partnership will allow for a greater impact across a broad audience.

Toben Heim, Chief Publishing Officer for Axis says, “What an amazing opportunity to partner with a truly committed and passionate group to produce best in class resources on difficult topics that most Christian parents face. We have a deep desire to see the church retain Gen Z students, and we continue to see an increase in the need for conversations around sexuality and gender.”

Lisa V. Fields, the Founder and President of the Jude 3 Project comments, “We are excited to partner with Axis. I can’t wait to see what the Lord does with it and how parents and children will be impacted.” The first projects from this partnership will be released in early quarter 4, 2022 and will include both video Conversation Kits meant to be viewed by parents and their kids and Parent Guides that will equip parents for these important conversations. All products will be distributed digitally.

Axis Statement on CEO's Departure, Strength of Vision Moving Forward

The board of directors and senior leadership of Axis announced today the departure of co-founding CEO Jeremiah Callihan. In a letter to staff addressing his stepping down, Callihan said he has experienced "a major pivot ... and God's been behind it.” It has caused him, he said, to "identify more of God's purpose for the second half of my life," a journey he said he looks forward to pursuing with his wife and children.

He stressed the importance of Axis' work and said he counts himself fortunate that he still gets to watch that work as a fan and a user of Axis resources.

"Axis is such a vital ministry to this world," he wrote in part. "The next generation needs Jesus. Teenagers need strong connections with their parents. Caring adults need to know that there's a group like Axis in their corner thinking about them and ready to help on a whim."

David Eaton, who founded Axis with Callihan in 2007, said he is "deeply grateful for Jeremiah's unique contributions to Axis over the years."

"On behalf of the board of directors and leadership team at Axis, we wish Jeremiah well on his new ventures," Eaton said. "As we look ahead to the future growth of this ministry, we are humbly grateful for the work of those who have gone before us and those who are to come. Axis is poised for exponential growth and impact to families around the world.”

Axis Publishing Partnership With Tyndale House

Axis is excited to announce a new partnership with Tyndale House Publishers to produce 25 of the popular Parent Guide's line in print for distribution anywhere books are sold. Covering topics from Social Media and Mental health to Sexuality and Gender, this partnership will allow parents and caring adults to get these helpful resources in their hands, making it easy to engage and share.

Axis President David Eaton states, "This partnership is an amazing opportunity to take some of our most popular digital products and get them into print. We hope that these new books will get into the hands of parents who want to be up to date on everything going on in the culture their kids are growing up in."

Tyndale House Publisher Linda Howards says, "We are thrilled to be entering this publishing partnership with Axis and bring their life-changing resources to parents. I don't think it is possible to overstate the importance of strong communication between parents and their teens. It is an honor for us to help Axis build strong, healthy families."

These products will begin to release in the fall of 2022 and will be available wherever books are sold.