Luke Timothy Johnson

Luke Timothy Johnson’s writings have been of great benefit for students of the New Testament and for those hoping to live by its teachings. His research concerns the literary, moral, and religious dimensions of the New Testament. A prolific author, Dr. Johnson has penned numerous scholarly articles and more than 25 books. His 1986 book The Writings of the New Testament: An Interpretation, now in its second edition, is widely used in seminaries and departments of religion throughout the world. He serves as the Robert W. Woodruff Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at Candler School of Theology, Emory University. A former Benedictine monk, Dr. Johnson also possesses keen insight into issues related to Christian spirituality and practice. In books like, Scripture and Discernment, Faith’s Freedom, and Living Jesus, Johnson brings the wealth of his perspectives to the practical matters of faith.

Patrick Keifert

Patrick Keifert is professor of Systematic Theology at Luther Seminary, St Paul, MN. From its beginnings as a North American conversation, Pat has been an influential voice in the missional church movement. His commitment to helping churches and their leaders adapt in a new era of missional engagement is seen most clearly in his work as President of Church Innovations, a non-profit organization that views the congregation as the prime location for doing theology. Congregations around the world from various traditions have participated in the Church Innovations process, Partnership for Missional Church, which helps congregations discern their vocation of service to the world in service of the Mission of God. His writings include, Welcoming the Stranger  and We are Here Now.

Rubel Shelly

Rubel Shelly an author, minister, and the current president of Rochester College. He served as Senior Minister for the Family of God at Woodmont Hills in Nashville, Tennessee, from 1978 to 2005. During that time, he also taught at David Lipscomb University, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Tennessee State University. He has filled adjunct positions at Pepperdine University, Abilene Christian University, Emmanuel Seminary and Kentucky Christian College. He became Visiting Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Rochester College, located in Rochester Hills, Michigan, in 2005, and began full-time duties there in June of 2006.

In addition to church and academic responsibilities, Shelly has worked actively with such community projects as Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, From Nashville With Love, Metro (Nashville) Public Schools, Faith Family Medical Clinic, and Operation Andrew Ministries.

He is the author or co-author of more than 30 books, including several which have been translated into languages such as Korean, Japanese, Portuguese, French, and Russian. He has published widely in religious journals.

Shelly has done short-term work in such places as Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Brazil, Honduras, Germany, Bulgaria, Croatia, Russia, Ukraine, Poland, and the Czech Republic.  

Kim Seidman

Kim Seidman  is an Episcopal priest serving a congregation in Denver, Colorado. Originally from Texas, Kim is a graduate of Abilene Christian University, Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and Virginia Theological Seminary. Raised in the Churches of Christ, Kim is deeply grateful to her former tradition for raising her in faith and instilling a deep love for Scripture and the church. During the course of her theological studies, she explored various expressions of Christianity and discovered her spiritual home in the Anglican tradition. Drawn to the beautiful liturgy and called to a sacramental ministry, she loves being an Episcopal priest while embracing opportunities to engage the larger body of Christ.

Jerry Taylor

Jerry Taylor serves on the Bible, Missions, and Ministry faculty at Abilene Christian University. He joined the faculty after being involved in congregational ministry in Georgia, North Carolina and Texas. He graduated from Southwestern Christian College with a bachelor’s degree in Bible in 1984. He received his Master of Divinity degree in 1988 as well as his Doctor of Ministry degree in 1995 from Southern Methodist University. He is one of the organizers of the annual New Wineskins Ministers Retreat. Jerry and his wife, Patricia, have two children: Alisha and Jeremiah. Jerry is widely known as a gifted preacher, bringing together deep insights from Scripture with the best of the African-American homiletical tradition.