Elected on October 15, 2012, Dr. Jason K. Allen serves as the fifth president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, in Kansas City, Mo., and is one of the youngest presidents in all of American higher education. Since coming to Midwestern Seminary, he has led the institution to become one of the largest and fastest growing seminaries in North America.

In addition to his role as President, Dr. Allen serves the institution in the classroom, as professor for preaching and pastoral ministry. More broadly, he serves the church through his preaching and writing ministries as well. He is the author of two recently-released books, The SBC & the 21^st Century (B&H Publishing) and Discerning Your Call to Ministry (Moody Publishing). Dr. Allen regularly posts essays on his website, jasonkallen.com, and hosts a weekly podcast, “Preaching & Preachers,” which can also be found at jasonkallen.com.

Before coming to Midwestern Seminary, Dr. Allen served as a pastor, and as a senior administrator at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Ky. He and his wife, Karen, are both from Mobile, Ala., and have five children: Anne-Marie, Caroline, William, Alden, and Elizabeth.

Samuel Bierig serves as Vice President of Undergraduate Studies, Dean of Spurgeon College, and Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Spurgeon College. Dr. Bierig teaches Hermeneutics and Biblical Theology and gives oversight to the many and varied programs, teams, and curriculum that comprises Spurgeon College. Sam has served as an elder at Liberty Baptist Church where he and Mallory are church members and was a Student Pastor for six years in Arkansas. Sam completed his Ph.D. in Biblical Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he wrote his dissertation on hermeneutics and the interpretation of the book of Proverbs. Sam also holds degrees from Southern Seminary and Ouachita Baptist University. He has written a devotional on Jonah, a book for pastors titled “No Neutral Words: The Pastor’s Investment and Stewardship of His Most Precious and Powerful Tool”, and a book for student pastors titled “Fulfill Your *Student Ministry: A Manifesto and Field Guide”. He is a regular contributor at ftc.co.

He is happily married to Mallory, and they have four children: Abby, Levi, Owen, and Piper.

Taylor DiRoberto serves as Assistant Dean of Spurgeon College, Director of Accelerate, and Assistant Professor of Christian Studies. As Assistant Dean, he oversees Spurgeon College’s residential cohort system focused on enhanced discipleship and intentional community. As Director of Accelerate, DiRoberto directly oversees Spurgeon & Midwestern’s 5-year dual degree programs. As a local church pastor, DiRoberto has served as an Associate Pastor, Lead Church Planter, and Elder. He currently serves as one of the elders at Northside Fellowship in Kansas City, MO.

Having earned a B.A. in Religious Studies from Washington University in St. Louis and a M.Div. from Midwestern Seminary, DiRoberto is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies (Old Testament) at Midwestern.

Taylor is happily married to Sara, and they have two daughters.

Local Church: Northside Fellowship, Kansas City, MO

Jason Duesing serves as the Provost, Senior Vice President for Academic Administration, and Professor of Historical Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He came to MBTS after serving for more than a decade on the administrative leadership team and faculty at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Duesing earned his Ph.D. in Historical Theology and Baptist Studies from Southwestern Seminary in 2008. He also holds a M.Div. from Southeastern Seminary and a B.A. in Speech Communications from Texas A&M University in College Station. Duesing is married to Kalee, and together they have four children.

Dr. Andrew M. King serves as Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College and Assistant Dean of Spurgeon College. He earned his M.Div. and Ph.D. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Mississippi State University.

Dr. King’s research interests include Prophetic Literature, particularly The Book of the Twelve (Minor Prophets), theological interpretation, OT social ethics, and biblical theology. He is the author of Social Identity and the Book of Amos (T&T Clark, 2020) and is currently writing a commentary on Hosea in the Pillar Old Testament Commentary series (Eerdmans, forthcoming).

He has also edited books such as The Law, The Prophets, and The Writings: Studies in Evangelical Old Testament Hermeneutics in Honor of Duane A. Garrett (B&H, 2021) and Five Views on Christ in the Old Testament: Genre, Authorial Intent, and the Nature of Scripture (Zondervan, 2022). He serves as a General Editor for the Christian Standard Commentary (CSC) series.

Dr. King serves as a co-director of Every Voice: A Center for Kingdom Diversity in Christian Theological Education. He is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, the Institute for Biblical Research, and the Evangelical Theological Society.

He has participated in several seasons of excavation at the archaeological site of Tel Dan in northern Israel.

He is married to Lauren and together they have four children. He is a member of Emmaus Church in Kansas City.

Coach Billy Livezey came to Spurgeon College in May of 2022. The 2022-2023 season was Coach Livezey’s first season with the Knights. Livezey took over a basketball program that previously won five games in three seasons before his arrival. In his first season with the Knights, he brought an intense and tough style of play to the court. This “play the right way” team-first culture, resulted in the men’s basketball program breaking all the previous team records in Spurgeon College history. In their historic season, the Knights won 14 games and were ranked 7th nationally in the power rankings heading into the last week of the regular season.

In Livezey’s first season with Spurgeon College, he was named the Coach of the Year. In that same season, the Knights had two players earn All-Region and one All-American award. The team set Spurgeon College team records in every statistical category imaginable, including Points, PPG, FGM, FG%, 3PTM, 3PT%, FTM, FT%, Rebounds, Assists, Steals, and Blocks. Livezey coached one of the most high-octane offenses in all of college basketball while running the #1 scoring offense in the country. The Knights led the nation in several statistical categories, including 1st in Scoring (PPG 96.7), 5th in Scoring Margin, 1st in Made threes (13 Per Game), 3rd in 3PT%, 2nd in Rebounding (41.9 RPG), 4th in Forced TOs, 3rd in TO margin, 6th in Assists, and 4th in Steals. The Spurgeon College Knights finished the regular season 14-8 before losing in the 2023 Southwest Regional Championship Tournament to end the year.

Prior to his days in Kansas City, Livezey coached at Cairn University, where Jason O’Connell mentored him. While at Cairn University, he was a part of the most historic run-in school history. He helped lead the Highlanders to their first CSAC regular season championship, first CSAC conference championship, first NCAA national tournament appearance, and the most wins in the university’s history. During his time at Cairn, they were #1 overall in the CSAC in PPG, FG%, 3FG%, FG% Defense, and RPG. They were also Top 25 in the NCAA DIII (416 teams) in at least 8 different statistical categories, including 2nd in Total Rebounds (1257), 4th in Rebounding Margin (+11), 6th in Offensive Rebounds Per Game (15.59), 15th in Scoring Offense (88.0), and 23rd in Assists (455). Off the court, Cairns men’s basketball teams were awarded the CSAC 3-D Award (Discover, Develop, Dedicate), the NABC Team Academic Excellence Award, and 7 players were recognized on the National Association of Basketball Coaches Honors Court. Livezey also coached at Oklahoma Panhandle State University. At OPSU, Livezey joined a program that was 0-20 in the Sooner Athletic Conference the season before he came aboard. In his first season there, Livezey helped lead the Aggies to the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament Playoffs and run one of the most efficient teams in the SAC that season. The Aggies led the SAC in forced turnovers, forced steals, steals per game, offensive rebounds per game, and turnover margin.

Livezey started coaching basketball at Katahdin High School, Dayspring Christian Academy, and the Alexander Basketball Academy. At ABA, he coached and mentored more than 100 of the top international student-athletes from more than 35 different countries.

Livezey earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from Lancaster Bible College. He went on to earn his Master of Science in Organizational Leadership at Cairn University. In the four seasons that Livezey competed as a Men’s basketball student-athlete, he was a part of four conference championship games and three national tournament appearances. As the team captain for the LBC Chargers, he was one of two athletes in the history of LBC athletics to win two Conference Championships and appear in two NCAA National Tournaments. Livezey was born and raised in the state of Maine, where he competed as an athlete in football, basketball, and baseball.

Billy and his wife, Eliana, currently reside in Kansas City, Missouri. Eliana also serves the men’s basketball program as the Media Director.

Dr. Millsap serves as Dean of Library Services and Associate Professor of Christian Studies. Following the completion of his Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Millsap joined the faculty of Midwestern in 2015. He also earned the M.Div. degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2006 and a B.S. in Business Administration from Arkansas Tech University in 2003.

In addition to pursuing additional studies in library and information sciences, Dr. Millsap’s research interests include the intersection of theology and popular culture, as evidenced by his dissertation, “Playing with God: A Theoludological Framework for Dialogue with Video Games.” While at Southwestern, Dr. Millsap taught undergraduate courses such as Virtues of Godly Character, Disciple Making, and was a lecturer in master’s-level Systematic Theology courses. He sees the professor in a seminary setting uniquely suited both to equip ministers for God’s service and to shepherd them spiritually toward that purpose through demonstrating the connection between theological studies and the life of faith, through mentoring and leading by example. For Dr. Millsap, the classroom is the primary locus of intersection between belief, knowledge, and action.

Dr. Millsap is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society, the Popular Culture Association, and American Mensa. He is married to Susan and together they have three children.

Erik Odegard serves Spurgeon College as Assistant Professor of Intercultural Studies and Director of
Fusion, which equips and sends students to make disciples in hard places alongside IMB missionaries. He
is a two-time graduate of Midwestern, holding a BA in Christian Ministry (Cross-Cultural Studies
Concentration) and a Master of Theological Studies.

Erik and his wife, Morgan, live in Kansas City with their children, Emma and Owen, and have been happy
members of Cross Fellowship Church since 2013.

Dr. Camden Pulliam serves as Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, as well as Vice President of Enrollment Management, at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary & Spurgeon College. In the latter role, he oversees Admissions and Financial Aid efforts for the institution.

Dr. Pulliam earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and Psychology from Southwest Baptist University in 2010 and a Master of Divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2013. In 2020, he completed his Ph.D. at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; his dissertation is titled Paternal Pastors: An Evangelical Approach.

Before coming to Midwestern in 2013, Dr. Pulliam served on staff at churches in Indiana and Missouri as well as at his alma mater, SBU. He and his wife, Mallory, have three children – Hudson, Hallie, and Brooks.

Coach Risher is the director of athletics and head men’s soccer coach at Spurgeon College. He played Division I soccer at Marshall University and then transferred to Coastal Carolina University, where he graduated. Risher helped Coastal Carolina win two conference championships and two NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearances. Coastal Carolina led the nation in scoring in both years that he played, and Coach Risher contributed five goals in his two years there. In 2019, he graduated from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with his Master of Divinity and is currently in the doctoral program. Coach Risher is passionate about discipleship and looks forward to the opportunity to impact the Kingdom through soccer.

Coach Risher is married to Bethany, and they have one daughter, Noelle.

Tyler M. Rosas serves as the coordinator of the B.A. in Graphic Design program as well as assistant professor of Graphic Design.

Before joining the faculty, Mr. Rosas served the seminary community as the Housing and Community Relations Coordinator. Before moving to Kansas City, he served on the collegiate and young adult staff with The Navigators as well as on the pastoral staff at Northwest Bible Church in Houston, Texas. Since moving to Kansas City in 2019, he has been grateful to serve on the pastoral team at Northland Baptist Church.

Mr. Rosas earned a B.S. in Visualization Studies from Texas A&M University, a M.A. in Art & Technology from the University of Texas at Dallas, and a M.F.A in Visualization Science from Texas A&M University. His M.F.A. thesis was titled, “3D Digital Interactive Art Based on the Spiritual Blindness of the Twelve Apostles.” Mr. Rosas is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Applied Theology with an emphasis in Leadership at Midwestern Seminary.

He is married to Abby, and they have two boys, Titus and Ezekiel. He and his family enjoy spending time together by watching movies, doing CrossFit, remodeling their home, and serving in their church.

Dr. Charles Smith serves as Senior Vice President for Institutional Relations and Assistant Professor of Christian Leadership. He assumed this role on Nov. 1, 2012.

Previously, he was the Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Southern Seminary from 2009-2012, where he led development efforts, the Alumni Relations Department, worked with Southern’s Board of Trustees & Foundation Board and developed comprehensive strategies to support the organization.

Dr. Smith oversees Midwestern’s offices of Admissions, Church Partnerships, Communications, Financial Aid, Institutional Relations Initiatives, and Student Life and Events.

He earned a Business Administration degree from Mississippi College in 2007, a Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2011, and a PhD from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2020.

In addition to his seminary responsibilities, Dr. Smith served in varying ministry positions at churches in Alabama, Mississippi and Kentucky.

He and his wife, Ashley, have three daughters, Ellie, Annie, and Susie.

Angela C. Swain serves as Associate Professor of Music and Director of Voices of Midwestern in the Department of Worship Ministries where she contributes to the musical preparation of musician-theologians who are called to serve, build, strengthen, and lead the church’s corporate worship among her generations, no matter her cultural song.

She holds degrees in both instrumental and vocal music education from the University of the Cumberlands (Williamsburg, KY); and a Master of Music degree in voice with additional church music and post-graduate studies toward a Doctorate in Musical Arts from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville, KY).

Professor Swain comes to the classroom with nearly 25 years of ministry experience in the local church—many of which include serving alongside her husband, Dr. Matthew Swain, in his role as worship pastor.  In addition, she has extensive experience teaching music in public, private, and performing-arts school settings as well as the university level (Eastern KY University, Corbin; Boyce College, Louisville) and still holds a valid teaching certificate, as well.  Angela is a saxophonist, percussionist, and pianist, but her primary role is one of voice instructor, and her passion includes assisting those called to serve the church through singing, teaching, and preaching to steward this tool in healthful ways which transcends musical styles or vocal demands.

Outside the voice studio, Mrs. Swain can be found coaching chapel band and special event worship teams, directing “Voices of Midwestern,” leading Worship Studio Laboratory for Worship majors and minors, and can also be found teaching MWI courses for women—all while discipling and building relationships with female students and student wives across the campus.

Above all, Angela delights in her role as wife to Dr. Swain and mother to two young children. She enjoys spending time with them along with their menagerie of pets.  Together, they enjoy season passes to the KC Zoo, Science City, The KC Symphony, the Gladstone Community Center and much more.  They also enjoy day trips to cozy, small towns for local grub along with frequent visits to Trader Joe’s or IKEA.

Professor Swain is also available to lead worship for women’s ministry events both local and afar.  Simply contact her for more information.

Coach Will is now entering her second year of coaching our women’s program at Spurgeon College. Coach Will played four years at Grace University in Omaha, Nebraska where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Intercultural Studies with a focus on teaching English as a Second Language. A graduate of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with her Master’s Degree in Theological Studies, Coach Will works within our athletic department as they strive to build the Kingdom through athletics. Coach Will is an active member of her local Church, as well as an active member of the soccer coaching community of Kansas City. Coach Will recently received her National D Coaching License through U.S. Soccer.

Coach Will loves the sport of soccer and the opportunities it opens to honor the Lord and love people well. “God has used soccer in my own life to teach me and transform me, and I am excited for the opportunity to help build a program that incorporates the competitive sport of soccer, and each player’s relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Coach Will is looking for student athletes who are leaders, coachable, competitive, and most importantly who love Jesus and desire to serve and glorify Him.

Dr. Achucarro is the Assistant Director of Spanish Studies and Assistant Professor of Christian studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He earned the Bachelor of Arts in accounting at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, and M.Div., Th.M. and D.Min. degrees from Midwestern Seminary. His dissertation was titled: “A Strategy for Growth through Small Groups in Homes for Casa de Gracia Baptist Church in Liberty, Missouri.” He is currently pursuing a Ph.D.

In 2018, he planted a Hispanic church, Iglesia Bautista Casa de Gracia, in Kansas City’s Northland. Before moving to Kansas City, he served as the Hispanic Church Planter Developer for the Baptist Convention of Iowa (2016-2018). Additionally, he served as a church planter in Iowa and Utah from 2008-2016, where he planted four churches, and from 2002 to 2008, he served as worship music minister at churches in California and Kansas City.

Dr. Achucarro is originally from Paraguay, and he lives in Kansas City with his wife, Mabel, and their three children: Alexandra, Ezequiel, and Rebekah. They also have two granddaughters.

Marshall Adkins serves as Assistant Professor of Biblical Counseling and Assistant Director of the Center for Biblical Counseling at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Before coming to Midwestern, he served as Pastor of Adult Discipleship at Parkway Baptist Church in Bardstown, Kentucky. He is a certified biblical counselor with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).

Marshall holds a B.A. in Psychology from Ohio Christian University in Circleville, Ohio; a M.Div. from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia; a MBA from Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky; and a Th.M. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is currently writing his dissertation in pursuit of the Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling at Midwestern.

Marshall is married to Rachael, and they have three children: Paisley, Hadley, and Knox.

Dr. Akright serves Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College as Director of Instructional Design and Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies. Dr. Akright earned his M.Div., Th.M. (Pedagogy) and Ph.D. (Biblical Studies – New Testament) from Midwestern. While pursuing his doctorate, he began teaching at the seminary as an adjunct instructor in 2013. Dr. Brett Akright moved from Instructional Designer to Director of Instructional Design for the Global Campus to lead the instructional design team and maintain Global Campus courses and resources. He has a desire for students to “grow in the grace and knowledge” of Christ through the diligent study of God’s Word. Developing online courses and teaching grant him this opportunity.

Dr. Akright and his wife, Mindy, have five children and two grandchildren. They attend Antioch Bible Baptist Church where they help lead their small group.

Christy Allen serves as Assistant Professor of Ministry to Women, and Faculty Co-Coordinator, Ministry to Women Programs. Professor Allen holds a ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary with a concentration in Bible Exposition and Christian Education, a Master’s in Christian Education from Jacksonville Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Jacksonville University. She is currently working on a PhD in Applied Theology at MBTS.

Professor Allen has been connecting deeply with women, teaching, developing resources, and putting on conferences for women for over 25 years. She served as a missionary in South Asia for 14 years, working with women who had been trafficked, abused, and oppressed. She loves doing ministry with her husband and mothering her two children, Claire and Joe.

Elected on October 15, 2012, Dr. Jason K. Allen serves as the fifth president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, in Kansas City, Mo., and is one of the youngest presidents in all of American higher education. Since coming to Midwestern Seminary, he has led the institution to become one of the largest and fastest growing seminaries in North America.

In addition to his role as President, Dr. Allen serves the institution in the classroom, as professor for preaching and pastoral ministry. More broadly, he serves the church through his preaching and writing ministries as well. He is the author of two recently-released books, The SBC & the 21^st Century (B&H Publishing) and Discerning Your Call to Ministry (Moody Publishing). Dr. Allen regularly posts essays on his website, jasonkallen.com, and hosts a weekly podcast, “Preaching & Preachers,” which can also be found at jasonkallen.com.

Before coming to Midwestern Seminary, Dr. Allen served as a pastor, and as a senior administrator at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Ky. He and his wife, Karen, are both from Mobile, Ala., and have five children: Anne-Marie, Caroline, William, Alden, and Elizabeth.

Dr. Joe M. Allen III serves as Assistant Professor of Missions at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Theology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Th.M. in World Missions and Historical Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Georgia.

From 2007 to 2021, Dr. Allen and his family served with the IMB in South Asia in Muslim and Hindu contexts. As a field worker, team leader, and then assistant cluster leader, he led his team in evangelism, pastor training, church planting, literature production, and relief work.

Dr. Allen is the author of a series of theology books for kids called “Big Thoughts for Little Thinkers,” which includes The Trinity, The Gospel, The Scripture, and The Mission. He also wrote a gospel tract called, “Welcome to Heaven,” which has been printed over 10 million times and translated into more than 20 languages. His research interests include Trinitarianism, missiology, Islam, evangelism, and cross-cultural studies.

Dr. Allen titled his dissertation, “Soteriological Adoption for Muslim Evangelism: Engaging Muslims with the Trinitarian Love of God.”

He is married to Christy, and they have two children, Claire and Joe IV. He loves drawing, reading, traveling, and writing in his spare time

Dr. Steve Andrews is Senior Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament at Midwestern Seminary, where he has served since 1998. He received the Doctor of Philosophy degree from Hebrew Union College—Jewish Institute of Religion, the Th.M. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, the M.Div. from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Theological Seminary), and the B.A. from Carson-Newman College. Before coming to Midwestern, Andrews was Associate Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Southeastern Seminary. Andrews has co-authored the Holman OT Commentary on 1 & 2 Samuel (with Robert D. Bergen), which has also been translated into Korean for the Main Idea series. Dr. Andrews translated Zephaniah for the Holman Christian Standard Bible and edited Ezekiel for the same volume. He has contributed chapters in the The Biblical World and Its Impact: Precept and Praxis (Eisenbrauns) and The World of Jesus and the Early Church (Hendrickson).

Additionally, Dr. Andrews has presented papers at annual meetings of the International Society of Biblical Literature and the Evangelical Theological Society. He has published articles and book reviews in books, journals, and dictionaries, including IVP’s Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch and The Encyclopedia of Hebrew Language and Linguistics and Baker Illustrated Bible Dictionary. He currently serves as Executive Editor of the Journal for the Evangelical Study of the Old Testament, an open access journal (www.jesot.org) and its associated Law, Prophets, and Writings blog (www.lawprophetsandwritings.org). In other ministry service, Andrews has pastored four churches and served as interim/transitional pastor for another 15 churches. In addition, he has spoken in a number of academic and Bible conferences. Andrews has contributed to SBC denominational publications such as Bible Studies for Life Sunday School Curriculum, Open Windows, and Deacon Magazine. He is also a frequent contributor to Lifeway’s Biblical Illustrator.

He has served as a board member of the Liberty Women’s Clinic, Liberty, Mo., and Up Next! Leadership Foundation, Kearney, Mo. He was named MBTS Professor of the Year for 2003-2004. Andrews and his wife, Tammie, are members of New Salem Baptist Church in Independence, MO. They have four children and two grandsons.

Dr. Ben Awbrey has been teaching expository preaching at Midwestern Seminary since 1996. He received the Doctor of Theology degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, with a specialization in expository preaching.  His Master of Divinity is from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, with further graduate work at Talbot Theological Seminary.  Dr. Awbrey’s Bachelor of Science degree is from the University of Central Oklahoma, where he also earned a football scholarship, beginning in his freshman year, as a walk-on defensive back. Prior to coming to Midwestern, Dr. Awbrey served as senior pastor in Oxnard, CA, and as an adjunct professor of preaching at The Master’s Seminary in Panorama City, CA. Prior to that, he held senior pastorates in Oklahoma and Louisiana.
Dr. Awbrey’s Ph.D. work concentrated on the expository preaching of John MacArthur. He has written two books on preaching, namely, How Effective Sermons Begin and How Effective Sermons Advance, both with Christian Focus Publications. He and his wife, Lisa, have two children, Eric and Lauren.

Matthew Barrett is Professor of Christian Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Credo Magazine, a publication that retrieves classical theology for the sake of cultivating reformation in the church today. He is the host of the Credo podcast and the director of the Center for Classical Theology which hosts an annual lecture the evening before ETS. You can read about why he founded Credo here. 

He is currently writing a Systematic Theology as well as a Doctrine of God for Baker Academic. He is the author of Simply Trinity: The Unmanipulated Father, Son, and Spirit (Baker), which won the Christianity Today Book of the Year award in theology. He is also the author of The Reformation as Renewal (Zondervan Academic), None Greater: The Undomesticated Attributes of God (Baker), God’s Word Alone (Zondervan), and Canon, Covenant, and Christology (IVP).

He has also edited books such as On Classical Trinitarianism (forthcoming, IVP Academic), The Doctrine on Which the Church Stands or Falls (Crossway), Reformation Theology (Crossway), Four Views on the Historical Adam (Zondervan), and he is the editor of The 5 Solas Series with Zondervan. He is the coeditor of several ongoing series, including Pillars in Christian Dogmatics (B&H Academic) and Thomas Aquinas for Protestants (Crossway).

 He is originally from California, receiving his BA from Biola University in La Mirada, CA. He received his MDiv and PhD in systematic theology from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Prior to MBTS he was Lecturer of systematic theology in London, England at Oak Hill College and Assistant Professor of Christian Studies at California Baptist University. During his time in California, he was also the senior pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church.

Dr. Barrett is passionate about the retrieval of classical theology and loves nothing more than seeing his students embrace and embody the confessional theology of Reformed orthodoxy. He is a theologian with a pastor’s heart, always eager to demonstrate how doctrine leads to doxology.

He is married to Elizabeth and they have four children. They love KC BBQ, rooting for the Chiefs and Jayhawks. Born in Los Angeles, he is also a diehard Lakers fan. You can subscribe to his newsletter where he gives regular updates on his writing. You can also subscribe to Credo to keep up with his podcasts and videos. Follow him on Twitter.

Samuel Bierig serves as Vice President of Undergraduate Studies, Dean of Spurgeon College, and Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Spurgeon College. Dr. Bierig teaches Hermeneutics and Biblical Theology and gives oversight to the many and varied programs, teams, and curriculum that comprises Spurgeon College. Sam has served as an elder at Liberty Baptist Church where he and Mallory are church members and was a Student Pastor for six years in Arkansas. Sam completed his Ph.D. in Biblical Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he wrote his dissertation on hermeneutics and the interpretation of the book of Proverbs. Sam also holds degrees from Southern Seminary and Ouachita Baptist University. He has written a devotional on Jonah, a book for pastors titled “No Neutral Words: The Pastor’s Investment and Stewardship of His Most Precious and Powerful Tool”, and a book for student pastors titled “Fulfill Your *Student Ministry: A Manifesto and Field Guide”. He is a regular contributor at ftc.co.

He is happily married to Mallory, and they have four children: Abby, Levi, Owen, and Piper.

Professor of Christian Ethics at Midwestern Seminary where he has served since 2001. He earned his undergraduate degree from Kennesaw State College and his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Since coming to MBTS, Dr. Branch has served in a variety of roles including vice president of student development (2001-2008). He currently serves as a Research Fellow in Christian Ethics for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, is a regular presenter at the Evangelical Theological Society, and frequent contributor to Baptist Press and the Missouri Baptist Pathway. In addition, he served as a chaplain in the United States Army Reserves from 2009 to 2013 and served a tour in the Middle East from 2011 to 2012. He preaches frequently and has served as interim pastor for churches in Kansas and Missouri. Dr. Branch and his wife, Lisa, have two daughters.

Jared Bumpers is the Assistant Professor of Preaching & Evangelism and FTC Cohorts Faculty Coordinator at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to joining the team at Midwestern, Jared served for over a decade as a student pastor, then as an associate pastor of preaching, at a church in southwest Missouri. He has also served as an interim pastor and spoken at numerous conferences throughout the United States.

Jared holds a B. S. in Pastoral Ministry from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri; a M.Div. from Luther Rice Seminary in Lithonia, Georgia; a Th.M. in Biblical Studies from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in Lynchburg, Virginia; and a Ph.D. in Christian Preaching from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. His doctoral research focused on the hermeneutic and homiletic of John Albert Broadus.

Jared is married to his wife, Kimberly, and they have four children: McCartnie, Rush, Maverick, and Jett.

Geoff Chang serves as Assistant Professor of Church History and Historical Theology and the Curator of the Spurgeon Library. He is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin (B.B.A.), The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Ph.D.), where he wrote his dissertation on Charles H. Spurgeon’s ecclesiology. Prior to serving at Midwestern, Geoff worked as a database consultant until he discerned a call to ministry. Since leaving the business world, he has served on the ministry staff at Houston Chinese Church (Houston, TX) and Capitol Hill Baptist Church (Washington, DC), and most recently as associate pastor at Hinson Baptist Church (Portland, OR).

He also serves the Book Review Editor for History & Historical Theology at Themelios, the academic journal for The Gospel Coalition. He has published articles for websites, journals, and magazines in the US and UK, including 9Marks, Evangelicals Now, Modern Reformation, and more. He has also served as a speaker and instructor with T4G, Simeon Trust, and other national ministries. He is the volume editor of The Lost Sermons of C.H. Spurgeon Volumes 5, 6, and 7 (B&H Academic) and the author of Spurgeon the Pastor: Recovering a Biblical and Theological Vision for Ministry (B&H Publishing).

He is married to Stephanie and they have three children. They enjoy music, good books, working around the house, exploring the outdoors, and serving their local church. You can follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

H.B. Charles, Jr. has been the pastor of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida since 2008. Over the course of H.B.’s pastorate, his love for God’s Word, the church, and lost people has resulted in joyfully balancing his pastoral responsibilities with speaking engagements in revivals, conferences, and other church events. He is married to his best friend, Crystal, and they are the proud parents of three children, H.B. Charles III, Natalie Marie and Hailey Breanne. He is author of numerous books, including On Pastoring: A Short Guide to Living, Leading, and Ministering as a Pastor and On Preaching: Personal & Pastoral Insights for the Preparation & Practice of Preaching, as well as a contributor to the Power in the Pulpit, and continues to seek further education to help fulfill his prayerful desire to write and teach alongside his calling to pastoral ministry.

Dr. Todd R. Chipman is Dean of Graduate Studies and Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His dissertation, titled “Holy Words, Holy War and Hebrews,” investigates a possible Second Temple literature background for the Epistle of Hebrews. He earned the Bachelor of Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the MA-BL, M-Div and PhD from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Chipman’s research interests include Second Temple Judaism, Biblical Theology and Greek grammar. He is the author of ScriptureStoryline, a Biblical Theology commentary available at his website scripturestoryline.com, and has published articles and book reviews in The Midwestern Journal of Theology and Expository Times. He is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Society of Biblical Literature, and has presented academic research papers at meetings of both societies.

Chipman has been the teaching pastor at The Master’s Community Church (SBC) in Kansas City, Kansas since 2000. He has served terms on the executive board of the Kansas City Kansas Baptist Association. He and his wife Julie have 7 children and advocate for foster/adoption ministry.

Hi! My name is Jason S. DeRouchie, and I serve as Research Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. My heart beats “for the Church” of Jesus both near and far, and I am delighted to serve with Midwestern’s strong, God-dependent faculty in helping to mobilize biblically faithful, Christ-exalting, globally minded Christian leaders who will seek the obedience of faith for the sake of Christ’s name among the nations. I am committed to spread a passion for God’s supremacy in all things for the joy of all people through Jesus. We glorify God most when he satisfies us most, and I seek to enter the classroom as a lead worshipper, guiding rigorous original language exegesis that leads to faithful theology, life, and ministry.

I teach both MDiv and PhD students and direct doctoral dissertations. My personal research interests include biblical hermeneutics, the New Testament use of the Old Testament, Hebrew discourse analysis, Deuteronomy, Zephaniah, the nature and relationship of the biblical covenants, seeing and savoring Jesus in all of Scripture, and the Christian’s relationship to Old Testament laws and promises. The Lord has called me to train future and current church leaders to faithfully handle the Old Testament and to help them articulate how the whole of Christian Scripture progresses, integrates, and climaxes in Christ, for the glory of God and the good of his church. I fulfill this through teaching Old Testament and biblical theology, mentoring students, leading oversees missional training and service trips, and writing clear, compelling, and faithful works that can serve the church worldwide.

I am a churchman with a heart for global missions, and my family and I are committed to regular engagement in Africa’s horn to help the church there to train her leaders, care for the poor, evangelize the lost, and reach the unreached. My wife Teresa and I have been married since 1994, and God has blessed us with six children, three of whom came from Ethiopia. Together we cherish investing in men and women who are training for ministry. As a family, we also enjoy camping, hiking, canoeing, and moose-watching, and our favorite place to get away is the north shore of Lake Superior.

Education

• BA, Taylor University
• MDiv, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
• PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
• Additional Study: Jerusalem University College, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Harvard Divinity School

Past Academic and Local Church Ministry Positions

• Instructor of Hebrew and Greek Language, Gordon College, Wenham, MA, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA (1997–2000)
• Associate Pastor for Adult Discipleship, Oak Park Baptist Church (SBC), Jeffersonville, IN (2001–2005)
• Assistant Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Northwestern College, St. Paul, MN (2005–2009)
• Adult Sunday School Teacher, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, MN (2006–2019)
• Associate Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology, Bethlehem College & Seminary, Minneapolis, MN (2009–2016)
• Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology, Bethlehem College & Seminary, Minneapolis, MN (2016–2019)
• Elder, Bethlehem Baptist Church (Converge), Minneapolis, MN (2017–2019)

Taylor DiRoberto serves as Assistant Dean of Spurgeon College, Director of Accelerate, and Assistant Professor of Christian Studies. As Assistant Dean, he oversees Spurgeon College’s residential cohort system focused on enhanced discipleship and intentional community. As Director of Accelerate, DiRoberto directly oversees Spurgeon & Midwestern’s 5-year dual degree programs. As a local church pastor, DiRoberto has served as an Associate Pastor, Lead Church Planter, and Elder. He currently serves as one of the elders at Northside Fellowship in Kansas City, MO.

Having earned a B.A. in Religious Studies from Washington University in St. Louis and a M.Div. from Midwestern Seminary, DiRoberto is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies (Old Testament) at Midwestern.

Taylor is happily married to Sara, and they have two daughters.

Local Church: Northside Fellowship, Kansas City, MO

Having come to Christ as a university student, Jeff’s passion is to strengthen and plant local churches in university communities. To that end, Jeff is the teaching pastor for Veritas Church in Iowa City (near the U of Iowa). In order to develop future leaders for church-planting in university communities, Jeff designed and directs the Veritas School of Theology (in partnership with MBTS). He also continues his work with the Hope Center in rural Zambia, teaching rural church-planters and helping care for orphans.

Jeff received his MDiv from The Master’s Seminary, and his DMin and PhD from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jeff is the author of “Gospel 101: Learning, Living & Sharing the Gospel” and “Titus: Life-Changing Truth in a World of Lies.” 

He and his wife, Teresa, have four grown children and a growing herd of grandkids.

Jason Duesing serves as the Provost, Senior Vice President for Academic Administration, and Professor of Historical Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He came to MBTS after serving for more than a decade on the administrative leadership team and faculty at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Duesing earned his Ph.D. in Historical Theology and Baptist Studies from Southwestern Seminary in 2008. He also holds a M.Div. from Southeastern Seminary and a B.A. in Speech Communications from Texas A&M University in College Station. Duesing is married to Kalee, and together they have four children.

Dr. Radu Gheorghita is a specialist in the New Testament, with additional teaching responsibilities in the Old Testament and Septuagint. He is currently professor of biblical studies. Dr. Gheorghita is a native of Romania and received the Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cluj, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. His Master of Divinity degree is from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Ill, and his Doctor of Philosophy is from the University of Cambridge, England. Dr. Gheorghita came to Midwestern from Emmanuel Bible Institute in Oradea, Romania. He currently resides in Europe and directs the Romanian DMin Program while returning annually to Kansas City to teach in Midwestern’s other academic programs.

Dr. Gheorghita’s field of research is Septuagint studies and the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament. He has a special interest in Scripture memorization, both in English and the original languages; and he is able to recite entire books of the New Testament, including 1 Timothy and the Revelation. Dr. Gheorghita is also a talented musician in both guitar and organ. He and his wife, Liz, have five children.

Dr. Gonzalez serves Midwestern Seminary as professor of biblical studies and assistant director of the school’s new Spanish Ph.D. program.

Having come to Christ the day before his 20^th birthday, Dr. Gonzalez answered God’s call to Christian vocation a year later and has served in the pastorate and theological education for almost five decades. Over the years he has pastored churches in New Mexico, Texas, and California.

Dr. Gonzalez served as professor of New Testament at Golden Gate (now Gateway) Seminary before being appointed as director of interfaith evangelism for the North American Mission Board. In 2004, he was appointed vice president for student services and professor of New Testament, and later dean for Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Throughout his ministry he has stayed committed to theological education and he also has a zealous heart for the local church. Currently, he is a writer for Lifeway Christian Resources, Bible Studies for Life Spanish Sunday School Curriculum. He also teaches adult Sunday School at his church.

Dr. Gonzalez received his B.A. from The Criswell College, a M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Th.M. from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Baylor University. He has recently authored Then Came Hispangelicals: The Rise of the Hispanic Evangelical and Why it Matters.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. Gonzalez has been a conference speaker, preacher, and teacher in both languages both at home and abroad.

Rudy and his wife, Virginia, have one son, Rudolf Uriah.

Dr. Robin Hadaway is senior professor of missions at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, having joined the faculty in 2003. Dr. Hadaway came to MBTS following 18 years of service with the IMB. During that time, Dr. Hadaway was a church planter in North Africa and Tan¬zania. His 18 years with the IMB included administrative positions such as strategy co¬ordinator, cluster leader, and finally Regional Leader for Eastern South America, with oversight of 350 missionaries in Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

In his early years, Dr. Hadaway was an officer in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Alaska and Nevada. He then became a senior pastor of churches in California and Arizona. Dr. Hadaway received the Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, the Doctor of Ministry from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, and the Doctor of Theology from the University of South Africa. He also pursued graduate work at Dallas Theological Seminary and Fuller Theological Seminary. His undergraduate degree is from Memphis State University. He is a native of Tallahassee, FL. He is married to the former Kathy Baze of Phoenix, AZ. They have three grown children.

Dr. Rodney A. Harrison serves as Professor of Christian Education at Midwestern Seminary. Dr. Harrison comes to Midwestern following a fruitful ministry in church planting and missions in California, the Dakotas, and Minnesota. Prior to coming to Midwestern, he was New Church Extension Associate for the California Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Harrison is the author of four books and has written material for LifeWay Christian Resources, The Revitalizer, and several academic journals.

Dr. Harrison holds the Bachelor of Arts degree from Dallas Baptist University, the Master of Arts in Christian Education and Doctor of Ministry in Mission Administration from Golden Gate Seminary. He has also pursued post-doctoral studies at Oxford University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Harrison is an avid motorcyclist, outdoorsman and shooting sports enthusiast. He and his wife Julie have three grown children, Joshua, Cassandra and Gabrielle.

Jennifer Hearson serves as Assistant Professor of Literature and Modern Languages and as Coordinator of the Writer’s Studio, the Writing Center at Midwestern Seminary & Spurgeon College.  She holds a Master of Arts degree in French Literature from the University of Cincinnati, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in French and Secondary Education from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois.  She began teaching at Midwestern in 2008, and she and her husband have been part of the MBTS community since 2006.

Mrs. Hearson came to Midwestern with more than a decade of experience in the classroom, most recently teaching French at an International Baccalaureate high school in the Cincinnati area. She has also volunteered in the children’s ministries of several churches over the years, and served as a parent representative on the SAGE (Students in Academically Gifted Education) Advisory Board for North Kansas City Schools from 2016 to 2020.

Professor Hearson loves seeing God at work in the lives of her students.  She takes particular joy in helping students become stronger and more confident writers, as well as in helping them connect with great literature.

She and her husband, Blake, have two daughters, Emma and Claire.

Dr. N. Blake Hearson is professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Midwestern Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. He is currently the Book Review Editor of the Midwestern Journal of Theology and served as the managing editor in the past. He has served as an associate pastor of small groups at Crossroads Community Church in Cincinnati, Ohio and been an Elder at two church plants in the Kansas City area. He earned his doctorate and a Master of Philosophy degree in Hebraic and Cognate Studies from Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, Ohio. He also holds a Master of Divinity degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts and the Master and Bachelor of Arts degrees from Wheaton College, in Wheaton, Illinois.

Hearson is a member of the faculty at Columbia Evangelical Seminary and has taught community courses at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. He has done special lectures on Sacred Space and the Dead Sea Scrolls and does occasional guest speaking at churches and conferences. He is co-editor of and contributor to the book Coffee Shop Conversations: Evangelical Perspectives on Current Issues. He has published articles and reviews, presented papers, and contributed to the Baker Illustrated Bible Dictionary. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Old Testament for the Modern English Version Bible.

He is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, the Evangelical Theological Society, the National Association of Professors of Hebrew, and the Institute for Biblical Research. His research interests include Old Testament Theology, Early Rabbinic Interpretation, Sacred Space in the Bible, the prophetic books, and Ecclesiastes.

He and his wife, Jennifer, have two daughters, Emma and Claire. They live in Kansas City and are members at Northland Baptist Church.

Mr. Hudson serves as assistant professor of Communications and History at Spurgeon College. In addition, he serves as the Faculty Coordinator for the BA, Communications degree. Having served at Midwestern Seminary since 2009, Mr. Hudson served for six years on Executive Cabinet as executive assistant to President Jason Allen. He also was the director of Communications at MBTS from 2009-2013. Mr. Hudson has taught communications and history courses at Midwestern College/Spurgeon College since 2013. Prior to Midwestern, he managed retail stores and served for eight years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force.

Mr. Hudson earned his B.A. in History from Troy State University in Alabama and a Master of Theological Studies from Midwestern Seminary. He also holds a diploma from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Information School.

Writing predominantly journalistic-style articles, Mr. Hudson has been published in multiple denominational publications including Baptist Press, SBC Life, and Midwestern Magazine. He has also penned numerous articles in military and civilian periodicals as well.

T. Dale Johnson, Jr., is the Director of Counseling Programs and Associate Professor of Biblical Counseling at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is husband to Summer, and they live together in Kansas City, Missouri, with their six children: Easton, Titus, Will, Ellie, and twin girls Annadale and Caroline. Johnson served as Associate Pastor of Family Life at Raiford Road Church in Macclenny, FL, before completing his Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Johnson also serves as the Executive Director of the Assocation of Certified Biblical Counselors. He regularly travels to speak and is the host of ACBC’s “Truth in Love” podcast. He is the author of The Professionalization of Pastoral Care in America (Wipf&Stock) and two forthcoming titles, The Church as a Culture of Care (New Growth Press) and Free to Be the Church: Biblical Counseling and Legal Issues. He deeply loves the Scriptures and the local church and is committed to equipping pastors and church members alike to minister God’s sufficient Word.

Dr. Johnston serves as Senior Professor of Evangelism. Born in Paris, France, to missionary parents, Dr. Johnston’s heart for missions and evangelism was forged in the context of post-Christian Europe. His fluency in French and familiarity with European cultures have served him well in leading evangelistic teams in six countries and across four continents. He also brings to his students twenty-one years of pastoral ministry experience in the United States and Canada. Dr. Johnston received the Doctor of Philosophy degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, the Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and the Bachelor of Science from Wheaton College.
Johnston is married to Raschelle. They have three married children and eight grandchildren.

His research interests include biblically-communicated evangelism and discipleship, as well as Medieval French history, the Swiss Reformation, and related textual studies in theology and practice. For example, he has written on the evangelistic zeal of Calvin’s Geneva and approaches to the Great Commission in the 12th and 13th Centuries in Southern France.

His articles have appeared in Trinity Journal, the Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry, Midwestern Journal of Theology, Perichoresis, Preaching Magazine, as well as Decision Magazine, the Lausanne Movement, and Preaching Online. While serving as president of the Southern Baptist Professors of Evangelism Fellowship he has edited two books: Mobilizing a Great Commission Church for Outreach (Wipf and Stock) and A History of Evangelism in North America (Kregel). His passion for New Testament Greek missional verbs is captured in his Consumed: A Passion for the Great Commission (Evangelism Unlimited).”

Jared Kathcart serves Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College as Assistant Professor of Christian Education. In addition to his role on faculty, Kathcart also serves the institution as Registrar and Dean of Institutional Effectiveness. He has worked in a variety of higher education roles within the areas of campus ministry, student life, residence life, Registrar’s Office, student success, and is a member of The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. Additionally, Kathcart has served the local church over the years as children’s pastor, youth pastor, church planter, and lead pastor.

Kathcart earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies with a minor in Youth Ministry from Southwest Baptist University, in Bolivar, Mo., and a Masters of Arts in Counseling from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently pursuing an Ed.D. from Midwestern.

Kathcart is married to his college sweetheart, Nikki, and together they have three children- Andie Grace, Rowen, and Emmitt. They enjoy being members of Northside Fellowship, watching professional sports, traveling as a family, and reading.

Thomas S. Kidd serves as Research Professor of Church History at Midwestern & the John and Sharon Yeats Endowed Chair of Baptist Studies. Kidd completed a Ph.D. in history at the University of Notre Dame, where he worked with historian of religion George Marsden. He also earned Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees at Clemson University in South Carolina.

Kidd has authored numerous books including Thomas Jefferson: A Biography of Spirit and Flesh (Yale University Press, 2022), Who Is an Evangelical? The History of a Movement in Crisis (Yale University Press, 2019), American History, vols. 1 and 2 (B&H Academic, 2019), Benjamin Franklin: The Religious Life of a Founding Father (Yale University Press, 2017), American Colonial History: Clashing Cultures and Faiths (Yale University Press, 2016), Baptists in America: A History (with Barry Hankins, Oxford University Press, 2015), George Whitefield: America’s Spiritual Founding Father (Yale University Press, 2014), Patrick Henry: First Among Patriots (Basic Books, 2011), God of Liberty: A Religious History of the American Revolution (Basic Books, 2010), and The Great Awakening: The Roots of Evangelical Christianity in Colonial America (Yale University Press, 2007).

Kidd has written for media outlets including the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal, and he also blogs at “Evangelical History” at The Gospel Coalition website. In the classroom, Kidd teaches courses on colonial America, the American Revolution, and American religious history.

He and his wife, Ruby, have two sons, Jonathan and Joshua.

Dr. Andrew M. King serves as Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College and Assistant Dean of Spurgeon College. He earned his M.Div. and Ph.D. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Mississippi State University.

Dr. King’s research interests include Prophetic Literature, particularly The Book of the Twelve (Minor Prophets), theological interpretation, OT social ethics, and biblical theology. He is the author of Social Identity and the Book of Amos (T&T Clark, 2020) and is currently writing a commentary on Hosea in the Pillar Old Testament Commentary series (Eerdmans, forthcoming).

He has also edited books such as The Law, The Prophets, and The Writings: Studies in Evangelical Old Testament Hermeneutics in Honor of Duane A. Garrett (B&H, 2021) and Five Views on Christ in the Old Testament: Genre, Authorial Intent, and the Nature of Scripture (Zondervan, 2022). He serves as a General Editor for the Christian Standard Commentary (CSC) series.

Dr. King serves as a co-director of Every Voice: A Center for Kingdom Diversity in Christian Theological Education. He is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, the Institute for Biblical Research, and the Evangelical Theological Society.

He has participated in several seasons of excavation at the archaeological site of Tel Dan in northern Israel.

He is married to Lauren and together they have four children. He is a member of Emmaus Church in Kansas City.

PUBLICATIONS

Junghoon Kim serves as Assistant Dean of Asian Studies and Assistant Professor of Christian Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He had served Asian Studies as academic coordinator at Midwestern since 2013.

He earned his Bachelor in Architectural Design from Handong Global University and a Master of Divinity from Chongshin Theological Seminary in South Korea. He also holds a Doctor of Education from Midwestern Seminary.

Before being called into full-time ministry, Dr. Kim served Auckland Korean Student Council as a chief leader to evangelize local Asians in Auckland, New Zealand and worked for CODA Architectural Company as a staff designer for 3 years.

Dr. Kim served as a director of youth group and the executive assistant at Oryun Church, as the director of education and the executive pastor at Changsung Church, and as the worship and education director at Kansas Woori Church. Dr. Kim’s ministry interest is on youth ministry. In particular, he has focused on a ministry role of connecting Korean American youth groups who suffer from cultural and generational gaps.

Dr. Kim is married to Heajun Cho and has two cheerful children: Julianne and Olivia.

Dr. Minjae Kwon is the Assistant Professor of Christian Education in Korean Studies and the Director of Korean Graduate Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He earned a D.Ed.Min. degree from Midwestern and a M.Div. degree from Korea Baptist Theological Seminary.

Prior to coming to Midwestern, he served as a regional supervisor at Paidion Ministry in Korea for four years and trained next-generation leaders from the perspective of the Christian worldview. Dr. Kwon also served as director of Church Education at Yulmin Church.

He is a co-writer of Teacher’s Guide for a Beginner, which is designed to equip new Sunday school teachers educationally.

Dr. Kwon is originally from Daejeon, South Korea, and is happily married to Saetbyeol, and together they are expecting their first child.

Daniel Dongwon Lee is Distinguished Professor of Korean Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also the founding pastor of Global Mission Church in South Korea, the biggest Baptist church in the world with over 30,000 church members.

Dr. Lee is a world-renowned evangelist known as “Charles Spurgeon of Korea” and prolific writers of over 100 books related to Gospel-oriented and expository preaching, including The Story of the Twelve Disciples Transforming the World (Duranno, 2020), The Way of Spirituality (Kyujang, 2020), Wait Here (Expository Preaching Series, Habakkuk and Malachi, PLC, 2019), Prayers Changing My Prayer (Kyujang, 2019), The Gospel of John I & II (Duranno, 2019), Be Fruitful and Multiplied (Expository Preaching Series, Ephesians, PLC, 2018), and so on.

Dr. Lee was one of four major evangelical preachers to lead the evangelical movement of Korean churches in 1980s-90s and subsequently the revitalization movement of Korean college students in 1990s. The characteristics of his ministry have been wholistic, balanced, and educational.

Dr. Lee is a recipient of numerous honors and awards, including Spurgeon Fellow and Honorary Alumnus Awards (from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary), President Awards (from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary). He was also chosen as “2019 Alumnus of the Year Award” from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Dr. Lee is married to Myungja Wu and has two sons.

Education:

BA, William Tyndale College

MDiv, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

DMiss, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

DD (honorary), Liberty University

Past and Current Ministry Positions:

Founder, Global Ministry Network

President, Pastoral Leadership Center (2011-Present)

President, Jiguchon Social Welfare Foundation (2002-2019)

Chair of Board, OM Korea (1998-2008)

Chair of Board, Christian Ethics and Practice Commission (2011-2015)

Board, The Milal Ministry for the Disabled (2012-2020)

Co-founder, Global Mission Fellowship

Co-founder, KOSTA (Korean Students All Nations)

Co-Founder, Council for the Future of Korean Churches

Visit his website http://daniel.jiguchon.org/index.asp for his ministry and books.

BOOKS (SELECTED)*

• The Story of the Twelve Disciples Transforming the World (Duranno, 2020)
• The Way of Spirituality (Kyujang, 2020)
• Wait Here (Expository Preaching Series, Habakkuk and Malachi, PLC, 2019)
• 10 Law for Well-being Family (Abba Amma, 2019)
• Spring of Meditation (Abba Amma, 2019)
• Prayers Changing My Prayer (Kyujang, 2019)
• The Gospel of John I & II (Duranno, 2019)
• Prepare for the Sear and Yellow Leaf (PLC, 2018)
• Be Fruitful and Multiplied (Expository Preaching Series, Ephesians, PLC, 2018)
• Now Back to the Gospel (Abba Amma, 2017).
• A Walk Through the Pilgrim’s Progress with Daniel Lee (Duranno, 2016)
• Be Holy (Expository Preaching Series, Leviticus, PLC, 2016)
• Holy Choice for My Soul (Duranno, 2016)
• Step into Tomorrow with Vision (Abba Amma, 2016)
• Pure Gospel You Must Hear (Duranno, 2014)
• Miracle Life Experiencing Jesus (Duranno, 2013)
• Kingdom Vision: Journey to the Book of Acts (Duranno, 2012)
• Navigation of My Soul (Word of Life, 2009)

Dr. John J. R. Lee has taught at MBTS since the fall of 2010 and currently serves as Associate Professor of New Testament, teaching various biblical studies and Greek courses and supervising a number of Ph.D. dissertations. He was the recipient of the seminary’s 2014 Professor of the Year award.

Professor Lee’s research interests include: the Gospels, Ephesians, New Testament Christology, early Jewish and Christian monotheism, messianic language and theology, and Biblical Greek. Lee has authored and coauthored a number of books, including Christological Rereading of the Shema in Mark’s Gospel (2020), published in Mohr Siebeck’s prestigious WUNT II series, and A Ransom for Many (Lexham, 2023), which explores the meaning and significance of Mark 10:45, a so-called “key verse” of the Second Gospel. Two of his co-authored books are expected to be released in the subsequent years: The Divine Christology of the Apostle Paul (IVP Academic, 2024), and an intermediate Greek workbook (title: TBD; B&H Academic, 2025). Lee is also co-editing a volume on the biblical theme of “justice” (Kregel Academic) and preparing a monograph on the Christology of Mark’s Gospel, along with several other writing projects. Since 2008, Lee has presented numerous conference papers at ETS and SBL, among other academic meetings.

Lee has graduated from Seoul National University, South Korea (B.M.); The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY (M. Div.) where he studied under Tom Schreiner and Robert Stein; and the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Ph.D. in New Testament), where his mentors were Paul Foster and the late Larry Hurtado. His doctoral study at Edinburgh was combined with teaching at the King’s Evangelical Divinity School/the University of Chester, United Kingdom, and research at Das Institut für antikes Judentum und hellenistische Religionsgeschichte, Tübingen University, Germany, under the guidance of Hermann Lichtenberger.

Dr. Lee has pastored in various English and Korean speaking settings since 2001 and is currently serving as associate pastor at Kansas City Korean Baptist Church. He is also frequently invited to speak at local churches in the States and in South Korea. He adores his wife, Sunny, and is incredibly proud of their son, Josh.

Professor Lee welcomes inquiry on Ph.D. supervision; feel free to send him your potential dissertation ideas at [email protected].

Liu received Ph. D in International Politics from China Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, China (2003), Ph.D in International Economics from University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA(1991), MA in Economics from University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA(1989), BA in Business Administration(1986) from National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Liu has delivered lectures at Beijing University, Nanjing University, Dongbei University of Finance & Economics, Guizhou University, Guangxi University and Yanbian University of Science & Technology, in China, at Ewha Womens’ University and Kosin University in South Korea,  at Pyongyang University of Science & Technology in North Korea  and at the University of Toronto in Canada.

Liu has a passion for education projects and ministries related to China and Christianity. Liu has been involved in missions projects with the International Mission Board and South Korean Baptist Churches throughout East Asia since 1993. He has studied at the Korean Baptist Theological Seminary and University and is currently completing a degree from Midwestern Seminary.vHe is married to Myungsuk Yun, and together we have two children: Hanna Liu and Yuna Esther Liu.

Dr. Thor Madsen has been at Midwestern Seminary since 1999 and is currently Dean of Doctoral Studies and Vice President of Academic Initiatives and Professor of New Testament, Ethics and Philosophy. Since coming to MBTS, Dr. Madsen has served in a variety of roles including vice president of academic development (2003-2009). Dr. Madsen graduated from Wheaton College with the Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in philosophy. Following his studies at Wheaton, he went to Western Kentucky University for his Master of Arts degree, during which time he was also the graduate assistant for Dr. Ronald Nash. Upon graduation from WKU, Dr. Madsen spent a year in the doctoral program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With this foundation, he enrolled in the Master of Divinity program at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and followed this degree with doctoral study at the University of Aberdeen, from which he graduated with a Ph.D. in 1998.

His research at Aberdeen concentrated on the Jewish background of Paul’s moral teaching, specifically the ‘gift and task’ structure of biblical exhortation. He currently serves as a Research Fellow in Christian Ethics for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention His articles have appeared in journals, dictionaries, online resources, and anthologies. Dr. Madsen is an avid motorcyclist, alpine skier, and shooting sports enthusiast. He is married to Li and has two sons, Paul and Timothy.

Dr. Michael McMullen was born in the United Kingdom and grew up in Hull, Yorkshire.  He was saved at the age of 16 and called to ministry in the same year.  Before attending university, however, Dr. McMullen engaged various kinds of employment, including work with the local fire brigade and in hospitals as an orderly and nurse.  At the age of 24, Dr. McMullen began his studies at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, from which he took his Bachelor of Divinity, Master of Theology, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.  His doctoral work on Jonathan Edwards was financed by a major government scholarship, gained on a competitive basis, and carried on partly at Yale University. Dr. McMullen has pastored churches in Kirkintilloch, near Glasgow, and in Kansas City, KS; and he presently maintains an active supply-preaching ministry in the greater Kansas City area.  He has been a part-time lecturer at Aberdeen University and a distance tutor both in at St. John’s College and the Open Theological College, UK.

He has authored several books, including Hearts Aflame (Triangle/SPCK), Clouds of Heaven (Triangle/SPCK), The Passionate Preacher (Christian Focus), The Prayers and Meditations of Susanna Wesley (MPH, London), God’s Polished Arrow (Christian Focus), and The Unpublished Sermons of M’Cheyne (Banner of Truth). His 2004 work, The Blessing of God (Broadman & Holman), was a Gold Medallion finalist in the Inspiration category.  He is also Associate Editor (Church History) for Oxford University’s New Dictionary of National Biography.

Dr. Millsap serves as Dean of Library Services and Associate Professor of Christian Studies. Following the completion of his Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Millsap joined the faculty of Midwestern in 2015. He also earned the M.Div. degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2006 and a B.S. in Business Administration from Arkansas Tech University in 2003.

In addition to pursuing additional studies in library and information sciences, Dr. Millsap’s research interests include the intersection of theology and popular culture, as evidenced by his dissertation, “Playing with God: A Theoludological Framework for Dialogue with Video Games.” While at Southwestern, Dr. Millsap taught undergraduate courses such as Virtues of Godly Character, Disciple Making, and was a lecturer in master’s-level Systematic Theology courses. He sees the professor in a seminary setting uniquely suited both to equip ministers for God’s service and to shepherd them spiritually toward that purpose through demonstrating the connection between theological studies and the life of faith, through mentoring and leading by example. For Dr. Millsap, the classroom is the primary locus of intersection between belief, knowledge, and action.

Dr. Millsap is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society, the Popular Culture Association, and American Mensa. He is married to Susan and together they have three children.

Travis Montgomery serves local churches as Midwestern Seminary’s Assistant Dean of Global Campus and as Assistant Professor of Christian Studies. Before leading Midwestern Seminary’s Online Studies efforts, Montgomery served in a variety of roles at the seminary, including managing church-based theological education and advising online students. He has also been active in serving Southern Baptist churches firsthand as a college and worship pastor, a teaching pastor, and now as one of the pastors of a church plant in the Kansas City Northland. Additionally, Montgomery serves on the board of Speak for the Unborn, a ministry that equips churches to serve abortion-minded mothers and their unborn children.

Having earned a B.A. in Christian Ministry from Ozark Christian College and a M.Div. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Montgomery is currently writing a dissertation in pursuit of a Ph.D. in Biblical Theology at Midwestern.

Most importantly, he is a grateful church member at Northside Fellowship, a happy husband to Lauren, and an excited dad of twin boys—Ebenezer (Ben) and Hezekiah (Ki). Montgomery and his wife enjoy drinking good coffee, visiting new taquerias, and walking their two tiny dogs.

Erik Odegard serves Spurgeon College as Assistant Professor of Intercultural Studies and Director of
Fusion, which equips and sends students to make disciples in hard places alongside IMB missionaries. He
is a two-time graduate of Midwestern, holding a BA in Christian Ministry (Cross-Cultural Studies
Concentration) and a Master of Theological Studies.

Erik and his wife, Morgan, live in Kansas City with their children, Emma and Owen, and have been happy
members of Cross Fellowship Church since 2013.

Joyce Young Ju Park is director of Spurgeon College-Korean Studies and assistant professor of Christian Education, Korean Studies. Dr. Park is an expert in South Korean Christian Education, leading various training sessions for Christian teachers. She serves as a board member for the Christian Worldview Studies Association of Korea and as an editorial board member for Faith and Life magazine.
Prior to coming to Midwestern, Dr. Park served as teacher and principal at Christian schools in South Korea for over a decade. As a lecturer and advisor, she is actively involved in the Korean Christian School movement in partnership with the Association of Christian Schools International. She also served as an assistant professor at the Asian Center for Theological Studies and Mission and is currently a guest professor at Torch Trinity Graduate University, which is affiliated with Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Dr. Park earned a Bachelor of Education degree from Seoul National University of Education in Korea, a M.S. degree in Teacher Education from Cairn University (formerly Philadelphia Biblical University) and a Ph.D. in School Leadership from Columbia International University.
Dr. Park’s lifelong passion is to write children’s books with a biblical perspective. As a single woman, she enjoys playing with her nephews and niece, and talking about the Kingdom of God with young people.

Sung Jin Park is the Dean of Asian Studies and Associate Professor of Old Testament & Hebrew at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to coming to Midwestern, Dr. Park was adjunct faculty to teach Biblical Hebrew narratives, poetry, and syntax to Ph.D. and Rabbinical students and also a research assistant of Syriac literature for the Comprehensive Aramaic Project at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.

Dr. Park holds Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Material Science & Engineering from Hanyang University and POSTECH in South Korea. Before being called into full-time ministry, he worked for Hyundai Motor Company as a research engineer for six years with 32 international patents and utilities. After moving to the US, he earned a Th.M. in Old and New Testaments from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a M.Phil. in Judaic, Hebraic, and Cognate Studies and a Ph.D. in the Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Studies from Hebrew Union College.

Dr. Park’s research has focused on Biblical Hebrew poetry and narratives, the diachronic linguistic development of the Semitic languages, Deuteronomic laws and their daily practices, religions of Israel and Ugarit, and the Masoretic accentuation system. His publication includes Typology in Biblical Hebrew Meter: A Generative Metrical Approach (2017), The Fundamentals of Hebrew Accents: Divisions and Exegetical Roles beyond Syntax (2020), and several articles in internationally recognized academic journals. He has also served Journal for the Evangelical Study of the Old Testament as editorial board.

Dr. Park is a recipient of numerous honors and awards, including In Trust Research Grant for Innovative Theological Education (2022-23), The Professor of the Year (2022), The Isadore and Goldie Millstone Fellowship (HUC, 2005-9), Rev. John Oak Foundation Scholarship (Sarang Community Church, Korea, 2005-7), Merrill F. Unger Award in the Old Testament (DTS, 2004), International Student Full Scholarship (DTS, 1999-2003), POSCO Research Fellowship (1991-3), Hyundai Motors Research Fellowship (1991-3), University Scholarship of Excellence (Hanyang, 1987-9), and National Research Foundation Fellowship of Excellence (South Korea Government, 1989-1991).

Dr. Park has previously served Cincinnati Chinese Church and Arlington Chinese Church for 14 years and foreign laborer ministry at Sarang Community Church (Seoul, Korea). Dr. Park is married to Alice and has three children: Eileen, Eunice, and Euclid.

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Dr. Ken Parker has been the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Kearney, Missouri since January of 2006. Prior to coming to Kearney, he served as the founding pastor of Southpointe Family Church (SBC) in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Fianna Hills Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and First Baptist Church of Union, Missouri. Before becoming a senior pastor, he served churches in Illinois and Missouri as an associate pastor with responsibilities in worship ministry and student ministry.

Dr. Parker is a 1983 graduate of Cahokia Senior High School in Cahokia, Illinois, a 1988 graduate of Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis, Missouri (B.A. – Church Music and Vocal Performance), and a three-time graduate of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv – 1995; DMin – 2002; M.A. in Counseling – 2013).

Dr. Parker has served as an adjunct professor at Midwestern since 2008. He previously served 10 years as a trustee at Midwestern, and in his last year served as the board chairman. Dr. Parker served 9 years as a trustee at Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis. He was elected to two terms as the First Vice-President of the Missouri Baptist Convention and two terms as the President of the Missouri Baptist Convention.

Ken and his wife Lori (married since 1988) are the parents of two sons, Zach (married to Chloe) and Luke, and grandparents of one granddaughter, Ryann Kay, and twin grandsons, Hudson James and Jack Andrew.

Dr. Camden Pulliam serves as Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, as well as Vice President of Enrollment Management, at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary & Spurgeon College. In the latter role, he oversees Admissions and Financial Aid efforts for the institution.

Dr. Pulliam earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and Psychology from Southwest Baptist University in 2010 and a Master of Divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2013. In 2020, he completed his Ph.D. at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; his dissertation is titled Paternal Pastors: An Evangelical Approach.

Before coming to Midwestern in 2013, Dr. Pulliam served on staff at churches in Indiana and Missouri as well as at his alma mater, SBU. He and his wife, Mallory, have three children – Hudson, Hallie, and Brooks.

Tyler M. Rosas serves as the coordinator of the B.A. in Graphic Design program as well as assistant professor of Graphic Design.

Before joining the faculty, Mr. Rosas served the seminary community as the Housing and Community Relations Coordinator. Before moving to Kansas City, he served on the collegiate and young adult staff with The Navigators as well as on the pastoral staff at Northwest Bible Church in Houston, Texas. Since moving to Kansas City in 2019, he has been grateful to serve on the pastoral team at Northland Baptist Church.

Mr. Rosas earned a B.S. in Visualization Studies from Texas A&M University, a M.A. in Art & Technology from the University of Texas at Dallas, and a M.F.A in Visualization Science from Texas A&M University. His M.F.A. thesis was titled, “3D Digital Interactive Art Based on the Spiritual Blindness of the Twelve Apostles.” Mr. Rosas is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Applied Theology with an emphasis in Leadership at Midwestern Seminary.

He is married to Abby, and they have two boys, Titus and Ezekiel. He and his family enjoy spending time together by watching movies, doing CrossFit, remodeling their home, and serving in their church.

Dr. Stephen Rummage is the Senior Pastor of Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.   Dr. Rummage holds the M.Div with a specialization in biblical languages from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and completed the Ph.D. in preaching at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.  Before moving to Oklahoma, Dr. Rummage pastored churches in Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, and Louisiana.  He has served on the faculties of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  He is the author of several books and the founder of Moving Forward, a radio teaching ministry which airs daily nationwide.  He and his wife, Michele, have one son, Joshua, who along with his wife, Morgan, resides in Florida.

Zachary Salsbury serves as Director of Student Success, Dean of Students, Title IX Coordinator, and Assistant Professor of Christian Studies. He holds a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Carver Baptist Bible College, an M.Div. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Historical Theology at Midwestern. Prior to joining Midwestern, Zachary served as the Dean of Students and Academic Dean at Carver Baptist Bible College in Kansas City, Missouri.

Zachary and his wife, Allison, have four children: Liam, Charlotte, Owen, and Jude.

Patrick Schreiner is the Director of the Residency PhD program and Associate Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He previously taught at Western Seminary in Portland Oregon (2014–20) and received his Ph.D. from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (2014).

He is the author of a number of books, including a commentary on Acts (B&H), The Visual Word: An Illustrated Guide to the New Testament Books (Moody), The Mission of the Triune God: A Theology of Acts (Crossway), The Body of Jesus: A Spatial Analysis of the Kingdom in Matthew (T&T Clark), The Kingdom of God and the Glory of the Cross (Crossway), Matthew, Disciple and Scribe: The First Gospel and Its Portrait of Jesus (Baker),  and The Ascension of Christ: Recovering a Neglected Doctrine (Lexham Press). He has also contributed chapters to God’s Glory Revealed in Christ: Essays on Biblical Theology in Honor of Thomas R. Schreiner (B&H) and Baptists and the Christian Tradition: Toward an Evangelical Baptist Catholicity (B&H).

He has several books which will release soon including a book on political discipleship entitled Political Gospel (B&H), a textbook on the Gospels entitled Scripture Connections: The Gospels (B&H), The Transfiguration of Christ: Beholding the Glorious Son (Baker), and a theology of Matthew (Zondervan). He writes for academic journals such as Currents in Biblical Research and Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, as well as more popular publications such as The Gospel Coalition, Christianity Today, and 9 Marks. He previously hosted a podcast with Western Seminary called Food Trucks in Babylon.

He serves as an elder at Emmaus Church in North Kansas City and previously served as an elder in Portland, Oregon, participated in the internship at Capitol Hill Baptist Church, and was on staff at Burton Memorial Baptist Church in college. He has traveled to Papua New Guinea and Cameroon for mission trips/teaching.

Dr. Schreiner loves watching students see the depths and beauty of the Scriptures. This translates into a greater love for God and others as he trains ministers of the gospel who will go out to the nation and the world with the healing message of Jesus.

He is married to Hannah and they have four children. They love good local food, the outdoors, sports, and he enjoys serving local churches through teaching and preaching. He is both a Vikings and Chiefs fan, but has been waiting for the first Vikings Super Bowl win his whole life. You can follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Dr. Candice Scott serves Midwestern Seminary & Spurgeon College as Assistant Professor of Accounting and Finance, Associate Registrar, Principal Designated School Official, and International Student Service Coordinator.

Dr. Scott holds a PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting and finance from Trident University International, MBA from Park University, Master of Christian Education from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Missouri Western State University. She began teaching at Midwestern in 2018 and has been with the Seminary since 2013.

Dr. Scott has taught various courses in accounting and management since 2005. She serves in her local church as the musician, financial administrator, and food pantry coordinator.

She and her husband, Dean, have three children: Kamillia, Timothy, Justin, and one granddaughter, Sophia.

Dr. Sena received his bachelor’s degree from Wayland Baptist University, Plainview, Texas, the Master’s of Religious Education degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas and the Doctor of Ministry degree from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Mill Valley, California. For more than 45 years, Bobby has served in a variety of roles in the Southern Baptist Convention. He has served as pastor of small and large Hispanic churches in Texas and Georgia, Church Planting Missionary in New Mexico, and National Multi-Ethnic Evangelism Consultant for the Home Mission Board, Hispanic Evangelism Associate in the Baptist General Convention of Texas and National Hispanic Missionary NorthAmerican Mission Board.

In addition, he served as Co-Chair of the Hispanic Advisory Council, a three year initiative, created by Dr. Frank Page, president of the SBC Executive Committee, on September 20, 2011. He has been married for 48 years to Priscilla,, who worked for the Department of Federal and Special Programs Gwinnett County Public Schools, in Georgia, until her retirement in 2010.

Minsoo Sim serves as Professor of Christian Education and Pastoral Ministry in Korean Studies at Midwestern Seminary. Dr. Sim received a Th.D. in Church Growth from Chongshin University and a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Education from Korea University. He has completed post-doctoral studies at Hebrew University in Jerusalem on a full scholarship provided by the National Research Foundation of Korea. He also earned an M.Div. from Korea Baptist Theological Seminary and an M.Ed. from Yonsei University, and B.A from Seoul National University of Education.

Dr. Sim brings his expertise both in academics and church ministry to Midwestern. He has been serving as a key pastor in various critical positions at the world famous Global Mission Church in Korea for about 20 years while simultaneously teaching in universities and seminaries. His research interests include spiritual growth, Christian culture, and the community spirit of early church, among many others. His wife, Hong, has served as an elementary school teacher for 20 years. Dr. Sim and his wife have one son, Sangyoon.

Dr. Charles Smith serves as Senior Vice President for Institutional Relations and Assistant Professor of Christian Leadership. He assumed this role on Nov. 1, 2012.

Previously, he was the Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Southern Seminary from 2009-2012, where he led development efforts, the Alumni Relations Department, worked with Southern’s Board of Trustees & Foundation Board and developed comprehensive strategies to support the organization.

Dr. Smith oversees Midwestern’s offices of Admissions, Church Partnerships, Communications, Financial Aid, Institutional Relations Initiatives, and Student Life and Events.

He earned a Business Administration degree from Mississippi College in 2007, a Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2011, and a PhD from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2020.

In addition to his seminary responsibilities, Dr. Smith served in varying ministry positions at churches in Alabama, Mississippi and Kentucky.

He and his wife, Ashley, have three daughters, Ellie, Annie, and Susie.

Dr. Stephens serves as Assistant Professor of Biblical Counseling at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in addition to his role as Director of Membership and Certification for the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).  He earned both his Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling (2018) and M.A. in Christian Education (2014) from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX where he served on administrative staff. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Tennessee at Martin (2009).

Over the past 10 years, Dr. Stephens has served in churches and para-church ministries relating to counseling, education, and discipleship ministries. He is a guest and contributor for the Truth in Love podcast and is the author of The Psychological Anthropology of Wayne Edward Oates (2020), A Call to Counsel and Care (2021), and The Deception of Psychological Labels (2021).  He is currently an elder of Liberty Baptist Church in Liberty, MO.

Dr. David Sundeen is Associate Professor of Ministry and Evangelism, with an instructional profile in Church Planting and Missions. He is a graduate of MBTS with the Doctor of Ministry degree (2010), with project specialization in church-evangelism leadership. Dr. Sundeen also holds the Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible and Theology from Crown College (1982) and the Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (1987). Before joining the staff of MBTS, Dr. Sundeen began his ministry as senior pastor and church planter at Calvary Baptist Church, Marshall, MN. Subsequently, he has served at several levels of denominational leadership, within associations and statewide. He was Director of Missions in the Northwoods Baptist Association, MN, for 9 years, and Director of Evangelism and Stewardship at the Minnesota Wisconsin Baptist Convention for 8 years. His greatest joys in life come from serving his God and family, and from proclaiming the truth of Salvation thru Jesus Christ. He was married to Julie in 1980, and they have four children.

Sung serves Midwestern as Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministry. He graduated with a B.A. from Korea Baptist Theological University in 1983. He came to the States while studying in Korea Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated with an M.A. from Azusa Pacific University in 1986. He also received an M.Div. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky in 1993 and finished his Ph.D. coursework in the Old Testament at SBTS. He served as a Korean Studies Director for five years while at SBTS. Sung received a Th.M, D.Min, Ph.D. from Midwestern in 2011 and 2019. In December 1992, Sung was ordained at the First Baptist Church of Louisville. He has 35 years of abundant pastoral experience as a youth pastor and senior pastor in Louisville, KY and Los Angeles, CA. He taught Old Testament as an adjunct professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He has been an adjunct professor at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, where he taught Ethics and Old Testament. He is married to Kristy and has two children. He enjoys spending time with his family and playing tennis.

Angela C. Swain serves as Associate Professor of Music and Director of Voices of Midwestern in the Department of Worship Ministries where she contributes to the musical preparation of musician-theologians who are called to serve, build, strengthen, and lead the church’s corporate worship among her generations, no matter her cultural song.

She holds degrees in both instrumental and vocal music education from the University of the Cumberlands (Williamsburg, KY); and a Master of Music degree in voice with additional church music and post-graduate studies toward a Doctorate in Musical Arts from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville, KY).

Professor Swain comes to the classroom with nearly 25 years of ministry experience in the local church—many of which include serving alongside her husband, Dr. Matthew Swain, in his role as worship pastor.  In addition, she has extensive experience teaching music in public, private, and performing-arts school settings as well as the university level (Eastern KY University, Corbin; Boyce College, Louisville) and still holds a valid teaching certificate, as well.  Angela is a saxophonist, percussionist, and pianist, but her primary role is one of voice instructor, and her passion includes assisting those called to serve the church through singing, teaching, and preaching to steward this tool in healthful ways which transcends musical styles or vocal demands.

Outside the voice studio, Mrs. Swain can be found coaching chapel band and special event worship teams, directing “Voices of Midwestern,” leading Worship Studio Laboratory for Worship majors and minors, and can also be found teaching MWI courses for women—all while discipling and building relationships with female students and student wives across the campus.

Above all, Angela delights in her role as wife to Dr. Swain and mother to two young children. She enjoys spending time with them along with their menagerie of pets.  Together, they enjoy season passes to the KC Zoo, Science City, The KC Symphony, the Gladstone Community Center and much more.  They also enjoy day trips to cozy, small towns for local grub along with frequent visits to Trader Joe’s or IKEA.

Professor Swain is also available to lead worship for women’s ministry events both local and afar.  Simply contact her for more information.

Matthew F. Swain serves as Assistant Dean of Worship Ministries and Associate Professor of Worship Ministries—training, equipping, and encouraging future Worship Pastors and church musicians to lead well, serve faithfully, and take seriously their stewardship of biblical, Christ-centered worship in the context of the local church. Swain is native to Southern California (Los Angeles) but comes to Kansas City by way of Savannah, Georgia where he most recently served as Pastor of Worship & Fine Arts at Bull Street Baptist Church. Matthew earned both his Doctorate in Music Ministry (2010) and Master’s Degree in Church Music (2000) from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) in Louisville, Kentucky. In addition, he completed all the required coursework for the Doctorate of Musical Arts degree (2006) with an emphasis in Piano Performance and also served as an adjunct professor for SBTS and its undergraduate arm, Boyce College. He also holds a Bachelor Degree in both Church Music and Piano Performance from Alderson-Broaddus College in West Virginia. In addition to serving other churches in Kentucky and Georgia, Matthew has often served Southern Baptists as an adjudicator, clinician, guest musician or worship leader for various worship conferences, workshops, and state conventions. Swain is married to his “seminary sweetheart,” Angela (2007); a music educator, church musician, and fellow alumnae of Southern Seminary. They are doting parents to John-Franklin and Olivia.

Dr. Thompson currently serves as Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministry. Before coming to the seminary as Profiles of Ministry Director in the fall of 2003 as an adjunct professor for seven years, Thompson had served as a doctoral peer group leader for the seminary and as a consultant for form and style for dissertations. In the more recent past Thompson has served as Registrar, Assistant Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness, and Associate Director of Professional Doctoral Studies. He teaches in the undergraduate and graduate integrative seminars and formerly taught the form and style portion of doctoral colloquium classes.

Dr. Thompson has been in the ministry in one form or another for almost fifty years – sixteen years as a Minister of Music and twenty-four years as pastor of a single church, plus two years of teaching at a private Christian school, with ten years as a full-time member of the faculty at Midwestern.

Thompson received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Southern State College, Magnolia, Ark.; a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia; a Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; and a Doctor of Ministry from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Sherry, have been married since August 13, 1976, and have resided in Gladstone, MO since 1984.

Leslie Umstattd serves as Assistant Professor of Christian Education & Ministry to Women and Faculty Co-Coordinator, Ministry to Women Programs. She holds an Ed.D. from Midwestern Seminary, Masters of Marriage and Family Counseling and Religious Education from Southwestern Seminary, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Alabama. She began working at Midwestern in 2010, and she and her husband have been part of the MBTS community since 2008.

Dr. Umstattd came to Midwestern with over 15 years of experience in education, most recently serving as senior learning strategist at Cerner. She is a pastor’s wife and has served as a volunteer women’s ministry director for the past 10 years at her local church—teaching Bible studies, writing curriculum, and planning annual women’s retreats. She also serves as a children’s ministry volunteer.

Dr. Umstattd is passionate about education and loves to see students grow in their understanding of God’s design in the teaching and learning process.

She and her husband, Rustin, have two daughters, Ashtin and Jordan.

Dr. Umstattd’s Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His doctoral research concentrated on the role of the Holy Spirit in judgment and the relevance of this concept to the doctrine of the Trinity. Dr. Umstattd came to MBTS having served more than 15 years in student ministry. He is currently on the pastoral leadership team at Northland Baptist Church. He enjoys playing guitar, riding motorcycles, and watching science fiction shows with his daughters. He has been happily married to Leslie Umstattd since 2001.

Jared’s writing has appeared in numerous resources and magazines like Tabletalk, Pulpit Helps, Stand Firm, and Facts & Trends, and he has contributed study notes to the ESV Gospel Transformation Bible and the ESV “The Story” Bible. Jared also blogs regularly at For The Church and The Gospel Coalition.

He and Becky have been married for twenty-three years, and they have two daughters: Macy and Grace.