Chris Pappalardo

CHRIS PAPPALARDO, PhD, is the author and cofounder of GoodKind, the makers of Advent Blocks, an organization that helps people cultivate the good kind of habits and holiday celebrations. Chris is a pastor, editor, and writer at The Summit Church in the Raleigh-Durham, NC, area. He is married to Jenn and is the proud dad of Lottie (who wants to save the planet) and Teddy (who wants you to read him another book).

Ruth Schleppi-Verboom

RUTH SCHLEPPI-VERBOOM first heard Joni speak as a teen in the Netherlands and became a lifelong fan. Years later, they met face to face—and heart to heart—after Ruth and her husband, filmmaker Helmut Schleppi, moved to California. There they raised their four children. Now splitting time between the U.S. and the Netherlands, Ruth—storyteller at heart—writes about life, food, travel, God, and everything in between at TruthfullyRuth.com.

Charles Sheldon

Keith M. Bailey

Keith M. Bailey held earned and honorary degrees from several institutions of higher learning. After more than forty years of missionary, pastoral, and administrative ministry, he communicated a wealth of wisdom and practical how-to to the Church at large.

Maina Mwaura

MAINA MWAURA is a freelance writer and journalist who has interviewed over 500 influential leaders, including two US Presidents, three Vice-Presidents, and a variety of others. He has learned what it takes to not only lead well, but to mentor well. Maina and his family attend High Point Church in the Kennesaw, Georgia area.

Scott Rae

SCOTT RAE, Ph.D., is professor of Christian ethics and chair of the philosophy of religion and ethics department at Talbot School of Theology. He's written six books, including Moral Choices: An Introduction to Ethics and Beyond Integrity: a Judeo-Christian Approach to Business Ethics.

Grace Community Church

GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH was founded on July 1, 1956 as a nondenominational church with an emphasis on the basics of Christianity. Dr. John MacArthur has served as pastor since February 1969, continuing to build on the strong foundation of sound doctrine, spiritual leadership, and active service to God and the community.

Lina AbuJamra

LINA ABUJAMRA is a Pediatric ER doctor, now practicing telemedicine, and founder of Living With Power Ministries. Her vision is to bring hope to the world by connecting biblical answers to everyday life. A popular Bible teacher, podcaster, and conference speaker, she is the author of several books, including her most recent ones, Still Standing and Don’t Tell Anyone You’re Reading This, and her Bible Study series Mapping the Footsteps of God. In her “spare” time, she provides medical care and humanitarian help in disaster areas and to refugees in Lebanon and Ukraine. Learn more about her at LivingWithPower.org.

Daniel Smith

DANIEL H. SMITH (Th.B., Midwest Bible Seminary; A.B., Greenville College; M.Ed., University of Missouri; Ed.D., Loyola University) is a former president of Emmaus Bible College, Dubuque, Iowa. He is author of How to Lead a Child to Christ. He and his wife, Martha, have three children and several grandchildren.

Andrew Montonera

ANDREW MONTONERA is the great-grandson of Cornelius Stam, younger brother to John Stam. He holds a BA in communication from Trinity International University and resides in suburban Chicago.