Pastor Harold loves the Lord and loves his family. He and Donna have been married for 33 years and have five children and one granddaughter. 

Harold has been a lifelong United Methodist. He is a third-generation United Methodist pastor who has been serving in the local church for the past 35 years. He has been the Senior Pastor at New Covenant for the past twelve years.

Harold has helped New Covenant continue to grow. Over the past decade, he has received over one thousand new members into our church. Harold understands the importance of worship, being an outwardly focused church, and casting a clear vision to move the church from “here to there.”

He has a love for life and sees each day as a gift from God. He enjoys bass fishing, hiking the peaks in Utah, running marathons, and traveling the world, especially the Holy Land.

Wes currently serves as the Lead Pastor at Grace Church, a multi-site congregation in Southwest Florida. He has a rich background in ministry and leadership and serves with Spiritual Leadership, Inc. as a coach and specialist. He has also served on various agencies and boards. Currently, this includes the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. He and his wife, a fellow “pastor’s kid”, are both from Kentucky and have a son named Caleb.

Brent is a professor of the Old Testament at Duke Divinity School. He also teaches at Duke University School of Law and in the Hebrew Bible track in the Ph.D. program for the Duke Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. He previously taught at Candler School of Theology and Asbury Theological Seminary. Brent is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church who speaks and preaches at churches across the country and has appeared on CNN numerous times. He has authored many books, edited or coedited over 25 volumes, including the Westminster Study Bible, and was a translator and editorial board member for The Common English Bible.

Join Billy Crone on the Passages of the Bible Cruise | October 17 - 29, 2025

Dr. Peter Enns is a biblical scholar who teaches and writes on OT, NT, and the intersection of biblical studies and contemporary faith at Eastern University. He is founder of The Bible for Normal People website/podcast/blog. Pete enjoys teaching young men and women, asking hard questions but not giving quick, safe answers. He is an explorer who has gotten into trouble now and then for asking “Yeah, but…..”. He has written many books including The Bible Tells Me So and How the Bible Actually Works. Pete tells stories about the Bible and what it means to read it with both eyes open.

Kay and Patrick, childhood sweethearts, have been married for 49 years, have three grown children, and three grandchildren. Kay served as a registered nurse for 48 years, serving most of those years in intensive care units. Patrick was ordained an Episcopal minister in 1988, which led their family to serve primarily in Texas, but also in Tennessee, Maryland, and do relief work in Newfoundland. Kay and Patrick have led missions to Vietnam and Kenya and have worked with atrisk students from the Lakota-Sioux Reservation at Lower Brule in South Dakota in tandem with at-risk students from Theodore Roosevelt High School in Bronx, New York. Prior to his ordination, Patrick served as an infantry officer in the 2nd Armored Division, which was commanded by General George C. Patton in WWII. Patrick was privileged to serve under General Patton’s son for a time in that storied division. His battalion, the 1/41st Infantry, was reclassified as an emergency deployment unit during his tenure, and Patrick was fortunate to mobilize twice during the Cold War and work with the British Army of the Rhine. Kay, for her part, while raising their infant.

Rev. Dr. Candace M. Lewis is a pioneering church planter and denominational leader, currently serving as the first woman President of Gammon Theological Seminary. She has over 25 years of experience in church leadership and has authored several books. Candace is passionate about mentoring young leaders and fostering inclusive environments in both church and academic settings. Her aim is to prepare
the next generation of Christ followers and faith leaders for impactful roles in an ever-changing society. Dr. Lewis also enjoys exploring nature, cooking, exercising, and spending time with family and friends.

Jacob Armstrong is the founding pastor of Providence Church in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Providence’s vision is to see those who feel disconnected from God and the church find hope, healing, and wholeness in Jesus Christ. Jacob is the author of many books including, Breaking Open, The New Adapters, and God’s Messy Family. He holds a Master’s Degree from the University of the South, School of Theology and is a doctoral student at the Western Theological Seminary’s Eugene Peterson Center. He is a frequent speaker at church leadership conferences and retreats around the country. 

Mike has served as Archdeacon for 5 years and arrived in the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas after serving as a parish priest in the Diocese of Texas; he has been ordained since 2004. Mike has been married to his wife Ellen for 32 years and they have an adopted son, Lorenzo, who is 16 years old. They live in San Antonio. In 2013, Mike traveled to the Holy Land, which he counts as a life-changing experience. Seeing the scriptures come to life and visiting places he had previously only read about enabled him to understand the Bible in an entirely different way. Mike looks forward to traveling to the places associated with the Apostle Paul to experience the beauty of the area and to see the scriptures come to life again!

Tod Bolsinger, MDiv, PhD, the co-owner and principal of AE Sloan Leadership, Inc, an executive coaching and consulting firm that works with church, non-profit, and marketplace leaders in leading change.  He is also the Executive Director of the De Pree Center Church Leadership Institute, a Senior Fellow of the De Pree Center for Leadership, and an Associate Professor of Leadership Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary. He founded the Fuller Leadership Platform, an innovative approach to online formation and leadership development, and served as Vice President of Fuller Seminary for six years. Prior to his educational career, he served as a pastor for 27 years. Tod is the author of nine books, including the Outreach Magazine Resource of the Year in pastoral leadership, Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory, the Christian Book Award Finalist, Tempered Resilience: How Leaders are Formed in the Crucible of Change, and The Practicing Change Series. Tod is married to Beth, a professional artist. They have two adult children, Brooks and Ali, and a son-in-law, Ben. An avid outdoor lover, Tod would have been a national park ranger if he hadn’t taken biology after lunch in high school. When he retires, he will do hiking trail maintenance, trout rescue, and be a ski host who makes sure there are four people on every quad-chair lift. 

He can be reached at bolsinger@aesloanleadership.com 
 

Cory and Deb Burma are gifted speakers with a passion for sharing Jesus and engaging people in God’s Word. Lifelong learners they have a special interest in the apostle Paul’s travels and inspired letters. Cory holds an M.Div. in Theology from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. He has served in pastoral ministry for over 20 years, leading congregations in Wisconsin and Nebraska. Deb is an international speaker, a Bible study author for Concordia Publishing House, and a past EO guest speaker. They are blessed with three married children and one new granddaughter. The Burmas make their home in Columbus, Nebraska.

Father Gregory Boyle, recipient of a 2024 Presidential Medal of Freedom, is the founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world. Previously he served as pastor of the poorest Catholic parish in Los Angeles. He wrote Tattoos on the Heart, a NYT-bestselling book. His latest book, Cherished Belonging, was published in November 2024. Father Boyle has helped thousands of individuals turn their lives around. His service reminds us of the power of redemption and rehabilitation.

Jen loves Jesus and God’s Word. Through writing and speaking, she helps connect the dots from Scripture to life application to help people live their very best life in Christ. In addition, she serves as the Executive Director at  Harvest Church in Byron, GA.

Jim and Jen Cowart launched Harvest Church in Middle Georgia in 2000. Since then, over 4000 people have received Christ, and Harvest has grown into a vibrant body of Christ. The Cowarts have authored many books including Messy People, The One, Fierce, and Leading from Horseback. They love travel and experiencing new cultures and meeting new friends around the world. 

Sara Crump, interior designer, floral designer, artist, and speaker has worked in the design field for over 40 years. Her love of beauty has expressed itself in all aspects of her life. She provides insight into creating a lifestyle surrounded by design, flowers, art, entertaining and travel.

Sara Crump resides in Richmond, Virginia. Originally from Mississippi, She was recognized early for her artistic ability. Her love of art has continued throughout her life.

Sara studied at The University of Mississippi, The University of Maryland (BS degree in Interior Design), and privately. Sara’s love of travel has greatly influenced her art, with many of her paintings created on location in Israel and Europe. She is a member of the Virginia Plein Aire Painters and enjoys painting with other local artists.

She spends her time traveling, creating, volunteering and enjoying a close group of friends and family – especially her 3 daughters and their families. In 2023 & 2024, Sara was selected as a Richmond designer for Spring Tablescapes Showcase to benefit Little Hands Virginia. She is a member of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Council where she serves on the Hirschler Flower committee, works as an Ambassador, is a Council Photographer and serves on the New Member Orientation committee. Sara is a member of First Presbyterian Church and previously served as an ordained Deacon for 2 Presbyterian churches. She serves on the Flower Guild and is chair of the FPC Art Show. She is a member of the Tuckahoe Woman’s Club where she serves on the interior design committee and is a Co-Chair of the flower committee.

 Dr. Duke has studied, excavated, and guided in Israel since 1996.  From Jerusalem University College to Hebrew University to the Albright Institute for Archaeological Research, his diverse educational and research experiences in the land will be evident on this trip.  He has excavated at several sites in the land, including Qumran, El-Araj, and Tel Shimron.  His love of the Dead Sea Scrolls culminated in his PhD from UCLA, which focused on the Aramaic texts found in the caves.  He desires participants to explore the land, not just visit, which will lead to a deeper reading of the Bible. 

Bishop Ricardo Pereira Díaz was born on June 9, 1956, in Rancho Veloz, Las Villas, Cuba, which is currently known as the Villa Clara province. He grew up in Potrerillo, Holguin province, where he attended primary school. He attended a junior high school in Rafael Freyre, Holguin province, and the High School in Camagüey province, where he began working as an Assistant Pastor. He received his theological education through the courses provided by the Cuban Annual Conference. He got a Bachelor's degree in Theology; he was granted a PhD and a Doctorate of Divinity at the Latin American College in Miami Headquarters.

Bishop Pereira began working as an Assistant Pastor in 1973 in Camagüey. He was first appointed Pastor of the Cuban Annual Conference in 1975 in Las Tunas province. He served in Las Tunas, Pilon, and Niquero, which are in the eastern region of Cuba, and later served as Assistant to Bishop Armando Rodriguez in El Vedado, Havana. He worked as a District Superintendent in Pinar del Rio for twelve years. During his faith journey, he served as President of the National Youth and the National Methodist Men´s organization. He chaired the Evangelism Area for the Conference and the Discipleship. He was elected Bishop in March 1999. Currently, he is the Senior Pastor of the Methodist Church in Marianao, Havana, the largest church in the Conference with 3700 members. The Methodist Church in Cuba has been growing by 5 to 10 percent annually. New missions and churches have been opened in municipalities and territories where there was no presence of the Methodist Church. Under Bishop Pereira’s leadership, the Methodist Church has impacted on all the provinces and municipalities with the Gospel, having either a church or a mission. Likewise, from 1999 to date, the Church has grown from 98 pastoral positions to 545 and from 8,000 to 57,371 members.

Bishop Pereira is married to Pastor Maritza Proenza Ortega, who currently serves as the vice president of the Cuban Methodist Women’s Ministry. They have two sons, Ricardo Pereira Jr. and Yosvany Pereira, who are both pastors.

Magrey deVega is the senior pastor of Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida. He is the author of eleven books, most recently The Bible Year: a Journey through Scripture in 365 Days and Questions Jesus Asked: A Six-Week Study in the Gospels, both by Abingdon Press. He has been the featured speaker and workshop presenter at conferences nationwide and is the proud father of two college-aged children who share his love for reading, Marvel movies, and live theater.

Amy Van Dyke, Lead Curator of Art & Exhibitions at the Museum of the Bible, has training and degrees in art history, secondary education, and museum studies. She has taught various courses in art, art history, and world history. She also developed and wrote a school-wide art curriculum. Amy has given several lectures, including “Biblical Art and Theology: How Artists Influence our Understanding of the Bible” and “How to Illustrate God: The Difficulty in Depicting the Divine.” Since joining Museum of the Bible in 2012, Amy has coordinated, written, or assisted with over 50 exhibitions. Her current work as lead curator of art and exhibitions involves developing content, coordinating and curating exhibitions, and researching, lecturing, and curating the art within the museum collections.

Brian Ebel began his career in business before hearing and heeding the call to ministry. He and his wife, Mandy, are Michigan natives who moved to Kentucky in 2002. Their children are Sarah, Margaret, and Luke. Brian has a B.S.B.A. from Aquinas College, an M. Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in Theology from the London School of Theology. Brian has also served as an Adjunct Professor of Theology and Preaching at Asbury Theological since 2012. Brian and Mandy have served churches of every shape and size, and they focus their ministry toward making learning enjoyable, making new ministries and opportunities exciting, and transforming local churches. This is Brian and Mandy’s fourth trip with EO, and they remarked, “We love to see the truths of Scripture come alive for people as the Holy Spirit opens their eyes to the fact that real events happened in these real places, to really change the world.” Brian is currently the Senior Pastor of St. Luke Church in Lexington, Kentucky. He has been serving at St. Luke since 2019.

Rev. Brian Erickson is Senior Pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Birmingham, AL. Previously he served First UMC in Alabaster, AL, during a period of significant growth in membership and missions outreach. He was also chaplain at two United Methodist universities, where he taught classes in Wesleyan theology, Christian liturgy, and led service-learning classes to Harlem and Chile. Brian has degrees from Birmingham-Southern College and Candler School of Theology at Emory University. 

Rev. Dr. Robert E. Fuquay, Jr. is the senior pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Indianapolis, IN. He has led growing congregations in a variety of settings for several decades and previously was senior pastor of Williamson’s Chapel UMC in Mooresville, NC. Rob has written 5 books; most recently “The Passion Play: Living the Story of Christ’s Last Days” inspired by the Oberammergau Passionsspiele. Rob and his wife, Susan, have three daughters. He loves the mountains, hiking, playing golf, exercising, traveling, and watching college basketball. He is especially enjoying his newest identity as grandpa to their first grandchild.

Until his recent retirement, Dr. Craig C. Hill served as Dean and Professor of New Testament at Perkins School of Theology/SMU. Previously he was on the faculty at Duke Divinity School and Wesley Theological Seminary, as well having served as a Fellow at Yale Divinity School and a Visiting Fellow at the University of Cambridge. Hill also served as Chaplain at Christ Church College, University of Oxford, and has been on the staff at five churches. He is the author of numerous scholarly articles and books.

The Rev. Dr. Brian Kneser has been an ordained pastor for over 40 years. He resides in Lakeland, FL with his wife Debbie. He received his MDiv from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN, and DMin from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO. Dr. Kneser served as a Circuit Visitor and Vice President of the FL-GA District and on its Board of Directors. While pastor of a unique congregation near Orlando, FL, he served on the faculty of Concordia House of Studies as an Adjunct Professor of Old Testament. During this cruise, he will reflect upon concepts of the Reformation and apply them to the life of a Christian today. His guiding motto: “It’s Still All About Jesus!” 

A popular speaker on several of our cruises, David serves as the Trustees' Distinguished Professor of New Testament Studies at Ashland Theological Seminary. He has authored thirty-five books, including Archaeology and the Ministry of Paul (2025), Honor, Patronage, Kinship, and Purity: Unlocking New Testament Culture (2nd ed., 2022), Discovering Revelation (2021), A Week in the Life of Ephesus (2020), Introducing the Apocrypha (2nd ed., 2018), a widely-used Introduction to the New Testament (2nd ed., 2018), and commentaries on Galatians, Ephesians, and Hebrews.

John F. Kutsko is the executive director of Atla (formerly, called the American Theological Library Association) and was the executive director of the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL). He holds a PhD in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University and an MA from the Department of Near Eastern Studies at the University of Michigan. He has taught writing and publishing workshops for the Forum for Theological Exploration, helped found the International Qur’anic Studies Association (IQSA), and helped launch Bible Odyssey. While at SBL, John directed the update to the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (NRSVue).

Dr. Todd Lake is VP for Faith-Based Engagement & Church Relations at Belmont University, Nashville. Previously, he served as Dean of Chapel and Dean for University Life at Baylor University. He has a degree in German Studies from Harvard and in Theology from Boston College, and has lived and studied in Germany. Dr. Joy Jordan-Lake is a best-selling author of historical fiction. She and her husband, Todd, have Master of Divinity degrees and served as co-pastors of an interracial church in Cambridge, MA, and as chaplains at Harvard, in addition to teaching at several universities.

Chaplain Col. (Ret.) David Lile is currently Chaplain at the Inter-American Defense College at Fort McNair, NCR. David served in the Peace Corps before being ordained an Elder in The United Methodist Church. He served churches in Kentucky and then became a military chaplain. He holds advanced degrees from Duke Divinity School and numerous military institutions. He has served in a variety of roles and settings around the world as a chaplain. He has received many awards and decorations including the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal. He and his wife Gladys, from Moquegua, Peru, have 3 children and 3 grandchildren.

Bishop Lillibridge served as the Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, based in San Antonio, from 2004 until his retirement in 2017. In addition to his work in West Texas, he has served on several boards and commissions of The Episcopal Church. He was appointed to a leadership role by the Archbishop of Canterbury at the 2008 Lambeth Conference of Bishops, which consisted of 800 Anglican Bishops from around the globe. He also served as an elected member of the Board of Regents at the University of the South in Tennessee. His undergraduate degree is in education (1978), which has resulted in a life-long devotion to education and formation. He is a popular and thoughtful speaker and teacher, and assists with the teaching ministry of St. Benedict’s Workshop as one of his many interests in retirement. He and his wife, Catherine, live in San Antonio and spend much of the summer in Maine, where he serves as clergy-in-residence for a seasonal chapel.

John Michael (“Mike”) Mike Lowry was raised in Northern Illinois and graduated from Taipei American School in 1968. Mike began his ministry with the Society of Friends (Quakers) sharing in pastoral leadership for Rich Square Friends Meeting in the Spring of 1972 while a student at Earlham College. He graduated from Earlham in 1972 with B. A. in Political Science and Religion. He earned his Masters in Theology (M. Div.) from Perkins School of Theology in 1976. He received his Doctor of Ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1985.

Mike and Jolynn married in 1976 and will celebrate their 48th anniversary in August of 2024. They have a son Nathan & daughter-in-law Abigail and grandsons Simon and Adam; daughter Sarah & son-in-law Steven and grandchildren Grace and Sam.

Mike was elected to the episcopacy of the United Methodist Church at the South Central Jurisdictional Conference in July, 2008. He served for 13 & ½ years as the Resident Bishop of the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. During his tenure Bishop Lowry served the larger connection of The United Methodist Church on the Executive Committee of the Council of Bishops (2012-2016), Presiding Bishop for Path One New Church Development (Discipleship Ministries 2009-2016), and President of the South-Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops (2010-2011). He has provided leadership on a variety of institutional boards including serving as a member of the United Theological Seminary Board of Trustees, the United Methodist Publishing House Board of Directors, the Texas Methodist Foundation Board, the Texas Wesleyan University Board of Trustees, the Texas Health Resources Board of Directors along with service on the Perkins School of Theology, S. M. U. Executive Board, the Board of Trustees for Southwestern University, and the Methodist Children’s Home Board of Trustees.

At the time of his election and consecration as bishop in July 2008, he was serving as executive director of New Church Development and Transformation in the Southwest Texas Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Prior to that, he was senior pastor at University United Methodist Church in San Antonio which grew from 4,800 to 5,700 members during his tenure. His previous appointments include United Methodist Churches in Austin, Corpus Christi, Harlingen and Kerrville and, while a student, serving Plymouth Park in Irving, Texas. He has held numerous offices including Chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry.

Bishop Lowry was awarded the B’nai B’rith Award in Social Ethics by Perkins School of Theology (1976) and the Harry Denman Evangelism Award from the Central Texas Conference-Foundation for Evangelism (2015). Churches under his leadership have received numerous awards and recognitions including the Habitat for Humanity Award (2004), the President’s Award from Huston-Tillotson University (2004), the Churchmanship Award from the San Antonio Community of Churches (2003) and the Moore Award Evangelism Award three times.

Upon retirement January 1, 2022, Bishop Lowry became the Bishop in Residence at United Theological Seminary and later Bishop Emeritus at Large. He currently serves United as a member of the Board of Trustees and an adjunct professor in the Doctor of Ministry program. Upon retirement he and his wife Jolynn moved to the Eastern panhandle of West Virginia to be near family.

Mike Lowry joined the Global Methodist Church as its first bishop upon the inception of the GMC as Bishop Emeritus. He served on the Transitional Leadership Council of the Global Methodist Church until September, 2023. With Jeff Greenway he co-authored the Multiplying Methodism: A Bold Witness of Wesleyan Faith at the Dawn of the Global Methodist Church. Additionally, he has written numerous articles and chapters for various books. Mike retains his deep passion for Christ and for the transformation of the church as mission post of the advancing Kingdom of God.

Babbie Mason is an award-winning singer, songwriter, author and speaker. The recipient of 2 Dove Awards and numerous nominations for the Dove, The Grammy, The Stellar and The Emmy Award, Babbie’s melodious voice is a mainstay on Christian radio, television, internet and the silver screen. She has recorded 26 solo projects, authored 9 books, and written countless chart-topping Gospel and Christian songs. Babbie pours into the lives of the next generation of songwriters, music artists and entrepreneurs as an instructor at several Christian colleges and universities. She hosts Babbie’s House on TV and an internet radio station – www.babbiemasonradio.com. 

Rev. Dr. Gary Mason is a Methodist minister and directs a conflict organisation based in Belfast called "Rethinking Conflict." Prior to this, he spent 27 years as a Methodist clergy person in parish ministry in Belfast and has played an integral role in the Northern Irish peace process. He had a key role in establishing the Skainos project which is a world class urban centre developed in a post conflict society as a model of co-existence and shared space. It is acknowledged as the largest faith-based redevelopment project in Western Europe. Mason is a close advisor to Protestant ex-combatants on the civilianisation efforts of paramilitaries. He was instrumental in facilitating negotiations with paramilitaries and government officials in Northern Ireland, and in 2007 his contribution was formally recognised by the Queen. 

In 2009, Mason’s church was the stage from which Loyalist paramilitaries announced their weapons decommissioning. Mason has lectured in political and academic forums throughout Europe, South Africa, the Middle East and the U.S.A. on lessons from the Irish peace process. He has been interviewed on CNN, BBC, ITV and various radio programs. He holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Ulster, completed his theological studies at Queens University and has a Bachelor’s in Business Studies from the University of Ulster. Gary is a Senior Research Fellow at the Kennedy Institute for Conflict Intervention at Maynooth University in Ireland. He is an Adjunct Professor at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, lecturing on reconciliation, peace building and the history of the Northern Ireland conflict, racism, sectarianism and conflict transformation. Gary is a faculty advisor and partner to the Negotiation Strategies Institute a Harvard University programme on negotiation.

Rev. Dr. Dennis & Rev. Rachel Miller met in seminary and have been married for over 30 years. They are both ordained clergy in the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. Dennis is the senior pastor of Ginghamsburg Church, a multicampus congregation in Dayton/Tipp City, Ohio. He has led growing congregations in various settings for over thirty years and previously served as a district superintendent of 170 UM congregations in southeastern Ohio. Rachel is the Client Relations and Outreach Manager at Wespath Benefits and Investments, the benefits administrator for the United Methodist Church. Wespath administers benefits and provides investment services for more than 100,000 participants and 150 Methodist-related institutional investors. This will be Dennis and Rachel’s seventh tour as hosts with EO. They love experiencing other cultures and have traveled to 5 continents for education, ministry, and mission.

Karen Oliveto is a retired Bishop in The United Methodist Church. She was born on Good Friday and raised in Babylon, NY.  Karen has served in rural and urban settings. She has been a local church pastor, campus minister, associate Dean of Academic Affair as well as adjunct professor of United Methodist Studies at Pacific School of Religion. She is a preacher, pastor, prophet, teacher, and author. 

She has spent nearly every summer of her life in Nova Scotia and now resides there full-time with her wife. She looks forward to sharing the beauty and history of the Northeast and Maritime provinces with those on the cruise as together we relearn "the unforced rhythms of grace." 

The Rev. Dr. Brett serves at Candler School of Theology as Assistant Dean of Methodist Studies and assistant Professor – Practice of Spiritual Formation & Church Leadership. He is an ordained United Methodist Elder and served in local churches for over twenty years. He is a graduate of Candler and Iliff School of Theology/University of Denver. He is committed to helping local churches (and The Church) engage the world in a way that makes the Kingdom of God visible. His research interests include Methodist history/theology, Monasticism, Celtic Christianity, Contemplative Spirituality, and New Monastic expressions of church community.

Bishop Gregory Palmer is a long-time friend of and traveler with EO Tours. He is a dynamic and engaging speaker who will inspire you in your Christian walk. He has served in United Methodist congregations and Conference appointments from Iowa to North Carolina. He was president of the General Board of Higher Education and, from 2008-2010, was president of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church. Since 2012, he has led the Ohio West Area of The United Methodist Church. He has been married to Cynthia for over 40 years and they have 2 children. They enjoy cruising and look forward to being with us on this river cruise. 

Callie Picardo is an author, preacher, teacher, and encourager. She loves the Lord and has a passion for prayer, discipleship, and generosity. She currently serves as Vice President for Development at United Theological Seminary, on the preaching team of Mosaic Church, and as President and Founder of Deep Roots Financial Coaching. She holds a BA in Business from Rhodes College, a Master of Arts in Christian Ministries from United Theological Seminary, and is currently working on her Doctor of Ministry degree. She and her husband Rosario co-host The Better Together Podcast with Callie and Rosario Picardo, have co-authored two books, and are navigating parenthood with three young girls.

Roz, a first-generation Sicilian-American from western New York, has an extensive educational background, including a BA in Religion from Houghton College (2003), a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary (2007), a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary (2014), and an MBA from Dakota Wesleyan University (2021). He began his ministry as a military chaplain in his senior year of college, serving in both the Marine and Navy Reserves. Roz has dedicated his career to the local church, taking on various roles from custodian to executive pastor, notably at Ginghamsburg Church and as a founding pastor of Mosaic, a multicultural church in Dayton, Ohio. Beyond pastoral work, Roz is a national speaker, author of 9 books, leads Picardo Coaching LLC for church planters/pastors, and contributes as a faculty consultant and affiliate faculty member in United’s Doctor of Ministry program.

The Rev. C.K. “Chuck” Robertson is an internationally respected speaker and past EO Guest Speaker. He is a visiting professor at various seminaries, and senior review leader for Paul’s epistles for the recently completed NRSV Updated Edition of the Bible. He travels the world in his work for The Episcopal Church. Chuck has written many books including Barnabas vs. Paul, Conversations with Scripture: Acts of the Apostles, and Jesus & Paul: Global Perspectives, as well as books on religion and popular culture, including Theology & Batman. He is also producer of the recent documentary, A Case for Love.

Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz is the Executive Director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty in Washington, DC.  Previously, he was the Speaker of The Lutheran Hour radio program with over 1 million listeners across North America. He has also served at Concordia University Irvine, Life's Journey Ministries and in congregations in New York city, Dallas and Tampa.

Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton was elected to the episcopacy on November 2, 2022. Her assignment as Resident Bishop, Raleigh Episcopal Area, North Carolina Conference, commenced January 1, 2023.

Bishop Shelton encourages congregations to stay on mission! Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world is the mission that tethers us to the way of Jesus. Discipleship begins and ends in relationship with the Triune God and one another. Connecting, inspiring, collaborating, and discerning are values Bishop Shelton upholds for the people called United Methodists in eastern North Carolina. Claiming Wesleyan theology and practice, Bishop Shelton envisions disciples joining God's transformational work of peace-building in every community.

Bishop Shelton's experience includes pastoral appointments in rural, urban, small, medium, and large membership churches in Mississippi, executive director of The United Methodist Hour radio and television ministry of the Mississippi Conference, director of Field Education at Duke Divinity School, director of Connectional Ministries of the Mississippi Conference, and as a District Superintendent.

Her immediate family includes her husband of 37 years, Rev. Dr. Joey Shelton, and their two adult daughters, Bailey and Jessica. The Shelton’s delight in an expansive family, both genetic and through baptism

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is an award-winning author of several books including bestseller Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity. She is a board-certified internal medicine physician, work-life integration researcher, international speaker, and host of the I Choose My Best Life Podcast. She transparently shares how her past pain has been redeemed through the practical application of God's word.

Daniel V. Speckhard is the president & CEO of Corus International, an ensemble of humanitarian and social impact organizations including Lutheran World Relief and IMA World Health.

A former U.S. Ambassador to Greece and Belarus, Daniel has had a long and distinguished career in government service under both Republican and Democratic administrations. Daniel's previous positions have included serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary General at NATO where he coordinated bringing seven new members into NATO and strengthened relations with Ukraine, Russia, China, Japan, and the Middle East. He was awarded a service medal for his crisis management work supporting peace in the Balkans. He was Deputy Chief of Mission in Iraq during the heightened fighting, surge in U.S. forces, and the largest reconstruction effort since the Marshall Plan. He also served as a senior advisor to Palantir Technologies, a Silicon Valley company at the forefront of using technology to drive innovative change across the government, commercial, and non-profit sectors.

Recognized as a visionary and experienced problem solver in the international development and humanitarian space, he has brought innovative approaches to the complex and interrelated challenges of poverty, health, and the environment in fragile and insecure settings. He has deep experience working at the nexus of economic development, international security, and political change, particularly in support of people experiencing poverty and marginalization. In the wider policy arena, he served as a nonresident senior fellow in the Global Economy and Development program at the Brookings Institution and a nonresident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council's Future Europe Initiative and Eurasia Center. He currently serves as a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) within the Project on Prosperity and Development program

Daniel has a master’s degree in economics, a master’s degree in public policy and administration, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and started his career in government as a Presidential Management Fellow.

Dr. Lester Spencer is currently serving as the Conference Superintendent of the Alabama Emerald Coast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Lester has been an ordained Methodist pastor for over 40 years and served as the Lead Pastor at St. James Church in Montgomery, Al for 25 of those years. He has also served other large churches in Al and Fl after earning his undergraduate degree from Auburn University and a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from the Candler School of Theology, Emory University. He has served as the President and as a member of the Board of Directors for various ministries and mission organizations locally, nationally and internationally.    

Rev. Janeese Spencer is the CEO and Founder of Venture Life Coaching and is a Certified Coach and Speaker with The John Maxwell Team.  Janeese has also earned her undergraduate degree form Presbyterian College and a Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology, Emory University.  In addition, she successfully completed a 2 year post graduate Fellowship in Pastoral Care and Counseling.   Janeese served in the local church as a pastor of Discipleship, Women’s Ministry and Prayer Team Ministries for over 30 years. She is currently an ordained elder in the Global Methodist Church. Janeese has years of experience speaking at conferences and retreats around the Southeast, and she also writes and teaches Bible Studies. 

Lester and Janeese have been married 37 years and have 3 married children.  They love to travel, sail and teach as they seek to learn more about the Bible, history and life! 

Dr. Shane Stanford is the President/CEO of The Moore-West Center for Applied Theology and the author of 19 books, countless articles and two major curriculum programs that address the life of Jesus in the midst of our lives.

Rev. Dr. Brad Strait loves people – a hyper-extrovert who gets recharged hanging out with people. He is a global-hearted shepherd and loves traveling. He has studied, learned from, worked among, and laughed with people all over the world. Brad serves as Lead Pastor of Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church in Englewood, Colorado, and was Moderator of the 41st Evangelical Presbyterian Church General Assembly in 2022. He also teaches at Denver Seminary. He has also served as a Chaplain for fire and police departments and the Colorado House of Representatives.

Matt  serves as an Executive Minister at Highland Park UMC in Dallas, Texas where he leads HPUMC’s contemporary worship community, Cornerstone.  Matt is known as a gifted preacher and teacher, with a passion for helping people engage with the bible and a conversational style that helps people connect with his messages. Previously, he served churches in Georgia and Virginia. Prior to being in ministry, Matt worked in special education and as a nature guide. Matt is married to Amy and they have three children. Matt spends most of his time with his family or congregation, but also enjoys a variety of outdoor activities and reading.

The Rev. Dr. Peter Walker first visited the Holy Land in 1981 and has been leading tours on a regular basis since 1984—tours for clergy, students, and lay people, tours for people from every continent (but especially UK, North America, and East Africa). He has a particular interest in helping those in ordained ministry to gain insights from their visit to the Holy Land which will inform their life-long teaching ministry.

His own doctoral research work investigated how the first Christians understood the significance of Jerusalem—from the time of the apostles through to the Byzantine era in the fourth century. Peter has written numerous books, including popular-level books In the Steps of Jesus, The Story of the Holy Land, and In the Steps of Saint Paul.

Pastor Paul F. Knight has served HOPE Church (Evangelical Covenant) in Grand Forks, ND
since 1991. The church has grown from a congregation of about 50 to a weekly attendance of “around 1,200.” Pastor Paul is a pastor/evangelist at heart with a love for Jesus Christ, His people, and the Church. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Bonnie, since 1979. They have three adult children and three grandchildren. “I would like to invite you to journey with Bonnie and I as we explore the Christmas Markets and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ: Emmanuel: The Stunning Reality of God’s Desire for Us! “

Ken is the Area Commander of the Salvation Army – Orlando. He is an accomplished musician who has performed with Army ensembles and was an award-winning high school band and theater teacher. He then became CEO/Creative Director for Creative Events International. He was Music Producer for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Executive Director of the Atlanta and Barcelona Paralympics Ceremonies, and many other public and corporate events around the country – including the White House. Ken realized God’s call and became an Officer of the Salvation Army, serving in Jackson, MS, and Tulsa, OK, before his current post. He and his wife, Major Jessie, have 3 adult children and have recently retired to North Georgia and started the North Georgia Mountain Mission of the Salvation Army.

Tim is a passionate husband, father, and leader who desires to see people know Jesus and experience the abundant life God intended. After graduating from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, he planted a church in the northern suburbs of Milwaukee, which expanded through an early childhood center and a high school. In 2006, Tim was called to Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball to serve as the Connections Pastor for assimilation and small groups; in 2011, he became Executive Pastor; in 2013, Tim became Senior Pastor. Recently, he also became the
leader of the Large Church Network (LCN), an organization that gathers the leaders of the larger congregations of the LCMS for networking,
learning, and encouragement. He is married to Kristin, a licensed professional counselor, and has two grown children.

Migdalia Rivera, con más de 30 años en la música cristiana, es una respetada pastora, cantante, autora y empresaria. Una de las Hermanitas Rivera, fundadora de la Iglesia Casa Vida en Atlanta, y participante en numerosos proyectos y giras mundialmente reconocidas como “Israel”, “Música con Propósito”, entre otras. Autora de Una Vida Encendida y otros libros de impacto espiritual. Productora de talentos musicales, vicepresidenta de MAS 100.9 FM en Atlanta y conductora radial.