Christina Hergenrader

Christina Hergenrader is an internationally recognized author, executive coach, and speaker with more than 25 years of experience in faith formation, biblical storytelling, and emotional resilience. Her work draws on both theology and real life, reaching Christians who are navigating doubt, pressure, and the quiet weight of daily responsibilities. Known for her clarity, warmth, and gospel-centered insight, she writes for those who keep showing up—sometimes weary, sometimes wondering, but always within reach of grace.

She is the author of 13 books, including Last Summer at Eden, Family Trees & Olive Branches, Everlasting: Peaks, Valleys, & Grace in the Psalms, and the Novel Devotions series. For over two decades, her partnership with Concordia Publishing House has shaped Bible studies used by churches and schools across the country. Christina has spoken to thousands—students, parents, and church leaders—at retreats, national conferences, and international gatherings. Her teaching invites listeners into Scripture with depth, honesty, and a clear connection to their everyday lives.

Christina holds a Master’s in Creative Writing from the University of Houston and is certified in Executive Coaching through the International Coaching Federation. Her work integrates theology, narrative, and emotional insight—helping others connect modern life to the enduring truth of God’s Word.

She lives in Houston with her husband of 28 years. They have four nearly-grown children and a small pack of retired racing greyhounds. Her favorite place is their Galveston beach house, where she walks the shoreline and thinks about grace, grit, and what’s for dinner.

Dr. Matt Engel

Dr. Matt Engel has held a distinguished position as a senior leader and adjunct faculty member at Arizona State University. During his tenure, he employed data, analytics, and strategic messaging to achieve notable advancements in student enrollment and retention rates over nine years. Following his impactful tenure in academia, Matt was called to apply his expertise as a pastor at his local church in Arizona. The dramatic impact within the church and community in Arizona led him to assist numerous churches in becoming more Spirit-led and Christ-centered while incorporating a data-informed approach to their ministries. His contributions have influenced some of the largest churches in the nation toward meaningful growth and development.

As a speaker and author of the novel, "Fourteen Fridays", he is regarded as a subject matter expert in Decision Science and Organizational Growth Engagement Strategy. His proficiency in these fields was further demonstrated through his leadership in the largest privately funded city transformation project. This initiative focused on decentralizing city transformation, where Matt documented significant outcomes and has since transitioned to spearhead the largest network of innovation-driven churches, encompassing some of America’s most prominent congregations, all leveraging Engagement Frameworks and Platform Theory Strategies.

Matt’s expertise is notably recognized in assisting leaders in achieving their God-given missions. He excels in transforming interesting data into actionable insights, leading to measurable outcomes through rapid experimentation. His academic background includes a master’s degree in organizational design and development and a doctorate in Christian leadership, specializing in innovation and liminality. On a personal note, Matt, alongside his wife Denise and their two children, resides in northern Arizona. They have recently embraced the responsibility of caring for their elderly parents, reflecting their deep commitment to family values and the importance of intergenerational support and connection. This aspect of his life highlights his professional accomplishments and underscores his dedication to family and community.

Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing

Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing serves The Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Additionally, he directs the university’s Center of Biblical Studies and pre-seminary program. Reed is also the Associate Pastor at Cross View Lutheran Church in Edina. He has authored books in the Concordia Commentary series that include Isaiah 40–55, Isaiah 56–66, Amos, Jonah, Zechariah, and Lamentations. He has also written for CPH Overcoming Life’s Sorrows: Learning from Jeremiah, Deliver Us: God’s Rescue Story in Exodus, and Hope in the Wilderness: Practical Insights from the Book of Numbers. Reed has co-authored three CPH books with Andy Steinmann: Prepare the Way of the Lord: An Introduction to the Old Testament, The Messianic Message: Patterns, Predictions, and the Presence of Jesus in the Old Testament, and Wrestling with God: Shedding Light on Difficult Passages in the Old Testament.