Rev. Dr. Richard Kannwischer

The Rev. Dr. Richard Kannwischer has served as the Senior Pastor of Peachtree Presbyterian Church since January 2017. Before he arrived at Peachtree, Richard was Lead Pastor at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, CA, for seven years. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio, where he currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees. He earned a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a doctorate of ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. Rev. Kannwischer has served as a trustee for both graduate institutions. Most recently, he has become a member of the Board of Directors at the Fox Theatre. Rev. Kannwischer, a native Texan, is married to his wife, Kelly and they have two teenage daughters.

Courses  

C.S. Lewis: An Introduction To His Life & Writings

Hot Topics: Hold Love & Truth Together with Controversial Issues

Dr. Bo Adams 

Dr. Richard Manly Adams, Jr., known as “Bo,” is the Director of Pitts Theology Library at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, and the Margaret A. Pitts Assistant Professor in the Practice of Theological Bibliography. Trained as a New Testament scholar (PhD Emory University), a software developer (BA Dartmouth College), and a librarian (MLIS University of Alabama), Dr. Adams’s research and teaching interests are in understanding reading communities, reading technologies, and reading practices, both ancient and modern. He is blessed with a wonderful family, including his wife, Windsor Adams, and three children.

Course  

We Are One In Christ?
Reading Paul's Letter To Galatians In A Diverse World  

Linda Beckham

Linda Beckham is a retired Certified Church Educator, originally from Charlottesville, VA. She taught first grade in Louisiana and organized and opened a preschool at Faith United Presbyterian church (still in operation!). In Tampa she served as Director of Christian Education and Family Ministry at Village Presbyterian Church and Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, retiring in 2016. Active in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay, she chaired several committees, Presbytery Council, as well as serving Vice Moderator and Moderator. Linda and Ken are the proud parents of Kelly (Kannwischer) and Bryan and very proud grandparents of five girls.

Course  

Grace Based Parenting  

Dr. Tim Hartman

Dr. Tim Hartman currently serves as an Associate Professor of Theology at Columbia Theological Seminary. He holds a B.A. in History from Stanford University, a M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Theology, Ethics, and Culture from the University of Virginia. Dr. Hartman’s research interests include contemporary Christian theologies worldwide, Christology, and Lived Theology—the interrelationship between religious beliefs and practices. Previously, he served as an associate pastor at Hollywood Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles and as co-mission pastor (with the Rev. Saranell Hartman) of a new church development in Baltimore. He lives in Decatur, GA, with his wife and their three children.

Course  

What We Believe: History Of Christian Theology

Tim Irwin

Dr. Tim Irwin is a thought leader, author, and speaker on leadership development and organizational effectiveness. A consultant for over 30 years, he served from 2000 to 2005 in senior management of an international consulting firm with over 300 offices worldwide. His work has taken him to over 25 foreign countries in Europe, Latin America, Canada, and the Far East.

Course  

Alpha

Rev. Cody Jensen

Rev. Cody Jensen is a native Californian and grew up in a small mountain town two hours outside of Los Angeles called Big Bear Lake. He attended Cal State University Fullerton and received his Bachelor’s degree in business. During his time in the corporate world, Rev. Jensen spent most of his time volunteering and serving at various churches and always knew he would end up in full time vocational ministry. Cody previously worked at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, CA, as the Minister of Student Ministries. During his time at St. Andrews, he received his Master’s degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is married to his beautiful wife, Roz, and they have two children. Rev. Jensen brings a deep passion and love for Christ along with laughter, energy, and a deep desire to include all in the family of God.

Course  

How to Articulate Your Faith and God’s Story

Kelly Kannwischer

Kelly has spent her vocational life as a not-for-profit executive, consultant, and development professional, investing in leaders and teams as a Certified Coach, Insights Discovery practitioner (insights.com), and organizational consultant. Formerly CEO of Future Church Co., Kelly also founded OptUp Consulting, served THINK Together as the Chief Engagement Officer, and led Vanguard University as a Vice President and President of the Vanguard University Foundation. She also has a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. Kelly lives in the Atlanta area with her husband, Rich, Senior Pastor at Peachtree Presbyterian Church, and their two daughters.

Course  

What We Believe: History Of Christian Theology

Dr. Jay Madden

Dr. Jay Madden grew up in South Carolina, where he attended Furman University. After spending 12 years in Greenville owning and operating a number of businesses, he sensed that God was calling him to serve the church. He joined the staff of First Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC, before making the move to Chicago in 2003 where he served as an Area Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, MN. In 2009, Dr. Madden began serving at Peachtree as Pastor for Mission where he is responsible for Peachtree’s local and global mission partnerships. He completed his Doctor of Missiology degree in 2019 from Fuller Seminary. He is passionate about seeing the Peachtree community reach their full potential in God’s mission in Atlanta and around the world. He and his wife Rebecca, have two children.

Course  

Alpha

Dr. Eric Moore

Dr. Eric C. Moore is an affiliate instructor at Emory College, in addition to being a postdoctoral fellow at Candler School of Theology. Dr. Moore previously served as a Pitts Theology Library curatorial fellow. He has taught at the Interdenominational Theological Center, Roberts Wesleyan College, and Georgia Central University. Dr. Moore's research focuses on interpretation of the New Testament, particularly in light of ancient Mediterranean community and ritual practices. He is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, the Society for Ancient Mediterranean Religions, and the Archaeological Institute of America.

Course  

Understanding the New Testament

Dr. Stephen Newby

An accomplished composer, conductor, gospel/jazz vocalist, and pianist, Detroit native Dr. Stephen Newby brings with him a wealth of creativity, experience, and potency in worshiping Jesus Christ. Peachtree’s artist in residence since January 2020, he accepted the call in July 2021 to be the Minister of Worship. Dr. Newby previously served as a worship pastor in various states for more than 25 years. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music Education and Flute Performance from Madonna College in Livonia, MI. He received a Master of Music in Jazz Composition and Arranging from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. There, his studies in composition were under the supervision of Robert Sutton, Frederick Tillis, Jeff Holmes, and Robert Stern. He returned to Michigan to complete his Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition degree at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He earned a Master’s degree in Theology from Seattle Pacific University. He is married to Stephanie, and they have one son, Silas.

Course  

Theology of Worship and the Arts

Dr. Vic Pentz

Dr. Vic Pentz is the retired pastor of Peachtree Presbyterian Church. He is a graduate of Pomona College, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Fuller Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of churches in Palos Verdes and La Verne, California; Yakima, Washington; and Houston, Texas, prior to coming to Atlanta in 2000. Dr. Pentz has done extensive study and travels in the Middle East and has traveled to speak in China for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He currently serves on the International Advisory Committee of the American University of Beirut. He is married to Becky, a professor of medical ethics at Emory, and they have eight grandchildren.

Course  

Hot Topics: Hold Love & Truth Together with Controversial Issues

Dr. Chuck Roberts

A native of Pine Bluff, AR, Chuck Roberts graduated from Arkansas State University with a degree in History, which he discovered was good for nothing except a springboard to graduate school. He earned two Masters degrees from Columbia Theological Seminary (a Doctorate came later from McCormick Seminary in Chicago). Having served churches in Augusta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Pascagoula, MS, Dr. Roberts serves Peachtree for the second time, having been the Minister to Singles from 1989-1995. With a passion for the Bible, for seeing men grow as followers of Jesus, and for the church scattered and effective in the workplace, he can be found covered in sawdust working on projects at home or on his bike around Buckhead or on the Silver Comet Trail when trying to clear his mind. Married to the former Lib Upchurch of Montgomery, AL, Dr. Roberts and Lib have two adult daughters.

Course  

Understanding the New Testament

Eric Scott

Eric Scott is the son of Presbyterian missionaries and grew up in Kenya and Germany. He earned his bachelor's degree from Covenant College, a Christian liberal arts school in northwest Georgia, and his master's degree from Georgia Tech. He also completed a nine-month residential spiritual formation program, The Trinity Forum Academy, where he explored life's greatest questions, in the context of faith and community. Eric is a member of the Peachtree Pres College of Elders and has taught Scripture and public theology in the Young Adults Belong Community as well as Confirmation.

Course  

Explorations On The Good Life: A Gospel-Centered Examination of Power, Money and the Magic of Technology  

Darren Short

Darren Short joined Peachtree Presbyterian Church in 2016 along with his wife, Ann, and two beautiful daughters. He is an active Sunday School teacher, men’s CLC discipleship leader, and Younique facilitator with prior experience as a youth and disciple Bible study leader. Darren has a passion for Bible study and discipleship and encouraging believers in their walks with Jesus. He is employed by RBC Capital Markets and in his free time loves spending time with family, friends, and three dogs.

Course  

Explorations On The Good Life: A Gospel-Centered Examination of Power, Money and the Magic of Technology  

Rev. Deanne Townsend

Rev. Deanne Townsend has more than 20 years of experience in Children & Family Ministry. She holds degrees in Communication Studies and Children’s Learning and Development in addition to her M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary. The joy of her heart is watching God demonstrate the sweet relationship he has with His children through the institution of the family and partnering with families to raise the next generation for Jesus. Rev. Townsend is from Greenville, SC, and describes herself as a child of the king, wife to Trey, mama of four covenant children, and passionate leader in Children and Family Ministry.

Course  

Grace Based Parenting  

Rev. Scott Tucker

Rev. Scott Tucker is an Atlanta native, who began attending Peachtree on Easter Sunday of 2000. After earning a degree in English Literature from Wake Forest University, he attended Columbia Theological Seminary, where he earned a Master of Divinity. Following his seminary studies, Rev. Tucker worked in various roles with non-profit organizations throughout Atlanta and taught middle school religion courses at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, while also serving as the House Chaplain for an assisted living facility in Sandy Springs. With formal theological education and a background in teaching, he began teaching Adult Sunday School classes at Peachtree and soon gravitated to the Grand Adult classes, where he has brought a passion for biblically grounded theological exploration to life. He and his wife, Lauren, have two children and an energetic dog.

Course  

How to Pray

Dr. Vernon Whaley

Dr. Vernon M. Whaley is Associate Provost of Program Development in Music and Worship at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN. He has distinguished himself as a teacher of worship studies for better than 35 years. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma in Music Education; D.W.S. from Liberty University; D. Min. and M.C.M. from Luther Rice Seminary, M.A. from Middle Tennessee State University, and B.A. in Bible and Music from Welch College (formerly Free Will Baptist Bible College). He is president of Integra Music Group, a music publishing company based in Nashville, TN. Dr. Whaley is known as a creative choral arranger, dynamic worship leader, and effective conference speaker. Dr. Whaley is married to Beth, has two adult children, six grandchildren, and resides in Mount Juliet, TN.

Course  

Theology of Worship and the Arts

Dr. Raymond Wise

Rev. Raymond Wise, Ph.D., Professor of Practice at Indiana University, began his musical career at the age of three, singing gospel music with his family singing group “The Wise Singers.” He earned a B.F.A. from Denison University, studied at the Institute for European Studies in Vienna, Austria, and completed an apprenticeship in the business and recording of Gospel Music with the Walter Hawkins Corporation. Rev. Wise was awarded a Graduate Fellowship from The Ohio State University where he earned his Masters in Music Education and Ohio Teacher’s Certification. He also completed a Doctorate in Music Education at The Ohio State University. Rev. Wise has served as a church minister of music for more than 40 years and as the musical director for more than 30 choirs and has prepared choirs to perform for national recording artists such as Kenny Rogers, Diana Ross, Yolanda Adams, Tramaine Hawkins, and Wintley Phipps.

Course  

Theology of Worship and the Arts