/spaHonour Academy

Honour Academy

What is Honour Academy?

Named for C.S. and Ida Honour — our church’s founders and champions of Christian education — Honour Academy features expert-led courses for people who want to grow in faith, connect more deeply with others, and become more like Jesus.

We Invite You To…

See more of God’s work in your everyday life and relationships. Better express what you believe for yourself and those who want to know. Develop closer Christ-centered relationships in tight. Focused gatherings, and get equipped to become a more effective mentor, creator, leader, partner, parent, and friend.

What is Honour Academy Like?

We choose an area of study we think will make us better able to live the kind of life Jesus wants for us. We get together with people who feel the same way we do. Courses will include table-based discussions and focus on practical application.

Why is Honour Academy Important?

Those of us who want to grow in our faith don’t always know what steps to take. And though we attend church on Sunday, it can feel like a meaningful and compelling Christian life is just beyond our grasp. 

That’s why we created Honour Academy. It features targeted topic-based courses designed for groups of people who want to grow in faith, connect more deeply with others, and become more like Jesus. We offer expert-led classes on how to understand the Bible, strengthen your relationship with God, practice your faith in daily life, and better engage with the world.

Courses

Timeless Insights: A Deeper Dive into Beloved Bible Passages?

Dr. Milton Perry


February 2, 9, and 16
6–7:30pm

Have you ever wondered if there’s more to the Bible’s most beloved passages, like the Parable of the Prodigal Son or the 23rd Psalm, than meets the eye? Join Dr. Milton Perry for an engaging journey into the depths of these timeless scriptures. Together, we will uncover fresh insights and profound meanings hidden within the verses you thought you knew. Discover something new, deepen your understanding, and see these familiar texts in a whole new light.

Exploring Biblical Genres: Prophecy, Gospel, and Apocalypse

Janie Jeter   


February 2, 9, and 16
6–7:30pm

The Bible is a tapestry of diverse literary genres, each offering unique insights and layers of meaning. Understanding these genres—whether prophecy, gospel, or apocalyptic literature—enhances our ability to engage deeply with Scripture. 

In this course, we’ll examine three distinct Biblical texts: a prophetic passage from Isaiah, a gospel account from Matthew, and an apocalyptic vision from Revelation. Together, we’ll explore what these texts communicate, uncover their historical and theological significance, and reflect on their relevance in our lives today. Through close reading, thoughtful discussion, and genre-specific analysis, this course will deepen your appreciation of the Bible’s literary richness and spiritual impact

The Death of the Messiah

Dr. Chuck Roberts   


February 2, 9, and 16
6–7:30pm

The death of Jesus is one of the most familiar stories in history, yet its profound significance often remains elusive. This course delves deeply into the theological, spiritual, and historical dimensions of Jesus’ sacrifice. Using Raymond Brown’s groundbreaking two-volume work as a foundation, participants will explore the necessity of the Messiah’s sacrifice, the far-reaching implications of his death, and the transformative spiritual consequences it has for humanity. Join us for a rich and thought-provoking journey into one of the central mysteries of the Christian faith.

The Challenges of Parenting

Dr. Richard Kannwischer   


February 2, 9, and 16
6–7:30pm

Parenting in today’s world comes with unique challenges, from navigating technology and managing emotional well-being and nurturing faith in a secular culture. This three-week course provides practical tools, biblical wisdom, and actionable strategies to help parents raise engaged, healthy, and faithful children. Each session focuses on a specific parenting challenge, offering insights and resources to guide your family’s journey with technological challenges in a digital age, emotional challenges in an anxious age, and faith challenges in a secular age.

Join Dr. Richard Kannwischer and special guests as we invite parents to grow in their role as spiritual, emotional, and practical guides for their children.

Facilitators

Rev. Dr. Richard Kannwischer

The Rev. Dr. Richard Kannwischer is the eighth Senior Pastor of the seven-thousand member Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Richard has been a pastor for twenty-five years and has served congregations in Texas, California, and the NYC metropolitan area.

He studied business at Trinity University in San Antonio before completing his Masters from Princeton Seminary and his Doctorate from Fuller Theological Seminary. Richard has been honored to serve as a member of the board of trustees for all three of his higher educational institutions. He is currently a Board of Director at the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta.

Richard and Kelly met in graduate school, so they fell in love debating theology and eating ice cream as a reward after an evening in the library. Kelly is the founder of OptUp Consulting and is passionate about empowering momentum for organizations and noble causes. They have two adult children. One is a student at the University of Georgia, and the other attends Rich’s alma mater, Trinity University. Richard loves to read, swim, and run, and if you really want a great story, ask him about his hole-in-one in golf.

Jennifer Batka

As a Certified Spiritual Director, Jennifer gently guides and journeys alongside people in their relationship with God. She leads the Fuller Theological Seminary Spiritual Formation Cohorts at Peachtree Church offering individuals opportunities to learn about and engage with spiritual disciplines that serve as pathways to a closer walk with Jesus.

Jennifer also leads women’s retreats, silent retreats, and spiritual formation services. Her hope is people will grow deeper in their faith, experiencing God’s love and compassion. Jennifer has been a member of Peachtree for more than 30 years and she and her husband, David, have two teenage boys and a Boykin Spaniel.

Rev. Vicki Franch

Rev. Vicki Harrington Franch serves as the Pastor of Pastoral Care. She cares for those in need of support and she oversees the Stephen Ministers, as well as the Griefshare and Divorce Recovery support groups.

Vicki has been a part of Peachtree since she was 10 years old. Her father, Dr. Frank Harrington, served as Senior Pastor of Peachtree for 29 years. She thinks of this church as an extension of her home and of the congregation as her family. Vicki considers her ministry here to be “a dream come true.”

She received her bachelor’s degree from Duke University. While getting her Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, she served at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Newtown Square Presbyterian Church, and served as a chaplain for Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She began working for Peachtree in 2001.

Vicki is married to Dr. Hal Franch, who is a nephrologist and Professor of Medicine at Emory University. They met in high school and have been married since 1983. They have three children, Carolina, Michael, and James and two grandchildren.

Janie Jeter

Janie Jeter is a long-time member and elder at Peachtree. She has taught Adult Sunday School classes and, since 2010, has led a group of women in an in-depth study of Scripture. Having benefited from excellent Bible teaching, primarily at Peachtree, she is committed to encouraging other lay people to deeply engage with Scripture – listening carefully to what the text says, asking and learning what it means, and considering what difference it makes in our lives. Janie holds undergraduate and law degrees from Emory University.

She and her husband, Sheldon, have an adult son, Jeff.

Kelly Kannwischer

Kelly is a consultant and coach who brings a wealth of experience and passion to the nonprofit sector. As the Managing Director at Carter Global and co-founder of Wonderfully Made, she is deeply committed to empowering individuals and organizations to realize their full potential. Through her work as an executive and life coach at OptUp, Kelly specializes in helping leaders to convert hidden talents into vibrant passions that drive impact.

An alumnus of both The University of Virginia and Princeton Theological Seminary, Kelly blends academic rigor with real-world insight. When she’s not busy inspiring others, you can often find her baking with the Wonder Makers, on the golf course, or writing. Kelly’s life and work is all about connection, creativity, and cultivating community.

Morgan Kennedy 

Morgan is Peachtree’s Director of Teaching and Learning and has a heart for adult discipleship. She graduated from Auburn with a Master of Education and is passionate about creating safe learning environments that allow the congregation to explore their faith, ask hard questions, and grow deeper in their walk with Christ. She is a student at Emory’s Candler School of Theology, earning a Master of Divinity.

She is married to her best friend, Clark, and they enjoy cheering on their sons, Woods and Wren, at the ballpark.

Dr. Jay Madden

Dr. Jay Madden is the Executive Pastor at Peachtree. In this role, he is responsible for implementing the strategy and managing the ministry staff of the church.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in political science from Furman University, Jay spent 12 years owning and operating several businesses. When he sensed that God was calling him to serve the church, he joined the staff of First Presbyterian Church in Greenville, South Carolina as Evangelism Director. In the early 2000s, he moved to Chicago to serve as an Area Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church. While there, he earned a Master of Divinity degree from Bethel Seminary.

In 2009, Jay began a role at Peachtree as Pastor for Mission where he was responsible for both local and global mission partnerships. During his tenure, he completed his Doctor of Missiology degree from Fuller Seminary which focused on mutual transformation through mission. And in 2022, he began serving as the church’s Executive Pastor.

Jay is passionate about encouraging people to participate in God’s mission and to be transformed by their experiences. Jay’s other passions are spending quality time and traveling with his wife Rebecca, daughter Neale, and son William; watching Clemson football; and being in the great outdoors with his Labrador Retriever, Ranger.

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.

Rev. Wes Nichols

Rev. Wes Nichols is the Pastor for Belong. In this role, he oversees Sunday Belong Communities, Young Professionals, and Alpha.

Wes grew up attending Peachtree with his family. After graduating high school, he attended the University of Georgia where he received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Affairs. Post-college, Wes returned to Peachtree to work in Student Ministry. After receiving his Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, he became a pastor at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas. In 2023, Wes returned to Peachtree for the second time as the Pastor for Belong.

He and his wife Caroline live in Brookhaven. In their spare time, they love trying fun restaurants, being outside, and watching UGA football.

Dr. Milton Perry

The Rev. Dr. Milton Perry is a native of Texas and he served for more than 20 years as senior pastor of four different churches. After starting a new mission church in Thompson Falls, Montana, Milton also served churches in Texas and Georgia.

He studied accounting at Texas A&M University before completing both his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of West Alabama.

After leaving full time pastoral ministry, he worked as a licensed therapist in Georgia for almost ten years. He currently works for OnPay, a highly successful tech company here in the Atlanta area.

Milton and Allison met and fell in love several years ago and, together, they have a blended family that includes two daughters, five sons, and three wonderful grandchildren. Allison is the Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Lenbrook, one of the most premier senior adult living communities in the Southeast. In his free time, Milton enjoys travelling, playing golf, and spending quality time with his incredible family.  

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.

Rev. Deanne Townsend

Rev. Deanne Townsend serves as the Pastor for Family Ministry at Peachtree, committed to supporting the spiritual growth of families from newborns to college students. In her role, Deanne is dedicated to building strong, healthy relationships within families and promoting their involvement in the wider community.

She holds bachelor’s degrees in communication studies and children’s learning and development from the University of Massachusetts in addition to her Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. Currently, she is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at Duke University. Prior to joining Peachtree in 2015, she worked in Children and Family Ministry for Park Street Church, Tenth Presbyterian Church, and First Presbyterian Church of Augusta.

Deanne and her husband Trey have four children, Chandler, Chase, Claire, and Caroline; as well as two grandchildren Lyla Grace and James. She follows the Clemson Tigers with sheer devotion and has a deep-rooted love for anything pertaining to soccer.

Rev. Scott Tucker

After earning his bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Wake Forest University, Scott attended Columbia Theological Seminary, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree. Following his seminary studies, Scott 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. He soon gravitated to the Grand Adult classes, eventually leading him to join Peachtree’s staff to serve this community.

Scott and his wife, Lauren, were high school sweethearts. They have two children, Clare and Whit, and an energetic dog, Butch. Scott enjoys spending his free time trying to master new recipes in the kitchen or on the grill, spending time with his family, watching the Braves and Falcons, and reading bad science fiction.