Dr. Robert Brandt, is a professor of Youth Ministry at Bethel. Robert grew up in San Diego, California where he pursued an engineering degree at San Diego State University because he wanted to build buildings. But God had different plans. After he surrendered the control of his life to God’s will he was called into ministry and instead would build into peoples’ lives.
Robert served in full-time ministry for 15 years in churches in California and Colorado and is now in his 22nd year teaching at Bethel. He is married to his wife, Melody, and they have seven children…and three grandchildren.
Robert, Melody and his family have intentionally invested in a wide variety of students over their years at Bethel.
Reverend, Dr. Theo Williams is an Associate Professor of Communications at Bethel University, where he has taught for almost two decades. He has a master’s degree in urban ministry from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, and a PhD in communication from Regent University. He and his wife Nicole have been married for 22 years and have ministered together locally, nationally and overseas. He is currently serving as the pastor at Covenant Community Church in South Bend. Theo has a heart and passion for young people, marriages, racial reconciliation and social justice. Would you please welcome to the Bethel University stage, Dr. Theo Williams.
Elijah Shamenda, is the Lead Pastor of Overflow Church, a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural community in Southwest Michigan. He is currently pursuing a PhD in New Testament Studies at Columbia International University where he is exploring the concept of “faithful witness” in the book of Revelation. He’s married to Jaynee and they have three children.
Kevin Moore is the Regional Director of the Missionary Church North Central Region. He is also a church planter and the pastor of Noble County Community Church. Kevin has written eight books, and trains leaders in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors—helping them lead themselves, their families, and their teams with passion and precision.
Kevin is married to Veronica, and they have four children and four grandchildren.
Through storytelling and humor, John reflects on his own Christian walk and his experiences as an athlete, including four years as a professional soccer player for the Charlotte Eagles, and more than a decade as a soccer ministry tour leader with Missionary Athletes International.
John preaches the Bible, motivating and training youth and adults to be Gospel-driven disciples who live on mission. He played professional soccer before serving as the lead pastor of a church in Buckley, Michigan. John and his wife Darcey have five children and one amazing grandchild
We were blessed to hear from Rev. Cokiesha Bailey Robinson, who serves as the Associate Dean of Mentoring and Cross-Cultural Engagement at Grace College and Seminary. She is a professor, administrator, author, racial reconciler, and servant of the Lord.
Rev. Robinson is a graduate of Fisk and Samford Universities, and Beeson Divinity School, and is a D.Min. student at Truett Seminary of Baylor.
She has served over 30 years in local and global church ministries and has contributed to 10 books. She believes in living a life that is pastoral, personal and pioneering in leadership and partnerships.
Cokiesha is the wife of her best friend Timothy for 18 years and they enjoy mentoring the next generation of ministry leaders. She enjoys traveling, loves dogs, beaches, music and amusement parks.
We’re continuing in our annual GO Series, a week focused on God’s work and mission in our world, whether it’s across the street or around the globe. We were blessed to hear from Ana Cristina Bastidas, a missionary and teacher with a passion for discipleship and entrepreneurship. Born and raised in Ecuador but trained right here at Bethel University, Ana returned to Ecuador to see her fellow Ecuadorians connect intimately to God through discipleship. In addition to her discipleship activities, Ana also teaches business courses to women in vulnerable situations in partnership with Creative Women of the World. She also ministers in local prisons, refugee shelters, and in her local church. In her free time, Ana enjoys beach volleyball, playing with her little dog, Maya, and spending time with her family.
