Sam holds a BA in Theology from Portland Bible College and is scheduled to finish his M.A. in Christian and Classical Thought and a M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies. Sam has served in multiple roles at Redeemer Church, a multi-site church in upstate New York, for the past 23 years. From children’s ministry to campus pastoring to his current role as the Pastor of Families, Sam has a wealth of experience discipling kids, parents, and volunteers. Sam has served as chairman of INCM , co-authored The Eric Trap: 5 Things Every Leader Has to Get Right, been involved in several book projects, and has been blogging since 2007. His real passion lies in teaching the gospel, building and strengthening the local church through a multiplicand of disciples. Sam has been married to his beautiful wife for 22 years. Together they have 4 beautiful children ages 16, 13, 11, and 8. In his free time, Sam enjoys reading, writing, and, most recently, playing golf.

Lynne Howard is a children's ministry leader, mother of two sweet kids, and creative thinker. Originally from Indiana, she's a midwestern transplant to the South. She resides in Alabama, where she spends her time leading children's ministry in her church, writing and creating children's ministry resources, playing with her kids, and creating delicious recipes in the kitchen. Lynne has a BA in Children’s Ministry from Indiana Wesleyan University and has been a children's pastor for over 15 years in churches ranging from 60 people, to 600, to 18,000 people. She has been a children's ministry curriculum writer and editor and has contributed to children's ministry books, magazines, and podcasts. She is currently working at Grace United Methodist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. And in case you're wondering, Lynne cheers for the Alabama Crimson Tide.