Wes Crawford is associate dean of the Graduate School of Theology and assistant professor of church history at ACU, where he also directs the Center for Restoration Studies. His research interests center on American religion generally and the intersection of race and religion specifically. His book, Shattering the Illusion: How African American Churches of Christ Moved from Segregation to Independence, examines the relationship between white and Black members of Churches of Christ throughout the 20th century. In addition to his academic pursuits, Wes also preaches in churches all over Texas and beyond. Before coming to ACU, he served as a preaching minister for 20 years, splitting time between Broadway Church of Christ in Lubbock and Glenwood Church of Christ in Tyler. Wes and his wife, Kim, have been married for over 20 years and have four children.

Shelby Coble serves as the research associate for the Siburt Institute. Shelby served in ministry for six years at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, and she is now pursuing the M.Div. through ACU’s Graduate School of Theology. She partners with the Siburt Institute’s church consultants as the primary communication link in consultative relationships. Additionally, she conducts research and writing related to consultative needs.

Kaley Ihfe serves as the director of Lavish HOPE ministries, a HOPE Network ministry to nurture and encourage the wives of ministers. She has a B.S. in communications, M.Ed. in school counseling, and M.A. in Christian ministry—all from Abilene Christian University.  Past jobs have included: leadership development manager at the Volunteer Center of Lubbock, middle school teacher and school counselor in Pflugerville ISD, and campus activities director at Abilene Christian University. She has served  alongside her husband, Karl Ihfe, in ministry for 23 years, first in campus ministry at University Avenue Church of Christ in Austin, and currently at Broadway Church of Christ in Lubbock where Karl is the preaching minister. She is involved with several nonprofits in the Lubbock community, teaches adult Bible classes, writes Bible study curriculum, and speaks at retreats. She and Karl have a son at the University of North Texas and a daughter who is a senior in high school.

Robby John is a native of the eastern Caribbean Island of Dominica. His ideas of church expression and ministry pursuits are greatly influenced by his time spent working among different cultures. Robby has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Harding University/ Harding School of Theology and is currently finishing up the D.Min. program at ACU. Robby has served as an outreach minister for 4 years, a youth minister for 8 years, and is embarking on his third year as preaching minister for Saturn Road church in Garland, Texas. Robby has two kids (Samira, age 13, and Micah, age 10). He and his wife, Joanne, have been married for 15 years. 

Kevin is a husband and father of 5 children. He has served for the past 7 years as an elder at Saturn Road Church of Christ in Garland, Texas. Prior to that, he served for 8 years as a deacon working in the youth ministry and greeting ministries as well. He, his wife Lisa, and their children have attended and worked at Saturn Road for the last 28 years.  

Brian Miller was born and raised in Mississippi, and he graduated from Harding University with a B.A. in Bible and religion. He received his master's degree from Texas A&M University in education administration. While at Texas A&M, he was a part of the Aggies for Christ ministry. He taught public school before becoming an assistant principal and then a principal at Fort Worth Christian School. In 2015, he returned to College Station, Texas, to become the college life minister at the A&M Church of Christ and the director of Aggies for Christ, where he continues to serve to this day. He spends his time with college students and loves it. Brian is married to Leslie, whom he met in Aggies for Christ, and they have three grown children: Caleb, Erin, and Jeb. 

Carson Reed is vice president for church relations, executive director of the Siburt Institute for Church Ministry, and the dean of the Graduate School of Theology at ACU.  Through these roles, Carson also engages in interim preaching, advising, and consulting in the areas of transition, renewal, and leadership. His work places him in dozens of congregations across the United States. His research focuses on practical theology, preaching, faith and culture, and congregational renewal. Before coming to ACU in 2012, Carson served for 30 years as a senior minister in three congregations. He has a B.A. in English literature from Oklahoma Christian, an M.Div. from Harding School of Theology, and a D.Min. from ACU. Carson and his wife Vickie have been married over 40 years, have four grown children, and two grandsons. They enjoy cooking and outdoor life together!

Prior to coming to ACU, Jennifer Schroeder served in congregational ministry for almost two decades, in addition to being an accomplished musician, teacher, and scholar. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from the University of North Texas, a doctorate from Michigan State University, and a master’s degree in family studies from Lubbock Christian University; additionally, she earned her Doctor of Ministry degree from ACU. Jennifer has served in children’s ministry in congregations in Garland, Plano, and Houston, Texas, as well as Atlanta, Georgia. Jennifer currently serves the Siburt Institute for Church Ministry as the Summit Director and a consultant for churches. In addition to her role as Summit Director, she is the College Fellow for Children and Family Ministry for the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry, where she teaches courses in children and family ministry in ACU’s College of Biblical Studies. Jennifer also serves as the director of the Center for Women in Christian Ministry. Jennifer and her husband, Greg, have four children, and they love calling Abilene home.

Judy Siburt is a retired school counselor who served in public schools for 34 years. She partnered in ministry for many years with her husband Charles before his death in 2012. Judy is a trained professional counselor and served for 15 years on the staff of the ACU Ministers Support Network.  She is a member of the ACU Summit Planning Team and continues to encourage church leaders at every opportunity. Judy enjoys her two sons and their families, especially her four grandchildren. She lives in Abilene, Texas.