Terry Powell taught for 38 years in the Church Ministry program at Columbia International University. He earned his PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. For a total of twelve years, he served in both full-time and part-time capacities as an associate staff member of three churches. He is a licensed preacher in the Presbyterian Church of America (PCA). Terry has written or coauthored 19 books, including Serve Strong: Biblical Encouragement to Sustain God's Servants (Leafwood). He has taught courses or seminars in at least fifteen countries. He maintains a blog on depression and faith, penetratingthedarkness.com. Terry and his wife, Dolly, have two grown sons, a daughter by marriage, and a grandson.

Dr. Mark A. Smith is President of Columbia International University, a growing university in South Carolina. He previously served as President of Ohio Christian University for 12 years, where he led a team of experts in growing the University from 380 to more than 4,700 students and helped fund $30 million in facilities. He has served on the Board of Directors for Associates for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) and Columbus 2020. He was on the State Board of Education in Ohio and currently serves on the ELEOS Corporate Board. The governor of South Carolina recently appointed him to the South Carolina Commission of Higher Education. Dr. Smith has a B.A. from Hobe Sound Bible College, a M.S. from Northeastern State University and graduated from West Virginia University with a Doctorate in Education Administration. Dr. Smith completed Harvard University's Institute of Educational Management for Executive Management. Dr. Smith and his wife, Debbie, have two children.