Faculty & Staff
Instructors

Dr. Michael S. Heiser
Founding Executive Director
Dr. Heiser passed away in February 2023
due to pancreatic cancer. Although he is no longer with us physically, his legacy lives on through his work and teachings and continues to minister to people around the world.
Dr. Michael S. Heiser (who prefers to be called Mike) is a scholar of the Bible and its ancient context. He earned master’s degrees in Ancient History from the University of Pennsylvania and Hebrew Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has a Ph.D. in Hebrew and Semitic Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Before teaching at AWKNG School of Theology, Dr. Heiser taught at the university level for over 20 years and was the Academic Editor and Scholar for Logos Bible Software for 15 years. He supervised scholarly data projects related to the Dead Sea Scrolls, Hebrew and Semitic inscriptions, the Septuagint, and the Greek Pseudepigrapha.
Dr. Heiser is published widely in scholarly academic journals, including the Bible Study Magazine, and authored several portions of the Faithlife Study Bible. In addition, he is the author of several best-selling books, most notably:
- The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible
- Supernatural: What the Bible Teaches about the Unseen World and Why It Matters
- Angels: What the Bible Really Says About God’s Heavenly Host
- Demons: What the Bible Really Says About the Powers of Darkness
Dr. Heiser has a wide online presence through his blog, podcast, and YouTube channels, all of which can be found on his website. Dr. Heiser also has a nonprofit ministry MIQLAT, which provides free translations of his books Supernatural: What the Bible Teaches about the Unseen World and Why It Matters and What Does God Want? in dozens of languages.
On a personal note, Dr. Heiser has been married for more than thirty years to his incredible wife, Drenna. They have four adult children. He enjoys pop culture science fiction and has published two science fiction novels The Facade Sage (Volume 1 and 2) and The World Turned Upside Down: Finding the Gospel in Stranger Things. He loves dogs (especially pugs), enjoys playing fantasy football and baseball, and loves the Red Sox and the Packers.
To learn more about the impact Dr. Heiser made and the legacy he has left to all of us, click here.
Dr. Justin Bass
Justin W. Bass has a Ph.D. from Dallas Theological Seminary in New Testament Studies. He has formally debated Dr. Bart Ehrman, Dr. Richard Carrier, Dan Barker and Mufti Hussain Kamani. Dr. Bass’ latest book The Bedrock of Christianity: The Unalterable Facts of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection was released April 8, 2020. He has also written The Battle for the Keys: Revelation 1:18 and Christ’s Descent into the Underworld. He is currently teaching at Dallas Christian College and teaching courses online at Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary in Jordan and Asian Christian Academy in India. When he is not working, he is reading, watching movies (usually The Lord of the Rings), and spending time with his high school sweetheart Allison Bass and three children.
Dr. John M. Phelps
Dr. John M. Phelps was born in Jackson, Mississippi. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business. He earned a Master of Theology in Bible Exposition from Dallas Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry in New Testament Context from Northern Seminary. He planted a church in St Louis, Missouri, and pastored in various roles for over 30 years. He is an adjunct professor in Bible and Theology for Southeastern University. Dr. Phelps is married to his college sweetheart Karen, and they have four children – Jordan, Jake, Gracie, and Tori.
Dr. Dominick S. Hernandez
Dr. Craig A. Evans
Dr. Ronn Johnson
Dr. Ronn Johnson completed his Ph.D. in Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary. His dissertation on the created gods of the Old Testament (“The Old Testament Background for Paul’s Principalities and Powers”) provided him the opportunity to research the divine council worldview of the Hebrew Bible and apply it to New Testament exegesis. Ronn has taught Bible and theology courses at the college level for over 20 years, has pastored two churches in the Minneapolis area for fifteen years, and enjoys hosting study trips to Israel. He and his wife Susan have three married children and five grandchildren. Ronns pastimes include working on his personal library and cheering for the Minnesota Vikings.
Dr. Matthew Halsted
Dr. David B. Capes
Dr. Joel Muddamalle
Our Staff
Karla Adcox
Executive Director and President
Ordained in 2019, she has served in a variety of ministry roles including executive leadership, pastor, operations, and team management. She has a deep love for God’s Word and God’s people and desires to use her giftings to advance the Kingdom of God forward in whatever way the Lord leads.
Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she loves Cajun food and LSU football, but is proud to call Jacksonville, Florida her home. Karla has been married to her husband Matt since 2006 and is blessed with two boys, Baize and Greyson.
Mike Chu
Academic Director
Britnie Bellamy
Learning & Development Specialist
Board of Directors

Karla Adcox
President & Chairman

Drenna Heiser
Director

Stephanie Lippincott
Director & Acting Chief Marketing Officer

Wayne Lanier
Director
