Steven W. Manskar, DMin, is a retired United Methodist pastor living in Grand Rapids, MI. He served at Discipleship Ministries for 19 years as director of Wesleyan leadership. He also served pastoral appointments in Maryland, Minnesota, and Michigan. Manskar is the author of A Disciple's Journal: A Guide for Daily Prayer, Bible Reading, and Discipleship (Years A, B, C); Disciples Making Disciples: A Guide for Covenant Discipleship Groups and Class Leaders; Accountable Discipleship: Living in God's Household; and A Perfect Love: Understanding John Wesley's ""A Plain Account of Christian Perfection.""

Director of Young People's Ministries Development. With a BA in English Education, and an MS in Project Management, and over a 15 years of local-church youth ministry experience Chris is passionate about leadership and faith development in young people and helping ministry leaders understand their value in the lives of young people. A Stephen Minister, Chris is a native of Colorado living in Franklin, TN with his wife Emily, 2 children, and sausage-shaped beagle.

Melanie C. Gordon serves as Director of Ministry with Children at Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church. She is responsible to The United Methodist congregations for providing nationwide training and resourcing, while providing research and networking opportunities for leaders and teachers engaged in ministry with children. Melanie holds degrees from Clemson University and Duke University. She wrote What Every Child Should Experience: A Guide for Teachers and Leaders in United Methodist Congregations, and blogs regularly at ministrywithchildren.com on issues that impact how children grow in faith.