Dr. David Jensen

Dave Jensen holds the Clarence N. and Betty B. Frierson Distinguished Chair of Reformed Theology at Austin Seminary where he also serves as Associate Dean for Academic Programs. His teaching and research explore the interconnections between Christian theology and daily life. Dr. Jensen’s books include Flourishing Desire: A Theology of Human Sexuality (Westminster John Knox, 2012), Parenting (Fortress Press, 2011), Living Hope: The Future and Christian Faith (WJK, 2010); The Lord and Giver of Life: Perspectives on Constructive Pneumatology (editor, WJK, 2008); Responsive Labor: A Theology of Work (WJK, 2006); Graced Vulnerability: A Theology of Childhood (The Pilgrim Press, 2005); and In the Company of Others: A Dialogical Christology (Pilgrim, 2001). He is also editor of a book series with Fortress Press, “Compass,” that encourages theological reflection on everyday practices such as eating, shopping, playing, and working.

Rev. Laura Mendenhall    

Laura Mendenhall is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA). She has served the church in many ways: most notably, in five congregations—as Director of Christian Education, Associate Pastor, Co-Pastor, Head of Staff and is currently serving a small new congregation and as President of Columbia Seminary, Decatur, Georgia, for nine years.  She also serves as Philanthropy adviser for Texas Presbyterian Foundation, and in that capacity, created the “Living Generously” curriculum.

Rev. Bobbi Kay Jones

Bobbi Kaye Jones is Senior Pastor of Tarrytown United Methodist Church in Austin. She has served congregations in the Southwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church in many capacities: as an associate pastor for 17 years (at Memorial, and FUMC, Austin), as senior pastor of Grace UMC in Corpus Christ and Saint John’s, Austin, and as Austin District Superintendent. She created and implemented the “Ecclesiastes Project” to assess and counsel United Methodist churches in Austin with fewer than 150 members that are within 2 miles of another UMC congregation.

Rev. Karl Travis

Karl Travis is Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, Texas. He has served congregations in Roswell, New Mexico and Grosse Ile, Michigan. He is a frequent conference speaker and preacher, particularly in the areas of Christian stewardship and generations theory. Active across the church, he has served at the presbytery, synod, and General Assembly levels. He serves on the boards of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, the James L. West Alzheimer’s Center, the Presbyterian Endowment Education and Resource Network, Trinity Terrace Retirement Community, and Fort Worth’s Presbyterian Night Shelter, which provides emergency shelter to 600 homeless persons every night.