This book reflects the contributions of hundreds of students who have taken my Moral Leaders course at Union University and Mercer University since the late 1990s. I am deeply grateful to each student whose engagement has improved this book and am reminded that scholarship is always, one way or another, a group effort. Colin and I especially acknowledge the students at McAfee School of Theology of Mercer University in the fall 2017 semester who participated in the development of this book during their Moral Leaders course: Brandon Brock, Joy Bugg, Tiffany Burch, Preston Cooley, Harrison Litzell, Darrnell Long, Adam Peeler, Christiana Tsang, Peyton Wade, and Heather Wright. I offer my profound gratitude to my coauthor, Colin Holtz, who has transitioned from student to colleague through his amazing work on this book. There’s no going back now! Above all, I thank the God who called, inspired, and sustained the women and men we profile in this book.
David Gushee
I would not be in a position to write these words without the love and support of my family, they have been there for me in good times and bad. I thank God for pouring out undeserved blessings and delivering me time and again. I owe my friends and family at McAfee School of Theology, CenterForm, and Commonwealth Baptist Church a big thank you for their much-needed encouragement during the writing process. Finally, I would especially like to thank David Gushee, a mentor and friend, for offering me the opportunity to explore and be inspired by these astonishing lives.
Colin Holtz