Peter is a confessional Lutheran pastor from West Bend, WI with a heart for apologetics. As an editor of Engaging Christianity, he emphasizes theological depth, nuanced dialogue, and the practical application of Apologetics for the sake of Christ. Much of what he writes comes from time spent in the Word, in the classroom, in biblical counseling, and in conversations with the curious, skeptical, or struggling. Above all, he hopes to demonstrate how reason and apologetics serve the gospel and point souls to their Savior, Jesus Christ.

Valerie Locklair Thur is a fellow of the International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism, and Human Rights in Strasbourg, France, where she also earned the Diploma of Christian Apologetics. She is the author of "Called to Defend: An Apologetics Handbook" and has been a contributing writer and conference presenter for 1517.org. Valerie enjoys connecting the defense of the faith to different vocations and branches of knowledge. Valerie and her husband Matthew live in Wisconsin with their two dogs, Hazel the poodle and Ivy the bernedoodle.

Sam serves as a Lutheran pastor in Crown Point, IN - where he, his wife Tracie, and their son Elijah, have been happy to call home since 2019. Sam likes meeting new people, traveling, bookbinding, reading, going to concerts, studying Chinese, and watching movies. He's also a glutton for board games like Zombicide, Call to Adventure, and The Thing. He is a multi-instrumentalist, and has a love for music and using music to enrich worship. Sam currently serves as the Co-Moderator for the Institute of Lutheran Apologetics. He also co-hosts a podcast called Graveyard Shift Gospel.

Hi there, I’m Katie! No impressive credentials or fancy titles here, just a daughter of Christ with a passion for authentically connecting with others. I bring my experience in marketing, design, brand management and communications, helping to shape messages that matter. I am energized by ideas, I thrive when things are a little messy and I (usually) welcome the spontaneity of life. I want to help others embrace the endless possibilities that we have to share our God-given purpose, to boldly live out our faith and purposely engage the world around us.

Paul Patterson serves as the associate director for WELS Lutheran Schools and the executive director of WELS School Accreditation. In the past, he has served as a teacher and principal in a rural, a suburban, and an urban WELS school. He graduated from DMLC, received his teaching license through WLC, earned a master’s of education from Cardinal Stritch University, and completed the Business Certificate for School Leaders from Milwaukee School of Engineering. He has served as the educational representative on the Institute for Lutheran Apologetics since its inception.