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.

Katie is a daughter of Christ with a heart for authentic connection. With experience in small business marketing and graphic design, she helps shape messages that matter. Now focused on event management, Katie thrives at bringing people and ideas together to imagine the best possible outcomes. A former homeschool parent to two now-teenage girls and a wife of 20 years, she’s energized by creative ideas and embraces life’s spontaneity. Katie currently serves as a member of The Institute for Lutheran Apologetics and co-chairs the Camp Croix Women’s Retreat. You’ll often find her fueled by good coffee and fresh air while encouraging others to intentionally engage the world around them.

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.