The Holy Spirit in Church Planting

Tony Merida

Vice President, Planter Development Send Network

Tony Merida is the founding pastor of Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, N.C, and is the Vice President of Planter Development for Send Network. He also serves as a Board member for The Gospel Coalition. Tony has written several books including, The Christ-Centered Expositor, Love Your Church, and multiple volumes in the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series. He’s happily married to Kimberly, and they have five children.

Patrick Schreiner

Patrick Schreiner (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate professor of New Testament and biblical theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of numerous books, including Matthew, Disciple and Scribe, The Transfiguration of Christ, a commentary on Acts, The Ascension of Christ, The Mission of the Triune God, The Visual Word, Political Gospel, and The Kingdom of God and the Glory of the Cross.

J.A. Medders

General Editor New Churches

J. A. Medders (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the director of theology and content for Send Network, and the general editor for New Churches. He is the author of Gospel Formed, Humble Calvinism, and co-author of The Soul-Winning Church. You can follow Jeff on X, Instagram, and his newsletter.

Jon Kelly

Lead Team of Church Planters Send Network

Jon Kelly was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has a BA in Theology from Moody Bible Institute, MA in Biblical Studies at Wheaton College, and a Doctorate in Global Missions from Southern Seminary. As someone formerly incarcerated, Jon has a heart for serving families that have been affected by incarceration and who often are forgotten. Jon also serves on the Lead Team of Church Planters for Send Network. He and his wife, Danielle, have been married for 14 years and have three sons.