General Conference

Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Department

Jim Howard

Jim Howard

M.Min. (Church Leadership)

Director

Pastor Jim is the director of the General Conference Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Department. Throughout his ministry of preaching, teaching, training, and developing soul-winning resources, Jim has encouraged all people to become actively involved in both personal and public outreach.

Daniel Ebenezer

Daniel Ebenezer

M.A. Education (Curriculum and Instruction)

Associate Director

Pastor Daniel was born and educated in India and later served as a Bible instructor, pastor, and Personal Ministries Director in the United Kingdom. In his teenage faith journey to Jesus and the Adventist faith, he learned the power of personal labor in soul-winning. As a result, Daniel witnessed true success in ministry by investing in and training every member to become disciple-makers.

Nina Atcheson
Nina Atcheson

Ped.D. hc., M. (Religious Education and Pedagogy)

Curriculum Manager and Senior Editor, Alive in Jesus

Nina is a curriculum specialist, editor, author, teacher, and trainer. As the principal architect of Alive in Jesus, she edits and manages all parts of the curriculum. Nina lives to be faithful to God’s call and mission and is passionate about using words to make the Bible come alive in fresh, personal, and practical ways for children and adults.

Sharon Crews
Sharon Crews

Editorial Assistant, Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide

Sharon has worked in several church editorial offices. She has a deep love for Bible study and for many years has coached young people in learning and memorizing the Bible. Having also worked for many years at Andrews University’s Center of Adventist Research, she is uniquely equipped for assisting in the production of study materials that reach hearts with God’s Word.

Clifford Goldstein
Clifford Goldstein

M.A. (Near Eastern Studies)

Senior Editor, Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide

Clifford has been at the General Conference since 1984, and from 1999 to the present has been Senior Editor of the Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide. He has an M.A. from John Hopkins University in Ancient Northwest Semitic languages. He likes to teach, write, and edit.

Lea Greve
Lea Greve

Publications Manager, Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide

With over a decade of experience in print journalism, Lea serves as the publication manager for the Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide. As a gifted multi-tasker with a keen eye for detail, Lea oversees all phases of production for the publication. She thoroughly enjoys working on a resource that helps people grow in their walk with God through the study of His word.

Denise Gustafson
Denise Gustafson

Editorial Assistant, Alive in Jesus

Denise is a qualified office manager and administrator and has served with the Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Department for over a decade. She’s also led children’s Sabbath Schools for nearly 30 years. As editorial assistant for Alive in Jesus, Denise brings an exceptional eye for detail, love of language, and a passion to see children and their families walk closely with Jesus.

Meredith Herzel
Meredith Herzel

Assistant Director

With a background in graphic design, teaching, music ministry, and project management, Meredith brings creativity and organizational excellence to her many roles in the department. As art director for Alive in Jesus, Meredith aims to ensure the artwork is engaging, vibrant, and biblically accurate. She finds joy in seeing children discover Bible truth through visual storytelling and music.

Kurt Johnson
Kurt Johnson

D.Min.

Assistant Director

Pastor Kurt provides support and oversight to Bible schools worldwide. He has served as a pastor and as a conference and division departmental leader. He has authored Bible study guides and books on equipping for personal ministry, small groups, and spiritual growth. His ministry passion is assisting others in sharing Scripture and their personal faith as a part of their normal daily life.

Janeth Partyka
Janeth Partyka

Administrative Assistant

Janeth has a background in business administration and early childhood education. She loves people and brings joy and energy to everything she undertakes, from administration and translation to event management. Janeth loves to share Jesus. She is dedicated to missionary work and actively involved in personal ministry both in the U.S. and in her former home, Venezuela.

Rosanne Peach
Rosanne Peach

M.Res. (Journalism)

Editor, Alive in Jesus

Rosanne is a seasoned journalist and editor with a passion for Jesus. She spent more than 20 years working across women’s and lifestyle magazines, later entering academia as a researcher and teacher in Journalism. Rosanne is most passionate about framing the love of Jesus and helping young readers to see a clear picture of His love as The Story of the Bible, and of their lives.

Joe Reeves
Joe Reeves

B.A. Theology

Assistant Director and Editor, inVerse

Pastor Joe entered the ministry with a special focus on teaching, evangelism, and church planting. As a pastor, he gained a decade of experience in frontline youth and young adult ministry. Currently, he oversees the production of the inVerse Young Adult Bible Study Guide and serves as host of the inVerse program on Hope Channel. His favorite hobbies include music and outdoor adventure.

Fany Apaza Romero
Fany Apaza Romero

M.Ed. (Ed. Admin)

Office Assistant

Fany has over 10 years of experience in the field of education, including eight years as Director of the Bilingual Executive Assistance and Secretarial Studies program at Universidad Peruana Union. She finds immense joy in being a mother and in serving God alongside her husband. She values friendship and is happiest when connecting with and supporting those around her.

Soraya Scheidweiler
Soraya Scheidweiler

M.F.A. (Creative Writing of Poetry)

Associate Editor, Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide

An award-winning poet, Soraya has devoted nearly three decades to writing and editing Sabbath School Bible study guides. She is devoted to nurturing lives into “living letters” about Jesus (2 Cor. 3:3). Her hope and aim is that, through the Bible study guides, readers will have an encounter with Jesus that transforms their lives into an expression of His grace and power.

Paige Swanson
Paige Swanson

Senior Editorial Assistant, inVerse

Paige utilizes her education and passion for writing to help convey Bible truth in a clear and concise way that appeals to young adults. With her creativity and attention to detail, she helps to oversee the many video, audio, and print resources that contribute to the inVerse Bible study experience. Paige is an animal lover who enjoys hands-on projects like sewing, crocheting, and drawing.

Andrew Yesudhason
Andrew Yesudhason

M.A. (Sociology), M.A (Political Science)

Web Assistant

Andrew is a web specialist who has worked in the department since 2013, managing the digital delivery of Sabbath School lessons and podcasts. An Indian native, he has served in the faculty and as a records officer at Spicer College and Griggs University. Andrew has a passion for oil painting, and brings creativity, attention to detail, and professionalism to the diverse projects he manages.