About us

Ted Rosenbladt is a founder of 1517 and acts oversees 1517's Information Technology. He is an entrepreneur who has created and owned a number of businesses, whose career expertise is focused on design and technology, customer support, logistics, and team management. He lives in southern California with his three children.

David Rufner is the 1517 Director of Relations and Development. His B.A. in Philosophy is from Concordia University - Chicago, and his M.Div. is from Concordia Seminary - St. Louis. He and his wife, Megan, have four excellent children. David enjoys cooking, sipping bourbon, smoking meats, reading, gathering with friends, hiking, camping, and long road trips with his family to places where mountains loom and canyons yawn.

Erick Sorensen is in charge of Church Partnerships in the Development Department at 1517.  His B.S. in Organizational Leadership is from Biola University, and his M.Div. is from Lutheran Brethren Seminary. Erick has served as a pastor in Fontana, California, Staten Island, New York and Roxbury, New Jersey. In 2015 he planted Epiphany Lutheran Church in New York City, New York. Erick is host of the  Law & Gospel Devotional, co-host of the 30 Minutes in the New Testament and Field Guide to the Bible podcasts, and is co-author of Scandalous Stories: A Sort of Commentary on the Parables. 

Chad Bird is a Scholar in Residence at 1517, where he brings his deep knowledge of Scripture and theology to readers, listeners, and audiences around the world. He holds master’s degrees from Concordia Theological Seminary and Hebrew Union College. A prolific author, Chad has written numerous books, including Night Driving, The Christ Key, Unveiling Mercy, Hitchhiking with Prophets, and, most recently, Untamed Prayers (1517 Publishing). He is also the co-host of the popular podcast 40 Minutes in the Old Testament. A highly sought-after speaker and teacher, Chad combines theological insight with a servant’s heart. A Texan and avid runner, he and his wife, Stacy, enjoy traveling together and spending time with their grandchildren.

Dan van Voorhis is an author, historian, professor, and speaker at 1517. After receiving his Ph.D. in History from the University of St. Andrews, Dr. van Voorhis spent 11 years teaching history and political thought at Concordia University, Irvine. He is a Scholar-in-Residence at 1517 and the host of the daily podcast The Christian History Almanac. Dan is married to Beth Anne, and they have two sons, Coert and Raymond.

Bruce Hillman is a Scholar in Residence at 1517. He Holds a BA in History and Political Science from Quinnipiac University, an MDiv. from the Lutheran Brethren Seminary, and an STM in Patristics from Drew University; He is the former Lead Pastor at Hillside Lutheran Brethren Church in Succasunna New Jersey where he served for 16 years. His research involves Augustinian studies, Early Christianity, Postmodernism, and hermeneutics. In his free time, he enjoys gardening and cooking. He is an avid student of both British and Japanese cultures and traditions. Other areas of academic interest include: Karl Barth, the question of certainty, Ancient Near-Eastern Wisdom Literature, Asian Christianity, church and culture, and philosophies of truth.

Pastor Darrin Sheek was born and raised in Southern California. He met his wife Cindy while they both attended Mission Viejo High School. Darrin then earned a B.A. in Religious Studies from Westmont College (Santa Barbara, 1986) is a graduate of Cross-cultural Ministry Center (“CMC”) program at Concordia University (Irvine), which in turn led to an MDiv through Concordia Theological Seminary (St. Louis).

Steve Byrnes served as Director of Publishing for 1517 for more than a decade, shaping the character of our book program and helping establish 1517 as a trusted voice in Lutheran and Christian publishing. He brought together theological clarity, careful craftsmanship, and a deep commitment to the freedom of the gospel, guiding projects from first draft to finished book with steady leadership and pastoral sensitivity.

Steve holds degrees in English Literature and History from Concordia University Irvine, an MA in Biblical Studies from Westminster Seminary California, and an MA in Publishing from George Washington University. Before joining 1517, he worked for over twenty years in the graphic arts and printing industry, where he developed a lasting respect for the weight, texture, and beauty of a well-made book.

During his time at 1517, Steve oversaw the editing, design, and production of a wide range of titles that carry the comfort of Christ into churches, seminaries, and homes. His influence continues to shape how 1517 publishes resources that speak clearly of Christ for you.

Steve now serves as Secretary of the 1517 Board of Directors. In retirement, he looks forward to reading at a gentler pace, spending time with family, and enjoying books without a red pen in hand, although he may still offer an occasional unsolicited editorial note.

Bob Hiller is a baptized husband, father, and pastor. He is the senior pastor of Community Lutheran Church in Escondido, CA where he has served for seven years. He received his Masters of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in 2004. He is also the content editor for The Craft of Preaching, a preacher on You Are Forgiven Radio, and a contributor to 1517. He is also a co-host on White Horse Inn.