Junior Fellow
Junior Fellow
Caleb Keith/
Junior FellowCaleb Keith is a Summa Cum Laude, and Honors Scholar graduate of Concordia University Irvine, and holds an MA in systematic and philosophical theology from the University of Nottingham. In 2018, he published a translation of Luther's Heidelberg Disputation. Caleb is husband to Erika Keith and father to Esther, Emerson, Edmund, and Euna. He produces the Thinking Fellows and Outlaw God podcasts and oversees the 1517 Podcast network.
Fellow
Fellow
Adam Francisco/
FellowAdam is Director of Academics and Scholar in Residence at 1517. He earned his DPhil from the University of Oxford in 2006 and served as Professor of History, Dean, and Assistant Provost in the Concordia University System for nearly two decades.
Fellow
Fellow
David Rufner/
FellowDavid 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.
Contributor
Contributor
Doug Klembara/
ContributorDoug Klembara is the Creative Director for 1517. He is a Dallas based photographer that believes there is beauty in simplicity. His work with non profits and companies has given him a wide understanding of the creative world and its processes. Doug was a part of Apple's Inaugural World Gallery and his photography was on skyscrapers around the world. He now lives in Dallas, Texas, with his wife, Kelsi and his three children.
Junior Fellow
Junior Fellow
Grant Klembara/
Junior FellowGrant oversees Digital Marketing and Fundraising at 1517. He also helps with the 1517 Academy. He holds a BA in Rhetoric and Economics from Wabash College and is currently pursuing an MA in Humanities from the University of Dallas. He attended the International Apologetics Academy in 2018. He lives and works in Dallas, Texas.
Junior Fellow
Junior Fellow
Sam Leanza Ortiz/
Junior FellowSam Leanza Ortiz is the Managing Editor for 1517 Publishing. She holds a BA in History and Political Thought from Concordia University, Irvine, and an MA in History from Baylor University. She lives in Frederick, Maryland, with her husband, Patrick.
Junior Fellow
Junior Fellow
Kelsi Klembara/
Junior FellowKelsi Klembara is the online content manager for 1517 and host of the 1517 podcast/show, Outside Ourselves. She holds an MA in Reformation Theology from Concordia University Irvine. She lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, Doug, and her three children.
Fellow
Fellow
Erick Sorensen/
FellowErick 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.
Contributor
Contributor
Erica Sorensen/
ContributorErica is in charge of Individual Partnerships in the Development Department at 1517. She holds a B.A. in both International Economics and Spanish from Valparaiso University and a M.A. in Teaching from the University of St. Thomas. Erica has a diverse work background in non-profit business operations, K-12 education, and fundraising. She is a passionate Gen Z advocate and speaker to church leadership and youth alike, teaching about the unique joys and challenges of sharing the Gospel message with young people in a post-Christian world.
Fellow
Fellow
Chad Bird/
FellowChad 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.
Senior Distinguished Fellow
Senior Distinguished Fellow
Steven Paulson/
Senior Distinguished FellowSenior fellow at 1517.org, featuring two weekly podcasts Outlaw God and Preaching the Text. Former pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Washington Island, WI. Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia College, Moorhead MN, Luther Seminary, St. Paul MN, and Luther House of Study. Writer of many books and articles, including Luther's Outlaw God, Lutheran Theology, Luther for Armchair Theologians.
Fellow
Fellow
Daniel van Voorhis/
FellowDan 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.
