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.

Mark Jasa graduated from Concordia, St. Louis in 2005. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism and Human Rights in Strasbourg, France. He currently serves as a missionary evangelist in the United States, Canada, and Europe and serves at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Pasadena, California.

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.

Pastor Bror Erickson serves Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Morgan CO. He has translated numerous works by Bo Giertz and others from both Swedish and German. He is currently working on a PhD in historical theology through The Institute for Lutheran Theology, where Dr. Mark Mattes serves as his advisor.

Ken Sundet Jones is the director of the Iowa Preachers Project and the Gerhard O. Forde Professor Emeritus of Church History and Theology at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa.

Cindy Koch lives in Ventura, CA with her family. She graduated from Concordia Irvine, earned an MA in exegetical theology, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Bible from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. She has authored several books and is a blog contributor on 1517.org. Cindy speaks at retreats and conferences around the country. She also hosts Family Style Theology Podcast featuring conversations with children about theological topics.

Pastor Chris Rosebrough is a bi-vocational theologian and is a recognized voice in Confessional Lutheranism. Pastor Rosebrough is the Captain of Pirate Christian Radio and the host of Fighting for the Faith. Fighting for the Faith is a Christ-Centered and Cross-Focused daily apologetics internet-radio program with a global audience.

Christopher Gillespie is a strange brew of husband & father, Lutheran pastor, media producer (gillespie.media), and coffee roaster (gillespie.coffee). His media production includes regular projects for 1517, Higher Things, Doxology, CPH Music, Concordia Theological Seminary, and others.

Edward Killian is the sole pastor of The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Inglewood, California. He has been married to Jill for three decades, and has been blessed with 7 kids, 10 grandkids, a Bull Terrier, a Kingsnake, and a bunch of crazy stories.