Ministry Leadership Team
Brian G. Chilton, M.Div., Ph.D.: Founder of Bellator Christi Ministries, President, Publisher, Contributor, and Co-host of the Bellator Christi Podcast
Dr. Brian G. Chilton (PhD, Liberty University) is the founder of Bellator Christi Ministries and the co-host of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He serves as a hospice chaplain and an Adjunct Professor of Apologetics for Carolina College of Biblical Studies, a Dissertation Mentor/Adjunct Professor for Liberty University in the PhD in Applied Apologetics program, and an Adjunct Professor/Dissertation Reader at Carolina University in the DMin program. Dr. Chilton's primary area of research is on early Christianity, oral traditions, NT creeds, the blend of divine sovereignty and human freedom, and near-death experiences (NDEs).
https://www.amazon.com/Laymans-Manual-Christian-Apologetics-Essentials/dp/1532697104
https://www.amazon.com/Conversations-about-Heaven-Difficult-Questions/dp/1666762687
https://www.amazon.com/Creationism-Still-Matters-Brian-Chilton/dp/B0D69LB9BV
Deanna Huff, Th.M., Ph.D.: Executive Vice President, Assistant Editor, and Contributor
Deanna Huff is an online adjunct professor of Apologetics and Theology at Liberty University in the John Rawlings School of Divinity. She is passionate about teaching others to share and defend their faith. Her publications include Stewarding AI: Faithfully Using Creation Resources, The Prophets’ Use of the Shepherd Motif and Its Contribution to Their Presentation of the Character of God, and she has contributed chapters to Why Creationism Still Matters and Strong Faith.
She is also a speaker who has led seminars for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Ladies Retreat, and the State Evangelism Conference. In addition, she taught high school students for ten years at Christian Heritage Academy, covering subjects such as Bible, Universal History, Apologetics, and Philosophy.
Deanna earned a Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics at Liberty University. She holds a Master of Theology in Apologetics and Worldview from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oklahoma.
Deanna is an active member of Capitol Hill Baptist Church, where she co-hosted a podcast called The Analysis with Pastor Mark DeMoss. She also co-hosted a podcast with her daughter, Ellie Huff, called but why should i care. She now hosts the Encouraging and Equipping podcast. She and her husband teach at their church, discipling others in the faith.
Tony Williams: Associate Vice President of Publications, Editor, and Contributor
Tony Williams is a retired police officer from Southern Illinois and currently lives in Kentucky with his family. He has been studying apologetics in his spare time for two decades, since a crisis of faith led him to the discovery of vast and ever-increasing evidence for his faith. Tony received a bachelor's degree in University Studies from Southern Illinois University in 2019. His career in law enforcement has provided valuable insight into the concepts of truth, evidence, confession, testimony, cultural competency, morality, and most of all, the compelling need for Christ in the lives of the lost. Tony plans to pursue postgraduate studies in apologetics in the near future to sharpen his understanding of the various facets of Christian apologetics.
Amy Downey, MAComm, MATh, Ph.D., Associate Vice President, Editor, and Contributor
Dr. Amy Downey serves at the President and Director of Tzedakah Ministries, a ministry devoted to sharing the Gospel of Yeshua with Jewish people (http://tzedakahministries.org). Originally from Lubbock, Texas, Amy surrendered her life to full-time Christian service at the age of 16, but still struggled with her call to missions. Afraid of the price she might have to pay, Amy decided to serve God but in her own way. However, and finally, at the age of twenty-eight, Amy followed the mission call to reach the Jewish people with the truth that Jesus (Yeshua) is the Jewish Messiah.
This mission call has taken her across the country to speak in churches and meetings across more than thirty states and four continents (8 countries) about the need for the Christian church to take on the responsibility of Jewish evangelism mandated in Romans 1:16 and 11:11-24. Amy has shared the truth of Jesus to Jewish people on street corners, airplanes, parks, restaurants, and even in churches. In addition, she spent three of the most spiritually challenging and rewarding years of her life in the heart of American Jewish life – New York City.
Amy has a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from East Texas Baptist University and a Master of Arts in Communication and Master of Arts in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and was the first woman to complete a Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics from Liberty University (May 2016). She is also the author of Paul’s Conundrum (2011), Maimonides’s Yahweh (2019), and Missions in the Minor Key (2024), along with numerous magazine articles and booklets that are available at https://tzedakahministries.org. Amy serves as a contributor and Associate Vice President for Bellator Christi Ministries.
Steven Johnson, DDS: Publisher and Contributor
Steven served 36 years as a dentist in his hometown of Buffalo Center, Iowa before retiring from his practice. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa Dental School in 1987. He currently resides in Mankato, Minnesota. Dr. Johnson is a devout disciple of Christ. He faithfully attends Wooddale Church of Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Steven was the husband of our late beloved Dr. Michelle Johnson
Dr. Johnson’s desire is to continue to honor Michelle with the passion she held so dear--writing articles that glorify God. He hopes to offer believers further reasons to trust in the risen Savior and desires to share the gospel with the lost, prompting them to accept Christ as their Savior.
Michelle Johnson, M.Div., Ph.D.: Executive Vice President Emerita
Michelle Johnson earned a Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics at Liberty University. She also earned her M.A. in Theological Studies and her M.Div. in Professional Ministries at Liberty University. Michelle graduated from the University of Minnesota with her undergraduate degrees. She and her husband Steve live in Mankato, Minnesota. Michelle and Steve attend Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie where Michelle serves on the Global Partner Care Team. In addition to her love of theology and apologetics, Michelle also has a passion for historical studies, particularly the theology of the Patristics. When she is not spending time reading or writing, Michelle can often be found dreaming of her next travel adventure or enjoying a great cup of coffee. Michelle Johnson serves as the Executive Vice-President and Managing Editor of Bellator Christi Ministries.
Michelle passed into her eternal home on Sunday, November 17, 2024. Her work with Bellator Christi will never be forgotten. Michelle was an editor and contributor to the work Why Creationism Still Matters and was a contributor to the book Strong Faith. One of her most popular articles is "Why Did Paul Persecute the Christians?" It has remained in the Top 5 every year since it was first written.
As a way of honoring her, the leadership team unanimously agreed to appoint Michelle with the title Executive Vice President Emerita. For as long as Bellator Christi remains in existence, Dr. Michelle Johnson will be listed and honored for her work.
Academic Advisor
Leo Percer, Ph.D.: Academic Advisor to Bellator Christi Ministries, Publication Editor, and Contributor
Leo Percer grew up in Millington, Tennessee, northeast of Memphis, when he first received his call to teaching ministry. He has been involved in numerous ministerial activities, including serving as an elder at Forest Community Church in Forest, Virginia. Dr. Leo Percer graduated with a Ph.D. from Baylor University, an M.A. from Western Kentucky University, and M.Div. from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a B.A. from Union University.
After graduating with his Ph.D., Dr. Percer has taught at Baylor University, McLennan Community College, and Liberty University, where he served as the Director of the Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics program for years. His area of expertise is in Second Temple Judaism, the Epistles of Paul, and apocalyptic literature. Dr. Percer is an active member of the Evangelical Theological Society, the Society of Biblical Literature, and is on the board of directors at Ratio Christi. Dr. Percer resides in Lynchburg, VA, with his wonderful wife, Lisa, and two children. He loves reading, collecting comic books, and is a coffee connoisseur.
Contributors
Justin Angelos, M.A.: Contributor
Seattle native Justin Angelos brings a passion for evangelism and discipleship along with theology and apologetics. He has studied at Biola University and Liberty University and recently earned a Master of Arts in Apologetics from Biola University. He is a student in the PhD in Applied Apologetics program at Liberty University. Justin focuses on providing help for those who suffer from emotional and anxiety issues. He currently resides in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Jerry Bogacz, Ph.D. Cand.: Contributor
Jerry Bogacz was born and raised in the Chicago area. Jerry and his wife Kathy relocated to Lexington, Virginia in 2015 where they reside to this day. As a scientist, Jerry worked as a research scientist and project manager in immunodiagnostic and DNA diagnostic product development for Abbott Laboratories in northern Chicago. Jerry is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics program at Liberty University. He graduated from Biola University with two degrees–an MA in in Apologetics and an MA in Science/Religion. He was a resident in 2013 at the C. S. Lewis Fellowship at the Discovery Institute. Also, Jerry received training at the Cross Examined Apologetics training in 2014. Ministerially, he served as a pastoral and teaching elder at Evanston Bible Fellowship in Evanston, IL (2001-2015). Jerry’s primary areas of research are focused on the integration of science and theology, biblical anthropology, bioethics, and worldview studies.
Curtis Evelo, "The Cowboy Apologist": Contributor
Curtis Evelo is a cattle rancher at the E6 Hereford Ranch in St. Ignatius, Montana. He has served in various functions for Bellator Christi. He often teaches and speaks at conferences and churches in and around northwestern Montana. Curtis provides a common-sense approach to Christianity as he contemplates the wonders of God’s creation in Big Sky Country. Curtis's research interests include Jewish studies in the New Testament, Old Testament typologies, and studies on free will.
Sherene Khouri, Ph.D.: Contributor
Sherene Khouri was born into a religiously diverse family in Damascus, Syria. She became a believer when she was 11 years old. Sherene and her husband were missionaries in Saudi Arabia. Their house was open for meetings, and they were involved with the locals until the government knew about their ministry and gave them three days’ notice to leave the country. In 2006, they went back to Syria and started serving the Lord with RZIM International ministry. They traveled around the Middle Eastern region—Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates.
Sherene was also involved in her local church among the young, young adults, and women's ministry. In 2013, the civil war broke out in Syria. Sherene and her husband’s car was vandalized 3 times, and they had to immigrate to the United States of America. In 2019, Sherene became an American citizen.
Sherene is an Assistant Professor at Liberty University. She teaches Arabic, Religion, and Research classes. Additionally, she holds a Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics, M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Liberty University, and B.S. in Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute. Currently, Sherene is also working on a Master of Theology in Global Studies at Liberty University and M.A. in Arabic and linguistics from PennWest University.
Tom Knoff, M.Div., Ph.D.: Contributor
Tom Knoff serves as a Teaching Pastor at Inspiration Church in Mesquite, Texas. He has served full-time as Lead and Teaching pastor in churches since 2001 and has a passion for the nations, having shared the gospel on five continents. He earned a Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics from Liberty University. He also holds a Master of Divinity in Discipleship and Church Ministry from Liberty University, a Master of Theological Studies from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Criswell College in Dallas, Texas. Tom and his wife, Kim, live in Texas and have four grown children.
Thomas McCuddy, M.A., D.Min.: Contributor
Dr. Thomas McCuddy brings a wealth of ministerial experience to the team. Throughout Eastern North Carolina, Thomas has served in various pastoral roles. He heads the Apologetic Department at Carolina College of Biblical Studies. Additionally, he serves as the President of Families of Virtue Ministries and assists with various ministries in South Africa. Formerly, he worked with the late Dr. Norman Geisler at NGIM (Norm Geisler International Ministries).
McCuddy earned his Doctor of Ministry in Apologetics degree from Southern Evangelical Seminary, along with other degrees from the school. Originally hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, Thomas is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, where he earned a degree in mathematics. Currently, he resides with his wife and children in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Thomas Quackenbush: Contributor
Thomas and his wife, Christine, are originally from New Jersey and New York but moved down to the outskirts of Fayetteville, North Carolina in 2016 so that Thomas could attend Bible college and so that his wife could pursue her new teaching career. From 2016–2020, Thomas attended Carolina College of Biblical Studies (https://ccbs.edu) in Fayetteville, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Apologetics.
Thomas is a proud Veteran of the United States Air Force and currently serves as an elder at his church. Quackenbush worked with Norman Geisler International Ministries and met Dr. Thomas McCuddy. Both Quackenbush and Dr. McCuddy began a ministry known as Families of Virtue, which sprang out of both men’s desire to serve and edify everyone in the church, from the layperson in the pew to the man behind the pulpit. Quackenbush serves as the Vice President and Director of Education at Families of Virtue (https://familiesofvirtue.com).
As the Director of Education, Thomas writes and builds courses for Families of Virtue in their Classical Virtue Academy, ranging from 4-week Bible studies to apologetics materials for grade school students in South Africa.
Thomas’s ambition is to become more like Christ and to love his neighbor as himself. He is excited to serve the Lord in any capacity that He sees fit.
Daniel Sloan, Ph.D.: Contributor
Dr. Daniel Sloan is a professor of Biblical Studies and serves as the online Director of the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition at Liberty University. He has a PhD in Theology and Apologetics with a concentration in Old Testament from Liberty University. He also serves as the Pastor of Family Life at Fairfield West Baptist Church in Fairfield, Ohio. He served as the Managing Editor and Contributor on the Thomas Nelson Evangelical Study Bible (Spring 2023).
Tim Woods, M.Min.: Contributor
Tim Woods lives in West Frankfort, Illinois, where he serves as Director of Student Ministries at First Christian Church and Jr. High/High School Teacher and Chaplain for New Covenant Christian School. Woods earned his B.Min. in Discipleship and M.Min. in Biblical Studies from Veritas Theological Seminary and is currently working toward a D.Min. He is the author of the forthcoming (2025) book, Battle for Souls (Illative House Press).
Copyright, 2026. BellatorChristi.com.
*Updated on April 28, 2026.
