Bible School vs. Seminary - Dr. Richard Hanner | Theology, Things & Stuff #014

J. Christopher McMichael was privileged to be raised in a Christian home, attending church his entire life. He surrendered his life to the Lord as a child while at a summer Baptist youth camp in the mountains of Tennessee. As a teenager on his first missions trip, he began to recognize the call of God to ministry. He earned a degree in earth sciences from Tennessee Tech University and enjoyed a successful career as a geologist in geotechnical engineering and mining. In 2007, he and his wife Manda were installed as the pastors of Engrafted Word Church while continuing to consult as a geologist for the next thirteen years. Today, Chris’ focus in solely on the church and world missions. After authoring six books and learning the ins and outs of book publishing, he launched Petra Press Publishing in 2023, with the goal of helping pastors and ministers publish their God-inspired work with the highest standard possible. Chris and his wife have three children they love raising in Tennessee.

Ben Weaver serves at Engrafted Word Church, where he was born and raised, overseeing the recording, editing, and publishing of Theology, Things & Stuff. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Video Production and a minor in Audio Production. Ben enjoys photography, audio mixing, and videography, and runs a small photography business on the side. He met his wife, Jessica, at church, where they dated, were married in the spring of 2024, and now continue serving together.

Dr. Richard Hanner is a longtime teacher and leader in the Body of Christ. As a vocational church planter, Dr. Hanner pioneered Courts of Praise Christian Center in LaGrange, Georgia, and served there through its 10th year. In 1989, he accepted a faculty position at Christ For The Nations Institute (CFNI) in Dallas, Texas. This role allowed him to serve as Dean of Students and Professor of New Testament during his 17 years of full-time and adjunct tenure. In May 1995, while at CFNI, Dr. Hanner led a team to plant Redeemed Community in the inner city of Dallas, Texas. He served the multi-racial congregation for 10 years. In June 2005, he and his wife Regina returned to LaGrange, Georgia, where they launched Christ the Redeemer. The church later changed its name to Church of the King after being gifted their beautiful church facilities. Dr. Hanner holds a Master of Religious Education from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a Doctorate in Practical Theology from Master’s Graduate School of Divinity in Evansville, Indiana. He currently serves as a Presbyter with Christ the King Family of Ministers and Churches. Residing in LaGrange, Georgia, Dr. Hanner has been married to Regina for 51 years. They have one daughter, Amanda; three grandchildren, Andrew, Anna, and Aaron; and one great-granddaughter, Millie.