Joel Weldon is a seasoned voice actor, worship leader, and co-author of You Are the Message. Originally from Minnesota, he now lives in Southern California, where he continues to serve churches and leaders through his creative gifts and communicative insight. Joel is a devoted husband and the father of three children, finding joy in both family life and ministry. He brings a warm, engaging presence to everything he does, helping others communicate with clarity and lead with authenticity. In his spare time, he enjoys surfing, traveling, and exploring new foods.
Our Instructors
Charles Stanley devoted his life to one great purpose: to help people know, love, and obey Jesus Christ. For more than six decades, he faithfully preached the unchanging truth of God’s Word and modeled what it means to walk with Him in every circumstance.
Joel Weldon
Dan Watson
Dan Watson was born and raised in London, where he and his wife, Jo, spent ten years pastoring and cultivating a vibrant, gospel-centered community. He now serves as the Lead Pastor of Passion City Church Trilith in Atlanta, a creative and diverse congregation devoted to the person and work of Jesus. Dan’s ministry extends internationally, and he is known as a compelling communicator of God’s Word shaped by Christ’s transforming grace in his own life. He carries a true shepherd’s heart, marked by a deep desire to see believers walk in the freedom and fullness found in Christ. Dan and Jo live in Atlanta with their four children.
Anson McMahon
Anson McMahon is the founding and lead pastor of Emmaus Church in Buford, Georgia—a congregation he planted in 2010 after many years of pastoral ministry. With more than two decades of experience, Anson is deeply invested in strengthening the global church and actively helps plant churches around the world. He is a devoted husband of twenty-five years and the father of two children, finding great joy in both family life and shepherding God’s people. Anson is passionate about helping others see the beauty and authority of God’s Word and grow as faithful disciples of Jesus. In his spare time, he enjoys college football, reading old books, and traveling.
Mathias Sserugo
Mathias Sserugo is a longtime pastor and ministry leader based in Jinja, Uganda, where he lives with his wife, Frances; together they have four children and three grandchildren. He has served in pastoral ministry since 1986 and began teaching Dr. Stanley’s 30 Life Principles in 2018 after attending a Life Principles Conference. In 2023, Mathias was appointed Coordinator of Life Principles Training for all of Africa, overseeing nearly fifty teachers and helping establish teaching teams across the continent. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Alpha-Omega Seminary. Mathias is also widely recognized for producing the most accurate online Luganda text and audio Bible, a resource now used by numerous churches and ministries throughout Uganda.
JP Sun
JP is a seasoned pastor, missionary, and ministry leader whose heart for the gospel has shaped decades of faithful service. Originally from India, he now lives in Michigan and brings a global perspective to all he does. He holds both an M.Div. and a D.Min. from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, and currently serves with a ministry dedicated to literacy and humanitarian projects among communities in his home country. JP has been married for twenty-one years and is the father of two children, finding joy in both family life and cross-cultural ministry. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with those he loves.
Dr. Crawford Loritts
Dr. Crawford Loritts is a veteran pastor, author, and speaker whose ministry has reached audiences across the United States and around the world. A graduate of Cairn University, he served for many years with Cru and later as Senior Pastor of Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, Georgia. He has written nine books, speaks nationally through his radio programs Living a Legacy and Legacy Moments, and frequently ministers at conferences, churches, and leadership gatherings. Dr. Loritts is the President and Founder of Beyond Our Generation, where he invests deeply in mentoring emerging Christian leaders. He and his wife, Karen, have four adult children and eleven grandchildren.
Dr. Steven Steinhilber
Dr. Steven Steinhilber serves as the President of Luther Rice Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia, where he leads with a deep love for theological education and a passion for helping others grow in their understanding of God’s Word. Originally from Ohio, he now calls Atlanta home and brings years of academic and ministry experience to his role. Dr. Steinhilber holds a Doctor of Ministry from Clamp Divinity School and is committed to strengthening the church through accessible, high-quality training for future leaders. He is a devoted husband, the father of one adult child, and the delighted grandfather of two grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoys trying new foods, spending time outdoors, and reading widely.
Alycia Wood
Alycia Wood is a seasoned speaker and apologist whose thoughtful and engaging approach has shaped audiences across a variety of settings. She serves as a lecturer and leader with Apologetics, Inc., where she helps equip believers to think deeply and confidently about their faith. Alycia holds a master’s degree in Social Justice from Marygrove College and brings a unique blend of cultural insight and theological clarity to her work. She is passionate about helping others understand the truth, beauty, and relevance of the Christian worldview. In her spare time, Alycia enjoys sports, music, and gardening.
Ernest Carter
Ernest Carter is a devoted husband of ten years and father of two, shaped by a deep love for the local church. A long-time member of First Baptist Atlanta—where Dr. Stanley pastored for five decades—Ernest has developed a passion for guiding the next generation toward spiritual maturity and helping students at Charles Stanley Institute grow in their walk with Christ. He is known for his warm presence and genuine desire to see young believers follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Ernest enjoys traveling and voice acting, and he holds an MPA from Kennesaw State University.
Joshua Howard
Joshua Howard serves as the Executive Director of Charles Stanley Institute. He is a committed husband and the father of two children, finding great joy in both family life and ministry leadership. Joshua is deeply devoted to the local church and is passionate about helping people see God rightly through faithful teaching and practical discipleship. He brings a thoughtful and steady presence to his work, guiding the Institute with theological depth and pastoral clarity. Outside of ministry, he enjoys scuba diving, photography, and spending time outdoors.
Steven Rice
Steven Rice was born and raised in Georgia, where he developed a deep love for the local church and a desire to serve God’s people. He currently serves as the Associate Director of Charles Stanley Institute. Steven has a pastoral heart for discipleship and spiritual formation within the church, and loves to help men grow as husbands, fathers, and spiritual leaders. Steven and his wife, Keely, have been married for twelve years and live in Georgia with their three children.
Have Questions?
We’re so glad you’re here! Whether you have questions, need guidance, or simply want to learn more about Charles Stanley Institute, we’re here to walk alongside you on this journey. Our team is ready to assist you and provide the support you need.
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 7900, Atlanta, GA 30357
Phone:
800-818-9231