Faculty & Administration

Brent C. Sleasman, PhD

President
brent.sleasman@winebrenner.edu
419-434-4201

Dr. Sleasman leads the Winebrenner staff in prioritizing strategic goals and projects. He also works closely with our collaborative partners to develop innovative ways of equipping leaders, supporting the Church, and expanding God’s kingdom. Brent is a graduate of the University of Findlay and Winebrenner Theological Seminary, and he holds a PhD from Duquesne University.

Andrew T. Draper, PhD

Executive Director
drapera@winebrenner.edu
419-434-4250

Dr. Andrew T. Draper works with Winebrenner’s president, faculty, and staff to implement and execute our mission and vision. He is an ordained pastor in the Churches of God, is a member of the national administrative council, and is a trustee at the University of Findlay. Dr. Draper is a theologian, author, speaker, and teacher with a background in community development ministry. Dr. Draper holds a PhD in theological ethics from the University of Aberdeen in northern Scotland and an MDiv from Winebrenner.

Dr. Martin Johnson

Chief Academic Officer
mjohnson@winebrenner.edu
419-434-4220

Dr. Johnson collaborates with the faculty and Executive Director in fulfilling our organizational commitment to teaching, scholarship and service as we equip leaders for service in God’s kingdom. He also works closely with our Coordinator of New Student Engagement and students to ensure a successful educational journey at Winebrenner.

Ordained in Kansas in 1995, Martin earned his Master of Science degree in Family Studies from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, his Master of Divinity degree from Winebrenner Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Ministry degree from Winebrenner with an emphasis on adult discipleship.

Tom Weaver, MBA

Director of Finance
business@winebrenner.edu
419-434-4200

Tom manages all of the finances of the Seminary including student accounts and accounts payable. While tuition and fees for each term are due prior to the first day of class, an extreme circumstance may cause one to contact Tom in order to arrange a deferred payment plan.

Adam Willford

Director of New Student Engagement
adam.willford@winebrenner.edu
419-434-4274

Adam engages with prospective students. Assisting them as they navigate their call and next steps. Also, he works to develop new collaborative relationships with local churches and organizations. He has a background working in local church ministry, education, and non-profits. Adam has a BS in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University.

David Bumgardner

Assistant for Stewardship and Marketing
bumgardnerd@winebrenner.edu
419-434-4241

David offers support to the President and Executive Director in the areas of stewardship and marketing. He is a writer with an extensive background in copywriting and religious journalism. He is a licensed minister with Baptist roots and is a lay minister in the Anglican Communion. David holds a BA in Christian Studies from the Texas Baptist College at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has completed coursework for his MAPT (conferral 2026) at Winebrenner and is pursuing the MDiv.

Rev. Dr. James Ellis III

Assistant Professor of Practical Theology
james.ellis@winebrenner.edu

— University of Maryland, B.A., 2002
— George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University, M.T.S., 2009
— Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, S.T.M., 2010
— Western Theological Seminary, D.Min., 2020
— Joined Winebrenner Theological Seminary Faculty in 2024

Kathryn Helleman, DMin

Associate Professor of Christian Thought | Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program
kathryn.helleman@winebrenner.edu

– The University of Waterloo, B.A., 1990
– Winebrenner Theological Seminary, M.Div., 2006
– Winebrenner Theological Seminary, DMin, 2015

Dr. Imac Reynaga Holmes, LPC

Assistant Professor of Clinical Counseling
imac.holmes@winebrenner.edu

— Cairn University, B.A., 1989
— Cairn University, Master of Science Christian Counseling, 2004
— Argosy University, Ed.D., 2013
— Joined Winebrenner Faculty in 2024

Mary Iiames, PhD, LSC

Associate Professor of Clinical Counseling | Director of the Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling
iiames@winebrenner.edu

— Bluffton College, B.A., 1988
— Bowling Green State University, M.Ed., 1992
— The University of Toledo, Ph.D., 2000
— Joined Winebrenner Faculty in 2017

James Sweeney, PhD

J. Russell Bucher Professor of New Testament Studies
jsweeney@winebrenner.edu

— Roberts Wesleyan College, B.A., 1989
— Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, M.A., 1993
— Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Ph.D., 2000
— Joined Winebrenner Faculty in 2010

Lauren White, MA, LPCC-S

Instructor of Clinical Counseling
lauren.white@winebrenner.edu

— Xavier University, B.A., 2014
— Xavier University, M.A., 2018
— University of Cincinnati, Ph.D. forthcoming, 2026
— Joined Winebrenner Faculty in 2025

James L. Resseguie, PhD

Distinguished Professor of New Testament Emeritus

— University of California, Berkeley, A.B., 1967
— Princeton Theological Seminary, M.Div., 1972
— Fuller Theological Seminary, Ph.D., 1978
— Fulbright Fellow, 1990
— Joined Winebrenner Faculty in 1976