Institute for Christian Spirituality

Jackie L. Halstead is the director of ICS and an Associate Professor of Spiritual Formation at Lipscomb. She completed her B.S. in psychology from Oklahoma Christian University, her Masters in marriage and family therapy from Abilene Christian University, and her Ph.D. in human development and family studies from Iowa State University. Jackie completed two post-doctoral programs with Shalem Institute for Spirituality in Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups and Retreats and in Spiritual Guidance. Click here for her C.V.
Frank Guertin is the program coordinator for ICS. He completed his B.A. at Ohio Valley University and his M.Ed. and M.T.S. at Lipscomb. He is currently pursuing PhD research at Durham University, focusing on the contemplative spirituality of Thomas Traherne, and is a member of the Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality. Frank has also ministered in middle Tennessee, working in adult spiritual development. He has a personal blog with contemplative reflections here.
Earl Lavender is the founding director of the Institute. He teaches classes in missions, spiritual formation, and faith and culture. He currently serves as the director of missional studies at Lipscomb. He completed his B.S. and M.A. at Lipscomb and his Ph.D. at St. Louis University. Earl has ministered in Italy, Illinois, and Tennessee.
Gary Holloway is a senior fellow with ICS. He is the Executive Director of the World Convention. Holding degrees from Freed-Hardeman, Harding, The University of Texas, and Emory University, he has written twenty-eight books, including Praying Dangerously from Leafwood Press as well as several volumes in the Meditative Commentary Series, also from Leafwood. He is married to Deb Rogers Holloway, who teachers theatre at Lipscomb.
Randy Harris is a senior fellow at ICS. He is spiritual director and faculty member in the College of Bible in Abilene Christian University. Holding degrees from Harding University, Harding Graduate School of Religion and Syracuse University, his areas of expertise are Modern Theology and Ethics. Randy is the author of God Work, Soul Work, and Living Jesus, and at ACU was chosen Honors Professor of the Year (2001), Honors Mentor of the Year (2003, 2011), Outstanding Faculty Member (2003), and Outstanding Teacher Of the Year (2011).
Rhonda Lowry is a senior fellow at ICS. She completed her M.Div. degree and taught at Fuller Theological Seminary and Pepperdine University. Rhonda is a frequent speaker nationwide in programs dedicated to enabling Christians to know Jesus deeply and to serve him in the everyday places of their lives.
Carl McKelvey is a senior fellow at ICS. Holding degrees from Lipscomb, Scaritt College, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Carl served 32 years as the Executive Vice President of Administration at Lipscomb. He retired in 2002 and is currently the director of the Center for Spiritual Renewal at Longview Manor.