Christopher Stapper, Ph.D. joined the Stark College & Seminary team in May 2013. Prior to this, he had already demonstrated his commitment to ministry by serving for seven years as the Teaching Pastor and Youth Minister at First Baptist Church in Athens. Christopher's pastoral journey also included the role of an interim pastor at multiple churches, where he skillfully guided congregations during periods of transition. Furthermore, his passion for leadership within the church led him to explore the critical topic of leading volunteers in the local church for his dissertation. His academic pursuits equipped him with invaluable insights into empowering and mobilizing volunteers for effective ministry. While a student at Stark College and Seminary (formerly named the Baptist Learning Center), Christopher dedicated six years to leadership staff at Camp Zephyr, nestled on the shores of Lake Corpus Christi. This experience reinforced the importance of service for those called to ministry.Currently, Christopher serves at SCS as well as serving as Pastor at Third Coast Church, where his dedication to ministry is able to be demonstrated outside of the classroom. His multifaceted experiences in pastoral leadership, theological study, and camp ministry give him a unique vantage point to serve as both an administrator and faculty member for SCS students.