Dr. James M. Pitts is university chaplain [retired] and professor of religion emeritus, Furman University.  A native of Washington, DC, Jim is a graduate of Furman University in Greenville, SC, Southeastern Seminary at Wake Forest, NC, and Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY.
 
An experienced pastoral counselor, he has worked in both congregational and hospital settings. His professional expertise includes crisis counseling, substance abuse intervention, and career guidance for persons in ministry.
 
His sermons and essays on biblical and pastoral themes are published in books, devotional guides, and on Smyth & Helwys Worship.com.  One of the founders of Smyth & Helwys, Jim has served as Chairman of the Board for the past 20 years.
 
In addition to serving as the editor of Smyth & Helwys Worship, he is the principal photographer and editor of www.NextSundayGallery.com, an educational resource with a comprehensive collection of high quality photos illustrating the geography and archaeology of the Biblical world.
 
Jim and his wife Nancy have two adult sons and two daughters-in-law: Stewart and his wife Kelley, and Jonathan and his wife Jackie. They are the proud grandparents of three grandsons, Will, Jon Walker and Colton, and a granddaughter, Lilli.

Glen Cleveland Adkins has a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Furman University.  He earned both a Master of Church Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from Southern Seminary. 
 
Along with his wife Clista, Glen works with Romany Gypsies.  They currently serve as English teachers, youth group and music leaders at The Ghandi School in Pecs, Hungary.  Prior to this mission appointment, Dr. Adkins was Minister of Music and Worship at First Baptist Church, Greenville, SC. 
 
Dr. Adkins edited the music selections for Smyth & Helwys Worship, which follows the revised common lectionary.  Through the years, Glen has taught classes and given lectures on the life of music ministry, church music trends; worship planning, music theory and appreciation, voice, guitar and hand bells.  He has published several articles and one choral anthem.
 
Glen and his wife Clista have two daughters, Mary Patricia and Katie Elizabeth.