Seminary Faculty & Staff

Freddy Cardoza, is the Dean of Grace Theological Seminary and the School of Ministry Studies at Grace College. Freddy oversees the faithful execution of the mission and vision for the School of Ministry Studies. He is committed to advancing the Kingdom of God by expanding the size, reach, and impact of the school, faculty, staff, and the dynamic programs they offer. Freddy also serves as Professor of Christian Ministry and Leadership. In this capacity, he equips Christian leaders for ministry impact, and trains disciples to wield the Word of God and the power of God, for the glory of God.

Dr. Cardoza’s most recent scholarship includes the primary textbook entitled Christian Education: A Guide to the Foundations of Ministry (2019, Baker Academic).

Tiberius Rata, Associate Dean of the School of Ministry Studies and Professor of Old Testament Studies, focuses on instilling in students a love for God and His inerrant Word, remembering the words of Ezra 7:10: “For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.” Rata wants his ministry students to become pastors who can preach and teach God’s word passionately and accurately, with a strong foundation on the principles of Scripture so they can be pillars in their churches, leaders in their workplaces, and model citizens in their communities.

Matthew S. Harmon, Professor of New Testament studies, loves to help people understand the beauty of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Scriptures, seeing it as the key to life transformation (2 Corinthians 3:18). As a result, the focus of his ministry is teaching and preaching God’s word in various contexts. He has a passion for research and writing, specializing in the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament, biblical theology, commentary writing and the Pauline epistles. He is an active member of Christ’s Covenant Church, where he leads a small group, teaches Sunday School, and serves on the preaching team.

Rock LaGioia, Professor of Pastoral Studies, is passionate about building up the body of Christ by training the next generation of effective church leaders. Rock has many years of pastoral experience and enjoys preaching and teaching sound doctrine regularly at worship services, conferences, and seminars.

Christy Hill, Professor of Spiritual Formation and Women’s Ministries, has a passion for facilitating the holistic development of men and women into mature disciples of Jesus Christ, who are transformed by the experience of God’s love and truth. Saddened by the discrepancy between accurate theology and a living faith, she seeks to help her learners acknowledge that their operant belief system (behaviors, values, attitudes, motives) reveals their true beliefs. She then seeks to aid spiritual formation by resolving the gap between one’s professed belief system (correct theology) and actual beliefs.

Thomas M. Stallter is Professor of Intercultural Studies and executive director of the GTS Center for Korean Studies. Stallter has a heart for the world and for preparing others to reach out to those of other cultural worldviews. Whether teaching cultural anthropology or world religions or even methods of social research, his real intention is to prepare students for the impact of culture on relationships and ministry. “Relating to real people in a multicultural world with a relevant message that touches both felt needs and spiritual needs is our part in the mission of God.” After 18 years of service in Africa, he has now served 18 plus years at Grace College & Seminary preparing others to take his place. “Penetrating worldviews with God’s love and grace is our purpose. His love for the world is our calling. His Spirit is our strength. His amazing grace in our lives is our motivation.”’

Alumnus of Grace College, earning a B.Sc. with a double major in Business Administration and Psychology in 1990. Earned an M.Div. at Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary and a Th.M. and Ph.D. in Theology at Wycliffe College in Toronto.  20+ years of experience teaching theology, advising and mentoring students at both undergraduate and seminary levels. Past Lecturer of Ministry and Spiritual Formation at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto and Theologian in Residence at St. James Church in Paris, Ontario. Previously, he taught for 11 years as Associate Professor of Theology at Redeemer University College in Ontario, Canada also serving as department chair. Editor of Christian Scholar’s Review.

Alumnus of The Ohio State University, earning a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Church Administration in 1995. Earned a M.A. in Ministerial Leadership at Indiana Wesleyan University and a M.Div. and D.Min at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.  Trent has 20+ years of experience teaching and writing Bible, ministry, and leadership related courses, advising, and mentoring students at both undergraduate and seminary levels. Trent also has 20+ years of pastoring and planting churches on the West Coast and in the Midwest. 15+ years working in college administration. Currently, Instructional Support Manager and Director of Master of Arts in Ministry for Grace College and Seminary.

Brad, a graduate of Cedarville University and Grace Theological Seminary, has spent nearly 25 years in Youth and Next Generation ministry.  He loves serving on staff as the Lead Pastor of Family Ministry at Grace Church of Greater Akron and training the next generation of leaders by teaching Youth Ministry at Grace College.  He and his wife Tara are the parents of Finn, Sullivan, Killian and Sawyer.  Brad loves most sports, fly-fishing and being outside.

Rob gives oversight to Seminary Admissions for all seminary programs.

John is the Director of the School of Ministry Blended Program, an accelerated Bachelors/Masters program. He gives oversight to the operations and student support of the program.

Gabe is the Director of Deploy, a Competency-Based Theological Education program. He gives oversight to the operations and student support of the Deploy program.

Jane is the Office Manager and Assistant to the Dean of Grace Theological Seminary.