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, magazines and on NextSunday.com. One of the founders of Smyth & Helwys, Jim has served as Chairman of the Board for the past 14 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 two grandsons, Will and Jon.

Glen Cleveland Adkins, Doctor of Musical Arts, has served in music ministry since 1971. He holds degrees from Furman University and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served as Minister of Music and Worship at First Baptist Church in Greenville, South Carolina since 1992. Through the years, he has taught classes and given lectures on church related vocation, learning in retirement, the life of music ministry, church music trends, worship planning, music theory and appreciation, voice, and handbell. He has published several articles and one choral anthem. Glen edited the music selections for Smyth & Helwys Worship, which are now used in cycle with the lectionary.

Glen and his wife Clista Wynne have two daughters, Mary Patricia and Katie Elizabeth. In his free time he enjoys biking, tennis, and golf. He is associated with a variety of civic organizations.