Our Faculty
In addition to our Board of Directors, there are others whom we partner with who provide course instruction.
Andrew Clark
Andy Clark was born in Africa to missionary parents and lived in Africa until he was 16 years old. He returned to America, and upon finishing his education, he felt the call of God to missions, and went as a missionary to Haiti for nine years, where he trained pastors and helped start three Bible Schools for three different organizations. It was in his seventh year as a missionary in Haiti that Andy met Emily, who was from Florence, South Carolina and on a two-week mission trip to Haiti. Six months later they were married and served together for another year and a half in Haiti.
From Haiti, God called Andy and Emily to minister in Kenya and Uganda, East Africa, where during their eight years there they established a Bible School in each country to train pastors in their local areas. During their time in Africa, God blessed Andy and Emily with three children: Kevin, Candace, and Nicole. Nicole is their special needs child whose life is bringing glory to God’s name.
Upon returning to America from Kenya, Andy and Emily served on staff at The House of Prayer (now Hope Point Church) in Chesterfield, Virginia, from 1997 to 2006, where Andy served in outreach ministries and as Director of Heritage School of Leadership. From 2007 to 2011 Andy served as Associate Director of the American office of World Horizons, a global mission organization with about 350 missionaries to unreached people groups around the world. In January 2012, Andy and Emily launched their own mission organization, Equipping the Nations, dedicated to equipping God’s people at home and around the globe to be what God has called, gifted and destined them to be for His glory and His kingdom.
As president of Equipping the Nations, Andy partners with mission work in a number of countries, and travels ministering at churches, leadership seminars and conferences. He has a weekly radio broadcast in Kenya and Uganda called the “Voice of Hope.” Andy and Emily attend and serve as Connect Group leaders at Hope Point church.
Mike Hennigan
Undergraduate Training // Portland Bible College
Master of Divinity // Oral Roberts University
Mike Hennigan has served as the lead pastor of Victory Christian Church in Goochland, VA, since 2004. He is passionate about the emotional and spiritual health of church leaders. Mike serves in leadership roles in various church networks locally and abroad. He loves being married to Elizabeth, and together they have raised four children. He received his undergraduate training at Portland Bible College and a Master of Divinity degree from Oral Roberts University.
Mike Hennigan
Undergraduate Training // Portland Bible College
Master of Divinity // Oral Roberts University
Mike Hennigan has served as the lead pastor of Victory Christian Church in Goochland, VA, since 2004. He is passionate about the emotional and spiritual health of church leaders. Mike serves in leadership roles in various church networks locally and abroad. He loves being married to Elizabeth, and together they have raised four children. He received his undergraduate training at Portland Bible College and a Master of Divinity degree from Oral Roberts University.
Dr. Alice F. Joyner
B.S. Family and Consumer Sciences; M.S. Career and Technical Education // Virginia State University
Doctorial (EdD) Higher Education Leadership // NOVA Southeastern University
Dr. Alice Joyner was ordained at the Noah Ark Church in Greenville, NC and became the pastor of New Zion Church in Petersburg, VA in 1982. She has served in multiple and diverse leadership positions over the course of her time in ministry. Some of those leadership positions have included:
- Chief Apostle at Word of Faith Ministries in Petersburg, VA from 2010-2015
- Bishop’s Chaplain at Christ Miracle Church
- Teacher, facilitator, and prayer minister at Dominion Training and Counseling Center in Richmond, VA
- CEO and President of Destiny Consultant Services
- Former Chair of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at Virginia State University
- Former Director of Outreach and Assistant Dean for Outreach and Economic Development at Virginia State University
Dr. Joyner served as a member of numerous Associations, University and community committees, boards, and foundations. She provides consulting services for Christian ministries as well as other nonprofit organizations. Additionally, she provides technical assistance, training and development, evaluation services, and fund development. Her efforts also support and provide organizational leaders comprehensive training concerning assisting organizations with the fulfillment of their missions, strategic planning, and the fundamentals of serving their clients. Her primary goal is to help profit and nonprofit agencies operate more efficiently, solve their managerial and operational problems, and seize strategic opportunities that can spur their growth thus, allowing them to serve their communities even better. More importantly, she aspires to bring proven community based planning and management skills to the profit and nonprofit sectors. Dr. Joyner is a thinker, strategist, and a visionary with a particular desire to revolutionize nonprofit organizations.
Reverend Russell Joyner
B.A. Biblical Studies and Languages // Gordon College
M.A.T.S Biblical Interpretation // Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Rev. Russell is ordained with the Assemblies of God and has served in three churches as full-time pastoral staff in a variety of ministries: college and career, youth ministry, missions pastor, small groups, singles ministry, discipleship, church planter, and lead pastor. Russell taught Biblical Studies and Languages for ten years with Valley Forge Christian College.
Russell is presently adjunct faculty with Ascent College and River City School of Leadership. He is a member of the teaching team for the Discipleship Bible School of YWAM (Youth With A Mission), traveling globally to train missionaries.
He is married to his wife, Maureen, of 45 years, and together they have three children who have blessed them with nine grandchildren.
Reverend Russell Joyner
B.A. Biblical Studies and Languages // Gordon College
M.A.T.S Biblical Interpretation // Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Rev. Russell is ordained with the Assemblies of God and has served in three churches as full-time pastoral staff in a variety of ministries: college and career, youth ministry, missions pastor, small groups, singles ministry, discipleship, church planter, and lead pastor. Russell taught Biblical Studies and Languages for ten years with Valley Forge Christian College.
Russell is presently adjunct faculty with Ascent College and River City School of Leadership. He is a member of the teaching team for the Discipleship Bible School of YWAM (Youth With A Mission), traveling globally to train missionaries.
He is married to his wife, Maureen, of 45 years, and together they have three children who have blessed them with nine grandchildren.
Joette Lehberger
Master of Science in Nursing // Aspen University
Master of Arts in Christian Counseling // American Christian College and Seminary
Master of Arts in Christian Education // Carolina University of Theology
Joette Lehberger has enjoyed a professional career in nursing, education, administration, and ministry for over 42 years. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in leadership and management, Master of Arts in Christian Counseling, and a Master of Arts in Christian Education to equip her for the various ministry doors that have opened up over the years.
She has served in nursing education and administration, as a professor, dean of academics, and campus director in large collegiate educational settings and was the founder of Take Heart Consulting and Connections Family Ministry. Jo was a principal for Heritage Christian Academy for 8 years at the pre-school, elementary, middle, and high school levels. She currently serves as the Director of Client Success for Ascend Learning where the specialization is collegiate nursing education and excellence.
Early in life Jo felt a strong call to ministry and served in her local church building a children’s ministry and mentoring others in that calling. Moving to Richmond, VA in 1994, Jo served at the House of Prayer as the Children’s Pastor and later as Youth Pastor with her husband. Ordained in 1996, she continues to minister at Hope Point Church as a Care Pastor.
Jo has been joyfully married to Doug Lehberger for 42 years and they have 3 grown daughters along with 3 sons in love – all 6 of their children serve in full time ministry pastoring at two churches in Richmond, Virginia. 9 grandchildren complete their happiness along with 1 in heaven who will greet them there one day. Doug and Jo lead the Hope Point Marriage Ministry and are active in the marriage connect group and in pre-marital and marriage counseling. Doug and Jo serve together as Hope Point Care Pastors and have a strong desire to encourage people to build their houses in the house of God. Equipping the body for ministry remains a strong focus as she shares her teaching, speaking, administrative and leadership skills.
Douglas McMurry
B.S. Art Education // University of Wisconsin
Master of Divinity // San Francisco Theological Seminary
New College // Edinburgh, Scotland
Douglas McMurry’s search for God began as an art student in Madison, Wisconsin. From there, his search led him to San Francisco Theological Seminary (1965-69) and then to postgraduate work at New College. Then he began a career as a Presbyterian pastor in Oregon. Forty years later he retired from pastoral ministry, including 19 years at Christ Presbyterian Church in Richmond.
McMurry discovered that being a pastor was not God’s ultimate calling for his life. When he and his wife, Carla, crossed paths with the wife of an appliance salesman in his first congregation, their lives went on a different path because of her sharing with them about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Eventually, that path led to Dick Simmons, an intercessor who challenged them to pray two hours each morning. Beginning January 31, 1983, they committed to a life of daily couple prayer. Today, Doug and Carla run “The Clearing”, a prayer center in Charles City, VA.
God has called Doug into a ministry of prayer and writing. Beginning with a year of mentoring by Dick Simmons in 1983, Doug has been involved in many prayer battles over the years. In 1987, the Holy Spirit led Doug to research the forgotten outpourings of the Holy Spirit and their influence in transforming nations. Doug has discovered that the presence of King Jesus has been a great deal more important in our history than most Christians realize. His research led to the publication of two books, completed in 2003: Glory Through Time (Trilogy Books, TBN). These two books tell the story of the advance of the kingdom of God by the Holy Spirit, from the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) to the “Back to Jerusalem” movement of today.
Douglas McMurry
B.S. Art Education // University of Wisconsin
Master of Divinity // San Francisco Theological Seminary
New College // Edinburgh, Scotland
Douglas McMurry’s search for God began as an art student in Madison, Wisconsin. From there, his search led him to San Francisco Theological Seminary (1965-69) and then to postgraduate work at New College. Then he began a career as a Presbyterian pastor in Oregon. Forty years later he retired from pastoral ministry, including 19 years at Christ Presbyterian Church in Richmond.
McMurry discovered that being a pastor was not God’s ultimate calling for his life. When he and his wife, Carla, crossed paths with the wife of an appliance salesman in his first congregation, their lives went on a different path because of her sharing with them about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Eventually, that path led to Dick Simmons, an intercessor who challenged them to pray two hours each morning. Beginning January 31, 1983, they committed to a life of daily couple prayer. Today, Doug and Carla run “The Clearing”, a prayer center in Charles City, VA.
God has called Doug into a ministry of prayer and writing. Beginning with a year of mentoring by Dick Simmons in 1983, Doug has been involved in many prayer battles over the years. In 1987, the Holy Spirit led Doug to research the forgotten outpourings of the Holy Spirit and their influence in transforming nations. Doug has discovered that the presence of King Jesus has been a great deal more important in our history than most Christians realize. His research led to the publication of two books, completed in 2003: Glory Through Time (Trilogy Books, TBN). These two books tell the story of the advance of the kingdom of God by the Holy Spirit, from the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) to the “Back to Jerusalem” movement of today.
Dr. Wade S. Runge
Doctor of Ministry, Christian Leadership // Southeastern Theological Seminary
Master of Divinity and M.A.T. // Liberty University
Wade Runge serves as senior pastor of M3 Church (Mountain Movers Ministry) in Richmond, Virginia. He has a passion for reaching the lost, and helping others discover their purpose. Under his leadership, M3 Church has experienced tremendous growth while simultaneously reaching numerous needs in their community.
He is a graduate of Southeastern Theological Seminary, with an earned Doctor of Ministry with a focus in Christian Leadership. In addition, an earned Master of Divinity and M.A.T. from Liberty University. In addition, much of his leadership and core values have been shaped by being a “graduate” of the United States Marine Corps, while serving on active duty for more than 20 years. He retired from the Corps, to now serve in the Lord’s Army.
Pastor Runge has been preaching the Gospel for more than 31 years; and has been serving in pastoral ministry for more than 2 decades. He is passionate about serving his community. In addition to serving as the Senior Pastor of M3 Church, he has started a Recovery Organization, M3 Bridge Recovery, to help veterans who have fallen on hard times to help them get back up. The organization has 4 recovery houses that is a vision of Pastor Runge to give back to those who have given so much.
Pastor Runge is the author of “Good Shepherds Smell Like Sheep” and is a leader and mentor to countless pastors around the country. But, the greatest source of joy for Wade, is his family. He is blessed to be married to his best friend, Sherrie for more than 31 years, and they have three daughters: Monique, Gabby, and Alannah, and one son, Antonio.
Colonel Dwayne Thomas
B.S. Governmental Administration // Christopher Newport University
M.A. Public Administration // Golden Gate University
M.A. National Resource Strategy // Industrial College of the Armed Forces
M.A Divinity // Regent University
Colonel Dwayne Thomas is a born-again Christian (since 1975) who has been engaged in ministry for over 30 years. Colonel Thomas entered the Army in 1980 and during his 26-year career served in a variety of leadership and staff assignments in both the Continental United States and overseas. This included his being in key Department of Defense leadership and management positions, including the following:
- Support Operations Officer and Executive Officer, 603rd Aviation Support Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, V Corps // Katterbach, Germany
- Commander, 35th Supply and Service Battalion, US Army // Japan
- Logistics Management Specialist, Department of the Army Civilian // Fort Belvoir, VA
- Chief of the Concepts and Capabilities Division, Sustainment Battle Lab // VA
The educational background of Colonel Thomas coupled with his experience as an Army Officer will enable him to train and equip students to become effective leaders in life and ministry. Dwayne is married (41 years) to Sandra and they have two grown children, a daughter-in-law, and three granddaughters.
Colonel Dwayne Thomas
B.S. Governmental Administration // Christopher Newport University
M.A. Public Administration // Golden Gate University
M.A. National Resource Strategy // Industrial College of the Armed Forces
M.A Divinity // Regent University
Colonel Dwayne Thomas is a born-again Christian (since 1975) who has been engaged in ministry for over 30 years. Colonel Thomas entered the Army in 1980 and during his 26-year career served in a variety of leadership and staff assignments in both the Continental United States and overseas. This included his being in key Department of Defense leadership and management positions, including the following:
- Support Operations Officer and Executive Officer, 603rd Aviation Support Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, V Corps // Katterbach, Germany
- Commander, 35th Supply and Service Battalion, US Army // Japan
- Logistics Management Specialist, Department of the Army Civilian // Fort Belvoir, VA
- Chief of the Concepts and Capabilities Division, Sustainment Battle Lab // VA
The educational background of Colonel Thomas coupled with his experience as an Army Officer will enable him to train and equip students to become effective leaders in life and ministry. Dwayne is married (41 years) to Sandra and they have two grown children, a daughter-in-law, and three granddaughters.