Bible Conference: The Kingdom of God in the Epic Bible Story

Dr. Roy E. Lucas, Jr. – Conference Speaker

Academic Dean, Professor of Bible, Clear Creek Baptist Bible College

Dr. Roy E. Lucas, Jr. brings a lifetime of dedication to biblical scholarship and Christian education. With over four decades of experience in teaching, preaching, and theological research, his expertise spans New Testament studies, biblical archaeology, Greek language, and hermeneutics. His passion for uncovering the historical and cultural context of Scripture has made him a trusted voice in Christian academia.

Born on December 19, 1955, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Dr. Lucas pursued an extensive academic journey, earning degrees that would shape his career in biblical studies. He holds a Ph.D. in New Testament from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where his dissertation examined the use of narrative criticism and discourse analysis to explore the social backdrop of the Epistle to Titus. His earlier studies include a Master of Christian Religious Education (M.A.C.E.), a Master of Divinity (M.Div.), and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Religion and Elementary Education from Oklahoma Baptist University.

Dr. Lucas served as a Professor of Bible at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Pineville, Kentucky, for nearly 20 years, holding the prestigious H. C. Chiles Chair of New Testament Studies. His dedication to student mentorship and academic excellence led him to develop comprehensive commentary companion workbooks and textbooks, including Walking in Scriptures, a detailed study on biblical geography. His leadership extended to multiple academic committees, including accreditation initiatives and faculty development, ensuring the highest educational standards in Christian institutions.

A specialist in New Testament Greek, biblical geography, and archaeology, Dr. Lucas played an integral role in the Gezer Archaeological Consortium, providing students with firsthand experience in biblical excavation. His passion for biblical backgrounds is evident in his extensive teaching portfolio, covering courses such as Biblical Archaeology, Systematic Theology, Evangelism in Acts, and How We Got the Bible. His ability to bridge historical context with contemporary application has made him a sought-after scholar and mentor.

Beyond academia, Dr. Lucas has been an active pastor and church leader, shepherding congregations in Kentucky and Oklahoma. As an interim pastor for several churches, including Swan Pond Baptist Church and Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, he has guided congregations through periods of transition, offering biblical wisdom and pastoral care. His commitment to evangelism has taken him beyond U.S. borders, serving as a missionary instructor in Russia, where he taught New Testament courses to pastors and church leaders.

Dr. Lucas’s contributions to biblical scholarship are not only found in classrooms and pulpits but also in published works. His research has appeared in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Biblical Illustrator, and various theological journals, covering topics such as Cana of Galilee, biblical geography, and archaeology. His upcoming books, Walking Through the Land of the Bible and Walking the Ancient Roads, aim to provide a deeper understanding of the historical settings of Scripture.

In addition to his teaching, Dr. Lucas has been a mentor to doctoral students in ministry and theology, guiding them through dissertation research and defense. His mentorship has helped shape future biblical scholars, ensuring a lasting impact on Christian education.

At The Epic Bible Story conference, Dr. Lucas will bring his deep understanding of Scripture and historical context to life, engaging attendees in thoughtful discussion and faith-enriching insights. His expertise in the New Testament and biblical archaeology will offer a unique perspective on the unfolding biblical narrative.

Dr. Lucas and his wife, Veda Thomas Lucas, remain active in ministry and theological research. His enduring commitment to biblical education and his ability to make Scripture come alive ensure that attendees will leave with a renewed appreciation for God's Word.

Dr. Eric Mitchell – Conference Speaker

L.C. Kelly Professor of Biblical Interpretation | Director of the Master of Arts in Ministry Program

Dr. Eric Mitchell brings a wealth of academic expertise and pastoral experience to the study of the Old Testament and biblical archaeology. With over two decades of teaching, extensive research, and a commitment to discipleship, he has shaped countless students and ministry leaders through his deep understanding of biblical interpretation.

A graduate of Baylor University (B.B.A. in Finance/Computer Information Systems, 1985), Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div., 1994), and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Ph.D. in Old Testament, 2002), Dr. Mitchell has dedicated his life to uncovering the richness of the Old Testament and its historical context. His research focuses on Old Testament narrative, biblical archaeology, and the ancient cultural backgrounds that inform Scripture, allowing him to bring the Bible to life in a way that is both historically grounded and spiritually transformative.

For the past 21 years, Dr. Mitchell served as Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Backgrounds at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He now holds the L.C. Kelly Chair of Biblical Interpretation and serves as Director of the Master of Arts in Ministry program at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Pineville, Kentucky. His leadership in these roles ensures that students and ministry leaders receive robust biblical training, critical research insights, and practical applications for Christian living.

In addition to teaching, Dr. Mitchell is an accomplished author, editor, and researcher, contributing to several significant biblical resources. His published works include:

• A Literary Examination of the Function of Satire in the Mišpat Hammelek of I Samuel (Mellen Press, 2007), which explores the use of satire in Old Testament narrative.

• Old Testament Survey, 3rd Edition (B&H Academic, 2023), co-authored with Paul House, offering a comprehensive study of the Old Testament.

• The Epic Bible Story (Amazon, 2022), a discipleship book developed with Dr. Craig Mitchell.

• Co-editor of the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Revised and Expanded (B&H Academic, 2015).

• General Editor for the Old Testament Historical Books and Editor/Translator of “1 Samuel” for The Modern English Version (Charisma Media, 2015).

Dr. Mitchell’s expertise extends to biblical archaeology, where he has co-directed the Tel Gezer Regional Survey, a research project exploring the ancient biblical landscape in Israel. He has traveled extensively to the Holy Land, leading archaeological expeditions and educational tours that provide firsthand historical and cultural insights into Scripture. His ability to bridge archaeology with biblical interpretation enhances his teaching, helping students and scholars understand the geographical, historical, and theological dimensions of the Old Testament.

As a distinguished Hebrew scholar, his influence extends across generations of teachers and students alike, leaving an indelible mark from the lectern to the study desk, from the pulpit to bedside prayers, each life shaped by his dedication to honoring God by transferring biblical knowledge and wisdom.

A deeply committed minister, Dr. Mitchell was ordained to gospel ministry in 1989 and has faithfully served the Church for more than 35 years. His ministry experience includes:

• Serving as Youth Minister at churches in Georgia and Tennessee.

• Working as a Business Administrator for a discipleship ministry.

• Teaching Bible studies in churches for over two decades.

• Leading Adult Sunday School classes at Rock Creek Baptist Church (Crowley, TX) and Travis Avenue Baptist Church (Fort Worth, TX).

• Regularly Preaching at churches around the United States as the Lord grants opportunity.

Dr. Mitchell is preparing to launch Star & Scepter Discipleship, an online ministry dedicated to equipping Christians and churches with foundational Bible and discipleship training. His passion for biblical education and mentoring continues to shape students, pastors, and lay leaders who desire deeper theological understanding and effective ministry application.

In addition to his scholarly work, Dr. Mitchell has contributed to church resources, writing Bible study materials for Lifeway Church Resources. His book study on Genesis 1-19 is scheduled to appear in the Explore the Bible Adult Commentary Series, providing a practical and theological guide for biblical study.

At The Epic Bible Story conference, Dr. Mitchell will bring his unparalleled knowledge of Old Testament literature, archaeology, and biblical backgrounds to the stage. His ability to connect historical insights with modern faith applications promises a dynamic and transformative learning experience for all attendees.

Dr. Mitchell and his wife, Nancy, have been married for 35 years and have three adult children and two sons-in-law. Together, they enjoy outdoor activities, biking, and walks, while Eric also pursues hobbies such as woodworking and smoking BBQ. His personal journey of faith, academic excellence, and dedication to discipleship makes him a powerful teacher and mentor, guiding others to embrace the richness of God’s Word with clarity and conviction.