mEET OUR SPEAKERS
Dr. James Bradford Bio
Bradford was elected general secretary of the Assemblies of God by the Executive
Presbytery in February 2009, a position he held for over nine years. As general
secretary, Bradford oversaw the credentialing of over 35,000 ministers, church
chartering, the collection of official statistics, and the Flower Pentecostal Heritage
Center.
Prior to his election as general secretary, Bradford served as lead pastor of Central
Assembly of God in Springfield, Mo., the church to which he has now returned as
pastor.
Bradford holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Minnesota. As
a student he led a small Chi Alpha campus Bible study that eventually grew into a
university church. Upon graduation in 1979, Bradford stepped into full-time ministry with
that campus outreach.
In 1988, Bradford and his family moved to southern California where he pastored
Newport-Mesa Church in the heart of Orange County. Twelve years later, the Bradfords
transitioned to Vancouver, B.C., to pastor Broadway Church.
Bradford also has served on a variety of boards and committees including the General
Council of the Assemblies of God Executive Presbytery, the General Presbytery, and
the Evangel University Board of Trustees. He is the author of four books, “Lead So
Others Can Follow;” “Preaching: Maybe It is Rocket Science;” “Second Chronicles
Seven Fourteen: A 28-Day Journey in Prayer;” and “The Pastoral Epistles: Godly
Wisdom for Ministry.”
In addition to his other responsibilities, Jim travels frequently speaking to college
students, missionaries, and pastors. He also hosts the weekly Jim Bradford podcast
focusing on Scripture and leadership: jimbradford.org
Bradford and his wife, Sandi, have two married daughters, and three young
grandchildren.
Jason Martin bio. and teaching synopsis
Biography
Dr. Jason Martin grew up in Indiana as a Hoosier farm boy and is a lifelong Indianapolis
Colts and Indiana Pacers fan. Immediately after high school, he moved with his family to
Poughkeepsie, Arkansas on a 200+ acre cattle ranch in the foothills of the Ozarks
where he developed a deep appreciation for the rural parts of the state.
He earned a B.S. in Chemistry (with a double minor in math and physics) from Lyon
College in 2004 and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Arkansas in
2009, specializing in quantum and theoretical chemistry under the direction of renowned
theoretical chemist Dr. Peter Pulay. His years in Fayetteville also made him a dedicated
Razorbacks fan (for better or for worse).
Jason and his wife, Caysie, met while serving in leadership with Chi Alpha campus
ministries at the University of Arkansas under the direction of campus pastor Ronnie
Hoover. Together, they ministered to college students in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and
Virginia and participated in mission trips to Bolivia, Greece, and Jamaica. After several
years in ministry, Jason returned to higher education and now serves as an associate
professor of chemistry at National Park College (NPC). He has taught chemistry,
mathematics, and physics at several colleges and universities, including NPC (since fall
of 2017) and Ouachita Baptist University since fall of 2020 as an adjunct professor.
Jason enjoys strength training and spending time outdoors with Caysie and their two
daughters, Kaylee and Kenzie. As a family, they enjoy camping, hiking, rock climbing,
and kayaking. They are also active members of Legacy Church, where they enjoy
serving and growing in faith alongside their church family.
Jason is passionate about helping others explore the relationship between biblical faith
and scientific discovery, and he is excited to share how both reveal the wonder and
truth of God's creation.
Teaching Synopsis
In today's technology-driven world, it is common to hear voices claiming that faith in
Jesus Christ and modern science are fundamentally at odds with one another. Many
assume that advances in science have somehow diminished the need for faith, or that
belief in God requires setting aside reason and evidence. But is that really true?
During our time together, I would like to explore this question and examine several
compelling examples that suggest otherwise. Rather than being enemies, faith and
science often intersect in remarkable and meaningful ways. As we look at what
Scripture reveals and compare it with discoveries in the natural world, we will see that
there are many fascinating connections between God's Word and modern scientific
understanding.
My hope is not only to challenge a common misconception, but also to encourage and
strengthen your faith. Ultimately, I pray that this discussion will deepen your
appreciation for the wisdom and majesty of our Creator and draw you into a closer,
more vibrant relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Lauren Rudolph, MS
Director of Digital Operations | Academic Operations
Assistant Professor of Biology | Natural & Applied Sciences