FACULTY & STAFF

Dr. Thomas Jackson is the founder and President of the Jackson Theological Institute (JTI).  He and his wife, Karla, are the proud parents of two adult children, and have three grandchildren.  Dr. Jackson has a doctorate of philosophy degree in Clinical Psychology and a doctorate of philosophy degree in Biblical and Theological Studies and has been involved in behavioral health  for 25 years and in mental health private practice for 20 years.

He is the published author of the books, “A Conversational Commentary on the Book of EPHESIANS,” “A Conversational Commentary on the Gospel of JOHN,” “Man and Woman As God Has Ordained,” and currently writing “A Conversational Commentary on the Book of 1st Corinthians,” and “A Conversational Commentary on the Book of PHILEMON.” He has done extensive study and work in the area of the spiritual realm and has published a five DVD set entitled, “Understanding Spiritual Warfare.” In addition, he has conducted workshops and seminars on bible translations and has published a four DVD set entitled, “Understanding Bible Translations and Interpreting Difficult Passages,” a six DVD set entitled, “Understanding The Biblical Model for Leadership,” a four DVD set entitled, ” How To Study the Bible,” a four DVD set entitled, “Embracing your Season,” and a six DVD Sermon series entitled, “Now Is The Time.”

He has published articles entitled, “A Daughter’s First Romance,” “Treating Depression In America,” and “Understanding African-American Behavior In A Euro-American Society.” 

Dr. Jackson’s passion for spiritual and psychological maturity is the reason the Jackson Theological Institute was formed.  He has bridged two separate entities of educational disciplines to co-exist as one, preparing students to have a holistic experience in their higher educational learning.

Karla Jackson is the Founder of Next Generation Early Learning Center, which serves children 3 to 5 years of age and their families. Karla has a Master’s in Psychology with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Development as well as a Bachelor of Science in Child Development. Karla has worked in education for more than 20 years serving preschool through 12 th -grade as well as at-risk populations.

Karla has a passion for building strong foundations for young children and families to ensure a path for lifelong success for the Next Generation. Karla has been involved in ministry for over 25 years, co-laboring with her husband nationally and internationally and has a desire to encourage women and strengthen relationships with those she has the privilege of meeting.

Tradanius Beard is native of Memphis, Tn. Bro Beard is married to the former Darlisha Tabor of 11 years. They have two daughters ( Madison & Kelsey Beard). Beard obeyed the gospel at the age of 11 while visiting his grandmother for the summer in Ruleville, Ms under the leadership of evangelist Billy C. Moore.

The late great Dr. Nokomis Yeldell Sr. trained and developed him into an gospel preacher. Evangelist Beard has been preaching the gospel for 18 years. Beard is currently the minister of the Northwest Church of Christ(church plant) in Southaven, Ms where he has served 12 years.

Bro. Beard holds a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree in Alcohol and Drugs services from the University of Memphis and a Masters of Christians Studies with an emphasis in pastoral ministry from Grand Canyon University. Bro Beard ‘s motto for living is ” When you can’t understand the WHY’S of life trust the WHO that controls.

Faculty & Dean of Students
Lee Lewis has served in the ministry since 1995, having given his life to Christ in his native, San Antonio, TX. Lee has preached throughout the United States and, as a missionary, in several Caribbean countries. Currently residing in the Greater St. Louis area, he has served as ministering evangelist for the last 14 years, currently as the servant of the Fairgrounds Road Church of Christ.

Lee currently holds MDiv and MAR degrees from Liberty University and a BBA from Texas Southern University. He and wife, Michelle have been married for 28 years and are the proud parents of nine and grandparents of seven.

Educational Psychologist
When people form new relationships, they inevitably encounter people with whom the ‘click’ and those with whom they ‘clash’. As knowing oneself is the key to developing and maintaining healthy relationships, Dallas, Texas native, Chaelle Norman, has devoted over 20 years to motivating people to discover their inner selves as a precursor to getting to know others. As the proud mother of one daughter and the grandmother of two marvelous grandsons Chaelle lends her ear to those near and dear to her as she endeavors to motivate them to continuously improve their lives.

A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Chaelle holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, a Master of Science degree from Capella University, and has completed the coursework in two doctoral programs in Education and Psychology terminating with a Doctor of Education in Leadership from American College of Education.

Chaelle’s background reaches beyond motivating people as she is nationally certified as a True Colors Facilitator where she travels extensively to train corporate, higher education learners as well as Christian participants to become better employees, learners and leaders. In addition, she has taught college students as a professor of Psychology for the past 14 years and has taught Education, Human Development, and Forensic Psychology for the past 8 years. She currently works as a full-time college professor at Richland College, Dallas, Texas.

While working as a professional counselor as well as a Christian counselor, Chaelle has discovered new strategies for encouraging her clients and fellow parishioners to improve their lives. She is the founder of C5: Crossover Christian Counseling, Coaching and Career Services, where her primary focus is helping her audiences, clients, and peers to assess their needs; to explore their options; to find and utilize their available resources and to discover their strengths–all in an effort to help good people become better people.

Chris D. Long is a native of Dayton Ohio. He currently resides in Maumelle Arkansas. Chris is Married to Alethia (Pate) Long. Five children – 3 Adult 2 Minor.

Chris earned his Associate of Bible Ministry Degree (ABM) from The School of Religious Studies in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He is currently pursuing his “Bachelors of Bible Ministry” from the Theological University of America in Lake Worth Florida (Graduate April 2021). He plans to pursue his “Masters of Theology” from the Jackson Theological Institute in 2021.

Chris was the Associate Minister of the East Cooper Church of Christ in Mount Pleasant South Carolina from September 2009 – June 2015. Men’s Ministry Leader, Youth Ministry Leader. Financial Board, Adult Bible Classes

He was the Associate Minister of the Harvest Pointe Church in North Charleston South Carolina from June 2015 July 2019. Men’s Ministry Leader, Communication Committee, Leadership Board, Adult Bible Study teacher, Assistant Youth Bible Teacher. Trained Ushers and Decision counselors. Building Supervisor

Chris currently attends the Pleasant Valley Church of Chris in Little Rock Arkansas as a Life Group leader. He and wife host a Tiny Church in their home every Sunday. My Goal is to help our members stay spiritually connected and teach members to read and understand the Bible from a Middle Eastern mind set and help them make a practical application in our lives today.

Currently a Staff Member for the School of Religious Studies in North Little Rock Arkansas. Assists with Brand Marketing, Admissions and Recruiting. Facilitates, creates, and hosts SRS Webinars and Meetings.

Greg Clark has served in ministry for 36 years. He has worked with churches in Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Arkansas. For the last 15 years he has served as senior minister at the Sylvan Hills Church of Christ in Sherwood, Arkansas. In addition to pulpit ministry, he has worked in youth ministry, education, and evangelism training.

Greg and his wife, Carol, have been married 38 years. They have four children and five grandchildren.

Dr. Lodge began working with Ferguson Heights as one the Interim Ministers earlier in 2017. Previously he served as Minister for the West Central Church of Christ in St. Louis, MO. Dr. Lodge received his Doctor of Ministry and Master of Divinity Degree from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO. He also has a Master of Theology degree with emphasis on Christian Counseling. He is a graduate of Southwestern Christian College with a Bachelor of Theology and Religious Education. He is a Staff Chaplain at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO and has served as a Hospice and Triage Chaplain for Crossroads Hospice, Christian Hospital, and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

He also serves as a board member for the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Program at Christian Northeast Hospital. In addition, he is an instructor of Greek, Pastoral Care and Bible for the School of Religious Studies in Little Rock, AR. Prior to his current positions, he has worked as an Associate Minister for the Berkeley Heights Church of Christ in St. Louis, MO; Youth Minister for the North 32nd Street Church of Christ in Baton Rouge, LA; Evangelist of Hollywood Street Church of Christ in Baton Rouge, LA and Eastside Church of Christ in Winston Salem, NC. Dr. Lodge is bi-vocational and worked as a Mechanical Designer in the Petro Chemical industry for over 20 years and served in the US Army’s First Calvary, Eighth Engineers Battalion.

He was born in New Orleans, LA and grow up in Baton Rouge, LA. He is married to the former Marjorie Perry and has two children Brittany and Gary II. Dr. Lodge has been preaching and teaching for nearly thirty-eight years.
Above all he is a child of the king and is dedicated to the spreading and furtherance of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dr. Kristopher K. DarDar, Sr., Ph.D., is currently the Senior Pastor of the East Pointe Church of Christ in Fort Worth, Texas where he serves and leads a thriving urban ministry. Dr. DarDar believes in effective preaching & teaching that truly allows his audiences to gain a deeper understanding of biblical texts and prepare them for daily Christian living.

He is married to the former LaMaria T. Stepney of Denton, TX. They have three amazing sons, Kristopher Jr., Amari Izaiah-David, Kaleb Zayde, and one beautiful daughter, Kamorah Zy’Elle Marie. Educationally, Dr. DarDar holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Religious Studies from Southwestern Christian College, a Master of Science in Family Studies from Amberton University, and a Ph.D. in Family Studies from Texas Woman’s University.