Zachary Bartels

An award-winning preacher and Bible teacher, Zachary Bartels has served as pastor of Judson Baptist Church (www.churchlansing.com) since 2005. He holds degrees from Cornerstone University and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. His debut novel, Playing Saint, has been called an "intrigue-filled thriller" (Library Journal) and "a page-turner from the very beginning . . . gripping and realistic" (RT Book Reviews) and was a finalist for the Inspys and Carol Awards. His followup, The Last Con (HarperCollins Christian Fiction) "will leave readers stunned" (RT Book Reviews) and also short-listed for an Inspy. More recently, he has released Playing Saint: All Souls Day (the sequel to Playing Saint) and Clinch: A Novel, which is geared toward young adult audiences. The audiobooks of Zachary's novels are full of cinematic music and sound effects and are available in affordable bundles on his website and he is now in the process of presenting his retelling of the classic spiritual allegory The Pilgrim's Progress as a serialized, produced fiction experience in the podcast "High and Silver Presents: The Pilgrim's Progress." Zachary lives with his wife and son in the capital city of a mitten-shaped state, where he enjoys film, fine cigars, stimulating conversation, gourmet coffee, reading, writing, and cycling. He hosts several podcasts (www.zacharybartels.com/podcasts).