Holt

Founder of The Theology Project, Holt Vaughn has helped plant and pastor two churches. Since his early twenties he served as a writer/developer and consultant for Bible curricula and devotional studies for best-selling authors and leading Christian publishers. The more he did that, the more he felt a need for greater theological accuracy and clarity in his own life and in the Church. As a recording artist he’s worked with Grammy and Dove Award musicians. Holt serves on the Executive Board of Kingdom Bound Ministries and has led workshops as diverse as product development, branding, theology and the arts for the National Religious Broadcasters and Christian Musicians Summit. Here’s more of his unique pilgrimage (read full bio).

Erik

For almost 25 years Erik Ticen has served as a producer, director, writer and media strategist for hundreds of national non-profit and commercial organizations. Yet without a doubt his greatest love is producing and directing disciples for Jesus. With this charge he started Edifi Media, a company developing rich content for television, film, digital applications, live workshops, missional campaigns, and discipleship curriculum. In addition, Erik serves as teaching elder for SimpleWay Church, a microchurch network that meets in homes throughout the Western New York southtowns.

Scott

Scott Shafer is a writer and composer with a passion for making disciples. Born in Buffalo, NY, he grew up in Vermont and came to Christ through the campus ministry of the Navigators while studying engineering at Lehigh University. Scott is a Design Engineer, holding a Masters’ degree from Columbia University. He also holds a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary. For 25 years he served the church in Central NY as a worship leader. Since returning to his native Buffalo, he has served as Campus Pastor within Watermark Wesleyan Church, and is currently teaching and producing discipleship materials for that church body. His enthusiasm for good theology and his rare blend of left and right brain skills are a great fit for us. And it’s been suggested we mention his rakish charm and quirky sense of humor.

Mark

A lifetime armchair theologian with a long family history in the local church, Mark has 30+ years’ experience as a bi-vocational worship leader in churches ranging in size from 10 to 1500, leading, directing and coordinating in various worship settings. With a raw, unpolished rock/blues voice and guitar as a main instrument, Mark’s worship leadership is characterized by an honest, authentic style that attempts to remove distractions and stay out of the way. With a pastoral heart, Mark serves The Theology Project in many ways, including but not limited to Treasurer, worship leader and Director of Music.

Heather

Heather is our Operations Director, a Buffalo, NY native, and no stranger to travel!  She’s served on many mission trips, in Honduras and India, “pre-children” as she likes to say. Now a mother of 3, she spends a lot of her time raising her “little lights” but can’t wait to do family mission trips one day. 

Heather worked for a marketing communications firm for a decade, helping ministries and corporations communicate their vision and values to the world. She has been a part of a disciple-making house church for over 12 years and really appreciates the effectiveness of expository teaching.

 A bit of a foodie, she enjoys “cheffing” it up in the kitchen and breaking bread with family, friends and strangers! Currently, she works as a project manager for Watermark Church.  She has a heart to help and love everyone, and to be a light for Christ this side of heaven.