Mindy Makant is an ELCA deacon serving as Professor of Religious Studies at Lenoir-Rhyne University, where she directs the Youth and Family Ministry program. She is also directing the NC Synod’s Lilly grant, “And God Says It Is Good.” Mindy earned an undergraduate degree in Spanish from Mercer University, an M.Ed. from the University of West Georgia, an M.A. in Sacred Theology from Ohio Dominican, and a Th.D. in Theology and Ethics from Duke Divinity School. She and her husband, Russell (an ELCA pastor and Mental Health professional), are the parents of two adult children and their spouses, and the grandparents of two absolutely perfect little boys. They live in Hickory, where they spend as many hours outdoors hiking as possible.