Rev. Dr. Richard L. Eslinger, his PhD from Boston University, is Emeritus Professor of Worship and Homiletics at United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio.  Ordained in the United Methodist Church, Richard is a scholar-pastor who has served in a variety of contexts across the country, including campus ministry, urban, suburban, and rural congregations. He earlier served as Director of Worship and Preaching for the General Board of Discipleship of the UMC. He is an active author and a lively teacher-advisor-consultant in preaching and liturgy.  His books include A New Hearing, The Web of Preaching, Preaching Narrative and Imagination, and Preaching and the Holy Mystery.  In 2012, he received the highest honor of the American Academy of Homiletics, the Lifetime Achievement Award.  Dick is a regular contributor to the Preaching Hope homily website and continues projects with the Order of St. Luke, and the Journey toward Baptismal Living.  He and his spouse Elise, a musician and editor of The Upper Room Worshipbook, are enjoying their retirement in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, as well as visits with their three children and four grandchildren.  A retired glider pilot and flight instructor, Dick also enjoys continuing restoration of his 1960 TriumphTR3.