Blake is passionate about coaching and encouraging Christian leaders in our common mission of making disciples and transforming the world. An ordained United Methodist clergyperson, he has served in churches of different sizes and contexts, including as a district superintendent and dean of the cabinet, and an appointment as executive pastor of a 3500-member church in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is the co-author and author of five books, including Mission Possible: A Simple Structure for Missional Effectiveness, Mission Possible for the Small Church and IMPACT! Reclaiming the Call of Lay Ministry. Before his appointment to the bishop's cabinet, Blake served the Arkansas Conference Center for Vitality as a congregational coach, consultant, and conflict transformation mediator. A graduate of Vanderbilt, Iliff School of Theology, and Perkins School of Theology at SMU, Dr. Bradford also holds a second-degree black belt, which he believes might possibly have been his best training for ministry.