Creators and Guests

As Vice President of Engagement, Rick Morton shepherds the ministry’s outreach to individual, church, and organizational ministry partners as well as the ministry’s commitment to publishing resources that aid families and churches in discipling orphans and vulnerable children. Prior to Lifeline, Rick served for 15 years as a college and seminary professor, and he also served local churches in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi. He is an accomplished writer and sought after speaker. Most notably, Rick is the co-author of the popular Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-centered Adoption and Orphan Care and the author of KnowOrphans: Mobilizing the Church for Global Orphanology. Rick and his lovely wife Denise have been married for over 32 years, and they have 3 children, all of whom joined their family through international adoption. God has continued to grow their family, and he now enjoys the role of “Doc” to his precious granddaughter!

Herbie Newell serves as the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services, holds an MBA in Accounting from Samford University and brings years of experience from his work as an independent auditor at WAKM Companies, LLC. Serving as Lifeline's Executive Director since 2003, Herbie has significantly expanded international outreach, obtained licensure in 17 states, and led the establishment of the foster care arm. A passionate advocate, he co-founded (un)adopted in 2009, focusing on equipping orphaned children with life skills for community transformation. Herbie, also the author of "Image Bearers: Shifting from Pro-birth to Pro-Life," emphasizes that being pro-life extends beyond opposing abortion, urging a broader ethic that includes fighting for racial equality and embracing every individual with the love of Christ. Herbie and his wife, Ashley, reside in Birmingham, Alabama, and are the parents to three children.

Alton Hardy serves as the pastor and founder of Urban Hope Community Church and an ordained teaching elder of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). He is also the Cofounder of Urban Hope Development in Fairfield, AL. Alton is a native of Selma, AL and resided in Louisville, KY and Grand Rapids, MI for many years before returning to Alabama. Alton’s educational background includes a degree from Alpena Community College, Reformed Bible College, Calvin Seminary and a Certificate of Completion from Antioch Leadership Training in Reformed Preaching. Alton is happily married to Sandra and they have five children. In his free time, he enjoys reading and watching sports. Alton is passionate about addressing the conditions facing urban communities.

Blake Wilson grew up in the Athens, GA area and joined Lifeline in July of 2013. He is a graduate of Liberty University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Religion and a Master’s Degree in Discipleship from Liberty Theological Seminary. He has over 20 years of organizational leadership experience in the for profit, non-profit and the local church arena. In his first role at Lifeline, he served as the Kentucky State Director in Louisville, KY and then moved to Birmingham, AL to focus on internal operations in 2014. In his current role as the Senior Vice President of Operations, he leads internal operations, state offices, compliance and human resources. He thrives in seeing others succeed and supporting the Lifeline staff on the frontlines of ministry. Blake and his wife, Shae, met in high school and have three children.

Bucky Rogers serves as a Global Orphan Care Regional Manager. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Tennessee and a Master's degree in Christian Education from Southern Seminary. Bucky and his wife, Julie, are blessed with five children: Sasha, Innocent, Xan, Brennan, and Becca. Their children bring immense joy to their lives, and they pray that they will grow to become powerful instruments for the Gospel in the hands of the Lord.

Jeremy joined Lifeline in September of 2019. He has a BS in Secondary Education from Jacksonville State University and Master of Theological Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jeremy enjoys laughing and going on adventures with his wife and daughters. He enjoys backpacking, woodworking, traveling and exploring new cultures, drinking chai tea, and talking to people about life and Christ. Jeremy’s 3 simple joys are good conversation, the smell of the air in a forest, and learning.

Ken Norwood, CEO of Kenergy Coaching, LLC, has over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, specializing in coaching cause-driven leaders to maximize their impact. His background includes roles as COO at Safe Families for Children and Chief of Staff at The Navigators, where he excelled in strategic planning, team building, and community-focused initiatives. Ken's expertise in nonprofit consulting and executive coaching empowers leaders to craft clear, actionable roadmaps for success. Based in Gaffney, South Carolina, Ken holds a degree from Clemson University and leads Kenergy Coaching to support leaders in achieving meaningful results.

Nate Bruns serves as the Missouri State Director of Lifeline Children’s Services. Nate desires to grow Lifeline’s partnership with the local church to serve families with the love of Christ, so that they can experience gospel transformation. Nate has served Countryside Christian Church for the last 10 years as Lead Pastor, and continues to do so in a dual role, while also serving with Lifeline.

Chris joined Lifeline in March, 2020, and serves as the Sr. Director of Church Partnerships & External Advocacy. He previously served as a pastor for 24 years and as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Governor’s Office of Faith and Community Based Initiatives. Chris has also served as a consultant and has been a frequent speaker at local, state, and national conferences, churches, and community gatherings, sharing his family’s story and challenging others to answer the gospel call to care for vulnerable children and families. He was born and raised in metro Atlanta, GA, and currently lives in Birmingham. Chris studied Church Ministries (B.A.) at Trinity Baptist College and Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) at Regent University. He and his amazing wife, Alicia, have 10 children (7 adopted from foster care) and 3 grandchildren (2 adopted from foster care). They have also served as foster parents to more than 40 children.