BARBARA J. ESSEX is an ordained United Church of Christ minister and independent consultant, speaker, and life coach. She earned her M.Div. from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and M.A. from Northwestern University. She is a bestselling author of The Pilgrim Press, having written numerous books, including: the Bad Girls of the Bible and Bad Boys of the Bible series; 52 Ways to Ignite Your Congregation?Bible Study (2012); Bold and Brazen (2010); Krazy Kinfolk (2005); and Misbehavin? Monarchs (2006).