Richard W. Ferris pastors two Disciples of Christ congregations in the Akron, Ohio, area, Barberton Christian Church and Firestone Park Christian Church, and has served other congregations in Ohio, Michigan, and North Dakota. He spent several years in a tentmaker ministry, working in such places as Junior Achievement, a mental health agency, and a rehabilitation hospital to support his church work. Ferris received his B.A. degree in journalism from Ohio State University and his M.Div. degree from Lutheran Theological Seminary (now known as Trinity Seminary).