Robert F. Rea (MDiv, Emmanuel School of Religion; PhD, Saint Louis University) is a professor of church history and historical theology at Lincoln Christian University. He is a member of numerous professional societies, including the North American Patristics Society and the American Society of Church History. Prior to his teaching career, he served as a pastor and youth minister, and has contributed articles or book reviews to publications such as the Encyclopedia of Early Christianity, Christian Standard and The Stone-Campbell Journal.