Jack Barentsen (Ph.D.) studied physics, philosophy and theology in the US, and moved to the Netherlands in 1988 as pastor and church planter. Working with new church plants provided ample opportunity to learn about leadership development, learning that continued as Jack started teaching at the ETF. It seemed a natural fit to research leadership development in early Christianity through the lens of modern leadership theory, to complement traditional theological categories. Currently, he investigates current leadership practice as Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and as steering committee member of ILE. He is married and has two daughters.