Mitchell S. Karnes is a strong storyteller who often shares positive instruction when it comes to encouraging others to pursue creativity, growth, discovery, hard work, teamwork and the conviction to stand up for what’s right. This trait shines through in his two most recently published books, The Pact and The Dragon’s Pawn, as well as in his pastoral counseling. For the past quarter-century he has inspired and enlightened others as a minister and educator. He served several years as the minister of New Castle Baptist Church in New Castle, Kentucky, beginning in 1990. From 1993-1998 he was a teacher and coach at the Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tennessee. For the last 16 years he has served the community of Walker Baptist Church as their pastor, teacher and counselor. Karnes earned three masters degrees after graduating Belmont College with a BA in English. He received a Master of Arts in Christian education from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Master of Education from Belmont University and Master of Arts in counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University. His earlier work, Crossing the Line, a novel, made the Southern Writer’s Guild Recommended Reading List in 2001. He also published two short stories, a one-act play and a seminary essay. Karnes and his wife Natalie have raised seven children, ranging from ages 11 to 25. Five of the seven were adopted. His wife is also the music director at their church. They reside in Franklin, Tennessee. For more information, please consult www.mitchellkarnes.com.