Peter Heltzel (PhD, Boston University) is Associate Professor of Theology and Director of the Micah Institute at New York Theological Seminary. He is the author of Resurrection City: A Theology of Improvisation and Jesus and Justice: Evangelicals, Race and American Politics. In addition to writing for USA Today, Books & Culture, and Sojourners, Heltzel has published numerous articles in journals, such as Political Theology, Princeton Theological Review, and Scottish Journal of Theology. An ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), he serves as Assistant Pastor of Evangelism at Park Avenue Christian Church. Heltzel has a deep commitment to the power of words and music, to social justice, and to a global movement of radical change and collective activism. This passion was honored when he was awarded the 2014 Nelson Mandela Community Activist Award for his ongoing work to make a difference in New York City. Heltzel serves as director of the Micah Institute, which seeks to educate New York City faith leaders on issues of social and economic justice, to equip leaders to serve as change agents for social transformation and movement-building, and to act as a powerful coalition of organizers and advocates transforming New York City. He also serves on the Metro Commission on the Ministry and the Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Team of the Northeastern Region, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Heltzel lives in Harlem with his wife, mezzo-soprano Sarah Heltzel.