What is
Released Time?

Jennifer Laursen has served as Executive Director of SMO since its incorporation in 2007 and State Director for School Ministries, the largest association of Released Time Bible Education programs. Married to Finn Laursen, mom to three, and grandma to six.

Jenni's life verse is Philippians 3:10-11: “I want to know Christ—yes...becoming like Him in his death, and so, somehow to attain to the resurrection from the dead."

David Wolfe has a Masters in Youth and Family Pastoring, and has served in local Released Time and statewide as Chairman of the SMO Board since 2007. He has a passion for Released Time Programs because of “God the impact it has on children. He believes that RT Programs help children who are in dire need of learning the truth, which is Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 is a favorite verse “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.”

Sara has served as a member of the School Ministries Ohio board since 2011. She loves that Released Time provides a resource for public school students to learn about Jesus and to grow in their faith.

Philippians 4:6 is a favorite verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

​

Pamela Johnston and her husband, Bill, founded Reset, Incorporated in 2016, prior to Bill’s death at the end of that same year. 

They believed their legacy was to share the Word of God with as many of the future leaders of this country as possible!  Called to the inner city of Columbus RESET seeks to teach the Bible's truth to the next generation. 

Coming from a background in Chemical Engineering and organizing archery clubs around the state, Brant Yount serves on the staff of School Ministries Ohio as part of our team of Regional Consultants.

One of his favorite verses is Psalm 143:8: "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life."

Attorney Sue Yount serves as a staff member of School Ministries Ohio, leading our team of Regional Consultants and providing legal counsel.  Sue has practiced education law 35 years, regularly advising public school boards, superintendents, and administrators in all areas of education law.

One of Sue’s favorite verses is Jeremiah 17:7:  "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him."

A member of the Crestview Bible Board since 1990 when classes were held in the school, Brenda played a key role over 20 years ago in relocating and building a Bible House off school property, where students still attend released time classes today.

Proverbs 3:5-6 became a favorite verse to guide the board and myself. 

Pastor Jim Stauffer serves at Trinity Evangelical in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. He is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with his Bachelor’s of Science in Education and is a licensed Secondary Education teacher in the state of Ohio. He earned his Master’s of Divinity from Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, KY. Jim and his wife Karen have been active in the local Bible Release Time program. Karen served as a volunteer chaperoning students to their BRT classroom and Jim taught one of the first High School BRT classes which counted towards graduation for the students.

Catherine Gerber is the director of development and community relations for The Ohio State University at Marion. She has had an extensive career in communications, community relations and event planning mostly in manufacturing and now in higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from The Ohio State University.

Cathy's favorite verse is Psalm 91:1: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."

Lydia serves on staff as Office Manager. Although a homeschool instructor for over 20 years, Lydia sees the desperate need for public school students to hear the good news that Jesus is the only way.

Her favorite verse is Hebrews 12:2 "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith."