Jon Akin moderates a discussion between Kevin Ezell, Afshin Ziafat, Nathan Lino, and Josh Patterson at the Southern Baptist Convention Pre-Conference in Dallas, Texas, on June 9, 2018.

Afshin Ziafat
Afshin was born in Houston, Texas. He moved with his family to their native country of Iran when he was two years old. In the midst of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, Afshin’s family moved back to Houston when he was six years old. Afshin received his undergraduate degree in history … Read More

Jonathan Akin
Jonathan Akin, son of Danny Akin, is the Director of Young Leader Engagement for the North American Mission Board and holds a PhD in Old Testament from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Served as the head pastor of Fairview Church in Lebanon, Tennessee prior to joining the NAMB staff. He … Read More
Josh Patterson

Kevin Ezell
Dr. Kevin Ezell serves as the President of the North American Mission Board, providing strategic vision, direction, and leadership as NAMB works to reach North America through evangelism and church planting. Kevin earned his bachelor’s degree from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. He received a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist … Read More

Nathan Lino
Nathan Lino is the lead pastor for Northeast Houstan Baptist Church and has led NEHBC since 2002. Nathan became a Christian while attending Pinetown Baptist Church, in Pinetown, South Africa, and was baptized at Forest Cove Baptist Church in Kingwood, TX. He was ordained by Forest Cove Baptist Church. He graduated … Read More