Kalas, J. Ellsworth: - J. Ellsworth Kalas (1923-2015) was the author of over 45 books, including the popular Back Side series, The Scriptures Sing of Christmas, A Faith of Her Own: Women of the Old Testament, Strong Was Her Faith: Women of the New Testament, I Bought a House on Gratitude Street, and the Christian Believer study. He was part of the faculty of Asbury Theological Seminary since 1993, serving in the Beeson program, the homiletics department, and as president of the Seminary. He was a United Methodist pastor for 38 years and also served five years in evangelism with the World Methodist Council.