Dr. J. Robert Claus, D.Min.

Bob started his ministry in 1984 as the Associate Minister at Southminster Presbyterian Church, Arlington Heights, IL. After observing how children were not learning, he began experimenting that led to the Workshop Rotation Model starting in 1990. After serving that church for 16 years, Bob accepted a new call in 2000 as Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in Morris, IL.

A full-time pastor, Bob's passion in ministry is for people to come alive in the Spirit and discover the Spirit's working in the lives of children, youth and adults. He has discovered ways to link generations, families, and the church together using this model.

Bob's experience in children's ministry led to his doctoral work starting in 1993 and to his thesis, THE WORKSHOP ROTATION MODEL: Toward a New Educational Approach in 1998. This is the first doctorate on this model, and Bob sees many more developments on the horizon. Bob writes the theological understanding and contributes his insights on What

Beth Wagner, M.Div., B.S.Ed.

Beth is a recent graduate of McCormick Theological Seminary and is working towards ordination in the Presbyterian Church in 2003.

Beth’s professional background as a teacher and her call as a Christian Educator have led her to this new model of Christian Education. Beth has worked both as staff and volunteer with the Workshop Rotation Model. Beth helped develop the model at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Arlington Heights, IL over 10 years ago and was director of Children’s Ministries at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, IL for four years. Her newest call takes her to Bloomington, IL as Director of Family Ministries for St. Luke’s Union Church. In each of her calls Beth takes the integrity of the Workshop Model with her. By bringing the integrity of the model, Beth has found each site she has helped develope has a special feel for the workshop rotation model of education that strengthens educational opportunities for children and adults alike.

Beth is the BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR for The Potter’s Workshops. You may have seen Beth at some of the conferences as well, leading large art activities or Year Three and beyond. Beth’s experiences in both large and small church settings strengthen her belief that anyone can use the workshop rotation model of Sunday school.

Jill Bennett, Writer, Editor, CMA Seminar Presenter

Jill writes, co-edits, and helps design curriculum for The Potter's Workshops. Jill also travels around the country with Children's Ministries of America as a Potter's Workshops representative at regional seminars where she promotes the Workshop Rotation Model, teaches multi-dimensional workshops, and is available to discuss the Workshop Rotation Model and The Potter's Workshops curriculum. (See Seminar Schedule for upcoming seminars).

A 1997 honors graduate from the University of Iowa, IA, Jill double-majored in journalism and communications with a production emphasis. Jill's production background includes experience in radio, television, newspaper, video, desktop publishing, and web page creation. Jill has produced and acted in dramatic productions for twelve years and now enjoys performing in community theater.

Believe it or not, Jill especially appreciates and loves working with her parents, Bob and Joyce Claus, on The Potter's Workshops curriculum.