About Us
At ATK, we are dedicated to equipping pastors and leaders with the knowledge, spiritual resources, and community support they need to advance God’s Kingdom effectively. Our goal is to inspire transformation, build lasting connections, and create impactful ministry opportunities worldwide.
Our Story: Advancing the Kingdom of God
At ATK Ministries, we are driven by a timeless truth spoken by Jesus in Matthew 6:33:
“But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
The Kingdom of God represents His rule, His reign, and His way of doing things. It’s about aligning every aspect of our lives and society with His divine will.
In 2004, while serving as an Army Chaplain deployed to Kuwait during the Global War on Terrorism, God planted a powerful vision in my heart: to Advance the Kingdom of God here on earth. This mandate was clear—build a movement that would bring the “Beloved Community” to life in the twenty-first century.
Our mission began with a focus on transforming culture by addressing the seven spheres of influence that shape nations:
What We Do Now
Over the years, the vision has grown into a vibrant movement that connects people across racial, cultural, and denominational lines. Together, we achieve what none of us could accomplish alone—advancing God’s Kingdom in powerful and practical ways.
In 2020, we rebranded as the Cultural Transformation Network (CTN) to broaden our reach and deepen our impact. While the heart of our mission remains unchanged, this evolution allows us to engage society in new and innovative ways.
Our Mission
We exist to provide support, tools, and resources that inspire, equip, and empower individuals to transform their communities—one life at a time. Our goal is to raise up Ambassadors of Transformation, leaders who will embrace their calling and become agents of change within their sphere of influence.
Our Objectives
Our Motto
Teach. Connect. Transform.
CTN Core Values
At the heart of everything we do are five guiding principles:
Join the Movement
ATK Ministries and CTN invite you to partner with us as we advance God’s Kingdom and transform cultures around the world. Whether through mentorship, leadership development, or community outreach, there is a place for you in this mission. Together, we are building a brighter future, one step at a time.
“But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
The Kingdom of God represents His rule, His reign, and His way of doing things. It’s about aligning every aspect of our lives and society with His divine will.
In 2004, while serving as an Army Chaplain deployed to Kuwait during the Global War on Terrorism, God planted a powerful vision in my heart: to Advance the Kingdom of God here on earth. This mandate was clear—build a movement that would bring the “Beloved Community” to life in the twenty-first century.
Our mission began with a focus on transforming culture by addressing the seven spheres of influence that shape nations:
- Faith (The Church)
- Family
- Education
- Government and Military
- Economics
- Media
- Arts and Entertainment
What We Do Now
Over the years, the vision has grown into a vibrant movement that connects people across racial, cultural, and denominational lines. Together, we achieve what none of us could accomplish alone—advancing God’s Kingdom in powerful and practical ways.
In 2020, we rebranded as the Cultural Transformation Network (CTN) to broaden our reach and deepen our impact. While the heart of our mission remains unchanged, this evolution allows us to engage society in new and innovative ways.
Our Mission
We exist to provide support, tools, and resources that inspire, equip, and empower individuals to transform their communities—one life at a time. Our goal is to raise up Ambassadors of Transformation, leaders who will embrace their calling and become agents of change within their sphere of influence.
Our Objectives
- Inspire individuals to discover and embrace their God-given calling to one or more of the seven mountains of influence.
- Provide training and mentorship to help believers become people of influence for the glory of God.
- Build a global network of Kingdom-minded individuals who will spark transformation within their communities and beyond.
- Establish regional chapters to teach, connect, and mobilize communities for cultural change.
- Equip leaders with strategies, tools, and support to take the Gospel to every corner of society.
Our Motto
Teach. Connect. Transform.
CTN Core Values
At the heart of everything we do are five guiding principles:
- Open: Welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative. We strive to create meaningful connections with everyone we meet.
- Innovative: Progressive and adaptive, we embrace creative, non-traditional approaches to ministry.
- Relational: Genuine and caring, we foster a sense of belonging and restoration within our network.
- Excellent: Committed to quality, relevance, and attentiveness in all we do.
- Empowering: Inspiring and equipping individuals with resources, knowledge, and faith to make a difference.
Join the Movement
ATK Ministries and CTN invite you to partner with us as we advance God’s Kingdom and transform cultures around the world. Whether through mentorship, leadership development, or community outreach, there is a place for you in this mission. Together, we are building a brighter future, one step at a time.
Dr. Milton Herring, Founder and CEO
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Dr. Milton Herring
Founder | Author | Pastor | Leader Dr. Milton Herring is a visionary leader, dynamic pastor, and passionate advocate for advancing the Kingdom of God. He is the founder of Advancing the Kingdom of God Ministries and Living Word Christian Church International in Torrance, California. His ministry focuses on empowering individuals and communities to embrace their God-given purpose and create lasting transformation. Dr. Herring’s academic achievements include a Bachelor of Administration degree in Business Administration and Religion from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He also holds a Master of Divinity degree from the prestigious Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Southern California School of Ministry, equipping him with a solid theological foundation and a passion for teaching. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades in the United States military, Dr. Herring embodies the principles of service and leadership. He began his military journey as an enlisted member of the Air Force before transitioning to the Army, where he rose to the rank of Chaplain (Lieutenant Colonel). His service included two deployments to Kuwait during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), where he provided spiritual guidance and support to troops in challenging environments. Dr. Herring continues his global impact through his spiritual oversight of Living Word Christian Church, Kuwait, fostering faith and community in the region. He was also deeply involved in civic leadership as a City Council Member for Torrance, California, where he worked to enhance the quality of life for residents through innovative and faith-inspired initiatives. Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Herring treasures his role as a family man. He is married to Yvonne Herring & proud father of three sons, grandfather to 12 grandchildren, and great-grandfather to one, cherishing the blessings of family and legacy. Dr. Milton Herring is a powerful speaker, mentor, and thought leader who inspires individuals across the globe to live out their faith boldly and transform their communities for God’s glory. |
Board Members
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Christina Howard
U.S. Army (Retired) Founder/President, Inspiring Youths on a Mission to Success Nonprofit Org. Christina Howard is a retired United States Army veteran and the Founder and Executive Director of Inspiring Youths on a Mission to Success (IYMS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young individuals. With a visionary approach, Christina is at the helm of IYMS, guiding its strategic direction, managing operations, and fostering organizational growth. Her leadership is pivotal in launching initiatives that educate, inspire, and motivate youth and young adults, aged 13-25, on contemporary and global issues. As Executive Director, Christina ensures that IYMS offers hope, inspiration, and essential tools to help young people carve their paths to success through both in-person and virtual events. Her role also encompasses spearheading fundraising efforts to support the planning and execution of these impactful events, ensuring the organization is well-equipped to achieve its mission. Christina collaborates closely with the IYMS team to develop innovative programs, forge strategic partnerships, and engage with the community, all aimed at amplifying the organization's reach and impact. Her dedication to youth empowerment and community engagement is at the core of IYMS's mission to inspire the next generation of leaders. |
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Overser Artena Williams , Kuwait
Overseer Tena Williams is the daughter of Rev. Frank Edward Thornton Sr. and the late Katherine S. Thornton. She was born and raised in Atlanta Georgia. Most of her young life was spent in the church around family members that were in the ministry, so it was no surprise when the Lord called her to be a vessel for him in the summer of 2000. She has attended several schools of higher learning an Associate of Science in Biology and Psychology from Atlanta Metropolitan College; Associate of Business in Accounting from Central Texas College and Bachelor of Business in Accounting from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor. She married Minister Timothy Reginald Williams Sr. in 1996 which lead her on her ministry journey to Kuwait in 2006. Pastor Williams found herself on Camp Arifjan at the Gospel Service where she met an anointed and appointed Man of God. Under Chaplain Milton S Herring she was licensed as a Minister of the Gospel in October 2008. March 10, 2010 Retired LT Col Bishop Milton S. Herring came to Kuwait and established and ordained Pastor Artena Thornton Williams as the Pastor of Living Word Christian Church Kuwait. On August 2018 Pastor Williams was ordained as Overseer Elder Williams in Watertown, TN. Overseer Williams and Minister Williams have five lovely children K’Isha Williams Etheridge, Eboncea Scott Moore, Iroqouise Scott, Timothy Reginald Williams II, and Reginald James Williams. She has three granddaughters and four grandsons. |
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Minister Kevin Gardiner
Born in Beaumont, Texas and raised in Gardena, California. A proud child of a Christ following family, being introduced to God and Jesus at a very early age and raised in the Baptist denominational institution. Having been baptized as child a journey to independently choosing, accepting and receiving Christ as Lord and Savior began. In 1993 after having a personal experience with the Holy Spirit a thirst for more of God ensued. Kevin continued to hold attendance at the Baptist church that he was raised into his adult years and began to serve as a drummer at this church. He also, performed as a drummer for other churches. Experiencing a lack of spiritual growth, Kevin left his home church in search of a greater experience of God’s word in practice. A few years of “wilderness time” followed, but Kevin’s faith that God would direct never decreased. In 2001 Kevin was invited by his brother to attend a church service being held at a hotel in Torrance where he lived. Kevin attended a service where Pastor Cinda Herring was delivering the message. Motivated to, Kevin returned the following Sunday where he was introduced to Pastor Milton Herring and Living Word Christian “Center”. Believing that God had directed him to this ministry Kevin continued to attend services there, eventually joining the ministry. During a home visit Pastor Milton began to share with Kevin his vision for the ministry. I was like a moment of fulfillment for Kevin, because Kevin had been asking God to use his gifts for His service. Soon afterwards, Kevin began to record the weekly messages at Living Word to be made available to the public. Kevin continued to serve and worship at Living Word; and after a move of the ministry to a facility on Spencer Street in Torrance, California Pastor Milton encouraged Kevin to attend a video recording program provided by the City of Torrance cable network. It was here that Kevin’s interest in video camera operations was developed and studied. Kevin learned several key elements of video camera operation and also served as a cameraman for the cable network at local college sporting events. Ultimately Kevin would use this training and experience to begin to video tape services at Living Word and eventually ATKOG. Under Pastor Milton’s leadership Kevin would be selected as a Board member at Living Word Christian “Church”; a name change. Kevin would also become the first Deacon at Living Word and then ordained as a Minister. He was also chosen as a founding board member of the Advancing the Kingdom of God Ministries. Faithfully serving under Pastor Miton and Pastor Cinda Herring’s leadership, Kevin was present as Pastor Milton would become Dr. Milton Herring and ultimately Bishop Milton Herring. Kevin continues to seek an increased knowledge of God with a pursuit of being more and more Christ like as time continues. A believer that the Word of God is the incorruptible, infallible truth of God is the heart of Kevin. |
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Victoria Selman – Chaplain, Worship Leader, and Community Advocate
Born in Durham, North Carolina, Victoria Selman was lovingly raised by her grandparents in a nurturing and structured home. From an early age, she felt a strong spiritual pull, finding her first connection to faith at just nine years old through a local Baptist church. It wasn’t until the age of nineteen—after enduring a series of personal traumas—that she fully surrendered her heart to Jesus, marking a turning point in her faith journey. A gifted singer since the age of five, Victoria’s passion for worship evolved into a ministry of music. After the birth of her first child, she began actively leading praise and worship and contributed to several recording projects, including two singles of her own. Music remains a vital part of her spiritual expression. Victoria deepened her commitment to ministry through theological studies at a local Bible college, recognizing her calling to teach the Word of God. Today, she serves as a dedicated chaplain, leading Bible studies at Florence McClure Women’s Prison, a local women’s recovery center and her local church. She is also an avid writer and has published her first book entitled “A Journey Not Easily Forgotten”. She also pours her heart into journaling, writing devotionals, and Bible studies. In 2023, Victoria was ordained as an elder under the leadership of ATKOG and serves on the Board of Directors as director of covenant partners. Beyond ministry, Victoria enjoys crafting and operates her own business, Sew Sewful Designs, creating handmade gifts for friends and family. A mother of four and a proud grandmother, she returned to college later in life to earn her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with honors. Victoria is also a fitness enthusiast, embracing activities like pickleball, hiking, nature walks and working out. Now remarried to Pastor George Selman, the two serve together through Oil Fields Ministries. Victoria is especially passionate about mentoring young women and single mothers, using her life experience and faith to inspire and uplift others. Her unwavering dedication to community service is a reflection of her deep love for Christ and her commitment to making a lasting impact. |
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Minister Tony Wright
Anthony B. (Tony) Wright was born in North Carolina as the seventh child of nine to U.L. and Lucy Wright (both now deceased). His work outside the church included Information Systems Management, Signal and Communications Staff Officer, Director of Information Management, and many local and community efforts. Tony received his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Winston-Salem State University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Shaw University Divinity School. After serving in ministry as a deacon for several years, he accepted his calling to preach the Gospel and was ordained as a minister. After ordination, Tony served as a Youth Pastor before being mobilized and deployed with the Army. He served as a Pastor of various services while deployed with the military for Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and as a government contractor in the Middle East and Afghanistan. Tony is an adjunct professor at Clinton College, pursuing his Doctorate of Ministry and conducting ministry in his current hometown of Rock Hill, SC. He and his wife, Kendall, are a devoted ministry team committed to serving and ministering to God’s people. They strive to give complete focus and effort to ministry while working to serve the community and people in the surrounding area. |
Bishop Ralph E. Lewis, Sr., a native of Detroit Michigan, is the third child born to the late Elder Curtis and Missionary Audrey Lewis. He was raised in the Church of God in Christ where he was saved and answered the call to the ministry.
Bishop is the husband of Diane Joyce Eleazer Lewis (47 years). The father of three, Ralph II, Duane (Shanae), and Ebony. He is the proud Papa to Kylie Elizabeth and Mackenzie Grace. And spiritual father to countless sons and daughters.
Education: Detroit public schools
Pershing High School: Class of 1970
University of Detroit: BA Criminal Justice Studies -1975
Interdenominational Theological Center/C. H. Mason Theological Seminary: Institutional Ministries/Church History - 1979 Atlanta, GA
Other: Certified Chaplain Georgia Southern Baptist
Chaplain Fulton County Sheriff Department
C. H. Mason Fellowship president 1978-79
C. H. Mason National Alumni Assoc. President 2016-23
Primerica Financial Services Regional Leader 38 years
Ministry: Good Shepherd COGIC/NEW DAY MINISTRIES- 37 years Christian Family Worship Center - 1 year.
District Superintendent Central Georgia Jurisdiction COGIC, Bishops J. D. Husband and C. D. Owens prelates - 13years
Establishmentarian of New Day Ministries-1997
Professional background actor:
Greenleaf
Survivors Remorse
American Soul
Being Mary Jane
Boomerang
Ambitions
The Oval
Movies
Captain America
Table 19
Underground Railroad Lovecraft
Aretha ,Black Panther II ,Till
Bishop is the husband of Diane Joyce Eleazer Lewis (47 years). The father of three, Ralph II, Duane (Shanae), and Ebony. He is the proud Papa to Kylie Elizabeth and Mackenzie Grace. And spiritual father to countless sons and daughters.
Education: Detroit public schools
Pershing High School: Class of 1970
University of Detroit: BA Criminal Justice Studies -1975
Interdenominational Theological Center/C. H. Mason Theological Seminary: Institutional Ministries/Church History - 1979 Atlanta, GA
Other: Certified Chaplain Georgia Southern Baptist
Chaplain Fulton County Sheriff Department
C. H. Mason Fellowship president 1978-79
C. H. Mason National Alumni Assoc. President 2016-23
Primerica Financial Services Regional Leader 38 years
Ministry: Good Shepherd COGIC/NEW DAY MINISTRIES- 37 years Christian Family Worship Center - 1 year.
District Superintendent Central Georgia Jurisdiction COGIC, Bishops J. D. Husband and C. D. Owens prelates - 13years
Establishmentarian of New Day Ministries-1997
Professional background actor:
Greenleaf
Survivors Remorse
American Soul
Being Mary Jane
Boomerang
Ambitions
The Oval
Movies
Captain America
Table 19
Underground Railroad Lovecraft
Aretha ,Black Panther II ,Till