Neil J Flinders is the author of several books, numerous articles, and other writings related to education, leadership, religion, philosophy, and human relations. His bachelor's degree, master's degree, and PhD were earned at Brigham Young University, where he was faculty member in the School of Education for nineteen years. Previously, he spent nineteen years as a Seminary and Institute of Religion teacher, and Director of Research for the CES in the Commissioners Office. He has served in the LDS Church as a missionary, quorum president, bishop, stake president, member of the Sunday School General Board and Temple ordinance worker. He and his wife, Joan, are parents of seven children; they have thirty-seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.