Schedule

About the Presenter: Vanessa Hairston is a lover of all things Jesus, Jamil, and chocolate. She is currently a seminary student and attends Andrews University. She received her bachelor's degree in education from Southern Adventist University and felt the call to continue her education alongside her husband. She and her husband Jamil work side by side in ministry through preaching, singing, and mentoring. She is currently the worship pastor at One Place Fellowship and seeks to spread the gospel with every breath God grants her.

Strategically Speaking

In this seminar, Communication Professor Dr. Heather Thompson Day will give some of the research highlighting challenges the church is facing based on Barna data and generational statistics. According to research by Dr. David Trim and the office of Archives, Statistics & Research (ASTR) at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the median age of an Adventist around the world is 32. BUT in the U.S and Canada, that number is 51. Only 18% of Adventists in the United States are under 40. The number of Young Adults in North America under 25 and say they are Adventists is less than 4%. Jesus says in Mark 2:21-22, “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.”

It is time for the church to start speaking strategically.

About the Presenter: Dr. Heather Thompson Day is an interdenominational speaker and contributor for the Barna Group. She is an Associate Professor of Communication at Colorado Christian University. She is passionate about supporting women and runs an online community called I’m That Wife, which has over 21k followers. She believes her calling is to stand in the gaps of our churches for young people. She is the author of 6 books; including Confessions of a Christian Wife and How to Feed the Mediavore. She is also a writer for Christian Woman Magazine, and Faithfully Magazine and Gorgeous2God. She resides in Denver, Colorado with her husband Seth, and their three children, London, Hudson, and Sawyer Day.

Never Struggle to Grow Your Ministry on Social Again

Five loaves and two fish can feed 5,000. There are 4.57 billion people active on the internet, and you can reach them from a device in your pocket. Your audience is far larger than you ever imagined, and they're all waiting for some good news. Thankful Studio exists to help you navigate the platforms, keep up with new developments, and leverage technology to grow your ministry.

About the Presenter: Huy Pham [hu-wee fam] is a first-generation, Vietnamese-American marketer and entrepreneur. He's launched startups like Paradise Fields, been a bridge to culture for brands like Toyota, RedBull, and Google, and scaled Bishops, a regional franchise, to over 100 locations nationwide in 1 year. His Studio, Thankful, has developed a process to tell compelling stories on digital platforms that drive results. Huy has built brands and grown businesses. Now, he makes content and develops training to help people realize their potential and how a WiFi connection can help them get there.

Connecting with the Online Viewer

We will take a look at what skills and equipment are needed in order to create a great user experience for your congregation as they listen/watch your sermons. From performance tips, to equipment pricing, to what it takes to prepare and deliver a sermon in this new context. With a little forethought and planning, the experience does not have to lack any of the thoughtfulness or intention that preaching in person gives to your congregation.

About the Presenter: Dr. Timothy Gillespie, DMin. is lead pastor of Crosswalk Church in Redlands, CA-a multi-site church with campuses in Portland Oregon, Chattanooga Tennessee, Clinton Massachusetts, Foothills CA, Denver Colorado, and Northeast Atlanta. He has an earned doctorate in Semiotics and Future Studies from George Fox University. He is currently an adjunct professor at both Azusa Pacific University and La Sierra University and has a faculty appointment with the School of Public Health at LLUH. He recently gave a TEDx Talk entitled “Faith by Design: Building a personal faith using the principles of design thinking.” He has been published in many compilations and has authored a book with his father, Dr. V. Bailey Gillespie entitled “Love Them and They Will Come,” focusing on the importance of young adult retention in the church and suggesting a model of opportunity from which to engage young adults in ministry at the local church.

He has been married to Sara Gillespie for 25 years, an art teacher at Loma Linda Academy, and they have three amazing children— Hannah (19), Jacob (16), and Isaac (14).

Preaching Appeals in the Season of Disconnection

Have you been struggling to make appeals to people you can't even see? Is it harder for you to make appeals with only a third of your regular congregations in the pews? You are not alone. We are all struggling to figure out how to preach and reach people who desperately need the Gospel now more than ever. In this webinar. Dr. Knight will discuss the best and worst practices of making appeals online and how we can harness the power of connection that is not solely dependent on technology!

About the Presenter: Dr. Wesley Knight, is the Pastor of the Revision Atlanta Church in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Knight is also the CEO and Co-Founder of Communiversity, a Non-Profit organization that provides leadership training, ministry consulting, and community empowerment both nationally and internationally. Dr. Knight recently served as the Assistant Professor of Preaching and Religion at Oakwood University. His first book, Thirst: Quenching Your Deepest Desire is out and available on www.wesleyknight.org and Amazon.com.

Dr. Knight attended Oakwood University where he received a B.A. in Theology. He earned a Masters in Divinity with an emphasis in preaching from Andrews University. He also earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from the McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Knight has pastored in Florida, California, and Georgia. He has a passion for preaching, social justice, youth empowerment and civic engagement. In 2012, Dr. Knight was inducted into the prestigious Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers and Scholars at Morehouse College.

Dr. Knight’s greatest joy in this world is his family. He is joyfully married to his best friend Stephanie, who works as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. Stephanie is the Owner and CEO of the Playology Therapy Clinic and she also serves the Lord through preaching, teaching, and empowering women. They are blessed to have two wonderful children.

Preaching the Gospel in Times Like These

What does the gospel offer for times of fires, tornadoes, earthquakes and pandemics? As everyone is looking for assurance in the midst of uncertainty, join us to explore the core proclamation of the gospel, for times like these.

About the Presenter: Dr. Elizabeth Viera Talbot, Ph.D., is the Speaker/Director for the Jesus 101 Biblical Institute, a media ministry of the North American Division of SDA, designed to offer in-depth Christ centered biblical studies resources. Elizabeth is regularly featured in TV channels, radio stations and social media venues around the world. Elizabeth has authored several books, including the 2020 NAD Adult Devotional, “Jesus Wins!” The Jesus 101 website and smart phone application (Jesus 101) offer many bible study resources, including daily devotionals, biblical studies, videos, podcasts, audio books, and more.

Elizabeth was born in Argentina to the home of Adventist missionaries. Since her early childhood her parents instilled in her the love of Jesus and she always envisioned preaching and teaching as she gathered her dolls as an audience. After completing her Bachelors in music education, Elizabeth went on to work in the business world for many years. She earned a Master’s degree in Organizational Behavior at that time. She was then invited by the Seventh-day Adventist church to become a full-time pastor, which she gladly accepted as a call from God. She became a young adults pastor and evangelist, while earning her Master’s degree in Biblical studies and subsequent Ph.D. Eventually she became a senior pastor for several years and an adjunct Biblical Studies Professor. She has enjoyed evangelism in many forms and venues, and now leads the Jesus 101 media ministry. Elizabeth’s main identity is her passion about the good news of Jesus Christ: “It’s like fire in my bones” she says, and she means it!

Use It or Lose It

One emotion that every leader at any level will face is frustration. Many times, we look at it as evidence to give up and turn back. In this talk, we will totally reframe frustration as the foundation for an impactful vision. You will hear stories, examples, and research that will help you use frustration to push you instead of paralyzing you. If you are frustrated, then you are actually in the best place to accomplish much for God.

About the Presenter: Dr. MyRon Edmonds is a second-generation pastor, community activist and leadership consultant in the Edmonds’ family. Dr. Edmonds day job is that of being the proud pastor of the historic Grace Community Seventh-day Adventist Church (formerly Glenville Seventh-day Adventist Church). His pastoral career has spanned eighteen years.

Pastor Edmonds is regarded as one of the most fearless, transparent leaders of his generation. He is a highly sought-after speaker who travels the world helping to revitalize dying churches, develop leaders and strengthen families.

He has a Masters of Divinity and a Doctorate of Ministry Degree from Andrews Theological Seminary with a concentration in Family Ministries & Discipleship. His dissertation focuses on how to move marginalized black males to spiritual leaders in the home and in the community. He is a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart Dr. Shaneé Edmonds, a dentist, and proud father to his teenage daughter Teylor and teenage son Camden. He is also the author of the nationally acclaimed book, "40 Days to Life Changing Family Worship" and his latest book "The Frustrated Leader". He loves sports, reading, cooking and laughing at anything that’s funny.

Leading While Distant

About the Presenter: Pastor Lola Moore Johnston is a native of Elizabeth, NJ and is the first of three daughters born to Marilyn and Calvin Moore III. She felt the call of God on her life at an early age and began serving in various ministry capacities at the Trinity Temple SDA Church in Newark, NJ. She emerged as a leader and change-agent during her studies at La Sierra University in Riverside, CA where she graduated with a BA in Religious Studies.

Her preparation continued at the SDA Theological Seminary at Andrews University where she earned the Master of Divinity. Since then, she has served the Lord as Chaplain in Orlando, Florida and Pastor at the Oakwood University Church in Huntsville, AL; Maranatha and Emmanuel Churches in NW Florida and the Nashville Riverside Church in Tennessee. Her service in that region culminated with her appointment as Young Adult Director for of the South Central Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists in 2015. Along with formal ministry, Pastor Johnston is blessed to share the good news of Jesus as recording artist, empowerment coach and author.

While bountifully blessed to enjoy success personally and professionally, God saw fit to bless her even more and with great joy, Pastor Johnston married her friend and partner in life, Keith Johnston in November of 2016.

Pastor Johnston currently serves as the Senior Pastor of the Woodbridge Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Woodbridge, VA.

About the Presenter: Dr. César De León es un terapeuta marital y familiar que ha estado en práctica desde el año de 1993. Su preparación educativa la obtuvo en la Universidad de Loma Linda en el Sureste de California de donde se graduó con una Maestría en Ciencias en Terapia Marital y Familiar. Trabajó como terapeuta clínico en el condado de San Bernardino y en la Universidad de Loma Linda en la Clínica de Terapia Familiar. Subsecuentemente, el obtuvo un doctorado en filosofía en terapia marital y familiar de la Escuela de Psicología del Seminario de Fuller en Pasadena, California. Además de ser un terapeuta el Dr. De León es pastor ordenado de la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo día. Su Maestría en Divinidades la obtuvo de La Universidad de Andrews en el estado de Michigan. En este momento el Dr. De León es el vicepresidente para ministerios Hispanos de la Unión Pacifico Norte en el Estado de Washington, director ministerial y otros departamentos.

El Dr. De León le fascina ver apersonas encontrar una nueva manera de manejar y conceptulizar los problemas emocionales mentales y espirituales. El cree que las relaciones son el campo y el contexto fundacional para que las personas se den cuenta de su propia necesidad de cambio, crecimiento y redefinición. El Dr. De León ofrece en sus presentaciones un enfoque único, donde su conocimiento teológico y psicológico se integra ofreciendo una dimensión amplia y clara de los problemas relacionales, mentales y emocionales.

El Dr. De León está casado con Carolann quien es la directora asistente de los ministerios Hispanos y de familia de la Unión Pacifico Norte. Ellos tienen dos hijos Zachary y Jonathan los cuales los llenan de mucha alegría y bendiciones.

The Leader and Mental Health

As leaders, we are constantly dealing with difficult situations and, at times, overwhelming experiences. Are you taking care of your mental health to lead effectively? Join us to learn tips to stay mentally fit and be an influential leader.

About the Presenter: Dr. Annie Pérez, Ph.D., R.IMT, BSN, RN, CDE Director Women’s Ministries & Prayer Ministries for the Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church. She was born in New York and raised in Moca, Puerto Rico; and now resides in Central Florida. She has been married for 33 years and has 2 young adult sons. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Counseling. She has a Doctoral degree in Psychology with a concentration in Health Psychology.

Dr. Pérez has had the opportunity to be keynote speaker in the Americas and overseas. She had the opportunity to record several Spanish TV programs for Hope Channel ranging from family issues to diabetes prevention topics airing now.

Dr. Pérez has participated in multiple service trips and mission trips. In 2013 she was selected to work with the United States President Emergency Program for AIDS Relief in Africa, PEPFAR, in Tanzania. She is the facilitator for “Hope for Hurting Hearts”, which is a retreat in Florida for domestic violence and sexual abuse survivors. In 2017, Dr. Annie Pérez was appointed to be the new Prayer Ministries and Women’s Ministries director for the Florida Conference of Seventh Day Adventists Church. Her passion is to talk about Jesus and what He is willing to do in our lives.

How to Make a Pivot in Leadership, When What You're Doing Isn't Working

In this webinar, Benjamin Lundquist will be teaching about making leadership pivots. A pivot is a powerful tool, a change in direction to better move the mission of the church forward. A church or ministry that stays the course without ever pivoting risks becoming irrelevant and ineffective. Pivoting successfully relies on seeing that the church has a problem and addressing it head-on. Benjamin's content will teach you exactly how to do that, without losing the support of your team, while building a better normal for your church. This teaching is essential for anyone leading a church or ministry during this pandemic.

About the Presenter: Benjamin Lundquist is one of the leading voices for young adult ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist Church with over 20 years experience in the trenches. He currently serves as the Young Adult Ministries Director for the Oregon Conference and Young Adult Ministries Coordinator for the North American Division. He is passionate about inspiring young adults to become growing followers of Jesus and effective leaders for His cause. In recent years Benjamin has launched innovative ministry projects with both the Barna Group and Fuller Youth Institute. Benjamin frequently speaks on ministry and leadership, and hosts the Rise and Lead Podcast, which has reached over 85 countries.

Dr. Pérez has had the opportunity to be keynote speaker in the Americas and overseas. She had the opportunity to record several Spanish TV programs for Hope Channel ranging from family issues to diabetes prevention topics airing now.

Dr. Pérez has participated in multiple service trips and mission trips. In 2013 she was selected to work with the United States President Emergency Program for AIDS Relief in Africa, PEPFAR, in Tanzania. She is the facilitator for “Hope for Hurting Hearts”, which is a retreat in Florida for domestic violence and sexual abuse survivors. In 2017, Dr. Annie Pérez was appointed to be the new Prayer Ministries and Women’s Ministries director for the Florida Conference of Seventh Day Adventists Church. Her passion is to talk about Jesus and what He is willing to do in our lives.