Conference 2026

Speakers and musicians

This year’s theme: "Proclaiming the Implanted Word" (James 1:21).

Keynotes

Platform speakers

Dr. Kevin Carson
Baptist Bible College · Sonrise Baptist Church
Department chair for Biblical Counseling and pastor.
Read bio: Dr. Kevin Carson
Dr. Kevin Carson is the department chair for Biblical Counseling at Baptist Bible College (Springfield, MO) and Pastor of Sonrise Baptist Church (Ozark, MO).
Pastor Carson is a Council Board member for the Biblical Counseling Coalition. He is certified with ACBC and IABC. Dr. Carson has contributed to seven books.
He writes regularly at www.kevincarson.com, where he shares wisdom for life in Christ together. Kevin and his wife, Kelly, have four children.
Dr. Richard Blackaby
President, Blackaby Ministries International
Speaks on spiritual leadership and awakening.
Read bio: Dr. Richard Blackaby
President of Blackaby Ministries International, and lives in Atlanta, GA.
He travels internationally speaking on spiritual leadership in the home, church, and marketplace, as well as on spiritual awakening, experiencing God, and the Christian life.
Richard served as a senior pastor at Friendship Baptist Church in Winnipeg, and then as the president of the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary in Cochrane, Alberta, for 13 years. He continues to serve as the seminary’s Chancellor. He has written or co-authored more than thirty books.
Dr. Andrew Brunson
Special Advisor for Religious Freedom, Family Research Council
Pastor, author, and former missionary to Turkey.
Read bio: Dr. Andrew Brunson
Andrew Brunson is an American pastor, author, and former missionary to Turkey, where he spent 23 years establishing churches and providing aid before being falsely accused of terrorism in 2016.
Imprisoned for two years, he was eventually released in October 2018 following international pressure from the U.S. government. His experience led him to write the memoir God's Hostage, detailing his spiritual struggles and the worldwide prayer movement that supported him.
He now serves as a Special Advisor for Religious Freedom at the Family Research Council.
James Forrest, Esq.
Michael Best
Corporate counsel to faith-based organizations and nonprofits.
Read bio: James Forrest, Esq.
James is a trusted advisor and corporate counsel to companies, entrepreneurs, C-suite executives, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits nationwide. He partners closely with leadership teams to manage legal budgets, assess risk, and implement proactive legal strategies that support long-term growth.
Before joining Michael Best in 2022, James founded and led Forrest Firm, growing it into a seven-office firm with more than 50 team members and thousands of clients before its combination with Michael Best.
He has been involved with numerous organizations throughout his career, including the Durham Symphony Orchestra, Durham CrimeStoppers, Leadership Durham, Corporate Chaplains of America, Durham Rescue Mission, Duke Children’s Hospital, and the Raleigh Rescue Mission.

Worship & devotions

Leading us in worship and the Word

Clay & Renee Crosse
Worship leaders · Holy Homes
Clay won four GMA Dove Awards, including 1994’s Best New Artist.
Read bio: Clay & Renee Crosse
Having come to faith at the age of 13, Clay Crosse grew up like many young men of faith: he was a good kid who went to church every Sunday and flourished in his church youth group. He got a good college education, married his high school sweetheart, and began building a good life.
In the early 1990s, Clay became one of the decade’s most popular contemporary Christian music artists, winning four GMA Dove Awards including 1994’s “Best New Artist of the Year.” Clay became known for such #1 songs as My Place is With You, His Love Is Strong, Give Him Roots, Saving the World, and I Surrender All.
Clay has served as lead worship pastor at First Baptist Church of Winter Garden, Florida (2023–present); First Baptist Church, Bentonville, Arkansas (2013–2023); Faith Baptist Church, Arlington, Tennessee (2010–2013); and The Love of Christ Church (2004–2008). Clay and Renee lead their ministry Holy Homes and speak at marriage events nationwide.
Robert Sweeney
Conference devotions · Dallas Life
Executive Director of Dallas LIFE since 2005.
Read bio: Robert Sweeney
Married for over 40 years with 5 grown children and 7 grandchildren. Executive Director of Dallas LIFE since 2005, and author of “25:35 Main Street” and “Homeless No More”.
Prior to becoming Executive Director, Bob served as a pastor, head chaplain at a maximum-security prison, and Executive Director of Carriage Town Ministries in Flint, MI.
Teddy Cares Ministry is a national ministry that grew from Bob’s heart for the plight of homeless children.
Brian Bouteller
Conference devotions · Grants Pass Gospel Rescue Mission
Executive Director in Grants Pass, Oregon.
Read bio: Brian Bouteller
Married, father of 4, Executive Director of Grants Pass Gospel Rescue Mission (Grants Pass, Oregon).
He started as a Men’s Program Coordinator developing their Program. During his tenure, Grants Pass GRM has grown from a 2,000sf building to a 28,000sf building, and has increased the scope of its ministries.
Brian enjoys fishing, playing his guitar and gardening.