baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A.J. Swoboda (PhD, Birmingham) is assistant professor of Bible, theology and World Christianity at Bushnell University and lead mentor for the Doctor of Ministry Program at Fuller Theological Seminary on the Holy Spirit and Leadership. He is the author of many books, including After Doubt (Brazos). He lives, works, and raises chickens in Eugene, Oregon.

Chad M. Robichaux first burst onto the scene when he became a professional MMA World Champion. Prior to his Mixed Martial Arts career, he served in the military as a Special Operations Force Recon Marine. Chad now focuses his time on helping veterans recover from PTSD through the Mighty Oaks Foundation, which he founded. 

Daniel Fusco is the lead pastor of Crossroads Community Church, which has campuses in Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon. He is a conference speaker, a jazz musician, and published author of Ahead of the Curve, Honestly and Upward, Inward, Outward. He lives in Washington with his wife, Lynn, and their three children.

Dr. Jeff Myers is president of Summit Ministries, a highly respected worldview training program whose tens of thousands of graduates are making a difference in politics, law, academics, medicine, science, and business. In the last 20 years Dr. Myers has become one of America’s most respected authorities on youth leadership development. Focus on the Family founder James Dobson referred to him as “a very gifted and inspirational young leader.” 

Josh McDowell’s cutting-edge ministry has been reaching the spiritually skeptical for almost four decades, and he has touched the lives of more than seven million young people in 84 countries. Josh has written or co-written over 138 books on topics ranging from Christian apologetics to common problems facing youth.

Perhaps best known as the lovable teen heartthrob Mike Seaver on ‘Growing Pains,’ (1985 – 1992), Kirk also played Buck Williams in the ‘Left Behind’ movies, based on the best-selling novels of the same name. He starred in the 2008 movie ‘Fireproof’ and has been noted for his work in the best-selling documentary ‘Monumental.’

Mark Mittelberg is a bestselling author, sought-after speaker, leading outreach strategist, and the Executive Director of the Center for Strategic Evangelism, in partnership with Houston Baptist University.  Mark’s passion for equipping people to defend their faith is uniquely approachable, humorous, and always very practical.

As a former pastor, Matt Heard escorts us on a journey of discovery: that Jesus didn't come to save us from our humanity- Christ instead yearns to restore it to what God originally intended.  Matt seeks to articulate- in a comfortable, clear and compelling manner- truth that doesn't just inform but fuels and motivates transformation in practical ways.

Christian Entertainer Rick Alonzo, born in the Philippines, came to live in the United States at the age of 12. Rick uniquely and creatively proclaims the Gospel message to a generation stimulated by sight and sound. He travels across the United States working with Christian organizations and evangelical churches of all denominations to reach the lost for Jesus Christ.

Portrayed by Carrie Underwood in the movie, Soul Surfer, Sarah was instrumental in helping surfer Bethany Hamilton through a tragic shark attack that left Bethany with one arm. Sarah’s own past, which include suffering a broken neck and back in a surfing accident, helped prepare her and equip her in ministry. 

Founder of Sharis Berries, acclaimed inspirational speaker, and now author, Shari entertains audiences of all ages and backgrounds while sharing her down-to-earth, heartfelt business story. Appealing to anyone who has a dream, she’ll take your group on an emotional journey as she intertwines the successes in her life along with her mistakes. Shari’s book, “Berried in Chocolate,” points out the importance of family, faith and fearlessness while revealing how God became her best business partner and that faith and street smarts can be just as useful as a college degree.