Originally from Australia, Darren Whitehead serves as a Teaching Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church near Chicago, regularly teaching to more than 20,000 people. He also leads the church’s Next Gen Ministries and the Creative Arts Departments. Willow Creek’s innovative, multi-site ministries have made it one of the most attended churches in North America. Prior to Willow, Darren served as Teaching Pastor and Director of Student Ministries at The People's Church in Nashville. Darren lives with his wife Brandy and their two half-Aussie, half-American daughters just outside of Chicago.

In 2006, Jamie Tworkowski founded To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA), which began as a simple attempt to tell the story of a friend in need of treatment. It soon became an Internet phenomenon and global movement. TWLOHA now has the largest online audience of any non-profit on MySpace and Facebook, and has responded to nearly 100,000 messages from more than 40 countries, and donated more than $700,000 to treatment and recovery organizations. Tworkowski has been interviewed by NBC Nightly News, CNN, MTV, Spin Magazine, Rolling Stone Magazine, and recently won the 2009 MTVu “Good Woodie ” award for social activism.

Ed Stetzer has planted churches in New York, Pennsylvania, and Georgia and transitioned declining churches in Indiana and Georgia. He has trained pastors and church planters on five continents, holds two masters degrees and two doctorates, and has written dozens of articles and books. Ed served for three years as seminary professor at the Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky and has taught at fifteen other seminaries. He is currently the Director of Lifeway Research and Lifeway's Missiologist in Residence.

Brent Crowe is a thought-provoking visionary and speaker with a passion to present the life-changing message of the Gospel. An emerging spiritual and cultural leader, Brent uses humor and real-life situations to relate to people at the heart of their struggles. The desire of Brent's heart is to see people realize that they have been set apart to the gospel of God and thus, in turn, they must set their lives apart in an effort to capture every moment in worshipful service to Him.

Drew is an accomplished illusionist, magician and mentalist. He lives in Washington State where he is the Creative Arts Pastor of a collegiate church plant. Drew travels around the country and occasionally overseas performing using illusions and magic in order to earn the right to share about the God that has given him both purpose and life.

A hit artist, producer, and songwriter, Regie Hamm has penned more than 20 No. 1 hits, many of them in the Christian market. He hit the Top 20 as an artist on the pop charts, and his song, “Time Of My Life,” topped the charts for four months. Regie has earned Grammy and Dove nominations, and earned SESAC’s Songwriter of the Year award four times. But nothing could prepare him for the real-life drama of adopting a little girl from China, discovering her severe genetic disorder, and helplessly watching a life and career spin out of control.

Beneath her youthful exterior and fresh-faced exuberance, Meredith Andrews is a focused artist who knows exactly what she wants to say. She creates music that serves as a personal conduit for those seeking to worship God, and she also wants to remind others of God’s desire to reach them. “God is extending an invitation to you, to you personally, calling you by name,” she says. “He knows where you’ve been and he knows your background. He knows your family situation. He knows the things you struggle with, but he’s calling you by name and he’s inviting you to come in and to meet with him and to know him.” Andrews shares that theme on her debut album with a well-crafted set of songs that are musically inventive and lyrically challenging. It’s a potent combination that is garnering her enthusiastic support.

Jeff became a Christian while in college at Carson Newman in Jefferson City Tennessee. While there he wrestled, earned All American honors and represented the USA in 1985 in Greece, Paris and Yugoslavia. He spends most of his spare time now raising his three children, hunting ducks, and occasionally playing a round of golf. He has previously been a camp speaker, guest lecturer and teacher in various seminary and college classes on the topic of student ministry. He is the Director of Student Training and Events at LifeWay and also is the student minister at FBC, Nashville.

David Ferguson and his wife Teresa are directors of Intimate Life Ministries, which serves thousands of churches and ministry leaders worldwide. Out of an intense desire to honor God and minister to the needs of his family, he rediscovered a biblical principle that transformed his life, his family, and his ministry. For more than 20 years, the Fergusons have helped people deepen their intimacy with God and strengthen relationships in marriage, family, and the church. David and Teresa have been married almost forty years and have co-authored several books and numerous articles. They reside in Austin, Texas, and have three adult married children and seven grandchildren.

Tony’s love of Jesus and people is evidenced every time he speaks. An innovative Gospel communicator, Tony uses his wacky humor and passion for Christ to help people connect with God in a life-changing way. Recognized among the country's most influential Christian communicators, Tony speaks to more than 800,000 students each year though radio, TV, conferences, festivals, concerts, and church events. Tony has served as Tour Pastor and Gospel Communicator for Casting Crowns’ Lifesong Tour, and Winter Jam, the largest Christian concert tour in America. Tony is the author and producer of several popular teaching resources, including the cutting-edge devotional book, Faith Fuel.

As director of 24-7 Ministries, the youth ministry of Awana, Kevin White is passionate about reaching and discipling middle-school and high-school students for Christ. Today, under his leadership, 24-7 Ministries equips more than 4,000 churches across the U.S. with strategic tools to build a healthy youth ministry.

Greg has a reputation for knowing and relating to today's teens in unique and effective ways. Because of his 20+ years in youth ministry, Greg is widely viewed as an authority and expert on teen issues and adolescent spirituality. Over the course of the last 15 years, Greg has spoken to well over 300,000 teens in major venues across the nation and heard countless stories of their struggles and triumphs.

Dan Merchant made his debut as a documentary director (and jumpsuit-wearing bumper-sticker man) in Lord, Save Us From Your Followers—the product of an amazing three-year journey to the front lines of America’s so-called Culture Wars. Dan has (somehow) made a living by writing, producing, directing, and talking people into his ideas. Dan’s most recent book, the wildly successful Lord, Save Us From Your Followers, is the companion to the documentary. Dan also authored The Great American Stay At Home Wives Conspiracy. Dan also is an award-winning television writer/producer.

Bruce Riley Ashford received his B.A. in Communications from Campbell University and his Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. After two years overseas as a university instructor, he entered the Ph.D. program at Southeastern. In 2001, he began teaching adjunctively in The College at Southeastern and was elected to the faculty in 2003.

A dynamic and articulate communicator, Mike speaks to thousands of students, leaders, and youth pastors through a diversified ministry of camps, conferences, and evangelistic events. He has a deep burden for evangelism, discipleship, and development of future leaders. Mike is the author of Pushing the Limits: Unleashing the Potential of Student Ministry; The Greenhouse Project: Cultivating Students of Influence; and First Steps, the Great Adventure Begins. He continues an ongoing writing ministry and has produced other books, as well as DVDs for teens and local church leaders. Mike is the Sr. Vice President for Word of Life Fellowship and makes his home in Schroon Lake, New York, with his wife Betsi.

Whether in the pulpit, on stage at a summer camp, in a large arena, at a citywide young adults Bible study, or in a high school, Dave Edwards’ message has resonated with hundreds of thousands of people over the last fifteen years. Masterfully applying biblical truths to relevant issues of the day in an honest, humorous, and understandable style, Dave helps people discover the importance of a Christ-centered lifestyle.

Eric Geiger serves as executive pastor of Christ Fellowship in Miami, a church that meets in five locations throughout Miami-Dade County and is comprised of more than 70 nationalities. Besides serving as a pastor, Eric frequently consults with and speaks to church leaders. He is the co-author of the best-selling ministry book, Simple Church. He also wrote Identity and co-authored Simple Student Ministry. Eric received a doctorate in leadership and church ministry from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Prior to ministry in South Florida, Eric served churches in Ohio, Louisiana, and Arkansas. He lives in Miami with his wife Kaye and their daughters, Eden and Evie.

Renee Johnson is a spirited speaker and writer to twenty-somethings. She graduated from Biola University and worked for Outreach Events in California where she represented nationally known Christian speakers and writers. Her devotional blog reaches hundreds of readers. Renee’s mission in life is to “spur others forward” (Hebrews 10:24) using the lessons learned from her own trials to encourage others in their walk with God.

With 25 years of experience in student ministry, Jeff Lovingood offers an in-depth perspective on student ministry strategy, evangelism, and growth. He has a tremendous passion for sharing Jesus with others, excitement for the Word of God, and love for students. Throughout his 25 years in ministry, he has served in churches with student ministries as small as 8 students and as large as 1,000.

Rachel’s sense of humor and her love for the Word combine to make her a favorite with people everywhere. She has a knack for using everyday situations to relate the Bible’s truths to real-life issues. Her passion is for people to realize the transforming power of the Word of God and to experience the abundant life that comes with surrendering to the Holy Spirit. Rachel is married to Jeff, a student minster, and has three children who keep her life busy. On top of that she is a published author and speaker who enjoys every opportunity possible to teach and share what a difference God can make.

Paul is a 27 year veteran of student ministry and loves encouraging youth ministers. He youth ministry experience includes full-time, part-time, interim and volunteer positions. He loves his wife and two daughters and fits in a marathon every now and then too.

David McKenna is a recovering alcoholic and cocaine addict. He has turned his life around through his relationship with Christ, and subsequent recovery, and is now a successful entrepreneur. He is President & CEO of Bonded Entertainment, which is the holding company for Bonded Records, Bonded Books, Synergy Management & Promotions, and Bonded Pictures.

Dr. Carl Moeller leads the US affiliate of Open Doors International, which works to strengthen persecuted Christians in more than 45 countries. Moeller is a dedicated advocate for the millions of Christians around the globe who are denied religious freedom and basic human rights. He travels to the world’s most oppressive regimes, meeting with and encouraging Christians who live in the shadows of discrimination, imprisonment, and even death for their faith. He is a popular radio and television guest, and is often quoted by such news organizations as Associated Press, Mission Network News, Salem Radio News Network, and the IRN/USA Radio Network. He lives with his wife Kim and their four children in Southern California

Dennis began serving with The Navigators in 1973. During that time, he has ministered on collegiate staff as well as been a collegiate trainer and national training consultant. Dennis has designed, developed, and led seven Navigator summer training programs and was the training coordinator for The CoMission project to the former Soviet Union. He is ordained and speaks at training events, at conferences, and in church pulpits in the U.S. and 12 other countries. He also leads and participates on numerous training teams. As the national training director for the U.S. Navigators, Dennis oversees strategic planning, leading, and implementing of national initiatives for staff training and development. Dennis and his wife Ellen live in Erie, Colorado, and have three children: Christopher, Cheryl, and Amy.

In these days of uncertain outcomes, Jay Strack will inspire you to rise above circumstance and competition by focusing on what you must do instead of what might happen. He will fuel your confidence and potential from within and add resilience to your team with strategy and inspiration. No stranger to overcoming adversity, Jay Strack’s personal life message is one of courageous endurance, and he confidently proclaims to his audience, “Every day I challenge myself to think “Just imagine if...” Jay presents a vital message on how to first imagine and then to execute positive change in yourself, your family, and your business through future tense thinking.

Mike’s passion is student mission, helping young people take the leadership skills they develop at SLU and put them immediately into practice by serving people through SLU Mission Experiences. Mike has been a youth pastor for 27 years.

Ben Young is a pastor at Second Baptist Church in Houston, Texas where he leads Contemporary Worship services. Second Baptist is One Church in five locations in the Houston Metro area with a current membership over 50,000 members. Ben has written six books including the best-seller, The Ten Commandments of Dating. His most recent release is, Why Mike’s Not a Christian: A Conversation With Skeptics.

Chris White is a youth pastor turned worship leader turned missionary. He is the founder and president of Mobilizing Students, which exists to: Launch the Next Generation Missionary: THE STUDENT! Through inexpensive mission trips, Trek-X missionary training, and career missions opportunities, Mobilizing Students yearns to see God birth an unprecedented missionary movement among students as they plant house-churches among the poor and marginalized.