Speakers & Presenters |
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Marilyn Hontz A series of devastating losses early in Marilyn's life left her feeling insecure and inadequate. She will share her personal story of how she overcame destructive habits of bitterness and moved on to forgiveness, truth, and hope in Jesus Christ. Marilyn will challenge us to break free from the baggage and shame that prohibits us from having a passionate relationship with God. Marilyn Hontz is a popular conference speaker and has been a guest on Focus on the Family’s daily radio broadcast. Marilyn is active at Central Wesleyan Church in Holland, Michigan where her husband, Paul, is the Senior Pastor. She and Paul have five children. |
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Jan Boone There is a lot of talk these days about the term “casual Christian.” That’s a person whose faith does not really define her – she is not passionately pursuing a relationship with God and seeking to grow her obedience to Him. Most people who would call themselves a ‘casual Christian’ are good with that label. They have no real desire to passionately pursue God whatsoever… not even if their life depended on it. But the TRUTH is that our lives DO depend on it! God is clear: I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth (Revelation 3:15-16). That’s strong language! And the makings for an excellent theme message for us all. Get ready to refute our culture’s messages and hear the truth. Jan Boone has been the Executive Director of GEMS Girls’ Clubs for 14 years and lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her husband, Dale. Dale and Jan have two daughters. |
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Angela Thomas Angela Thomas is a dynamic speaker and a best-selling author of 10 books and Bible studies and speaks to women all around the world. Speaking from her own brokenness and God's great love, Angela motivates us all to live faithful, passionate lives. That, in the end, is what really matters to Angela—living a life in passionate response to God. In this keynote address, Angela rekindles the Christian woman’s heart to return God’s love with her life. She will call you to a more passionate life in Christ, a place of rest right in the presence of God, and an understanding that your life – broken, tarnished, ragged, or torn – can still become a beautiful offering. Angela lives in Greensboro, North Carolina with her husband and four children. www.angelathomas.com |
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Dr. Laurel Bunker As mentors we have the unique and special privilege of walking alongside young people to teach them the truth of God’s Word. With all of this pouring out we often find ourselves depleted of strength, resources, and passion. In this morning keynote you’ll be inspired and challenged by Dr. Laurel Bunker who has a boldness and passion for encouraging all people as she seeks to bring life, light, and joy to those whom she ministers to. Laurel serves as the Dean of Campus Ministries and Campus Pastor at Bethel University where she serves as a top level administrator overseeing the chapel program and managing a staff of seven who develop the missions, discipleship, prayer, outreach, and worship ministries for the University. Laurel and her husband, Joshua, have two daughters and make their home in St. Paul, Minnesota. |
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Pastor Steve Zwart and Seminary Student Ben Groen Steve Zwart and Ben Groen know the privilege of mentoring and being mentored. On a high school mission trip to New Orleans many years ago, they began the journey of seeing the Spirit transform the church and their own hearts through mentoring and serving together. Pastor Steve writes: “The mentoring relationship is a humbling experience – to think that God would use you as a channel for His Spirit to transform and shape someone’s life. I am so blessed to be used in Ben’s life and continue to celebrate what God is doing in and through him!” Ben states, “It is humbling to have Steve invest in me over the years because it has helped me discover and cultivate the gifts that God has given. I have seen the fruit that has come from Steve in my life and I now look to be used by God to mentor other young men.” As Pastor Steve and Ben lead us in communion, we’ll be challenged to look at the humility of Christ’s sacrifice and how this is reflected in our lives. Through our communion worship we’ll examine how we can serve like Christ, mentor others, and humbly open our hearts to being mentored. Steve Zwart is Pastor of the Unity Christian Reformed Church in Prinsburg, Minnesota, where he has been serving for the last 11+ years. He is married with seven children, ranging in age from 2 to 15. Ben Groen is a fourth year student at Bethel Seminary in addition to working with the youth at Oxboro Evangelical Free Church in Bloomington, MN and filling pulpit supply for various churches. He intends to become a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church upon the completion of his degree. |
Praise & Worship Leaders |
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Colleen, Grace, and the Worship Band |
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Sarah Barry |