Urban Centers April Updates

“It’s an honor and joy to witness spiritual momentum taking place in someone’s life. I am so thankful to be on a team that is deeply committed to developing leaders who are actively building the Kingdom!” – Donny Varney

Bachelor of Science – Secondary Education at Northland International University

Master of Ministry at Northland International University

“ I love working with an organization that exists simply to advance the Gospel message, point people to Christ as a part of a trusted resource to help others do the same. My passion is building relationships and furthering the Kingdom. I’m blessed to be able to use my background in business, marketing and writing to fulfill that passion.” — Steve Breeden

“I have over 5 years of experience managing projects, with a particular passion for those that involve young people. My greatest goal is to positively impact the lives of others, and I believe that by empowering young people, we can create long-term, meaningful change” — Ariana Ferandez

“As a former teacher I have a passion for students and creating an environment for them to learn and grow.  I love that I get to be a part of a team that is creating an incredible place for students to learn and grow spiritually.” — Ashley Mancari

“Being able to work as the Momentum PRO Coordinator has been a great joy.  I enjoy planning the PRO Cohorts but more importantly I love being able to help and support ministry leaders. Getting to know these pastors personally over the 2 years they are in PRO is such an encouraging opportunity as I get to see how God is uniquely using them in their churches.” — Sharmion Bowell

“I love connecting with youth pastors and youth leaders. Seeing them at Momentum Youth Conference is like being reunited at a family reunion every summer. It is also a joy to watch students’ lives changed through the ministries of Momentum Ministry Partners.” — Carly Nicodemus, registar

B.A. in Youth Ministry & Communications | Grace College

“I love helping Grace College Akron students gain the academic confidence and hands on experience they need to thrive in ministry. Whether they are just finishing high school or completing their master’s degree, I thrive on helping people grow spiritually and academically.”

B.S. Nutrition Kent State University, Current MA Local Church Ministry Student at Grace College Theological Seminary – Momentum EDU Recruiting and Retention

“I enjoy leading people and raising up leaders.” — Dr. Jeff Bogue, President

B.S. in Sociology & Counseling & M.A. in Religion | Grace College and Seminary
PhD in Biblical Studies & Pastoral Ministry | Master’s International School of Divinity

“I’m passionate about equipping, training, and coaching leaders and churches to fulfill their Kingdom calling” — Kadi Cole, Executive Director of Leadership Development

MS in Human Resource Development | Palm Beach Atlantic University
BS Nursing | Pacific Lutheran University

“I love working along side youth ministry, because it gives me the confidence and creative freedom to be able to tell stories of people how Christ effects them in the current generation” — Johnny Medlong, Creative Content Intern

Dr. Jeff. Bogue is a graduate of Grace College and Seminary. He is the Senior Pastor of Grace Church of Greater Akron, a thriving multi-campus, multi-site congregation, with over 17,000 people calling Grace their home.

Grace Church is not your typical mega church. It is a church-planting network, active in their evangelical mission of “30 in 30”: planting 30 campuses in 30 years. Jeff leads an excellent staff of over 150 people to raise up pastors, missionaries, and church leaders to staff ministry works throughout the Kingdom of God. He counts it a privilege to work alongside this staff as well as Grace College in the development of these young leaders.

Since 1993, Jeff has served at Grace Church with his wife, Heidi. They have 5 wonderful sons, one beautiful daughter, and one amazing daughter in-law. Jeff has taught at Momentum Ministry Partners Youth Conference for 20+ years and became President of the organization in January 2020.

His proudest titles are that of husband and father to 7 children. He loves working alongside his family to tangibly express God’s love in ways that make Jesus make sense.

Dr. Bogue is the author of the books: 5 Assumptions About God and Why They Are Wrong, ReSet: Why Discipleship Isn’t About Trying Harder, Living Naked: How an Ordinary Person Can Live an Extraordinary Life, and the One Step Discipleship Journals.

Keith Minier is the Lead Pastor of Grace Fellowship, a multi-site church in Columbus, Ohio.  Since leaving his career as a chemist, Keith has led the church through a significant movement of God.  Grace has grown from a community of 70 to over 6000 during his time in leadership.

Keith is a passionate and skilled communicator and has had the opportunity to teach and preach all over the country.  Keith is also an excellent organizational leader who really enjoys raising up and developing leaders and seeing those leaders thrive.  Keith has served on multiple boards and leadership teams over the years in a variety of capacities and currently sits on the Trustee Board for Grace College and Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana.

Keith is married to Kelly and they have four children, Kaden, Kaiya, Kooper and Kamille.  He loves spending time with his family, golfing, fishing, watching sports, waterskiing and travelling to see new spots on the globe.

“It is an honour to get to tell the stories of life change that we see across all of our ministries. To share these stories with others, and help them to support or engage in the ministry themselves is a true privilege” — Bethany Miller, Director of Communications & Fundraising.

B.S. Psychology | St. Mary’s College of CA

“I’m passionate about partnering with local churches to provide ministry experiences that will help reach, challenge, equip, encourage and ultimately resource students to take next steps in their faith.” — Eric Miller, Director of Ministry Operations

B.S. in Religious Studies & Youth Ministry | Grace College
M.A. of Christian Leadership | Moody Bible Institute

“I love working with an organization that exists to help local churches. I enjoy that we focus on impacting youth and helping local churches develop future leaders.” — Jesse DeBoest, Director of Administration

B.S. in Accounting & Business Administration | Grace College

“I enjoy being able to work with students, helping to equip them for a potentially life-changing summer, is very rewarding. And then being able to see those students 5, 10 years and beyond living for Jesus and active in their faith is a real joy!” — Sherilyn Rank, Travel Team Coordinator

B.A. in Communications Education | Grace College

“While I enjoy various administrative details in preparing for ‘the best week of summer’, what I enjoy most is seeing young people move toward God during the week and then going back home to impact their world for Christ.” — Dave Rank, Momentum Youth Conference Senior Coordinator

B.A. in Music Education | Grace College

“I love to invite others to explore what it truly means to follow Jesus with their entire lives and to walk them through what to do with that, where ever they are!” — Andy Michael, Urban Center Philadelphia Director

B.S. in Biblical Studies | Moody Bible Institute & Grace Akron Regional Program

“I love serving and working with the Next Generation in connection with the local church. Being able to have a role in impacting the local church by equipping the next group of leaders is a dream. What a blast taking the unchanging story of Jesus to the ever-changing world of youth ministry.” — Brad Deetscreek, Momentum EDU Coordinator

B.S. in Biology | Cedarville University
M.Div. in Pastoral Studies | Grace Theological Seminary

“I love working for an organization that helps people live for Jesus in their everyday life.” — Judy Fisher, Administrative Assistant

B.S. in Business Administration | Grace College

“I enjoy aiding pastors and ministry leaders to see their ministries become highly effective through the consulting and coaching process!” — Ed Short, Ministry Coach & Consultant

B.S. in Pastoral Studies & M.Div. | Grace Theological Seminary

“I love working with the wonderful leaders of Momentum Ministry Partners. I enjoy getting to partner and offer support so we can collectively further the Gospel to the next generation.” — Joy Mullet, Administrative Assistant

“I am able to reach my community around the Philadelphia Urban Center for Christ daily. In the community I was once down and out; I can now reach people with my testimony and speak about how Jesus transforms lives. I also get to do facilities; I enjoy working with my hands. It’s good to know I can put a dent in expanding God’s Kingdom and reverse the crisis that threatens our local churches today.” — Roberto Rojas, Facilities/Community Liaison

Studying Pastoral Ministry | Grace College

Access the registration system

1.  Select REGISTER

2. Log in or create a new user account. (Since everyone is new this year to this registration system, all will need to create a new account.

3. Select “NEW USER”

4. Create primary account **NOTE: This must be made by a parent/guardian over 18**

5. Select the account type as “INDIVIDUAL/FAMILY”

6. Fill in parent/guardian information. Enter in an email and create a password

7. If the account is for a student, the parent/guardian will select “ADD PERSON” and enter in student’s information

8. It will then ask, “Are you a member of a group that has reserved space?”

9. Select “YES” and enter in the group code created by the lead contact

10. Select the event you wish to register for

11. Select the church you will be attending with on the dropdown menu

12. Select the class the individual is registering for: Student or Adult Youth Worker

13. An optional meal plan can be added for $18

14. Complete custom MOTR questions

15. Electronically sign Liability Waiver- MUST BE PARENT/GUARDIAN if the registrant is a student

16. Once at the cart, simply complete the application

17. If the meal plan or online store items are added, the account will only be charged that amount. The $99 registration cost that was pre-paid will automatically come off the account total.

***Note: the $99 does not come off automatically, the registrant has failed to indicate they were a part of a group with reserved space. They will need to go back and select that option. The group code isn’t entered at checkout unless the lead contact made additional purchases for their group (like the meal plan).

The Momentum Planning Team continues to have ongoing contact with  Indiana Wesleyan University and the local Health Department to stay current with any ongoing Covid-19 guidelines and practices to provide a safe and healthy environment for Momentum Youth Conference. As of this posting, (January 2022) both Momentum and IWU anticipate a near-normal pre-Covid-19 experience – with the following understanding:

1. If anyone has Covid-19 symptoms or has tested positive for Covid-19 seven (7) days prior to traveling to Momentum Youth Conference, they should stay home. (see cancellation policy for refund requirements).

2. During Momentum Youth Conference, should anyone incur Covid-19 symptoms, the Momentum First Aid Team should be contacted for further advisement, which could include being tested for Covid-19. Should someone test positive for Covid-19, Momentum and IWU are prepared to have quarantine lodging available until the next steps are confirmed with the Lead Contact of the youth group as well as the emergency contact person for the attendee. This could include making arrangements to return back home early from Momentum.

Updates to any of the above will be posted here.

Tuesday, July 19, 7:30 p.m.

Corbin Hogue

Wednesday, July 20

9:30 a.m.

David Bowden

8:00 p.m.

Tony Livigni

Thursday, July 21

9:30 a.m.

Sean McDowell

8:00 p.m.

Afshin Ziafat

Friday, July 22

9:30 a.m.

Anne Beiler

8:00 p.m.

Keith Minier

Satruday, July 23

9:30 a.m.

C.L. Shepherd

7:30 p.m.

Jeff Bogue

“I enjoy helping followers of Jesus catch what it means to be an Ambassador of Jesus! I enjoy walking others through the evangelism process so they can help others around them take that next step towards loving Jesus.” — Tim Lansing, Urban Centers Director Los Angeles

B.A. in Computer Information Systems | Azusa Pacific University

“I love being able to help create content that engages students and allows them to know all about the exciting things that are happening here at Momentum. Working alongside a team that has a passion for Jesus and making Him make sense to students is amazing.” — Delaney Ferguson, Communications Intern

David Bowden is a spoken word poet, author, and speaker from Oklahoma City. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of Spoken Gospel, a non-profit dedicated to creating gospel-centered content (www.spokengospel.com). David writes and performs poems, writes devotionals, and co-hosts the Spoken Gospel Podcast. He has a BA in Bible and Biblical Languages and an MA in Theology (Winter 2020). David is the author of “When God Isn’t There” and “Rewire Your Heart.”

One of 15 siblings, growing up Shep endured challenges that most would only encounter through the fictional medium of television. As a result, his transparent, and impactful story has captivated thousands, subsequently leading people to transformed lives.

As a former student-athlete, Shep was blessed to participate in every level of competition. He experienced massive success on the football field but maintains that his proudest accomplishment was earned in the classroom by being the first in his family to graduate from college. Upon graduation, he was then blessed to train in the National Football League. It was after completing his football career that Shep was propelled into his life’s work of delivering hope through his speaking to audiences around the world.

Today as an Author, Keynote Speaker, and Transformation Coach… his passion, dedication, and commitment to growth have led him to achieve remarkable heights. His devotion to seeing lives changed is undeniable as he connects deeply with people from all walks of life.

Afshin Ziafat is the lead pastor and an elder of Providence Church.

Born in Houston, Afshin moved with his family to their native country of Iran when he was two years old. In the midst of the Iranian Islamic Revolution, Afshin’s family moved back to Houston at age six. In the second grade, he was given a Bible by a tutor who was teaching him the English language. He read that Bible 10 years later as a senior in high school and came to faith in Christ.

Ultimately, his family would disown him because of his faith in Christ, and he began to understand the call of Christ on each of our lives—to follow Jesus regardless of the cost. In so doing, Afshin found that the reward was greater than the cost, demonstrating the truth of Matthew 16:25 – “that whoever loses his life for the sake of Christ will find it.”

Afshin received his undergraduate degree in history from the University of Texas at Austin. He went on to receive his Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages degree from Southwestern Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas. In 2008, he married the love of his life, Meredith. Afshin and Meredith have three young children.

Before coming to Providence, Afshin traveled around the world proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in churches, conferences, and missions. He also traveled to the Middle East to train Iranian pastors. Afshin serves on the Board of Directors for Vertical Ministries at Baylor University in Waco, Texas and East-West Ministries in Plano, Texas.

Keith Minier has served as Lead Pastor at Grace Fellowship since he left a career as a chemist in 2004. In that time, he’s led the church through a tremendous move of God. Grace has grown from a church of 70 to a movement of 5,000+ during that time.

He is a passionate and skilled communicator and leader who loves seeing the power of the local church unleashed. Keith has a strong desire to see the next generation of Christ-followers live up to their potential in the local church.

Keith is married to Kelly, and they have four children, Kaden, Kaiya, and twins Kamille and Kooper.

Jordan Howerton is a worship leader and songwriter from Phoenix, AZ.  He’s been leading worship for churches, events, and conferences around the world for over 17 years and is the lead worship pastor at Christ’s Church of the Valley in Phoenix, AZ.

Momentum continues to ask Jordan to lead worship at Momentum Youth Conference because of his unique abilities to connect with students, his knowledge of God’s Word, and how he incorporates his pastoral gifts into leading. He desires to empower the local church and the next generation and to train up worship leaders for the church.

Tony Livigni has been serving as campus pastor at the Medina East Campus of Grace Church since it began in December 2012. Prior to that, he served in college ministry at the Grace Church Bath Campus in Akron, OH for seven years.

“I like working for Momentum because I enjoy the staff culture and getting to work together to advance the kingdom.”
— Caleb McKee, Momentum Intern

Dr. Sean McDowell is a gifted communicator with a passion for equipping the church, and in particular young people, to make the case for the Christian faith. He connects with audiences in a tangible way through humor and stories while imparting hard evidence and logical support for viewing all areas of life through a Biblical worldview. Sean is an Associate Professor in the Christian Apologetics program at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University.

Sean still teaches one high school Bible class, which helps give him exceptional insight into the prevailing culture so he can impart his observations poignantly to fellow educators, pastors, and parents alike. In 2008 he received the Educator of the Year award for San Juan Capistrano, California. The Association of Christian Schools International awarded Exemplary Status to his apologetics training. Sean is listed among the top 100 apologists. He graduated summa cum laude from Talbot Theological Seminary with a double master’s degree in Theology and Philosophy. He earned a Ph.D. in Apologetics and Worldview Studies from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2014.

Traveling throughout the United States and abroad, Sean speaks at camps, churches, schools, universities, and conferences. He has spoken for organizations including Focus on the Family, the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview, Cru, Youth Specialties, Hume Lake Christian Camps, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Association of Christian Schools International. Sean is the co-host for the Think Biblically podcast, which is one of the most popular podcasts on faith and cultural engagement. Sean’s YouTube channel (Dr. Sean McDowell) is one of the top apologetics channels.

Sean is the author, co-author, or editor of over twenty books including Chasing Love, The Fate of the Apostles, So The Next Generation Will Know (with J. Warner Wallace), Evidence that Demands a Verdict (with Josh McDowell), Same-Sex Marriage: A Thoughtful Approach to God’s Design for Marriage (with John Stonestreet), Is God Just a Human Invention?(with Jonathan Morrow) and Understanding Intelligent Design (with William A. Dembski). Sean is the General Editor for A New Kind of Apologist, Apologetics for a New Generation, Sharing the Good News with Mormons, and The Apologetics Study Bible for Students. Sean has one of the leading apologetics blogs, which can be read at seanmcdowell.org.

Anne Beiler began twisting pretzel in 1987 and grew a single farmer’s market stand into Auntie Anne’s®, the world’s largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise. Her professional success, however, was forged after years of darkness, depression, and despair brought on by the death of her nineteen-month-old daughter. Anne’s personal story and entrepreneurial insights have been featured on many television shows including Secret Millionaire, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and Good Morning America. She has been highlighted in numerous publications such as Fortune Magazine, and Inc Magazine. In 2005, Anne sold Auntie Anne’s® and authored the business memoir, Twist of Faith. Today, Anne speaks to audiences around the world inspiring people with her authentic stories and life experiences. Her mission is to help women overcome the pain, blame, and shame of their past by sharing their stories.

Corbin Hogue has a passion to see the gospel lived out in the city of Greenville, South Carolina where he pastors One Community Church. The church’s goal is to see bridges being built, walls torn down, and unity displayed as they make Jesus make sense to people in the community. Corbin has served in ministry for over 10 years in South Carolina, Georgia, and Ohio.

Dianne is a worship leader, vocal trainer, recording artist, and songwriter from Phoenix, AZ. Her joy is writing songs, serving the Church, and spending time with her family! She lives with her husband Cory and their three amazing children: Selah, age 3, Shiloh, age 2, and Shepherd, age 6 months.

David Bowden is a spoken word poet, author, and speaker from Oklahoma City. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of Spoken Gospel, a non-profit dedicated to creating gospel-centered content (www.spokengospel.com). David writes and performs poems, writes devotionals, and co-hosts the Spoken Gospel Podcast. He has a BA in Bible and Biblical Languages and an MA in Theology (Winter 2020). David is the author of “When God Isn’t There” and “Rewire Your Heart.”