by admin | Nov 27, 2018 | Blog, Ministry | 0 comments
Recently, I attended a gathering of youth workers from all across the country. I love these times because I get to reconnect with old ministry friends and make plenty of new ones. But during my time there, my conversations, and others I caught wind of, seemed to...by admin | Nov 23, 2018 | Blog, Ministry | 0 comments
It might not seem all that important. It might seem like just another day we can ignore and move on to more important things. It might even seem like a day we kind of laugh at because there has to be a more impactful way of bringing our faith into public...
by admin | Nov 8, 2018 | Blog, Ministry | 0 comments
Over the last eleven years, I have taught students apologetics and worldview training in the classroom from the laid-back suburbs of Detroit to the cultural epicenter of Los Angeles. The students may dress different, act different, have different experiences, and...by admin | Oct 24, 2018 | Blog, Ministry | 0 comments
I will never forget the very first time I lead a youth group meeting. In my early days of seminary, I was volunteering in the youth ministry, working closely with the youth pastor, learning all I could. When he gave me the chance to plan and lead group for the night,...by admin | Oct 4, 2018 | Blog, Ministry | 0 comments
I am sure, like me, you have all been there. You feel like what you have to say is literally from the Spirit of God. You have prepped all week; you carefully crafted your talk, studied the text, prayed through the text, and even created some of the greatest tweetable...by admin | Sep 24, 2018 | Blog, Ministry | 0 comments
A few nights ago my daughters were watching their favorite cartoon. I am pretty strict on what they watch, and this particular show has been rather harmless. So I thought. My wife happened to be in the room when this cartoon, written for preschool age children,...“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
Pastor Deante Lavender feels that he is called to motivate, uplift, and elevate the spirit and mind of anyone who listens. In every interaction, conversation, speech, or sermon his goal is to tell the truth in a way that people can understand the will of God.
Together with his wife, Lesa they have two beautiful children: Liana Grace and Deante Jr.
Together, Pastor Lav and Lesa believe that the spirit of God is not limited to the church. They believe that strong Christians are needed in the corporate world, the judicial system, Hollywood, and beyond. They are doing their best to spread the message of Jesus Christ to their sphere of influence and then the world.
Speaker, Pastor, author, teacher and COO of Duck Commander, Jeffrey Kent is passionate about reaching the unchurched by training Christians to share the Gospel and discipling new believers to be effective witnesses.
Jeffrey graduated from Louisiana Bible College and then received his MDiv in Discipleship and Church Ministry from Liberty University. Jeffrey and his wife Abigail lead marriage conferences and events across the country. In their free time, they love to travel, hike, cook, and especially to spend time with their kids, Jayden and Reagan.
Jessica Bricker is currently the CPA/CFP for Winona Wealth in Winona Lake IN. Jessica has spent 15+ years in the Marketplace and over those years has learned how to bring the Gospel into her field. Jessica has a heart for the Lord and with that, also has a heart for people, wanting to understand their aspirations and each individuals story. Jessica has been married to her husband Ryan for 21 years and together they have 3 kids. We are excited to hear from Jessica has she shares her story and her experience sharing Jesus in the Marketplace!
Eric is currently the Executive Director of Ministry with Momentum Ministry Partners. He’s a former 16-year Youth Pastor, husband of Bethany, father to Cohen & Addalynn, dog dad to Wrigley, snob of coffee everywhere and devoted blindly to his Chicago Cubs & Bears. Eric is also the host of the Momentum Ministry Partners podcast and is passionate about equipping youth pastors to have maximum impact for God’s Kingdom.
Dan Gregory is the Campus pastor of Grace Church in Norton, OH. Dan is a graduate of Grace College, worked at Grace College, and also served 14 years at Community Hope Church in Columbia City, IN. Dan is in his 16th year serving as Campus Pastor for Grace Norton. Dan is passionate about seeing people enter into a relationship with Jesus and loves training/developing young leaders! Dan has been married to his wife Jennifer for 34 years and together they have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. It is a privilege to have Dan join us this summer!
Brittany Richmond is an energetic, charismatic communicator and a mental health expert of 10+ years. Right after high school, Brittany was diagnosed with multiple anxiety disorders (including an impulse control disorder) which led her into the field of counseling and psychology. From there, she has made it her mission to not only end the stigma, but “hug as many young people hurting” as she can with her story and her voice. Brittany is an emotionally dynamic, impactfully vibrant, high demand teen mental health speaker and one of the few active women speakers in the youth market today! Her new book “Lies My Anxiety Has Told Me” is now out everywhere.
While Brittany does love speaking and inspiring leadership students, she loves her husband and cats even more! She also loves rockin’ out to 80s hair bands and working out on her Peloton! You might also find her at a St Louis Cardinals game, drinking coffee at a local coffee shop, or binge watching Christmas Movies or Gilmore Girls on her couch – she lovingly calls herself, a “hot-mess express, in a good way!” She lives in Green Valley, Illinois with her husband Zach and her kitten Fin.
Jeff Bogue has served as senior pastor of Grace Church of Greater Akron for 30 years. He has also served as the President of Momentum Ministry Partners for the past three years. He is a graduate of Grace College & Seminary and has authored five books.
Jeff is motivated by his deep passion for the local church and a desire to raise up the next generation of leaders. He counts it a privilege to work alongside Grace Church Staff as well as Momentum Ministry Partners and Grace College in the development of young leaders.
Mark Clark is the founding pastor of Village Church, a multi-site church with locations across Canada and online around the world. He is now the Senior Pastor of Bayside Church in Granite Bay, CA, where he lives with his wife and three daughters.
Mark is the author of multiple books and the winner of the 2018 Word Award for Evangelism. Mark is passionate about apologetics, connecting the message of Jesus to culture, and training leaders.
Pastor Kondo Simfukwe was born in London, raised in Zambia, lived his high school years in Australia and then came to the United States for college. Kondo holds a BA in Biblical Studies and a Masters of Divinity with a Counseling emphasis from Grace College and Theological Seminary.
While at Grace, he met and married his wife, Melissa. Kondo and Melissa have five children-one son and four daughters. He loves tennis and being outdoors in the Winona Lake Trails. We can’t wait for Kondo to share with us!
Best known for his role on the hit reality TV show, Duck Dynasty, Willie Robertson has had his life transformed by the grace and mercy of Jesus. Willie is passionate about Christ-followers using their life as a mission field, encouraging them to take Jesus into schools and into the marketplace and sharing his love there.
Willie is also a husband, father, author, and business man. The Robertson family has truly been transformed by Jesus and we are so excited for Willie to share more himself and encourage us.
Joel Firebaugh is a youth pastor, preacher, husband, bear wrestler, and the author of How to Pretend to be a Published Author, which is available anywhere book aren’t sold. He is the lead student pastor at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, OH.
Joel brings a wealth of knowledge to students and student pastors everywhere. In addition to connecting students to Jesus, Joel loves spending time with his wife, Anna, as well as doing poorly executed magic tricks.
“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
“Serving one another through the local church is our highest calling. Discipling students as a form of service is our greatest privilege.” — Kelci Rayl
B.A. in Elementary Education, Biblical Studies and Communications, Nyack College – Associate Director of Youth Conference – Program & Participants
“It’s an incredible honor to be a part of an organization that is focused on our children’s personal walk with Jesus as well as creating opportunities for them to make an impact for the Kingdom.” — Kehla Norris
B.A. in Business Administration, Mount Vernon Nazarene University – Administrative Manager
“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
Saturday Evening: To Know… And Be Known. 1 John 4:16
Dr. Jeff Bogue is the senior pastor of Grace Church of Greater Akron, where he has served with his wife, Heidi, since 1993. He also serves as the President of Momentum Ministry Partners.
Jeff is the author of the books, Living Naked: How an Ordinary Person Can Live an Extraordinary Life, ReSet: Why Discipleship Isn’t About Trying Harder, the OneStep Discipleship Journals, and Five Assumptions About God and Why They are Wrong. He travels nationally and abroad speaking and training ministry leaders. Jeff has a deep passion for his community and for the local church to be involved in making the hope of God tangible to every person.
“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.
Saturday Morning: You Have Influence. 1 John 4:19
Ben Kirby is the creator of the viral social media sensation PreachersNSneakers, where he caused an uproar across the globe after showing the values of what clothing preachers were wearing on stage. Along with growing from zero to hundreds of thousands of followers in just a few weeks, his work has been featured in the New York Times, The New Yorker, The Wallstreet Journal, Buzzfeed, Fox News, Complex, and many more. He also hosts the popular podcast with the ultra-creative name The PreachersNSneakers Podcast.
Friday Evening: No Fear In Love. 1 John 4:18
Joel is a youth pastor, preacher, husband, bear wrestler, and the author of How to Pretend to be a Published Author, which is available anywhere books aren’t sold. He serves as the lead student pastor at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, OH. Crossroads is one church in 11 different locations with over 20,000 in attendance. Joel brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to students and student pastors everywhere. In addition to connecting students to Jesus and encouraging them to take next steps in their faith journey, his other passions are spending time with his wife, Anna, and doing poorly executed magic tricks.
Friday Morning: Work Is My Worship. 1 John 4:17
Jordan Raynor is a leading voice of the faith and work movement. Through his bestselling books (The Creator in You, Redeeming Your Time, Master of One, and Called to Create), the Mere Christians podcast, and his weekly devotionals, Jordan has helped millions of Christians in every country on earth connect the gospel to their work.
In addition to his writing, Jordan serves as the Executive Chairman of Threshold 360, a venture-backed tech startup which Jordan previously ran as CEO following a string of successful ventures of his own.
Jordan has twice been selected as a Google Fellow and served in The White House under President George W. Bush. A sixth generation Floridian, Jordan lives in Tampa with his wife and their three young daughters. The Raynors are proud members of The Church at Odessa.
Thursday Evening: Holiness Is My Sexuality. 1 John 4:17
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 Fellowship 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. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing basketball, watching sports, waterskiing, and fishing at his parent’s lake house.
Thursday Morning: We Trust His Love. 1 John 4:16
Corbin is a Gaffney native and has been married to his Kyrtisha for 8 years. They have three incredible sons – Austun, Aivery, and Asher-Chase. Corbin has a passion to see the gospel lived out in the city, and therefore is purposefully church planting in the inner-city. His ultimate goal is to see bridges being built, walls torn down, and unity displayed. Corbin has served in ministry for over 10 years in South Carolina, Georgia, and Ohio with Kyrtisha by his side. Their passion and goals have never changed but have only grown. He recently planted One Community Church in Greenville SC.
Wednesday Evening: Knowing God’s Plan For Your Life, 1 John 4:15
Mark Clark is the founding pastor of Village Church, a multi-site church with locations in multiple cities across Canada and online around the world, that seeks to reach skeptics and challenge Christians. He is the author of The Problem of Jesus (Zondervan, 2021) and The Problem of God (Zondervan, 2017) winner of the 2018 Word Award for Evangelism. Mark has been the subject of several articles in Christianity Today and Outreach Magazine voted him one of the Top 26 Leaders to Watch. He resides in Vancouver, Canada, with his wife, Erin, and their three daughters.
His passions are connecting the message of Jesus to our culture, inspiring and training leaders, apologetics, marriage counseling, and working to see our world influenced by the gospel.
Tuesday Evening: Do You Know How Much God Loves You? 1 John 4:9-10
Mark Artrip is the Lead Pastor of Movement Church in Hilliard (Columbus), Ohio. He has been married to his wife Kristin for 19 years, and they have four children; Malachi, Canaan, Mercy and Zion. He is a graduate of Grace College (B.A. in Biblical Studies and Youth Ministry) and Grace Theological Seminary (M.A. in Family and Youth Ministry).
After 7 years as a student pastor, Mark planted Movement Church in 2012. Movement Church has a vision to continue to plant life-giving churches and send church planters and launch teams.
In his free time, Mark loves cutting hair in his garage barbershop, chewing gum, and talking about pop culture, adoption, and the NBA.
Wednesday Morning: There Is Nothing To Do. 1 John 4:10
Tony Livigni has been the lead pastor of Grace Church, Medina East Campus near Akron, Ohio for over 10 years. Prior to that, he and his wife Jessica had the privilege of serving in college ministry at the Grace Church, Bath Campus for seven years. They have three awesome boys, and a beautiful little girl.
Tony has been a faithful partner of Momentum Ministry Partners for many years now and has a passion for sharing the overwhelming love of Christ and the message of Jesus. This will be Tony’s third year returning to Youth Conference and we can’t wait to hear all he has to share this summer.
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.
During the registration process you received, and agreed to, Momentum Ministry Partners Cancellation Policy. We recommend that you review that policy again prior to completing this cancellation form to ensure your request falls within the cancellation requirements. All requests for cancellation must be submitted via this form by midnight, July 17, 2023 to be considered.
“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.”