conference speakers
mark beeson
Senior Pastor of granger community church
Five ways to describe him: Visionary. Gifted communicator. Committed to Christ. Passionate about his family. And as normal as your next door neighbor (but only if that's a good thing). What he does for Granger: No, not everything. He's the first to admit that. Instead, he focuses on the areas in which he excels (have you heard him speak?) and gives Granger's leadership team the freedom and encouragement to do what they do best, without micromanaging them. In 1986, Mark and his wife, Sheila, planted the seeds of Granger Community Church in their living room, with fewer than 10 people. Their dream was to reach out to those who weren't currently attending church for whatever reason and share the truth that they mattered to God. And though it began without fanfare, Granger flourished at a phenomenal rate to become one of the top 30 fastest growing churches in the country. More from Mark: markbeeson.com
Shannon O’Dell
Senior Pastor of Brand New Church
Shannon O’Dell is the Senior Pastor of Brand New Church with a passion for healthy church in rural America. He has been pastoring for six years in a town of 407 beginning with a congregation of 31 to now five campuses and 2,000+ in attendance weekly. The county Shannon serves in Arkansas has only 19,000 people in it. If you want to minister in rural America, you better get some tough skin. It’s difficult. One of the biggest obstacles is the local families that end up running the church. Shannon shares the story of his church and the crazy math that resulted from its re-launch: 31 minus 12 equals 2,000.
tim stevens
executive pastor of granger community church
For 14 years, Tim’s leadership has helped Granger connect with people who think church is irrelevant. He has done this through the creative blending of architecture, strategy and technology. He’s acutely tuned in to popular culture and is instrumental in balancing operations, building creative teams and inspiring artists to brand each message series and sharpen the weekend experience. He’s the author of the recently released book Pop Goes the Church (popgoesthechurch.com) that asks the question, “Should the Church engage pop culture?” He’s also co-authored the Simply Strategic book series using humor and practical principles to equip churches and ministry leaders. More from Tim: leadingsmart.com
you
people's choice
One story. One speaker.
You pick. Who is it going to be?
Can’t wait to see.
Featured Breakout Sessions
kem meyer
director of communications at granger community church
Kem once thought she understood what the world had to offer—and what the church did not. Now in full-time ministry, she intentionally sees the church through the filter of someone who needs “something more” but doesn’t think the church is the place to find it. With compassion for the down and out – and a passion for the “up and out” – Kem continually seeks ways to remove the barriers that keep people from connecting with Christ. When she’s not dismantling the walls between the church and the unchurched, Kem can be found with family, friends, food and gadgets. Her new book, Less Clutter. Less Noise., came out in March of 2009. By the way, she’s got a blog: kemmeyer.com.
rob wegner
pastor of life mission at granger community church
As teaching pastor (with good reason - can you say passionate?), Rob oversees the New Community services and after Mark Beeson, is the featured speaker at the greatest number of weekend services. Along with teaching, he spends a hefty portion of his time in Granger missions work - both here in our own backyard and around the world - planting churches, developing partnerships, equipping leaders, assisting the poor, caring for the sick and educating the next generation. Rob also leads Core Class 401, which helps people discover their unique mission. He has taught Purpose-Driven Church to church leaders throughout the world and has been a main session speaker at Saddleback’s Purpose-Driven Church Conference. More from Rob: robwegner.org
mark waltz
pastor of connections at granger community church
Mark Waltz is a unifying force at Granger where he oversees adult relational connections, including groups, guest services and volunteer strategies. Mark’s book, First Impressions: Creating Wow Experiences in Your Church – addresses the issues of guest attendance growth and volunteer development, offering strategies for making high-impact first impressions. His new book, Lasting Impressions, picks up where First Impressions leaves off. Mark’s ministry expertise is complemented by his marketplace experience, which includes retail management, employment and recruitment. By the way, he’s got a blog: becausepeoplematter.com.