John Smed

JOHN SMED is the founding director of Prayer Current, an organization that helps leaders make multiplying disciples through prayer and evangelism. Since 2000 John and his team have developed prayer training materials and conferences for church planters, pastors, and network teams in North America, Cuba, India, China, and Russia. His book 7 Days of Prayer with Jesus has been translated into ten languages. His conviction for prayer was born out of thirty years of experience in church planting and urban mission.John and his wife Caron have 5 children, 11 grandchildren, and live in Lake Country, British Columbia, Canada.

Andrew Scott

ANDREW SCOTT is the President and CEO of OM USA, part of a global mission movement working in 118 nations. He grew up in Northern Ireland where he married his childhood sweetheart and now lives with his family in Tyrone, GA. A former butcher, turned pastor he has travelled to over eighty countries. He plays soccer, shows dogs and loves to scuba dive.

Catherine Parks

CATHERINE PARKS is the author of several books, including two middle grade biography collections, Strong and Empowered. She also serves as an acquisitions editor for Moody Publishers. Catherine and her husband, Erik, live outside of Nashville, TN, with their children, Sophie and Micah. In her free time, she loves hiking, playing volleyball, and serving on her church's worship team.

Melissa Hannigan

MELISSA HANNIGAN holds a Master of Arts degree in counseling from Midwestern Theological Seminary. Before becoming a full-time homeschool mom, Melissa has worked with teen girls to overcome abuse, addictions, and trauma. She is passionate about helping people discover God’s best for their lives. Melissa is married to John, they reside in Jacksonville, FL, and they are the parents of four children.

David Finkbeiner

DAVID B. FINKBEINER is Professor of Theology at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL, where he has taught since 1998. He served as Chair of the Theology Department for several years and he ministers in Chicago-area churches through preaching, teaching, and serving as an elder. David earned his Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife, Kathy, have three daughters, Katie, Emily, and Rebecca.

Gary Mayes

GARY MAYES is a former pastor of Faith Community Church in Santa Ana, California. He has also served as consultant and trainer with SonLife Ministries. He is co-author of the book Economic Evangelist: Helping People to Become Financially Literate!, How to Trust God, and Growing a Healthy Church. He and his wife, Margaret, have two children and reside in Santa Ana, California.

Howard Dayton

HOWARD DAYTON is Co-founder of Crown Financial Ministries®, created by a 2000 merger of Crown Ministries, which he founded in 1985, and Larry Burkett’s Christian Financial Concepts. Howard’s books and small-group financial studies have been used by thousands of churches and individuals. He is a former naval officer, restaurateur, and real estate developer.Howard and his wife, Bev, have been married for over 35 years. They reside in Gainesville, Georgia, and have two married children.

Jen Barrick

JEN BARRICK is an inspirational speaker who travels all over the country, with her mother Linda, sharing their miraculous story of faith, hope, and forgiveness. She suffered a traumatic brain injury over a decade ago when her family's van was struck head-on by a drunk driver going 80 miles per hour. Even though Jen still suffers from vision impairment and memory loss, she knows there is no limit to what God can accomplish through her life. She completed a diploma from the Institute of Biblical Studies at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. Connect with Jen and Linda at hopeoutloud.com.

Maina Mwaura

MAINA MWAURA is a freelance writer and journalist who has interviewed over 500 influential leaders, including two US Presidents, three Vice-Presidents, and a variety of others. He has learned what it takes to not only lead well, but to mentor well. Maina and his family attend High Point Church in the Kennesaw, Georgia area.

Jen Mickelborough

JEN MICKELBOROUGH is a British artist, creating from her garden studio in Sheffield, England. Her work resonates with color as she explores the beauty of nature and everyday wonder. Jen has been married to her husband Fran for 18 years and they have two children. For more information, visit jenmick.com.

James Ingles