Speakers
The main event at D6 is September 27 and 28 (PreCon Labs are on September 26 and are an add-on, optional item). Below you will find a list of our 2012 champion communicators, their bios, and a description of their session talk.
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Dennis Rainey
President and CEO of FamilyLife, a subsidiary of Campus Crusade for ChristConference Focus - TBA
More about Dennis Rainey…Dennis Rainey is the President and CEO of FamilyLife, a subsidiary of Campus Crusade for Christ. Since the organization began in 1976, Dennis’ leadership has enabled FamilyLife to grow into a dynamic and vital ministry that offers families blueprints for living godly lives.
Dennis has authored or co-authored more than two dozen books including the best selling Moments Together for Couples and Staying Close. He has also received two Golden Medallion Awards from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dennis serves as the senior editor of the HomeBuilders Couples Series® which has sold over 2.5 million copies and has been translated into 47 languages.
A powerful and effective communicator, Dennis can be heard daily as co-host of the nationally syndicated radio program FamilyLife Today®. For his work in radio, Dennis was the recipient of the National Religious Broadcasters Radio Program of the Year Award twice. Dennis serves on the Board of Directors of FamilyLife and Dallas Theological Seminary. He has also served in the past as a member of the Board of Directors for the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).
Dennis has spoken at numerous Weekend to Remember Marriage Getaways across the United States and internationally, but also for Promise Keepers events, YPO University, Fellowship Forum and at FamilyLife’s I Still Do® and Rekindling the Romance® events. He has testified on family issues before Congress and has appeared on numerous radio and television programs.
Dennis earned a degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas and a master’s degree in Biblical studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. He also holds an honorary doctorate from Trinity Evangelical University and Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois.
Dennis and Barbara have been married since 1972 and love laughing with their six children and seventeen grandchildren. In his spare time, Dennis enjoys helping Barbara in her garden, reading great books, and pursuing his passions for hunting and fishing.
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Pete Wilson
Founding pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville, Tennessee and author of Plan BConference Focus - TBA
More about Pete Wilson…Pete Wilson is the founding pastor of Cross Point Community Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Cross Point is an eight-year-old church that reaches over 5,000 each weekend through its five campuses located around the metro Nashville area. Pete is a pastor, speaker, author and blogger who resides in Nashville with his wife Brandi and their three boys, Jett, Gage, and Brewer. Pete’s first book Plan B was released in the spring of 2010 through Thomas Nelson Publishing. It has been translated into five languages and is available wherever books are sold. Also available is the Plan B Curriculum Putting Plan B into Action which includes a 6-week DVD study with Participant’s Guide. Pete’s highly anticipated second book Empty Promises is set to release in early 2012.
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Bryan Loritts
Lead Pastor of Fellowship Memphis Church, a multicultural church ministering to the urban Memphis communityConference Focus - TBA
More about Bryan Loritts…Bryan is the Lead Pastor of Fellowship Memphis Church, a multicultural church ministering to the urban Memphis community. Bryan has a Master’s Degree in Theology and is currently working on his PhD. In addition to serving the community of Memphis, Bryan’s ministry takes him across the country as he speaks to thousands annually at churches, conferences, and retreats. He is the author of God on Paper and his new book A Cross Shaped Gospel. He was also a contributing author for the book entitled Great Preaching. Bryan was recently voted as one of the top thirty emerging Christian leaders in the country by Outreach magazine. Bryan is married to Korie, and is the father of three sons: Quentin, Myles, and Jaden.
You can follow Bryan on twitter: @bcloritts.
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Laura Story
Worship Leader at D6 and CCM artist best known for her single "Blessings"Conference Focus - Laura will be leading worship at D6 on Friday September 28.
More about Laura Story…Laura Story began her music career in 1996 playing bass guitar in the band Silers Bald at Columbia International University. She left the band in 2002 and wrote the No. 1 worship hit Indescribable, which was recorded in 2004 by Chris Tomlin. The next year she married Martin Elvington, moved to Atlanta, GA, and began working in music and women’s ministry at the 4,000-member Perimeter Church.
In May 2011 Story released her fourth album Blessings. This has become her biggest commercial success having debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart, giving Story her highest placement ever on the album chart. In June 2011, the first single off the album also titled “Blessings” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Songs chart, giving Story her first number one hit and making her one of the few female Christian artists to ever reach the top of the singles chart.
“Blessings is a bunch of songs about worshipping when life is hard”. Amidst her success, her husband was hospitalized with a brain tumor in 2006. In an interview, Story said “Martin hasn’t received complete healing—and that can be hard at times when we view God as all-powerful and all-loving. But here we are now saying,‘Yes, this is how faith works.’ God has proven to be faithful. We have been truly blessed out of a circumstance that at first didn’t seem like much of a blessing at all.”
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Richard Ross
Professor to the next generation of youth ministers at Southwestern Seminary in Fort WorthConference Focus - Concentric Circles of the D6 Movement
The D6 movement begins with a believer standing alone in an inner circle. The movement invites that believer to experience an awakening to much more of who Christ is. Such an awakening to the majesty of the Son leads to deep adoration, a desire to abide in Christ, and living to display His glory. In the next circle out, the believer joins the Spirit in awakening a spouse to the glory of God in the face of Christ. With hearts intertwined, they begin abiding in Christ in entirely new ways—because of their awakening. In the next circle out, the couple joins the Spirit in awakening their children to the glory of Christ. They guide the entire family to abide in Christ—together and individually—because of this awakening. In the next circle out, the family goes where Christ already is—locally and globally—and they do what He is doing. They invite his Spirit to live through them to bring Christ’s kingdom on earth for the glory of God.
God is unpredictable and tends to break out in unexpected ways. Even so, his normative way of bringing awakening to his people is through leaders. Church leader, awakening in the home most likely will come because awakening has begun in you. As you wake up to much more of who Christ is, begin to adore him more deeply, abide in him, and lead your spouse and children to do the same—then you may well see the families of your church move in the same direction—for the display of his eternal glory.
More about Richard Ross…Richard Ross is professor to the next generation of youth ministers at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth. Since its inception, Richard has served as the spokesperson for the international True Love Waits movement. Richard is husband to LaJuana, who has joined him in a lifetime of loving teenagers. They are parents of Clayton, age 19. Richard served as youth minister for thirty years and now is a volunteer with teenagers and parents at Wedgwood Baptist in Fort Worth.
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Tim Elmore
Founder and President of Growing LeadersConference Focus - Beyond Artificial Maturity - Because of the ubiquitous technology available on our phones and at our fingertips, we are raising, not Generation Y, but Generation iY. They’ve grown up on-line, impacted by the iWorld. This is both good news and bad news. In short, the dilemma can be described this way: Children are over-exposed to information, far earlier than they are ready. Children are under-exposed to real-life experience, until it’s often too late. This over-exposure / under-exposure produces artificial maturity. During this session we will discuss how to best connect with students to turn artificial maturity into authentic maturity.
More about Tim Elmore…Dr. Tim Elmore is the founder and president of Growing Leaders (GrowingLeaders.com), an Atlanta-based non-profit organization which serves public schools, state universities and civic organizations, as well as faith-based organizations and churches. The mission is to develop young leaders who will transform society, with a goal of equipping and mobilizing 1% of the world’s population under the age of 25 (30 million students) to think and act like authentic, life-giving leaders. Resources developed and used by the team include Habitudes - a four-book series to develop leadership habits and attitudes, Habitudes for Athletes - a program to develop leadership habits and attitudes on athletic teams, and Habitudes Course - a three-credit leadership survey course for colleges and universities.
Elmore has written more than 20 books, including the best-selling Habitudes: Images that Form Leadership Habits and Attitudes, Life Giving Mentors and Nurturing the Leader within Your Child.
His newest book Generation iY: Our Last Chance to Save Their Future was released in August 2010.Elmore has worked alongside internationally recognized leadership expert Dr. John Maxwell for the past 25 years. According to Maxwell, “No one teaches leadership better than Tim Elmore.”
Elmore lives in Atlanta with his wife, Pam, and his two children, Bethany and Jonathan.
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Aaron Shust
Worship Leader at D6 & Award Winning Christian ArtistConference Focus - Aaron will be leading worship at D6 on Thursday September 27.
More about Aaron Shust…Aaron Shust is a Georgia-based worship leader, father of two sons (2 years and 6 months), a Compassion International musician, and a winner of three Dove Awards (Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, New Artist of the Year) for his debut project Anything Worth Saying, “My Savior, My God”. His follow-up album, Whispered and Shouted, is a compelling mixture of swelling strings and quiet ruminations.
Aaron’s next album, Take Over, “is an album about submission and a relinquishing of control…about admitting that it is not from our own efforts that we can achieve anything…but only through what Christ has done on the cross that we have any hope.” Partnering with some of the most respected songsmiths in the industry (including Brandon Heath, Matt Bronleewe, Ian Eskelin, Matthew West, Doug McKelvey, and Jason Ingram), Aaron says the experience humbled him, stretched him, and helped him to rediscover himself as a songwriter.
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Sean McDowell
One of the top Apologists in the United States...with some mad ping pong skillsConference Focus - Is Pornography really a big problem with our kids and teens?
Pornography is more accessible, accepted, and aggressive than ever before. It is a HUGE problem for young people, including Christian teens. Studies show that viewing porn affects how we view ourselves, other people, and God. It even physically changes the structure of the brain and hurts our ability to develop loving, lasting relationships. This session will provide insight, hope, and direction for how to avoid the snare of pornography and to help our kids and teens discern and navigate in our complicated culture.
More about Sean McDowell…Sean McDowell is Department Head of the Bible Division at Capistrano Valley Christian Schools, where he also teaches Philosophy, Theology, and Apologetics. Sean is listed among the top 100 apologists in the country, and is presently pursuing his Ph.D. in Apologetics and Worldview Studies from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
A frequent speaker at camps, churches, and universities, Sean is also a speaker at many organizations, including Focus on the Family and Campus Crusade for Christ, and has appeared as a radio show guest on Point of View, the Michael Reagan Show and many others. Sean is also the national spokesman for Wheatstone Academy (www.wheatstoneacademy.com).
Sean is the co-author of numerous books including Is God Just a Human Invention? (Kregel, 2010), Understanding Intelligent Design, along with William A. Dembski (Harvest House, 2008), and The Apologetics Study Bible for Students (Broadman Holman, 2009).
He has also written Ethix: Being Bold in a Whatever World (BH, 2006).Catch up with Sean on his blog (www.conversantlife.com). You may even find him bragging about his ping-pong skills.
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Josh Griffin
High School Pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CAConference Focus - Josh will be co-emceeing with Mark Matlock. Josh has over 15 years of ministry experience and a huge heart for students and those who work with students and families.
More about Josh Griffin…Josh Griffin is the High School Pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA. He is a father of four and has been in full-time youth ministry for 15 years. He is the author of 99 Thoughts for Youth Workers, 99 Thoughts for Small Group Leaders, and co-authored Live Large. Be Different. Shine Bright. with Doug Fields. Josh speaks a little, writes a little http://www.morethandodgeball.com/youth-ministries/books-and-sermon-series-by-josh-griffin.html , Twitters a bit http://www.twitter.com/joshuagriffin (@joshuagriffin) and blogs a lot. More than 20,000 youth workers visit his blog, www.MoreThanDodgeball.com for insight, ideas and fun.
For more on Josh, check out http://www.morethandodgeball.com/about/
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Beth Guckenberger
Orphan Care and Adoption Advocate - Executive Director of Back2Back MinistriesConference Focus - Using Scripture and personal examples from her own life, missionary to orphans and mother to nine, Beth Guckenberger will share what it has meant to her to lean into God, the Storyweaver, and trust Him with each page.
She will guide you through a verse by verse explanation of Jesus’ teaching on ‘crossing the abyss’ (in order to reach the unreached) regardless of the opposition you or the families you minister to experience en route. Her real life stories of praying and watching God’s movement on behalf of the orphan will encourage you to not settle for what you can provide for yourself, but trust in the One who invited you into a bigger story. He has long been writing it and is calling you to believe regardless where you find yourself . . . and that story isn’t over yet.Come join Beth for her challenging and compelling session. You will be inspired to lead parents, students, and kids to an abiding life in Christ filled with compassion for those who are most in need of what the Storyweaver can provide.
More about Beth Guckenberger…Beth and Todd Guckenberger serve as executive directors of Back2Back
Ministries. Currently, their ministry has operations in Mexico, India,
Nigeria and Haiti. They have lived in Monterrey, Mexico, since 1997 and
since that time have hosted thousands of guests on their ministry
campus. Beth is a regular speaker for church services and retreats, and
enjoys communicating how God is moving in her life. She is the author
of Reckless Faith (Zondervan, 2008), Relentless Hope (Standard, 2011)
and Tales of the Not Forgotten (Standard, 2012). Beth and her husband,
Todd, are parents to nine children (three biological, three through
adoption, and three through long-term foster care). -
Mark Matlock
Executive Director of Youth Specialties and Founder of WisdomWorks Ministries and PlanetWisdom.comConference Focus - Mark Matlock is the lead Emcee. Mark works with students, student ministers, and churches from all across the country and has a passion and track record for discipleship, family ministry, and biblical parenting. He is creative, funny, and filled with scriptural insight. Mark has the unique ability to weave together the different personalities and content in live event settings in a way that makes the learning experience fun and interactive.
More about Mark Matlock…Mark Matlock is passionate about discipleship and the transformational power of the Word. For more than 15 years he has worked with students, and his remarkable teaching style engages teenagers in a way that they really connect with what he's talking about. Incorporating wacky fun into his messages, students never know what to expect next from Mark. The founder of WisdomWorks and an ordained minister, Mark is committed to coming along youth leaders in the local church, and his hope is to challenge and equip students for lifelong faith. He is currently a Sr. leader with Youth Specialties. Mark can be heard regularly on Christian radio with the nationally-syndicated WisdomWorks Radio segments. He's also the author of several books for students including his latest, What Does God Want From Me, Living a Life That Matters, Don't Buy the Lie, Smart Faith, Freshman, and Dirty Faith. On the web: www.planetwisdom.com
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The Skit Guys
Two guys who are really good friends and like to do skits togetherConference Focus - The Skit Guys will be providing comic relief as well as weaving thematic illustrations to make the conference experience and content come alive.
More about The Skit Guys…Tommy Woodard and Eddie James are The Skit Guys. They have been best friends since high school. Think of them as the wise guys in class who had everyone laughing and managed to make a career out of it. They’ve been teaching God’s word using comedy, drama and whatever category talking action figures fit into for over twenty years. They recently released two new books through Zondervan called, Instant Skits and Skits That Teach. They have also produced other plays, skits, and videos covering a wide variety of topics that are available to download through their website.
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Tyler Torti
One funny dude that will leave you speechless. Check out more from Tyler last year here: http://vimeo.com/29491323Conference Focus - Tyler’s primary role at D6 is to help deliver the “really” important information . . . but with style. Information like the nearest restroom, what’s coming up after the break, and where you can meet up with Pete Wilson after he speaks. You can watch one of his 2011 videos here: http://vimeo.com/29491323 OR you can meet up with him on twitter to book him for your next event: @TylerTorti
More about Tyler Torti…Tyler Torti is a creative writer with a unique comedic style that he began developing as a film & stage actor at the age of 15. Over the past decade, Tyler has been heavily involved in the creative process of both film and television productions, developing television concepts for A&E, GAC & Gospel Music Channel. His short film, “Love at First Sight” was selected for the Vine Shorts Fest 2008, Nashville Film Festival 2008 and the San Francisco Film Festival 2009. Keeping up with the rising popularity and immediacy of online video content, Tyler has also co-written three viral comedic sketches that have each generated over two million views. Driven by a passion to develop quality content no matter the outlet, Tyler’s creativity offers a spark that leaves viewers wanting more.
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