John Lindell, pastor, speaker, and author of Soul Set Free, and New Normal, is known for his powerful and dynamic verse-by-verse teaching of God’s Word. For over thirty-one years, John and his wife, Debbie, have served together as the Lead Pastors of James River Church, a faith-filled, multisite church with six campuses reaching the world with the gospel. John and Debbie have two married sons, David and Brandon; a daughter, Savannah; and eight grandchildren.

Chad Gilligan serves as the lead pastor of Calvary Church outside Toledo, OH. Pastor Chad presents culturally relevant, down-to-earth biblical teaching in our Calvary LIVE services. He leads Calvary’s team in fulfilling God’s vision for the church. Chad spent the first season of his ministry as a children’s pastor and served under the leadership of Doug Clay. When Pastor Clay transitioned to a district leadership role, Chad made the transition from Children’s Pastor to Lead Pastor and continues to serve in that capacity today.

Austin Westlake is a third generation Assemblies Of God minister who heard the call to preach at the age of 16 while attending the Assemblies of God National Youth Convention. He went on to attend Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri where he met his wife Lauren. Upon graduating from CBC, Austin and Lauren became youth pastors at Sheffield Family Life Center, an inner-city church located in Kansas City, Missouri.

In 2018 the Westlakes stepped into the role of District Youth Directors for the Southern Missouri District of the Assemblies of God. As DYDs the Westlakes have had the opportunity to lead thousands of students and leaders through camps, conferences, and global missions initiatives. After almost four years at the SOMO District Office, the Westlakes began a new season by joining the AG National Youth Ministries team as the Director of Student Discipleship where they look forward to winning, building, and sending the next generation of AG students. Together Austin and Lauren have two children; Jude and Quinn.

Peter Reeves is a licensed minister who speaks and trains leaders all over the United States. Peter speaks to over 30,000 people a year, and he has a passion to see people experience and operate in the power of God. Peter is best known for traveling the nation and speaking to both youth and young adults. In addition to traveling, he is currently the Next Generation Pastor at Mount Hope Church, in Lansing Michigan, where he lives with his wife, Joanna, and two beautiful babies.

Why are NextGen students adopting LGBTQ identities at an alarming rate? What does the Bible say about sexual orientation and gender identity? How should we respond to students who identify as LGBTQ? What about transgender pronouns? Dr. Seiler will address these questions and more, sharing from both her PhD research and her own journey out of same-sex attractions and transgender desires. You will be equipped with a biblical, scientific, and pastoral response to LGBTQ and get connected to ongoing LGBTQ ministry resources to keep you on the cutting edge.

For decades, Linda felt like a man trapped in a female body and was exclusively attracted to women. Today, she is content in a female body and wholly attracted to men, offering a unique, compassionate perspective as one who has struggled with her own sexuality and gender identity. For more info about Dr. Seiler as well as helpful resources on LGBT issues, visit www.lindaseiler.com and www.restoryministries.org.

Master Class: Discipleship Moves at the Speed of Relationships

What can Next Gen leaders do to help students continue to grow in their faith after they graduate from our ministry? Don't believe the false stats of students leaving Christianity. Steve conducted a 5-year study of Assemblies of God youth to determine what factors help students become more like Jesus. This session explores our relationship with the Holy Spirit, the impact of parents, and small groups as catalysts for disciples making disciples.

Steve conducted a 5-year study of Assemblies of God youth to determine what factors help students grow in their faith. Steve serves as the Vice President of Convoy of Hope’s Education Network. He facilitates opportunities for education and involvement in compassion so the next generation can serve the impoverished, suffering, and marginalized. Steve has been involved in local church youth ministry for decades. He earned a Ph.D. in intercultural studies and has traveled to more than 50 countries tasting coffee, taking photos, and helping those in need. The best things about Steve are his wife, Melissa, their sons, Nathan and Colin, and his dog Murphy.

Master Class: Building Partnerships Between Churches & Families

If you don’t have a parent strategy as part of your NextGen strategy, you’re doing ministry with one arm tied behind your back. Let’s influence the influencers. Leading the Assemblies of God through a 5-year project focused on discipleship, Julie and Elly are launching a visionary strategy to strengthen the discipleship of families in our local church. This session will discuss best practices and practical tips to connect home and church to strengthen relationships and champion the home.

Julie Pratt is the Assemblies of God Children’s Ministries Director of Discipleship and has a long history of involvement in kids and family ministry including the local church, Christian Higher Education, and as a ministry consultant. Julie is passionate about child discipleship, and the role of the church and the family in helping lead children to become lifelong followers of Jesus.

Master Class: Building Partnerships Between Churches & Families

If you don’t have a parent strategy as part of your NextGen strategy, you’re doing ministry with one arm tied behind your back. Let’s influence the influencers. Leading the Assemblies of God through a 5-year project focused on discipleship, Julie and Elly are launching a visionary strategy to strengthen the discipleship of families in our local church. This session will discuss best practices and practical tips to connect home and church to strengthen relationships and champion the home.

Elly Marroquin, the National Director of the Assemblies of God Christian Education and Discipleship Department, desires to see an intergenerational, Spirit-empowered church demonstrating a growing knowledge of God’s word.

Formerly, she and her husband, Sergio, pastored Prince of Peace Church in Garfield, NJ which they planted in 2000. Elly has two masters degrees in Bilingual Education and Educational Leadership. Elly has served as the Spanish Eastern Director of Christian Education where she oversaw 491 churches in 16 states and 80 schools of ministry. She currently serves on the board at the University of Valley Forge.