Keynotes
Allison Allen
With nearly three decades of speaking, acting and writing under her belt, Allison loves weaving Biblical teaching and narrative together in unexpected ways for audiences of all sizes, from social media to podcasting to in-person events.
Exploring themes of purpose, value, and identity in original and sometimes unexpected ways, Allison’s passion is to lead people toward encountering the compassionate God she knows.
Allison's two nationally published books, Shine and Thirsty for More (Revell), take readers into Allison's own experiences with the ups and downs of pursuing God's purpose for our lives, navigating dry seasons, and finding the beauty in hidden moments, even when they linger longer than we want them to.
See more about Allison at allisonallen.net.
Elizabeth Woodson
Elizabeth Woodson is the founder of The Woodson Institute, an organization that equips believers to understand and grow their Christian faith. She loves helping people internalize their faith and connect it practically to everyday life. With over a decade of experience in church ministry, Elizabeth is passionate about creating pathways for discipleship and theological education in the local church.
Most recently, Elizabeth worked on staff at The Village Church as The Institute Classes and Curriculum Director. She also worked on staff at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, under the leadership of Senior Pastor Dr. Tony Evans, leading the Singles Ministry.
See more about Elizabeth at thewoodsoninstitute.org.
Laura Story
“I gave up my pursuit of normal a long time ago,” writes worship leader and Christian recording artist Laura Story in her new book, So Long, Normal: Living and Loving the Free Fall of Faith. Laura continues, “Surprisingly, I can say this without shame or regret.”
Not only was she terrible at trying to be normal, she confesses, but somewhere along the way she realized that “normal” was a vapor: “Whenever it appeared within reach, I was unable to grasp it.” The unattainability of it made her realize that if she did achieve some semblance of normal, she might actually be bending low, settling for something less.
Story has written award-winning songs such as “Blessings” (which won a Grammy), “O Love of God” (which won a Dove Award), and Chris Tomlin’s “Indescribable,” (which was featured on his Dove Award-winning Album, Arriving).
See more about Laura at laurastorymusic.com.
Dan Mansfield
Dan Mansfield is a music teacher, composer and worship leader based in Rochester, MN. Originally from Cardiff, UK, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Johnna, and three sons aged 3, 6 and 7. He is passionate about combining congregational worship with intricate music, to praise God and make Him known.
Sharie Bland
Sharie is a Stellar Award Gospel Singer, song writer, and worship leader based in Rochester, MN. She was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. She holds many titles like wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, and worshipper. Sharie was fortunate to be born into a family of believers, faith, and praisers. Her family recognized that her calling was to encourage souls in need through the gift of song and music, and began to nurture that gift in Sharie. God and music have always been her family's legacy, which spans back over 100 years, and of which she is a benefactor.
Sharie, as a young adult, knew that God had gifted her with song, and from that point on she always remembered the heirloom of Christ that was passed down to her. Sharie would go on to sign major music contracts and travel the world singing the praise of God. Through it all, she learned to praise God in good times, uncertain circumstances, and in her darkest hours. This praising and trusting God were the very things that would bring her through all of life’s circumstances!
Spending quality time with family and friends, and seeing them start to acquire their own walk with the Lord, is a great joy for Sharie. She is enthusiastically enjoying the growth of her family, as she is a grandmother to six beautiful grandchildren.
Sharie says, "My life is a testament of God’s unfailing love. His undeserving grace and mercy are ours if we only trust him and follow him!" “But by the grace of God, I am what I am...” 1 Corinthians 15:10.
EPPIC Ministries
The purpose of EPPIC is to make new disciples for Christ and strengthen existing ones by presenting the gospel through pantomime, or the “gospel in mime.” Pantomime, given its visual nature, provides a unique and effective transmission of the Gospel across different cultures and languages. Therefore, EPPIC uses pantomime as an outreach tool and partners with local churches and organizations who provide for the disciples’ spiritual growth. To be effective in their outreach performances, they train their crew members in professional pantomime technique, while also discipling and encouraging crew members to grow in their personal faith. EPPIC stands for Each Person Personally In Christ, meaning their desire is to see as many individuals transformed by intimate relationships with Jesus as possible. Their crews are based locally, nationally, and internationally, and perform wherever God provides opportunity.
See more about EPPIC Ministries at eppicministries.org.