Biographies - A. Larry Ross Communications

Biographies West Coast Speakers Christine Caine Christine Caine has a heart for reaching the lost, equipping leaders, empowering the local church and championing the cause of justice. Christine travels the world teaching the Gospel and inspiring her audiences to connect with their God-­‐given purpose and potential. As director of Equip and Empower Ministries, Christine is an avid believer in the hope-­‐giving power of the local church and is passionate about the responsibility of the church to rise up and make a difference in the lives of hurting people around the world. Christine and her husband are the founders of The A21 Campaign, an anti-­‐human trafficking organization with the ambition of abolishing slavery in the 21st century. She is the author of “UNDAUNTED, A Life Unleashed, The Core Issue, Run To Win, and Can I Have (and do) It All, Please?” but Christine says her proudest accomplishment is being Nick’s wife and Catherine and Sophia’s mom. At Women of Faith conferences Christine will be sharing about living a life of faith. “I want women to know they were born with a purpose and that they can rise up and do anything God has called them to do and be anything God has called them to be,” said Christine when asked what she hopes women will take away from this year’s Women of Faith conferences. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo_VMhfCsxM&list=PLzGoCdmXR9w7Pnjig-­‐
laflvs0kNzb7Kpd&index=4 Lisa Harper Lisa Harper provides a fresh take on the Scriptures. The author of 10 books including her latest, “Stumbling Into Grace: Confessions of a Sometimes Spiritually Clumsy Woman,” Lisa spent six years as the director of Focus on the Family’s national women’s ministry where she created the popular Renewing the Heart conferences, attended by almost 200,000 women. She then spent six years as the women’s ministry director at a large church in Nashville. Her academic resume includes a Masters of Theological Studies with honors from Covenant Seminary in St. Louis. When recently asked about her accomplishments she responded with a grin saying, "I'm definitely grateful for the opportunities God's given me; but don't forget, He often uses donkeys and rocks!" Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO-­‐fp2l2mPg&list=PLzGoCdmXR9w7Pnjig-­‐
laflvs0kNzb7Kpd&index=7 -­‐more-­‐ http://www.alarryross.com/newsroom/womenoffaith Women of Faith West Coast Speaker Biographies, page 2 Angela Thomas Angela Thomas is the best-­‐selling author of over 16 books including: “Choosing Joy,” “52 Things Kids Need from a Mom,” “Do You Know Who I Am?” “Do You Think I’m Beautiful?” and “My Single Mom Life.” Known for her passionate heart and story-­‐telling humor, Angela is a gifted Bible teacher who speaks to thousands of women each year. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Dallas Theological Seminary, Angela has written and filmed five DVD Bible studies including “Brave” and “When Wallflowers Dance.” Her sixth study “Stronger” is due out in 2013. “I hope to communicate this one thing above all… Jesus Christ can change everything. Hallelujah and amen,” says Angela. Angela is wife to Scott Pharr and mother of four. They live in Greensboro, N.C. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hGUVCwpA6Q&list=PLzGoCdmXR9w7Pnjig-­‐
laflvs0kNzb7Kpd&index=3 Lysa TerKeurst Lysa TerKeurst is the New York Times bestselling author of “Made to Crave” and “Unglued,” as well as 14 other titles. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa and her team saw over 4,000 women make a personal commitment to Jesus in 2012. They reach nearly 700,000 women daily through their online devotion “Encouragement for Today” and thousands more through the Proverbs 31 radio program playing on 1,200 radio outlets daily. She is currently working on her next book, “The Best Yes,” about how God’s wisdom can help women know with confidence how to use the two most powerful words – yes and no. This year at Women of Faith conferences Lysa hopes to encourage women to “live a great adventure with Jesus.” She lives in North Carolina with her husband, Art, their five kids and three dogs. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUsU_vOmC_o&list=PLzGoCdmXR9w7Pnjig-­‐
laflvs0kNzb7Kpd&index=8 -­‐more-­‐ http://www.alarryross.com/newsroom/womenoffaith Women of Faith West Coast Speaker Biographies, page 3 Lisa Bevere International speaker, best-­‐selling author and co-­‐host of The Messenger television program (seen in more than 200 countries), Lisa Bevere shares God’s Word woven with personal experiences to empower lives with freedom and transformation. “Let’s be what we were created to be,” she says, “and honor Him.” Her heart breaks over social injustice, and as an advocate for change, she rallies others to be an answer to desperate problems near and far. Lisa and her husband, John, founded Messenger International in 1990. In over two decades of ministry, their God-­‐entrusted messages have transformed millions of lives worldwide. At Women of Faith conferences Lisa will be sharing from her book, “Lioness Arising: Wake Up and Change Your World.” “I want women to leave with the realization that they were created with the power to change their world,” Lisa said when asked what she hopes to communicate to women at Women of Faith conferences. Her most recent book, “Girls With Swords: How to Carry Your Cross Like a Hero,” was released in February 2013 and encourages readers to study and wield the Word of God. Jen Hatmaker Jen Hatmaker and her husband, Brandon, live in Austin, Texas, where they lead Austin New Church and raise their brood. They pioneered Restore Austin, connecting churches to local and global non-­‐profits for the spiritual and social renewal of Austin and beyond. Jen speaks at events all around the country. She is the author of nine books and Bible studies, including “Interrupted and 7: An Experimental mutiny Against Excess.” Jen and Brandon have five children: Gavin – 14, Sydney – 12 and Caleb -­‐10, and they recently felt called to adopt, adding Ben – 9 and Remy – 7 from Ethiopia to their family. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ6OMBx31gk&list=PLzGoCdmXR9w7Pnjig-­‐
laflvs0kNzb7Kpd&index=6 Patsy Clairmont A teenage runaway and former agoraphobic, Patsy Clairmont never imagined the expansive plans God had in mind for her. For the past 35 years Patsy has been traipsing throughout the U.S. and Canada, interspersed with trips to Israel and Africa, to speak to millions of men and women offering spiritual and emotional hope. Patsy has written books in several genres including devotional, fiction, children’s and gift offerings. She is one of the founding speakers at Women of Faith and trains people for the platform. -­‐more-­‐ http://www.alarryross.com/newsroom/womenoffaith Women of Faith West Coast Speaker Biographies, page 4 Patsy is the author of the best-­‐selling books “God Uses Cracked Pots,” “Normal is Just a Setting on Your Dryer,” “Under His Wings,” “Sportin’ a ‘Tude,” “Tea with Patsy Clairmont,” “It’s About Home: Creating a Place to Cherish,” “I Love Being a Woman,” “Stepping Stones: A Garden Path,” “Mending Your Heart in a Broken World,” “The Hat Box,” “The Shoe Box,” “I Grew Up Little” and “Pillow Prayers,” “All Cracked Up,” “Dancing Bones,” “Living Lively in the Valley,” “I Second that Emotion,” “Catching Fireflies,” “Kaleidoscope” and “Stained Glass Hearts.” Ann Voskamp Ann Voskamp is a farmer’s wife and a home-­‐educating mother to a half-­‐dozen exuberant kids and the author of “One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are,” a New York Times Bestseller for more than a year now. She calls herself “a bit of a mess,” but was named by Christianity Today as one of the leading 50 women most shaping culture and the church today. Ann writes for DaySprings’s (in)Courage and is a contributing editor for The High Calling. She has been featured on NBC’s “TODAY” show with Kathie Lee Gifford and appeared in WORLD Magazine and Focus on the Family Magazine. Natalie Grant As a powerhouse vocalist, heart-­‐gripping songwriter and charismatic performer, GRAMMY-­‐nominated Natalie Grant has sold over 1 million records and has been awarded the GMA Dove Award for Female Vocalist of the Year five times. Yet, it is the message of the Gospel and the revolutionary power of love it carries that she waves as her banner and hope. An outspoken advocate for victims of human trafficking through her organization Abolition International, Natalie possesses an unshakeable determination to remind us of the simple significance of love and the revolutionary power that it carries. Sheryl Brady A pastor, author and recording artist, Sheryl Brady has traveled extensively around the globe for more than 30 years helping people recognize they have untapped talents, unclaimed abilities and unknown gifts waiting to be discovered inside of them. She has been a featured guest on multiple television networks and was the first female speaker ever at ManPower 2010, the men’s-­‐only conference hosted by Bishop T.D. Jakes. Sheryl serves as the campus pastor of Potter’s House of North Dallas, focusing on family-­‐centric outreach programs highlighted by her unique worship style and adherence to solid biblical principles. -­‐more-­‐ http://www.alarryross.com/newsroom/womenoffaith Women of Faith West Coast Speaker Biographies, page 5 Craig Groeschel Craig Groeschel is the author of several books including “Weird,” “The Christian Atheist” and “It.” His latest book, “Soul Detox,” empowers Christians to live pure lives in a sinful world. In 1996, Craig and a handful of people started Life Covenant Church in a two-­‐car garage. Today, Craig serves as Senior Pastor of multi-­‐campus church now known as LifeChurch.tv. Based in Edmond, Okla., LifeChurch.tv is considered the second largest church in the United States. Craig is married and has six children. Dave Stone A longtime minister, Dave Stone is Senior Pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, where he preaches truth to more than 22,000 people each weekend. He is also the author of the Faithful Families series, which offers parents creative ideas, real-­‐life stories and scriptural guidance to establish families who love God and actually enjoy being together. Jamie Grace Singer, musician and songwriter, Jamie Grace was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome at age 11. Her young life became a season of physical exhaustion, emotional stress and spiritual doubt. Yet, at age 13, Jamie Grace came to a life-­‐changing conclusion: “I knew, I’ve cried enough. It’s time to accept my joy. I have a story, and I’ve got to share it.” Today, Jamie is a GRAMMY-­‐nominated, self-­‐taught musician and plays six instruments. In 2012, Jamie won the “New Artist of the Year” GMA Dove Award. Judah Smith Judah Smith is the lead pastor of the City Church in Seattle, Wash., a 7,000-­‐member multi-­‐site congregation. Judah is a well-­‐known speaker at conferences and churches around the world. His humorous yet poignant messages demystify the Bible and show people who Jesus is in their everyday life. He has authored several books and is a popular voice on Twitter (@judahsmith). His newest book, “Jesus Is ___,” is released in 2013. -­‐more-­‐ http://www.alarryross.com/newsroom/womenoffaith Women of Faith West Coast Speaker Biographies, page 6 Anita Renfroe YouTube sensation, “phenome-­‐mom” Anita Renfroe loves making people laugh with her off-­‐the-­‐wall insights, music and trademark pop culture parodies. One of the country’s top female comediennes, with 20-­‐million-­‐plus YouTube views, Anita has been described as “this generation’s Erma Bombeck.” Some say she just says what everyone else is thinking, but won’t say out loud. Anita’s unique brand of musical comedy and blend of sass, edge and slightly offbeat humor have landed her multiple appearances on top TV shows, sold-­‐out events and a recent debut at the Grand Ole Opry. Priscilla Shirer A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary with a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies, Priscilla Shirer loves nothing more than to serve her sisters in Christ through the teaching of God’s Word. She has authored 10 video-­‐driven studies, including her newest, “Gideon: Your Weakness. God’s Strength,” and published numerous books, most recently the New York Times Bestseller, “The Resolution for Women.” Priscilla is married to Jerry; between studying and writing, she spends most of her time cleaning up after (and trying to satisfy the appetites of) their three growing boys. Rich Stearns Rich Stearns is President of World Vision U.S., one of the world’s largest nonprofit humanitarian organizations. In 1998, in the midst of a lucrative business career as the CEO of Lenox, Inc., he felt an unexpected, irresistible call to exchange “success” for service to those affected by poverty and injustice. Since then he has tirelessly exhorted the American church to recognize and respond to God’s heart for children and families in need. Rich is the author of “The Hole in Our Gospel” and “Unfinished.” Rick Godwin Rick Godwin is Founder and Senior Pastor of Summit Christian Center in San Antonio, Texas, a contemporary, multi-­‐cultural congregation. Rick’s passion is to challenge people to pursue their dreams and live life at the highest possible level. He believes that influence comes through service and is dedicated to helping people see how they can positively impact the community in which they live. His message is one that is real, raw and relevant. Rick challenges mindsets of mediocrity, launching people into destiny and encouraging them to live out loud. -­‐more-­‐ http://www.alarryross.com/newsroom/womenoffaith Women of Faith West Coast Speaker Biographies, page 7 Rick Warren A global strategist, philanthropist, pastor and author, Rick Warren is the author of “The Purpose Driven Life,” a book that has helped millions of people around the globe answer the question, “What on earth am I here for?” Rick founded Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., in 1980; today that church is described by some as “America’s most influential congregation.” Rick’s simple, straightforward style, practical insights and Bible-­‐based principles have led to speaking engagements at Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, the World Economic Forum in Davos, the United Nations, TED and numerous other places. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from California Baptist University, a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. Rick is also on Twitter at @RickWarren. Musical Talent Kari Jobe Kari Jobe established herself as one of the industry’s premier worship leaders with her GMA Dove Award-­‐wining, self-­‐titled album. Her later release, “Where I Find You,” was nominated for the Best Contemporary Christian Music Album GRAMMY Award. Kari serves as a worship pastor at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. “It’s all about making a difference,” Kari says. “That’s the reason I’m doing what I’m doing at this specific moment – to see God’s name lifted high, to encourage the hurt and the broken and to remind everyone to draw close to Him because He really, truly does care about each and every one of His children.” MercyMe MercyMe is a GRAMMY-­‐nominated, American Music Award and multiple GMA Dove Award-­‐winning band producing anthems and engaging pop songs, along with more worshipful, intimate numbers. MercyMe has enjoyed an unbroken streak of No. 1 singles that began in 2001 with the worldwide hit “I Can Only Imagine.” Lead singer Bart Millard says the band’s music seems to help people “get to a better place.” Along with Bart, the band consists of guitarists Mike Scheuchzer and Barry Graul, bassist Nathan Cochran and drummer Robby Shaffer. http://www.alarryross.com/newsroom/womenoffaith