Biographies - A. Larry Ross Communications

Biographies East Coast Speakers Sheila Walsh Originally from Scotland, Sheila Walsh is a speaker, singer and multi-­‐talented author with more than 4 million books sold. Shelia began as a contemporary Christian recording artist after finishing studies in theology from London Bible College in 1979. Prior to joining Women of Faith, Sheila co-­‐hosted CBN’s “The 700 Club” and her own talk show “Heart to Heart with Sheila Walsh” on the Family Channel (ABC Family). Shelia is an award-­‐winning author of the book and video series for children, “Gigi and God’s Little Princess.” She is currently working on completing her Master’s degree in Divinity. She lives in Texas with her husband, Barry, son, Christian, and two little white dogs, Belle and Tink. Shelia will be speaking on her most recent book, “God Loves Broken People” at the Women of Faith conferences tour. “I hope to communicate the fiery love and mercy of God that will enable us all to rise up and change our world for Christ,” said Shelia when asked what she hopes to teach women at this year’s event. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJzoGz70JYU&list=PLzGoCdmXR9w7Pnjig-­‐
laflvs0kNzb7Kpd&index=2 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 Holly Wagner Holly and her husband Philip are the Pastors of Oasis Church – a growing, relevant, multi-­‐cultural church located in Los Angeles. She and Philip have taught many relationship seminars around the world and are committed to healthy marriages. Holly is passionate about seeing women become who God has designed them to become, and to see every generation of women extend a helping hand to the next generation. Through the women’s ministry of Oasis, “GodChicks,” she has empowered thousands of women around the world. Holly has written several books including “GodChicks,” “Daily steps for GodChicks,” “WarriorChicks,” “GodChicks and the Men They Love” and “Awakened.” Holly has been featured on numerous TV shows; including “Fox Family’s Parenting Show,” “Dick Clark’s The Other Half,” “Berman and Berman,” TBN’s “Praise the Lord” and “JCTV” and CBN’s “The 700 Club.” Being a breast cancer survivor Holly says, “After navigating breast cancer I learned what it means to be strong in the middle of a battle, and I hope to inspire others to be strong in the middle of whatever battle they might be in.” Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELpfzcQVNBo&list=PLzGoCdmXR9w7Pnjig-­‐
laflvs0kNzb7Kpd&index=5 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. -­‐more-­‐ http://www.alarryross.com/newsroom/womenoffaith Women of Faith West Coast Speaker Biographies, page 3 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 Angie Smith Popular author, speaker and blogger Angie Smith is the proud wife of Todd, lead singer of GMA Dove Award-­‐winning group Selah, and mommy to Abby, Ellie, Kate, Charlotte, and Audrey Caroline, who passed away the day she was born, April 7, 2008. Angie was inspired to write Audrey’s story, and began a blog in honor of her daughter, which led to Angie’s book “I Will Carry You.” Angie is also the author of several other books such as “What Women Fear” and co-­‐writer of the song “I Will Carry You,” which is found on Selah’s album, “You Deliver Me.” Angie, Todd, and their daughters live in Tennessee. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKMvFU7sp3c&list=PLzGoCdmXR9w7Pnjig-­‐
laflvs0kNzb7Kpd&index=1 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 4 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. Liz Curtis Higgs Liz Curtis Higgs’ messages are biblical, encouraging, down-­‐to-­‐earth, and profoundly funny, helping both women of faith and seekers embrace the truth of God’s amazing, unchanging grace. She’s an award-­‐winning speaker, Bible teacher, radio personality and best-­‐selling author of 30 books for adults and children including her nonfiction bestseller, “Bad Girls of the Bible,” her fiction bestseller, “Thorn in My Heart,” and her children’s Parable Series, awarded the ECPA Gold Medallion for Excellence in 1998. Liz has presented more than 1,600 inspirational programs for audiences in all 50 states and 11 foreign countries. Mark Lowry Mark Lowry has been singing publicly and recording albums and videos for over 40 years. In 1984, Mark wrote the lyrics to a song that would establish his status as a songwriter forever. “Mary, Did You Know?” has been recorded by more than 30 different artists and has become a modern Christmas standard. Mark has recorded six comedy and music videos, four of which have gone “Gold” and two of which have achieved “Platinum” status. He is a long-­‐time member of the Gaither Vocal Band and has appeared on “most all” of the 100-­‐plus Gaither Homecoming videos, often as a co-­‐host. Ken Davis Ken Davis is a best-­‐selling author, frequent radio and television guest, and one of the countries’ most sought-­‐after inspirational and motivational speakers. His latest book, “Fully Alive,” is helping thousands who felt stuck in life live with excitement and purpose again. Ken’s daily radio show, “Lighten Up!,” is heard on over 1,500 stations in the United States and around the world. He and his wife Diane live in Tennessee and have two married daughters and six grandchildren. The entire family is involved in Ken’s ministry, bringing laughter and liberating truth to people around the world. -­‐more-­‐ http://www.alarryross.com/newsroom/womenoffaith Women of Faith West Coast Speaker Biographies, page 5 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. 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. Max Lucado The only author to have won three Christian Book of the Year awards, Max Lucado loves to craft sentences that are memorable, inspiring and hopefully life-­‐changing. Over 100 million readers have found comfort in Max’s writings and more than 80 million books filled with his words have been sold. Over the years, Max has been featured in countless national media outlets, dubbed “America’s Pastor” by Reader’s Digest, and even named one of the most influential leaders in social media by The New York Times. For 25 years Max has shared the message of grace and hope as the minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife Denalyn. He’s also the father of three grown daughters and one son-­‐in-­‐law. -­‐more-­‐ http://www.alarryross.com/newsroom/womenoffaith Women of Faith West Coast Speaker Biographies, page 6 Tullian Tchividjian William Graham Tullian Tchividjian (pronounced cha-­‐vi-­‐jin) is a respected pastor, author and speaker, who is singularly and passionately devoted to seeing people set free by the radical power of God’s amazing grace. A Florida native, Tullian is the Senior Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. He is also a visiting professor of theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Lecturer of Pastoral Theology at Knox Theological Seminary, a contributing editor to Leadership Journal and the grandson of Billy and Ruth Graham. Stovall Weems Stovall Weems is the founder and lead pastor of Celebration Church in Jacksonville, Fla. Celebration is a global, diverse, growing multisite church, with more than 12,000 people in weekly attendance. As a pastor, teacher, writer and sought-­‐after conference speaker, his ministry focuses on building the local church, reaching people with the gospel and developing passionate followers of Christ. Stovall and his wife Kerri have three children, Kaylan, Stovie and Annabelle. Musical Talent CeCe Winans Since her early days with brother BeBe – as part of the hit-­‐making duo BeBe & CeCe Winans – CeCe collected a seemingly endless list of accolades including best-­‐selling albums, widespread industry recognition and vast amounts of press coverage. What’s important to CeCe is not her gold and platinum-­‐certified albums or her multiple GRAMMY, Stellar and GMA Dove awards, but “the power of the living God and His awesomeness and His holiness.” Her music serves to remind us that “nothing is more powerful than when you are face to face with God.” Third Day A band of enormous depth and passion, Third Day’s current musical style ranges from Christian rock to acoustic pop-­‐rock. Their songs are about pressing on in difficult times, praying for change and hoping for better times. The band was founded by lead singer Mac Powell, guitarist Mark Lee and former member Billy Wilkins. The other band members include bassist Tai Anderson and drummer David Carr. Third Day has earned four GRAMMYs (11 total nominations), 24 GMA Dove Awards (42 total nominations), 1 RIAA Platinum album and 8 RIAA Gold albums. The band was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame on Sept. 19, 2009. http://www.alarryross.com/newsroom/womenoffaith