Some of our Featured Speakers
Our speakers are carefully chosen men of God with a history of God's use of them specifically to minister to students. These men are from an array of backgrounds. Some are lead Christian colleges, others are camp directors, some evangelists, some are master teachers and others are pastors. The SLC Board and Dr. Matt Williams insure that every conference will be led by men filled with the Spirit and skilled with preaching and teaching God's Word to teens. They will all connect with your teens.
Dr. Sam Horn
Dr. Sam Horn is the president-elect of The Master’s University and Seminary.
Prior to serving at The Master's University and Seminary, Horn was the Executive Vice President for Enrollment and Ministerial Advancement at Bob Jones University. Horn has also served as the president of Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Plymouth, Minnesota and in administrative roles at Northland International University.
In addition to his academic experience, Sam has extensive teaching and pastoral experience serving in various roles from youth pastor to senior pastor at churches in Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Sam, and his wife, Beth, have two children.
Prior to serving at The Master's University and Seminary, Horn was the Executive Vice President for Enrollment and Ministerial Advancement at Bob Jones University. Horn has also served as the president of Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Plymouth, Minnesota and in administrative roles at Northland International University.
In addition to his academic experience, Sam has extensive teaching and pastoral experience serving in various roles from youth pastor to senior pastor at churches in Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Sam, and his wife, Beth, have two children.
Keith Wiebe, Jr.
Pastor Wiebe Jr. is the Pastor of Grace Gospel Church in Huntington, WV.
Pastor Keith has a passion to see people introduced to Christ, and then experience the life change that comes from an understanding of and commitment to God's Word. One of his favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know of the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."
Keith and his wife Kim love being involved in life and ministry together. They enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, and the beach! They are the proud parents of two children, David and Danelle.
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Pastor Keith has a passion to see people introduced to Christ, and then experience the life change that comes from an understanding of and commitment to God's Word. One of his favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know of the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."
Keith and his wife Kim love being involved in life and ministry together. They enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, and the beach! They are the proud parents of two children, David and Danelle.
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Dr. Matt Williams - Founder
Matt Williams served full-time for 34 years on the pastoral staff at Tri-City Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. He was part of the college administration team at Northland Baptist Bible College before returning to the pastoral staff at Tri-City. He co-authored the book Biblical Leadership-Becoming a Different Kind of Leader with Ken Collier and authored How To Be A Team Player and Enjoy It--a study in Staff Relationships. He now speaks around the country on staff relationships, leadership, and biblical worldview. He and his wife Donna have been married for over 45 years and have 5 children with 18 grandchildren.
Dr. Jim Tillotson
Dr. Tillotson is the president of Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, IA. Jim has a passion for evangelism, church planting, and preparing leaders to serve the Lord.
Having served for eighteen years as the pastor of Meadowlands Baptist Church and being actively involved in church planting, I have become even more committed to Luke 10:2. The problem is not that the field is too hard or that our world's problems are too big. Jesus said the problem is that the laborers are too few. The solution Jesus gave is to “pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Please pray for me as I endeavor to be part of this solution by helping train men and women to take the Word to the World.
Jim and his wife, Joan, have three children: Anne who lives in Edmonton; Tim, a student at Faith; and Beth a student in high school.
Having served for eighteen years as the pastor of Meadowlands Baptist Church and being actively involved in church planting, I have become even more committed to Luke 10:2. The problem is not that the field is too hard or that our world's problems are too big. Jesus said the problem is that the laborers are too few. The solution Jesus gave is to “pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Please pray for me as I endeavor to be part of this solution by helping train men and women to take the Word to the World.
Jim and his wife, Joan, have three children: Anne who lives in Edmonton; Tim, a student at Faith; and Beth a student in high school.
Dr. Dan Anderson
Dr. Daniel Anderson began his service at Appalachian Bible College in 1978. Upon his inauguration in 1983, he became the second president of the College since its founding in 1950.
Born and raised in Iowa, Dr. Anderson followed the lead of four older siblings by enrolling at Appalachian Bible Institute (now Appalachian Bible College) in Bradley, West Virginia. After achieving his three-year Bible/Theology diploma, he completed undergraduate studies at Faith Baptist Bible College in 1972.
Marriage to his college sweetheart from ABI, Rosalie Welker, was followed by a move to Indiana, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree from Grace Theological Seminary. While studying at Grace, he served as a pastor at Grace Bible Church in Elkhart, where he was later ordained to the ministry. Read more at www.ABC.edu
Born and raised in Iowa, Dr. Anderson followed the lead of four older siblings by enrolling at Appalachian Bible Institute (now Appalachian Bible College) in Bradley, West Virginia. After achieving his three-year Bible/Theology diploma, he completed undergraduate studies at Faith Baptist Bible College in 1972.
Marriage to his college sweetheart from ABI, Rosalie Welker, was followed by a move to Indiana, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree from Grace Theological Seminary. While studying at Grace, he served as a pastor at Grace Bible Church in Elkhart, where he was later ordained to the ministry. Read more at www.ABC.edu
Alan Benson
Alan Benson was named vice president for student development and discipleship in May 2018. He oversees key functions that impact the overall BJU student experience such as student discipleship, student leadership, student activities and organizations, residence life, student conduct, and student care, including counseling and physical health.
Alan served as a youth pastor and senior pastor in Florida, North Carolina and Illinois for 25 years. He came to BJU from Bethel Baptist Church in Schaumburg, Illinois, where he served for five years as senior pastor of the 600-member church and president of a Christian day school of nearly 1,000 students.
He earned a BA in Bible (1992) and a master of ministry (2009) from BJU, a master of divinity from Louisiana Baptist Theological Seminary in 2011 and a doctor of ministry from BJU Seminary.
Alan and his wife, Michelle, have 4 daughters.
Alan served as a youth pastor and senior pastor in Florida, North Carolina and Illinois for 25 years. He came to BJU from Bethel Baptist Church in Schaumburg, Illinois, where he served for five years as senior pastor of the 600-member church and president of a Christian day school of nearly 1,000 students.
He earned a BA in Bible (1992) and a master of ministry (2009) from BJU, a master of divinity from Louisiana Baptist Theological Seminary in 2011 and a doctor of ministry from BJU Seminary.
Alan and his wife, Michelle, have 4 daughters.
Jared Baldwin
Jared Baldwin is the chairman of the Organizational Leadership program at Faith Baptist Bible College where he brings a unique blend of experience from ministry, the military, and the secular business realm.
Jared has been an ordained pastor since 2002 and spent 15 years at Harvest Ministries in Guam, where he and his family served in a number of roles within the church, Bible Academy, and College there. He and his wife, Tammy, have been married for over 27 years.
He spent nearly ten years in the United States Air Force with the rank of Senior Airman and Staff Sergeant. While enlisted, he became an instructor at the Airman Leadership School for two years, teaching classes on effective communication and public speaking.
Pastor Baldwin has held numerous roles in the church as executive pastor, senior pastor, associate pastor, administrative council, and missions director. In the unique role of executive pastor, Baldwin taught, counseled, led missions trips, and helped oversee the budget, while also doing preaching and discipling.
Jared has also been the host of a weekly, live, two-hour radio talk program since 2013 on Harvest Family Radio and enjoys refereeing soccer.
Jared has been an ordained pastor since 2002 and spent 15 years at Harvest Ministries in Guam, where he and his family served in a number of roles within the church, Bible Academy, and College there. He and his wife, Tammy, have been married for over 27 years.
He spent nearly ten years in the United States Air Force with the rank of Senior Airman and Staff Sergeant. While enlisted, he became an instructor at the Airman Leadership School for two years, teaching classes on effective communication and public speaking.
Pastor Baldwin has held numerous roles in the church as executive pastor, senior pastor, associate pastor, administrative council, and missions director. In the unique role of executive pastor, Baldwin taught, counseled, led missions trips, and helped oversee the budget, while also doing preaching and discipling.
Jared has also been the host of a weekly, live, two-hour radio talk program since 2013 on Harvest Family Radio and enjoys refereeing soccer.
Randy Vawter
Randy Vawter is the Director of Camp Eden and an Assistant Pastor at Beth Eden Baptist Church both near Denver, CO. He has been working with students in churches, camps, and schools for over 10 years. Randy’s ministry is centered on mentoring and discipling young people into effective biblical ministry, with a goal of equipping them to be useful, helpful church members now. His wife, Nikki, and his kids, Peyton and Jackson, are all nicer and smarter than he is, and you probably should meet them before you meet Randy. He is a big fan of both coffee and Coca-cola, but is not dependent on either (probably).
Rand Hummel
Rand has be Director of The Wilds of New England since 2009. Previously, he served at The Wilds Christian Camp & Conference Center in Brevard, NC for over 30 years. He has had the privilege to speak to thousands of teenagers annually. He has authored over 20 Bible helps and devotional commentaries. Rand Hummel has given his life to be a friend of teens. His unique, humorous approach to the Word of God has been an encouragement to teens all over the eastern United States. He loves God, the Word of God and teenagers. His goal is to help teens and parents to hate sin and love God more. He is married to his best friend Amber. They have two grown children and three intelligent, beautiful grandchildren: Sebi, Hudson, Anya. Other than this, he’s just an overall nice guy.
Mark Davis
Mark has been with Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, IA for over 10 years. He is currently Vice President for Enrollment and Student Life. He has been a youth pastor at his home church, Community Baptist for many years as well. Mark is a popular youth speaker. He has a passion for the outdoors, hunting, fishing and using these sports as avenues for sharing the Gospel. He and his wife, Erin have 3 wonderful children.
Kevin Williams
Kevin Williams has served in various pastoral roles in the United States, Canada, and Eastern Europe since 2002. He is currently the lead pastor of Meadowlands Baptist Church in Edmonton, Alberta. He has been speaking at Student Leadership Conferences for the last 15 years. Kevin and his wife Holly enjoy the outdoors by taking walks when it’s warm and snow skiing when it’s cold. They get most of their exercise by trying to keep up with their four young children.
Dr. Eric Newton
Dean of Students, Bob Jones University
Since graduating from BJU in 2001 with a BA in history, Dr. Eric Newton has been privileged to teach History of Civilization as a graduate assistant, lead ministry teams for BJU and serve as director of student organizations. From 2007-2010 he assisted Dr. Jim Berg in the dean of students office. Dr. Newton earned a PhD in theology from BJU Seminary and Graduate School of Religion (2010).
He has also served as a youth sponsor and adult Sunday school teacher in his local church. He met his wife, Cherith, at BJU, and they were married in 2001. They have 4 children.
Since graduating from BJU in 2001 with a BA in history, Dr. Eric Newton has been privileged to teach History of Civilization as a graduate assistant, lead ministry teams for BJU and serve as director of student organizations. From 2007-2010 he assisted Dr. Jim Berg in the dean of students office. Dr. Newton earned a PhD in theology from BJU Seminary and Graduate School of Religion (2010).
He has also served as a youth sponsor and adult Sunday school teacher in his local church. He met his wife, Cherith, at BJU, and they were married in 2001. They have 4 children.
Dr. Matthew Weathers
Matthew serves in the Center for Leadership Development at Bob Jones University in his hometown of Greenville, SC. He is currently the Student Leadership Coordinator working with student and organizational leaders on campus. He graduated in 2007 from BJU and traveled to churches and high schools in America for a year as a BJU representative and then moved to Asia where he served in various cities for 6 years.
He taught university business English, served as a vice-principal of a high school, and led colleagues in a small multi-national business that provided activities and made connections among college students. While there he also earned an MA in Cross-Cultural Studies from Northland International University.
Matthew is married to Fleur, a native New Zealander and 2010 BJU grad. They have a newborn son named Joni. Matthew loves spending time and traveling with his family and training and developing college students to be God-glorifying leaders. His hobbies include running, cycling, snowboarding, and playing soccer. He has competed in multiple marathons and triathlons.
He taught university business English, served as a vice-principal of a high school, and led colleagues in a small multi-national business that provided activities and made connections among college students. While there he also earned an MA in Cross-Cultural Studies from Northland International University.
Matthew is married to Fleur, a native New Zealander and 2010 BJU grad. They have a newborn son named Joni. Matthew loves spending time and traveling with his family and training and developing college students to be God-glorifying leaders. His hobbies include running, cycling, snowboarding, and playing soccer. He has competed in multiple marathons and triathlons.
Jon Daulton
Mr. Jon Daulton has been serving in the Division of Student Life & Discipleship at Bob Jones University since 1993. His responsibilities have previously included residence hall supervisor and assistant dean of men, and now for the last 9 years he has served as the dean of men. He received his M.Div. in 2013 from BJU. He has served as an interim pastor and has also been an active member in his local church. He and his wife Kim have four children. His greatest joy is the opportunity to mentor and disciple young men so that they might realize their greatest potential for Christ.
Ben Farrell
Ben Farrell was privileged to grow up in a Christian ministry home. He and his family traveled the nation sharing the Gospel message. The passion to “preach the Gospel to every creature” remains central in Ben’s heart.
After graduating from BJU with a bachelor’s degree in Bible and a master’s degree in pastoral studies as well as a master of divinity from Heart of America Theological Seminary, Ben traveled full time as an itinerate evangelist for ten years. He was also privileged to serve as an associate pastor at Colonial Hills Baptist Church (Indianapolis, Ind.) for five years prior to God leading him to BJU as a representative. Ben enjoys the opportunity to travel the country meeting people and seeking to point them to Christ.
Ben is married to the former Tara Hamilton. God has blessed their family with two children, Clayton and Chloe. In his free time, Ben enjoys spending time with his family, playing or watching sports, jogging and squeezing in an occasional round of golf.
After graduating from BJU with a bachelor’s degree in Bible and a master’s degree in pastoral studies as well as a master of divinity from Heart of America Theological Seminary, Ben traveled full time as an itinerate evangelist for ten years. He was also privileged to serve as an associate pastor at Colonial Hills Baptist Church (Indianapolis, Ind.) for five years prior to God leading him to BJU as a representative. Ben enjoys the opportunity to travel the country meeting people and seeking to point them to Christ.
Ben is married to the former Tara Hamilton. God has blessed their family with two children, Clayton and Chloe. In his free time, Ben enjoys spending time with his family, playing or watching sports, jogging and squeezing in an occasional round of golf.
Travis Gravley
Travis and his wife, Becky, joined Baptist Mid-Missions in 2006 to serve in Romania.
After several years of fruitful ministry among the Roma people, they joined the home office in 2017.
Travis helps churches advance their missions programs, screens new missionary applicants, leads new missionary training, oversees all missionaries on deputation, and arranges short-term missions opportunities. The Gravleys’ main ministry is to kindle the fire of missions in the hearts of God’s people, seeking those servants who will carry the gospel to the nations.
Travis and Becky are blessed with two children, Samuel and Kara.
After several years of fruitful ministry among the Roma people, they joined the home office in 2017.
Travis helps churches advance their missions programs, screens new missionary applicants, leads new missionary training, oversees all missionaries on deputation, and arranges short-term missions opportunities. The Gravleys’ main ministry is to kindle the fire of missions in the hearts of God’s people, seeking those servants who will carry the gospel to the nations.
Travis and Becky are blessed with two children, Samuel and Kara.
Steve Stodola
Originally a native of Rockford, Illinois, Steve graduated from Pensacola Christian College in 1989. He has served with THE WILDS for over 25 years in a variety of capacities and locations (North Carolina, Colorado, and New Hampshire). He now serves as Assistant to the Director at THE WILDS of New England. Steve and his wife Rhonae have three sons and one daughter.
Mike Herbster
Mike Herbster serves as Southland’s Director. He and his wife Amy Herbster both grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. They attended Bible College together and were married in 1996. Mike finished a MA in Pastoral Studies and also has a degree in music. Amy has a degree in music education. They have spent every summer since 1992 in camp ministry. During the fall and spring of the past 13 years, Mike was in full-time evangelism, traveling with his brother Mark in a ministry of preaching and music. God led them to Southland in the summer of 2003 where they led the music and assisted in program and administration.
In the fall of 2008 God led Mike to become the Director of Southland. He continued to travel with his family and lead the camp ministry mostly from the road. In 2014 God has led Mike and Amy to a full time position at Southland Christian Ministries. God has blessed them with 4 children, Micah, Malachi, Michala and Mckenna, who are a vital part of the ministry.
In the fall of 2008 God led Mike to become the Director of Southland. He continued to travel with his family and lead the camp ministry mostly from the road. In 2014 God has led Mike and Amy to a full time position at Southland Christian Ministries. God has blessed them with 4 children, Micah, Malachi, Michala and Mckenna, who are a vital part of the ministry.
Brad Parker
Brad Parker graduated from Bob Jones University with a degree in Business Education. He continued his preparation for ministry by receiving a Master’s degree in Biblical Counseling and a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership. He served as business manager and administrator of Frederick Christian Academy from 2005-2018. He also served as assistant pastor of People's Baptist Church from 2016-2018. He has served as the Executive Director of the Maryland Association of Christian Schools and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director for the American Association of Christian Schools. Currently, he is the administrative pastor at Bible Baptist Church and Christian School. He and his wife Amy have 2 children and enjoy serving the Lord together.
Chad Williams
Chad is a pastor in the Twin Cities metro in Minnesota. He and his wife McKenna have three boys ages 4 and under. Chad enjoys bike riding with his family, reading books, watching the Kansas City Royals, and taking his boys to the park. Before moving to Minnesota, Chad taught undergraduate courses at a bible college in Wisconsin for five years.
Dr. Nathan Crockett
Dr. Nathan Crockett serves as the Director of Ministry Training at BJU. He serves on the administration of BJU as well as the Bible faculty. Nathan has served as a youth pastor and interim pastor and helps teach the college class at Morningside Baptist Church. Nathan regularly preaches at churches and teen camps and loves the outdoors. Nathan is married to Abigail (formerly Minnick), and they have three young children and three dogs.
Pearson L. Johnson III
Pearson came to Bob Jones University as the Director of Student Care and Discipleship in August of 2015 after serving for nearly 20 years as a Pastor of Missions and Discipleship and Director of Grace Baptist Mission in the Detroit, Michigan area. Pearson has a love for Biblical Counseling, discipleship, and a desire to help mentor students. Pearson has a B.S. and M.Div from BJU, a ThM from Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary and a D.Min. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to Amy Howell Johnson and has two children: Grace (18) and Pearson IV (14). His hobbies include reading, doing everything with his family, and serving at Morningside Baptist Church.
Noah Kephart
Noah serves as the Director of School Outreach at Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, IA. Prior to this, he served as a Traveling Admissions Representative at FBBC, and most recently as the Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Corry, PA. Noah is passionate about preaching and teaching the Bible to all age groups, but especially loves the youthfulness and energy that comes with working with high school students! He enjoys reading and playing basketball. He is a native Iowan who graduated from Faith with a Missions degree. Noah is pumped to work with students at the Student Leadership Conferences and help them to fulfill the God-given potential in their lives for God's glory.
Bryan Samms
Bryan Samms was born in Charleston, WV and currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Harvest Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL. He most recently served on the Bible and Evangelism Faculty at West Coast Baptist College and was an Evangelist and representative for the college.
He graduated from Bob Jones University in 2001with a Bachelor of Bible degree. He also received a Masters of Divinity from Luther Rice Seminary in May of 2014. Prior to his going to WCBC, he served as a full-time evangelist. Brother Samms has preached in many youth conferences, revival meetings, evangelistic crusades, camps, chapels and youth rallies across America.
Bryan has been happily married to Angela for fifteen years and has one nine-year-old daughter, Adrianna, and one four-year-old son, Brent.
He graduated from Bob Jones University in 2001with a Bachelor of Bible degree. He also received a Masters of Divinity from Luther Rice Seminary in May of 2014. Prior to his going to WCBC, he served as a full-time evangelist. Brother Samms has preached in many youth conferences, revival meetings, evangelistic crusades, camps, chapels and youth rallies across America.
Bryan has been happily married to Angela for fifteen years and has one nine-year-old daughter, Adrianna, and one four-year-old son, Brent.
Pastor David Brokke
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David graduated in 2010 with a Bachelors Degree in Church Music. While in Christian college, he met his wife, Becky. He currently serves at Grace Gospel Church as the Music and Youth Pastor, and leads the high school choir in the school. David is passionate about students in christian schools pursuing God. David and Becky have a little girl named Nora who is being trained to love watching ESPN and NBA basketball.
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