Richmond Event Speakers

Ministering to Various Cultures in Your Congregation

Dr. Caleb Oladipo (Professor of Christian Mission and World Christianity : Baptist Theological Seminary)

Description of Presentation

Personal stories and experience about different Christians and their cultures in various parts of the world. Christians' respective cultures influence them in how they express faith in Christ, and in turn, their faith influences their cultures in significant ways. Christians can learn from one another and be mutually transformed if they will learn to listen, respect, and love one another.

Background Information

A professor at Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond, Professor Oladipo is internationally recognized for his work on the character of Christianity in Africa. He has lectured widely in North America, South Africa, and Europe, and he is the founder and past director of the Baylor University West Africa Studies Program. Previously, Professor Oladipo was Visiting Professor of Religion and Literature at the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Rüschlikon, Switzerland. He is the author of The Development of the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit in the African Indigenous Christian Movement and several well-received scholarly, theological manuscripts.

Lead Your Church to Grow for 100 Years

Bob Dale (Leadership Coach / Author)

Description of Presentation

A few congregations grow perennially---like plants that come back and produce season after season. We'll profile 7 long-growing churches and identify the leadership actions that make for long-term health and growth.

Background Information

Dr. Dale has specialized on church leadership as a pastor, denominational consultant, seminary professor, and leadership center director. Along the way, he has written two dozen books on leading congregations. In retirement, he coaches leaders as they develop in new ways.

The Future of Church Income

Steve Law (Church Administrator : Bon Air Baptist Church)

Description of Presentation

Churches today have six generations alive and involved, which means they must deal with six different attitudes toward architecture, furniture, expectations toward staff, worship styles, what to wear to church, giving, etc. Churches must strive to respect and include this diversity of outlooks and expectations. Each successive generation wants more control over when, where, and how each dollar is spent. So, what can the church do today about its future income?

Background Information

On staff at Bon Air Baptist Church since 2005, Steve previously served as a Church Administrator to 3 churches in Birmingham, Alabama. A child of missionaries in Spain, he himself later served as a missionary there. He is a graduate of Houston Baptist University (BA), Baylor University (MBA), and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv/CE). He is also certified as a Fellow of Church Administration. Steve is a distinguished leader in effective church administration.

Resolving Conflict Biblically

Larry Julian (Leadership Coach and Consultant)

Description of Presentation

People are looking for help with the daily conflicts they face...wouldn't you like your church to give it to them? People are tired of fighting...give them the answers they are desperately looking for. Learn powerful and practical answers that can change how conflict looks in their lives...and teach them about Jesus at the same time.

Background Information

Mr. Julian retired from corporate America in 1998 after a 20+ year career in leadership and organizational development. With an M.A in Human Resource Development from The George Washington University, he has been a Leadership coach and consultant for the past 10 years. Ordained Elder at Stony Point Reformed Presbyterian Church. Certified in conciliation and mediation by Peacemaker Ministries.

A Cheerful Giver

Greta Kidd (VP, Marketing & Member Development : Entrust Federal Credit Union)

Description of Presentation

"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). God loves a cheerful giver, but how do we make church members understand how it works? People give for many reasons. Some people may give because they have been taught to tithe. Others may give to show compassion and support for a person or project. The information in this presentation will help church leaders develop a giving strategy that will help grow faithful stewards. It begins from within!

Background Information

Ms. Kidd began her career with Entrust Federal Credit Union, a "credit union started by Christians, for Christians“ in 2000. She has helped many churches teach their members to live within a budget that includes giving to the church. Certified by Crown Financial Ministries as a Crown Money Map Coach, she can provide one-on-one budget coaching. She has used her knowledge & skills to help many churches and individuals serve God to the fullest by being good stewards of their finances.

Solid Answers for the Difficult Questions

Rev. Chris Daniel (Executive Director : Richmond Center for Christian Study)


Description of Presentation

This workshop looks at why the question of origins matters in the first place, the relationship between science and the Bible, the major views of origins, how to go about making a case for or against Darwinism, why Darwinism fails to make its case, how to make a scientific case for design, and the worldview implications of living in a world that has been so designed.

Background Information

Chris was born and reared in Macon, Georgia. He graduated from Mercer University and attended Covenant Theological Seminary, where he received his M.Div. in 1998. He has been a teacher and and he served as an intern with Reformed University Fellowship at the University of Texas. He then served as RUF campus minister at Virginia Commonwealth University from 2003 to 2009. In 2009, he became the executive director of the Richmond Center for Christian Study. Chris met his beautiful wife Genevieve in Austin, Texas, in 2002, and they now have two lovely daughters.

Ministry Branding

Charles Collie (Managing Director : BoldStroke Consulting)

Description of Presentation

To explain the importance of identifying your vision and expressing it to the community strategically so you can effectively grow and quickly build your ministry brand.

Background Information

In his role as Managing Director and Senior Consultant for BoldStroke Consulting, Charles helps organizations live their purpose by creating a brand- focused culture that is ingrained in every aspect of ts operations and marketing. Over the last couple of years, helping organizations use social media to communicate and create community around their brand has become one of his specialties. Over the past 15 years, Charles's career has been a multi-faceted, around the globe journey, working in consulting, branding, marketing, government and politics. His client list has included Fortune 500 companies, federal, state, and local governments, associations, churches, and nonprofits. A particular focus of his work has been design studios, advertising agencies, new media companies, public relations firms, and direct marketing firms. Charles has consulted with 13 of the 15 largest advertising agencies in the world.

Using the “Purchasing Process” to help fund your ministry

Mark Towell (President : National Church Purchasing Group, Inc.)

Description of Presentation

In today’s economy, most ministry budgets are being squeezed tighter and tighter, while at the same time, they are being presented with more and more ministry opportunities. What if there were some creative ways that you could help fund these ministry opportunities through your regular purchasing process? Every day, your ministry makes purchases, some routine and some unique, as well as paying utilities, insurance, and other business related expenses.
In this session, we will look at several saving opportunities available to you in your everyday business life that could potentially transfer these disbursements to enhancing your ministry.

Background Information

President of National Church Purchasing Group, Inc. , Mark has been a leader with several ministry organizations. He has developed a passion for local ministry outreaches, realizing the impact a local church can have on its community. This goes hand and hand with NCPG’s philosophy and mission statement - every ministry dollar saved on expenses equates to a ministry dollar that can be invested back into the ministry, where it belongs.

Local Funding Opportunities & Faith Based Community Development

Tracy J. Brown (CEO : Urban Awareness USA)

Description of Presentation

Local Funding Opportunities & Faith Based Community Development

Background Information

Brought up in extreme poverty, Mr. Brown regularly shares his testimony with audiences across the United States about overcoming adversity and attaining prosperity using biblical stewardship. Mr. Brown is a devout Christian and calls upon churches to bring about change and prosperity in urban communities.

Protecting God’s Property

Michael Catron (Certified Crime Prevention Specialists : Chesterfield County Police Department)

Description of Presentation

Churches are a place for worship, prayer, meditation on God's blessings, and receiving God's Word. Unfortunately, they have become targets for violence as well. Church leaders are obligated to their staff, volunteers, and members to provide a safe environment for prayer and worship. This presentation will discuss the need for a security plan, the importance of well trained staff and volunteers, common vulnerabilities in a place of worship, and developing a long term plan of implementing and upgrading physical security measures within your organization.

Background Information

A credentialed minister of the Gospel, Mike is also a Certified Crime Prevention Specialist with the Department of Criminal Justice Services. He has 27 years experience in law enforcement and a specialty in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, security assessments on both large and small church facilities, policy writing, and staff/volunteer training. He is President of Integrity Security Solutions, which provides physical security assessments and training for churches.

Church Capital Campaigns -- from Preparation to Celebration

Brydon M. DeWitt (President : DeWitt & Associates, Inc.)

Description of Presentation

Capital campaigns fail or succeed more often on whether or not the congregation has fully prepared to raise major dollars. Attendees will learn about the full process from planning through completion of the capital effort.

Background Information

Brydon M. DeWitt, President of DeWitt & Associates, Inc., has been a development professional for more than 35 years. Mr. DeWitt holds a BA degree in English from Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, Virginia, and an MFA in Theatre from Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Central Virginia, Virginia Association of Fund-Raising Executives, the Virginia Gift Planning Council, and the Rotary Club of Innsbrook.

Incorporate? Why Or Why Not? Churches in the Civil Realm of the Law

Dan Carrell (Principal : Richmond Law Firm of Carrell Blanton Garrett & Van Horn, PLC)

Description of Presentation

This presentation will focus on topics such as why a church should or should not incorporate; the availability of immunities to churches and their officers, trustees, and volunteers; church property; and the role of insurance.

Background Information

A practicing lawyer in the Richmond area for over 30 years, Dan's focus is on civil litigation, commercial transactions, administrative law, and church-related matters. He has long served as an administrative hearing officer for the Commonwealth of Virginia. He has served on occasion as a mediator and has also represented parties in mediated disputes. An Elder in the Presbyterian Church in America, he serves on that denomination's Standing Judicial Commission, and he has served on various commissions of its James River Presbytery (one of its regional bodies) in addressing disputes arising from its member churches. He is a graduate of Davidson College, Oxford University (where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar), and Stanford Law School.

How Much Does My New Building Cost?

Neil Palmer (Vice President - Sales : Century Construction)

Description of Presentation

From moving dirt to painting walls, "How Much Does My New Building Cost?" will present an overview of the costs of construction for both worship, multi-use, and education buildings. A manageable worksheet will be provided to help you to identify the costs assoicated with construction. In addition, the seminar will focus on design concepts that can help reduce the cost of construction. The seminar's goal is to help make you better prepared for your next building project.

Background Information

Neil started his career as a structural engineer and regional sales manager for Butler Manufacturing Company where he worked for 12 years. Over the past 13 years Neil has worked for Century Construction Company in developing commercial construction projects. Neil oversees business development for Century and has extensive experience in providing pre-construction services to non-profit organizations such as churches.

Local Funding Opportunities & Faith Based Community Development

James "Bo" Middleton (Community Development Director : Urban Awareness USA)

Description of Presentation

This workshop will give practical strategies, tactics and real life examples to help ministries identify needs and develop programs that attract funding while simultaneously developing the skills and capacities of the people in the community.

Background Information

With nearly 20 years of experience in the field of non-profit community development, Bo is directly responsible for over $80 million in faith-based economic & community development.

Maximizing Exposure when Promoting Your Ministry On A Budget

Dr. Cavell Phillips (General Manager : A.M. 820)

Description of Presentation

Maximizing Your Media Budget: How to Maximum Exposure when Promoting Your Ministry or Event On a Budget

Background Information

Since 1980, Cavell has broadcast on WFTH 1590-AM, 92.1 FM WDYL, WPLZ Magic 99 FM, WSSV AM 1240, and serving as General Manager of AM 1240 WROU. Presently, he is the General Manager of AMEN 820 WGGM. He hosts "Sunday Morning Gospel" on 99.3 & 105.7 FM WKJS from 6 a.m. to 12 noon and Co-hosts "Focus on Black Religious Life" on WTVR TV-6 every Sunday at 5 a.m. Cavell is an ordained minister with Faith Alive International Ministries, a Gospel M. C., and was inducted into the Richmond Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

The Power of 501 c 3

Dr. Yvonne Rivers (CEO : The Phoebe Group)

Description of Presentation

This workshop will provide funding and sustainablity ideas for faith-based and community organizations. The session will be effective, fun, and interactive through exercises and real- case scenarios.

Background Information

The Phoebe group is known for simple and practical training for nonprofits through the Nonprofit Boot Camp established in 2005. The approach is to provide answers, solutions, and strategies to provide funding and sustainability to an organization's bottomline. Ms. Rivers has over 25 years experience as a social and serial entreprenuer providing marketing, media, and training services.

There's No Business Like God's Business

Bob Laughlin (Pastor of Music and Fine Arts : West End Assembly of God)

Description of Presentation

For over 25 years people from all over the Commonwealth have enjoyed the production Glorious Christmas Nights. With a cast and crew of over 800, Bob and his team put on 18 shows over a two week period that attract over 25,000 people. What is involved in putting on a production of this magnitude? How does it impact not only the community but your congregation? Come join us for a behind the scenes experience.

Background Information

Music and Fine Arts Pastor at West End Assembly Of God for 28years. Producer of The Master's Plan and Glorious Christmas Nights. Oversees the creative musical components of traditional and contemporary worship services services.

Tax Credits for Faith Based and Community Organizations

Aubrey W. Fountain, III (Attorney : Harrell & Chambliss LLP)

Description of Presentation

Tax Credits for Faith Based and Community Organizations

Background Information

Aubrey practices primarily real estate law and corporate law and is also experienced in many other areas, ranging from complex civil and criminal litigation to tax exempt entity formation. He is also a nationally recognized real estate developer and development consultant for a wide array of institutions, corporations, investor groups --- and churches. He has held numerous leadership and executive positions in business, and he also serves as an Adjunct Professor in Virginia Commonwealth University's Masters Program and Institute of Government Affairs. He has been instumental in piloting numerous housing and development projects, both resdidentail and commercial, for a wide variety of demographic groups and was awarded the coveted Governors Award for Excellence. A distinguished, respected, award-winning leader in several professional arenas, Mr. Fountain's expertise and advice are invaluable to the faith-based community.

Planned Giving For Churches -- It's More Than Tithes And Offerings

Jim Garrett (Principal : Richmond Law Firm of Carrell Blanton Garrett & Van Horn, PLC)

Description of Presentation

The Internal Revenue Code provides substantial tax benefits for families who choose to exercise good stewardship. Unfortunately, few families take advantage of the Code's beneficial provisions to turn social capital into charitable capital. In this presentation, we will explore some unique strategies that encourage families to capture these valuable tax benefits.

Background Information

A practicing lawyer for some 20 years, with an early focus on real estate and business law, Jim now specializes in estate planning (wills, trusts, powers of attorney, legacy planning, business succession planning, and related topics). Serving as president of the local chapter of the Christian Legal Society, Jim recognizes that a well-drafted estate plan represents good stewardship, regardless of how much wealth a client may or may not possess. Thus, he is always interested in advising clients on possible means of making charitable donations, whether in the present or in the future. A graduate of Wheaton College in Illinois, Jim received his J.D. degree from the U. Va. School of Law.

Church Marketing: Tools for Effective Connections

Eric Reiss (Principal : Church Marketing Solutions)

Description of Presentation

Our culture is bombarded with communication. From radio to TV, to movies to billboards to the internet, from posters and flyers to mail, we engage hundreds of pieces of communication every day. Understanding these ways of communicating and using them effectively is critical in connecting with our communities today. How do you communicate in a way that doesn't get lost in the noise? We'll talk about understanding "branding" in the context of church communication and review several options for using marketing tools to engage our community.

Background Information

A songwriter & recording artist and the Worship Leader at New Life Christian Church, Eric is also the owner and Principal of Church Marketing Solutions, which helps churches all over the nation share their stories effectively. He has a master's degree in church planting and church growth in addition to 7 years of international project management experience with a Fortune 100 company. Eric has a passion for helping churches and church plants connect with the people in their community.

Soup to Nuts: The Process of Designing & Building a Church

Jim DePasquale, AIA (President : DePasquale Delph Gentilhomme Group, Architects)

Description of Presentation

A step-by-step journey to establish a complete understanding of the Process associated with a Church Building Program: Key Participants & Their Roles. Initiating the Project. Forming the Building Committee & Subcommittees. Mission Statement Development. Master Plan Criteria. Facility Needs Development. Getting It Built.

Background Information

Jim DePasquale, AIA, is President of the DePasquale Delph Gentilhomme Group, Architects. Specializing in Church Design for more than 30 years, the firm is noted for creating Architecture that sensitively and appropiately responds to spiritual, social and physical needs. Jim has also taught Church Design at Harvard, and writes a monthly column, Ask the Architect, for the Virginia Baptist publication, The Religious Herald.

Understanding your Role in your Ministry - Know Who You Are

Alphonso Albert (Church Administrator : Gethsemane Community Fellowship Baptist Church)

Description of Presentation

New Testament Deacons serve by conducting numerous facets of the "caring ministry" of the church (e.g. benevolence work, visiting the sick, and many others), which frees the pastoral staff to focus on prayer, ministry of the Word, and the spread of the Gospel. This workshop will help Deacons and Trustees better understand their respective roles and how those roles should be in sync with and support the Vision and the Visionary.

Background Information

Church Administrator for Gethsemane Community Fellowship Baptist Church & leader of the Stewardship Ministry, Mr. Albert is often called upon to provide Leadership Development and Strategic Planning training for other churches. He has trained at 8 major U.S. universities (Leadership & Executive Managment) & has facilitated workshops & long terms contracts with various ministries to provide professional mentoring and Strategic Plan developments.

Using the Arts in Ministry with Integrity and Excellence

Michael Smith (Min. of Worship & Arts and Recording Artist)

Description of Presentation

We will discuss effective ways of using the performing arts in ministry and in modern worship including the art of dance, mime, drama and music. We will also look at the necessity of maintaining theological integrity in the arts and in the lives of the performers.

Background Information

Michael Maurice Smith, a gifted communicator with a wonderful voice, grew up in the Low Country of Charleston, South Carolina as a PK (preacher's kid) and indulged in the world of music, recording and producing his first project by age 14. Michael's mission stands clear; to Usher mankind into a worship experience that influences their way of life, daily demonstrate the truth of Christ to the world and influence other Christians and Christian Artists to do the same; and create music that will cause Christians to make their worship a lifestyle.

Banking 101: The Economy, Interest Rates, and Credit Availability in the Church Market

Tom Zachry (Senior Vice President, SunTrust Bank)

Description of Presentation

Our speaker will talk about the current state of the U.S. economy, current interest rate levels, the outlook for interest rates, and credit availability for churches interested in refinancing their mortgage or considering a new building project.

Background Information

Tom manages a team of 10 commercial relationship managers in SunTrust Bank's Central Virginia Region. His group serves lower middle market operating companies, municipalities, educational institutions, clubs, churches and other non-profit organizations. He has provided project financing to over 100 religious organizations in Central Virginia. He regularly speaks on church financing at church building conferences sponsored by the Virginia Council of Churches and many of the major denominations. His quotes on church financing have appeared in The Richmond Times Dispatch. Tom joined SunTrust Bank in 1997.

Social Media?  The Next Step!

Darrell Myers (Vice President : NCPG)

Description of Presentation

Unless you have just decided to bury your head in the sand, you know there is huge potential with implementing a social media strategy for your ministry. Several questions always arise: How do we implement it effectively? Which platforms should we use? How do we track it? Should we do it ourselves or hire a company? How should we deal with negative or misleading comments on social media platforms? There are real answers to these questions and applications that can solve all of these issues. 

Background Information

Darrell is the VP of Sales and Marketing for NCPG.  He majored at Virginia Commonwealth University in Business Administration and Marketing.  He has worked on staff as a Youth Pastor and a Worship Minister.  With a strong aptitude for and interest in electronics, Darrell pursued training and education that allowed him to quickly master the professional sound and audio/video world in the 90’s.  This, in turn, led to specialties in programming, web development, and graphic design.  Darrell has been interviewed by several national magazines for his expertise in media and marketing.

Reaching the Next Generation through Dance

Ronnie & Kelli Ortiz (Director : The ROC Youth Center)

Description of Presentation

Pastor Ronnie and Kelli Ortiz will introduce The ROC, as well as the dance ministry ROC Nation. ROC Nation will perform, then Kelli will share her Heart on why she does what she does. The kids of ROC Nation will also talk about where they are from and the results they have seen in their personal lives.

Background Information

In 2001, Pastor Rsen’s long-time friend and In 4 Life partner, Pastor Geronimo Aguilar, decided to start an outreach center in Richmond where churches, civic groups, and individuals could come together to serve Richmond’s urban poor. Pastor Rsen has been the youth director at The ROC for over ten years. While at The ROC, Pastor Rsen has started 5 after-school programs, which serve over 225 youth each afternoon; a summer program that serves approximately 250 youth each summer; and a bus ministry that teaches over 1,000 low-income, urban youth fundamental life lessons and Christian principles each week.

Kelli Ortiz was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. With a twinge of Modern and Jazz under her belt, Hip Hop ultimately became her passion. She has choreographed several dances that took the ROC STEADY dance crew to 1st place victories at competitions over and over again. She now oversees the ROC NATION dance crew that is comprised of 60 plus dancers ages 5 yrs old-adults. Many of the dancers have came to the ROC through other ministries such as, “Whosoever Bus Ministry”, “Chosen Youth Group”, and we even have Pastor’s wives dancing!! Her passion is to see people of all ages develop their love for dance in such a way that it will draw others to Christ, and to use that gift God has given them to its fullest & for His Glory!! She is the perfect example of how God can use anybody, you just have to make yourself available!!!

Moving The Piano An Inch At A Time

Tony Robinson (Music and Fine Arts Director of Worship : West End Assembly of God)

Description of Presentation

Change is never easy, especially when you talk about changing the dynamics of your worship service. How do we begin to make room for contemporary expressions of worship in a traditional church? Perhaps it can be accomplished by, “moving the piano an inch at a time”.


Background Information

Music and Fine Arts Pastor at West End Assembly Of God for 28years. Producer of The Master's Plan and Glorious Christmas Nights. Oversees the creative musical components of traditional and contemporary worship services services.

"Invite, Inform, Include, Instruct and Inspire" Helping Your Church with Communications

David Bennett (Faith Based Vertical Marketing Manager, Ricoh US)

Description of Presentation

Explore the 5 steps of communication methods of how to connect with and grow your ministry, in ways that set you apart and grasp a clear understanding of what matters to your members and visitors. 1)Maintain control of how you communicate. 2)Keep the continuity of your mission and message. 3)Help set you apart. 4)Understanding of what matters to your members and visitors.

Background Information

Grew up in Worcestershire, England and have now been in the USA for 21 years, have and continue to work with many faith based /church organizations, learning more about them and constantly exploring how we can help them flourish. In my job capacity I am awarded the privilege to be responsible for the faith/church market in the US and to help our people empathize and align them with your goals.