Steven Furtick grew up in the small town of Moncks Corner, South Carolina where at age 16 he realized God’s plan for him to start a life-changing church in a major metropolitan city. This vision became a tangible reality when Steven and 7 other families risked everything — sold houses, quit jobs and moved to Charlotte, North Carolina to plant a new church — believing that God would turn the city upside down for His glory. That risk birthed Elevation Church and has resulted in a remarkable return. Through God’s favor and a relentless pursuit of a singular mission to see people far from God filled with life in Christ, in just four years, Elevation has seen thousands of professions of faith and grown to more than 8,000 in weekly attendance. Because of this explosive growth, Elevation Church was named one of the 10 fastest growing churches in America by Outreach Magazine in 2007, 2008, and 2009. Author of Sun Stand Still, the heart of Steven’s message is revolutionary faith and how to approach every experience from a visionary perspective. As a young voice in the Church with wisdom beyond his years, his passion for seeing God’s purposes fulfilled in our day is igniting a fire in the city of Charlotte and throughout the United States.

Ed Young is a pastor, author, and conference speaker noted for his creative communication style. He has a passion for making the complex, simple as he speaks truth to people in ways they can understand and apply to their everyday lives. Ed is the founding and Senior Pastor of Fellowship Church. The church has its main campus just north of the DFW Airport and operates four satellite campuses in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area and one campus in Miami, Florida. Ed has written 13 books, including The Marriage Mirror; The Creative Leader; Outrageous, Contagious Joy; You; and Kid CEO.

Judah and Chelsea Smith are the Lead Pastors of The City Church in Seattle, Washington. They were the pastors of Generation Church, the youth ministry of The City Church, for ten years before stepping into their new role in 2009. Judah is the author of several books, including Dating Delilah, a book on purity from a new perspective. He also ministers nationally and internationally at churches and conferences, imparting into the lives of Christian leaders and young people. His ministry is noted for an anointed, fresh preaching style mixed with humor, authority, passion, and strong faith.

Lee Cockerell retired as the Executive Vice President of Operations for the Walt Disney World® Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, a position he held for ten years. His responsibilities encompassed a diverse mix of operations, which included 20 resort hotels with over 30,000 Guest rooms, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 5 golf courses, a shopping village & nighttime entertainment complex, a sports & recreation complex, and the ancillary operations support functions. The Resort serves millions of guests each year and employs 60,000 Cast Members. Lee joined the Disney organization in July 1990 as Director of Food and Beverage and Quality Assurance for the Disneyland Paris hotels. Prior to joining the Walt Disney World Co., he spent seventeen years in various executive positions with the Marriott Corporation and eight years with Hilton Hotels. Lee’s new book, Creating Magic…10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies From a Life at Disney, is now available in ten languages as well as his iPhone and Android Creating Magic Leadership and Coaching On The Go Apps.

Known for his heart to reach families, Pastor Willie George has created a variety of ministries aimed at people of all ages. Since starting Church on the Move in 1987, he has overseen its growth into one of the nation’s largest and most innovative churches. Before his start as a senior pastor, he served many years in both children’s and youth ministry, and his passion for kids and teens is seen in the unparalleled emphasis that COTM places on reaching those age groups. Before founding COTM, Pastor George created and starred in the nation’s most-watched Christian show for kids, The Gospel Bill Show. This children’s program, which got its start in 1983, used cowboy adventures to teach the principles of God’s Word. It inspired a stream of quality television programming that gained Willie George Ministries international acclaim. To date, over 250,000 ministers have been personally trained in a Willie George Ministries conference, and tens of thousands of churches across America use the ministry’s curriculum for children and youth. Pastor George was named one of the “50 Most Influential Christians in America” by Christian Executive Magazine.

In our ministry track breakout sessions, you will hear from our #crtvmin team led by Whitney George, our #kidmin team led by Gabriel George, and our #stumin team led by Josh Andersen and James Kruse.