Lead. Live. Multiply.
Wheaton, illinois
tuesday & Wednesday
OCTOBER 20 & 21
Presented By
In Partnership With
AMPLIFY 2026
Equip Leaders for what ministry requires today.
Amplify 2026 exists to equip you to lead with Gospel clarity, live authentically, and multiply faithfully—in the real challenges of ministry today.
Acquire church-tested ideas from innovators and emerging voices in evangelism in a space that fosters community and mission. Leaders don’t just need more information—they need clarity, community, and practical tools.
Amplify 2026*Lead.Live.Mulitply
Amplify 2026*Lead.Live.Mulitply
Amplify 2026*Lead.Live.Mulitply
Amplify 2026*Lead.Live.Mulitply
Amplify 2026*Lead.Live.Mulitply
This Conference is for you
If You Are...
- Hungry for God
- Seeking Fresh Hope
- Longing for Clarity
- Ready for What's Next
- Burdened for Others
- Craving Meaningful Conversation
- Desiring Greater Impact
- Wrestling with Big Questions
- Hungry for Renewal
- Carrying a Vision
- Ready for What's Next
- Seeking Fresh Hope
- Longing for Clarity
- Hungry for God
- Desiring Greater Impact
- Burdened for Others
- Craving Meaningful Conversation
- Hungry for Renewal
- Wrestling with Big Questions
- Carrying a Vision
- Ready for What's Next
- Longing for Clarity
- Seeking Fresh Hope
- Hungry for God
- Carrying a Vision
- Hungry for Renewal
- Seeking Fresh Hope
- Burdened for Others
- Ready for What's Next
- Longing for Clarity
- Craving Meaningful Conversation
- Desiring Greater Impact
- Hungry for God
- Wrestling with Big Questions
- Seeking Fresh Hope
- Carrying a Vision
- Longing for Clarity
- Hungry for God
- Ready for What's Next
- Burdened for Others
- Hungry for Renewal
- Craving Meaningful Conversation
- Desiring Greater Impact
- Wrestling with Big Questions
- Longing for Clarity
- Ready for What's Next
- Seeking Fresh Hope
- Hungry for God
Take advantage of Super Early Bird Pricing and register your entire team for
Amplify Conference 2026
Meet Our speakers
Ed Stetzer
Ed Stetzer
Ed Stetzer, Ph.D. is Dean and Professor of Leadership and Christian Ministry at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University and serves as Distinguished Visiting Scholar at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University. A leading voice in church leadership, mission, and evangelism, Ed has planted, revitalized, and pastored churches, trained leaders on six continents, and authored more than a dozen books. He also serves as Regional Director for Lausanne North America, Editor-in-Chief of Outreach Magazine, and Scholar in Residence and Teaching Pastor at Mariners Church. Ed will join us to share practical insights on helping churches innovate, adapt, and faithfully advance the mission of the gospel in a rapidly changing culture.
Libin Abraham
Libin Abraham
Libin Abraham is the Lead Pastor of Bent Tree Bible Fellowship, one of the most innovative churches in America. Under his leadership, the church grew by 6% last year and celebrated 104 baptisms. Libin holds an M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in Pastoral Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Passionate about disciple-making and church renewal, he will join us to share insights on creating a culture of evangelism and effectively transitioning leadership to the next generation.
David Kinnaman
David Kinnaman
David Kinnaman is the CEO of Barna Group, a leading research and communications company that serves churches, nonprofits, and businesses around the world. Since 1995, Barna has directed interviews with more than two million individuals and overseen thousands of U.S. and global research studies, making David one of the most trusted voices on faith, culture, and the future of the Church. He is the bestselling author of Faith For Exiles, Good Faith, You Lost Me, and unChristian. David returns to Amplify to share the latest research on churches and evangelism, offering practical insights and innovative approaches to help churches faithfully navigate and meet the challenges of our cultural moment.
Noemi Chavez
Noemi Chavez
Eli Bonilla Jr. is a pastor, speaker, and author passionate about equipping leaders and reaching the next generation with the gospel. He is the author of Mixed and the forthcoming book Death to Self-Help, which challenges a culture of self-improvement with a biblical vision of ministry rooted in surrender to Christ. Eli serves as Next Gen Regional Co-Chair for North America with Empowered21, National Next Gen Director for the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), and Regional Youth Director for the Church of God Gulf-Rio Grande Region. He also serves on the pastoral staff of Abundant Life Church in San Antonio, Texas. At Amplify, Eli will lead an evening session focused on helping pastors cultivate long-term resilience, remain faithful to their calling, and lead with endurance in ministry.
Sharonda Cooper
Sharonda Cooper
Sharonda Cooper is a Bible teacher, author, and passionate advocate for evangelism. She serves on the Women’s Initiatives Team at The Gospel Coalition and is the author of Evangelism, part of The Gospel Coalition’s Disciplines of Devotion series, as well as Wisdom for Parenting. She has also coauthored Turn Your Eyes and contributed to Fruitful and Unto Us. Sharonda holds engineering degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and is currently pursuing her M.Div. in apologetics and philosophy at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Drawing from her experience engaging unchurched people in Scripture, Sharonda will share practical ways churches can help people encounter Jesus through studying the Bible together.
J.R. Briggs
J.R. Briggs
J.R. Briggs, D.Min. is the founder of Kairos Partnerships, an organization dedicated to servin and equipping leaders through coaching, consulting, teaching, and speaking. With more than 1 years of pastoral experience and a passion for helping leaders grow in both faith an effectiveness, J.R. works with churches, nonprofits, businesses, and educational institution across the country. He serves as Director of Leadership and Congregational Formation for Th Ecclesia Network and as a guest instructor in graduate leadership and spiritual formatio programs. J.R. is the author of several books, including The Art of Asking Better Questions, Th Sacred Overlap, Fail, and Eldership and the Mission of God. At Amplify, he will explore ho curiosity, thoughtful questions, and grace can help Christians engage spiritually curious peopl more effectively.
Eli Bonilla Jr.
Eli Bonilla Jr.
Eli Bonilla Jr. is a pastor, speaker, and author passionate about equipping leaders and reaching the next generation with the gospel. He is the author of Mixed and the forthcoming book Death to Self-Help, which challenges a culture of self-improvement with a biblical vision of ministry rooted in surrender to Christ. Eli serves as Next Gen Regional Co-Chair for North America with Empowered21, National Next Gen Director for the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), and Regional Youth Director for the Church of God Gulf-Rio Grande Region. He also serves on the pastoral staff of Abundant Life Church in San Antonio, Texas. At Amplify, Eli will lead an evening session focused on helping pastors cultivate long-term resilience, remain faithful to their calling, and lead with endurance in ministry.
Tod Bolsinger
Tod Bolsinger
Tod Bolsinger, Ph.D. is a leadership coach, author, and Associate Professor of Leadership Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary. A former pastor of 27 years, Tod now serves as co-owner and principal of AE Sloan Leadership, where he helps church, nonprofit, and marketplace leaders navigate change and lead with resilience. He is the author of nine books, including the influential Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory and Tempered Resilience: How Leaders Are Formed in the Crucible of Change. Drawing from decades of leadership experience, Tod will lead a practical session on guiding churches through change, equipping pastors to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with innovation and reaching more people with the gospel.
Efrem Smith
Efrem Smith
Eli Bonilla Jr. is a pastor, speaker, and author passionate about equipping leaders and reaching the next generation with the gospel. He is the author of Mixed and the forthcoming book Death to Self-Help, which challenges a culture of self-improvement with a biblical vision of ministry rooted in surrender to Christ. Eli serves as Next Gen Regional Co-Chair for North America with Empowered21,National Next Gen Director for the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), and Regional Youth Director for the Church of God Gulf-Rio Grande Region. He also serves on the pastoral staff of Abundant Life Church in San Antonio, Texas. At Amplify, Eli will lead an evening session focused on helping pastors cultivate long-term resilience, remain faithful to their calling, and lead with endurance in ministry.
Register
AMPLIFY 2026
Conference Schedule
Register
DATE & TIME
EVENT
Breakout Schedule
Ed Stetzer, Ph.D. is Dean and Professor of Leadership and Christian Ministry at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University and serves as Distinguished Visiting Scholar at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University. A leading voice in church leadership, mission, and evangelism, Ed has planted, revitalized, and pastored churches, trained leaders on six continents, and authored more than a dozen books. He also serves as Regional Director for Lausanne North America, Editor-in-Chief of Outreach Magazine, and Scholar in Residence and Teaching Pastor at Mariners Church. Ed will join us to share practical insights on helping churches innovate, adapt, and faithfully advance the mission of the gospel in a rapidly changing culture.
Ryan Burge is a Professor of Practice at Washington University in St. Louis, a political scientist, author, and leading researcher on religion in America. Known for making complex data accessible, he helps church leaders understand trends in faith, church attendance, and cultural change. Ryan is the author of several books, including The Great Dechurching, and writes the popular Graphs About Religion newsletter.
Jason McConnell is Director of the Rural Church Institute at Wheaton College Billy Graham Center and a pastor with more than two decades of ministry experience. Passionate about strengthening rural churches and small-town ministry, he equips leaders through research, training, and practical resources. Jason serves churches across the country by helping pastors lead with clarity, resilience, and gospel-centered vision in their communities.
Michael Boyle is Rural Resource Developer for the Rural Home Missionary Association and Ministry Pastor at Elgin Evangelical Free Church. With years of pastoral and coaching experience, he is passionate about equipping pastors and strengthening churches through mentoring, networking, and practical ministry support.
Rev. Dr. Bobby Manning is Director of the Preaching Institute at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center and Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church of District Heights, Maryland. A pastor, preacher, and teacher, he is passionate about helping leaders communicate God’s Word with clarity, conviction, and gospel impact. Through the Preaching Institute, Bobby equips pastors to grow in their calling, character, craft, and context.
Todd Korpi is a pastor, missiologist, and researcher who serves as Lead Researcher for the Digital Mission Consortia at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. An author, speaker, and professor, Todd helps church leaders navigate digital culture, technology, and mission with theological wisdom and practical insight. He is passionate about equipping the church to engage people faithfully in both physical and digital spaces.
Sarah Dawes serves as Communications Director at Calvary Church in Naperville, Illinois. A writer, strategist, and ministry communicator, she is passionate about helping churches tell their stories in ways that connect people to Jesus. Through clear messaging and creative communication, Sarah equips ministry leaders to engage their communities with authenticity and purpose.
Kathy Kurda Petrash serves as Director of Strategic Partnering for Christian Colleges with Cru. She works with universities, churches, and ministry partners to equip and mobilize students and leaders for Great Commission ministry. Passionate about collaboration and evangelism, Kathy helps organizations build meaningful partnerships that strengthen gospel impact and disciple the next generation.
Dr. David Van Dyke is Director of the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Wheaton College and a licensed marriage and family therapist. An educator, clinician, and speaker, he is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families thrive through faith-integrated care. David equips leaders with practical tools for building healthy relationships and strengthening families and communities.
Joe Boyd is Director of the Church Evangelism Institute at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center and Lead Pastor of Grace Fellowship in York, Pennsylvania. A pastor, speaker, and church leader, he is passionate about helping churches cultivate cultures of evangelism and equip believers to share their faith with confidence. Joe encourages leaders to engage their communities with the hope of the gospel and make disciples who make disciples.
Mark DeYmaz is Director of the Mosaix Institute at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center and Founding Pastor of Mosaix Global Network. A pastor, author, and nationally recognized leader in multiethnic ministry, he helps churches build healthy, diverse communities that reflect the kingdom of God. Mark is passionate about equipping leaders to pursue unity, reconciliation, and gospel-centered transformation.
Rev. Dr. Guy Chmieleski is Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Charleston Southern University. With more than 25 years of leadership experience in Christian higher education and ministry, he is passionate about spiritual formation, leadership development, and helping students discover God’s calling on their lives. Guy is also an author, speaker, and mentor dedicated to equipping the next generation of Christian leaders.
Tammy Melchien is a Teaching Pastor at Community Christian Church and author of Choosing the Opposite. With more than 30 years of ministry experience, she is passionate about helping people take their next steps with Jesus and live out the values of God’s Kingdom in everyday life. Through preaching, writing, and leadership development, Tammy equips believers to follow Christ with courage and conviction.
Eli Bonilla Jr. is a pastor, speaker, and author passionate about equipping leaders and reaching the next generation with the gospel. He is the author of Mixed and the forthcoming book Death to Self-Help, which challenges a culture of self-improvement with a biblical vision of ministry rooted in surrender to Christ. Eli serves as Next Gen Regional Co-Chair for North America with Empowered21, National Next Gen Director for the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), and Regional Youth Director for the Church of God Gulf-Rio Grande Region. He also serves on the pastoral staff of Abundant Life Church in San Antonio, Texas. At Amplify, Eli will lead an evening session focused on helping pastors cultivate long-term resilience, remain faithful to their calling, and lead with endurance in ministry.
Dr. Eliza Cortés Bast is CEO of Stonecroft and a pastor, speaker, and organizational leader with nearly 30 years of ministry experience. Passionate about evangelism, leadership development, and strategic ministry innovation, she equips churches and leaders to engage their communities with the hope of the gospel and build healthy, thriving ministries.
Charlie Cotherman is Executive Director of the Center for Rural Ministry at Grove City College and an Assistant Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies. A pastor, author, and educator, he is passionate about strengthening rural churches and equipping leaders to serve faithfully in overlooked places. Charlie helps pastors and congregations thrive through practical ministry, theological reflection, and a deep commitment to the local church.
Rev. Shaun Marshall is a leadership strategist, coach, and founder of Navigate Consulting, where he helps leaders and organizations navigate change and transition. With more than 20 years of experience in pastoral, nonprofit, and denominational leadership, Shaun equips leaders to strengthen culture, clarify vision, and increase impact. He is passionate about helping people and organizations move forward with purpose and confidence.
Crystal Partee is Global Content Leader at YouVersion, where she helps develop biblical content that serves the global Church. A communicator, strategist, speaker, and writer, she is passionate about connecting people to God’s Word through meaningful content and storytelling. Crystal equips ministry leaders to communicate with clarity, purpose, and lasting impact.
Mark Slaughter is Director of Evangelistic Partnerships for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and an International Ambassador for Leighton Ford Ministries. A gifted communicator and mentor, he has spent more than 30 years helping people engage faith and encounter the gospel. Mark is passionate about raising up evangelistic leaders and equipping believers to share Christ with clarity and compassion.
Hayley Myers serves in the Wheaton College Litfin Divinity School’s Christian Formation and Ministry program. Passionate about spiritual formation and leadership development, she supports students, faculty, and ministry programs that equip the next generation of Christian leaders. Hayley brings a heart for service, organization, and helping others grow in their calling and vocation.
John Eiselt is Executive Director of the Church Evangelism Institute at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center and former Executive Pastor of Ministries at Eagle Brook Church. A pastor, coach, and ministry leader, he is passionate about equipping churches to reach people with the gospel and build healthy, mission-focused cultures. John helps leaders develop effective teams where evangelism and discipleship flourish.
Brandi Nicole Williams, Ph.D., is a leadership strategist, researcher, and speaker with more than 15 years of experience in ministry and nonprofit leadership. Her work focuses on discipleship, leadership development, community transformation, and emerging generations. Dr. Williams is passionate about helping church and nonprofit leaders think strategically, lead faithfully, and engage their communities with wisdom and cultural relevance.
J.D. Payne is a pastor, missiologist, author, and ministry leader dedicated to advancing the Great Commission. He serves as Pastor for Church Multiplication at Fellowship Church and has trained church planters and missionaries around the world. Through his writing, speaking, and coaching, J.D. equips leaders to make disciples, multiply churches, and engage their communities with the gospel.
Eli Bonilla Jr. is a pastor, speaker, and author passionate about equipping leaders and reaching the next generation with the gospel. He is the author of Mixed and the forthcoming book Death to Self-Help, which challenges a culture of self-improvement with a biblical vision of ministry rooted in surrender to Christ. Eli serves as Next Gen Regional Co-Chair for North America with Empowered21, National Next Gen Director for the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), and Regional Youth Director for the Church of God Gulf-Rio Grande Region. He also serves on the pastoral staff of Abundant Life Church in San Antonio, Texas. At Amplify, Eli will lead an evening session focused on helping pastors cultivate long-term resilience, remain faithful to their calling, and lead with endurance in ministry.
Adam Kipp serves with the Rural Home Missionary Association and is a rural pastor and ministry leader passionate about helping churches thrive in small-town communities. Through leadership development, coaching, and community engagement, he equips pastors and congregations to faithfully advance the gospel in rural contexts and strengthen the witness of the local church.
J.D. Payne is a pastor, missiologist, author, and ministry leader dedicated to advancing the Great Commission. He serves as Pastor for Church Multiplication at Fellowship Church and has trained church planters and missionaries around the world. Through his writing, speaking, and coaching, J.D. equips leaders to make disciples, multiply churches, and engage their communities with the gospel.
Rev. Dr. Kellen Smith is Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton and a coach with the Preaching Institute at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. A pastor, teacher, and ministry leader, he is passionate about helping people grow in their faith and equipping pastors to communicate God’s Word with clarity and conviction. Through preaching, discipleship, and leadership development, Kellen encourages believers to follow Jesus with wisdom, grace, and gospel-centered purpose.
Hunter Guy is Principal UX Designer at Christianbook and co-founder of Study Aloud. A product designer, Bible teacher, and faith-driven innovator, she is passionate about helping people engage Scripture through technology, storytelling, and digital experiences. Hunter equips ministry leaders and entrepreneurs to pursue gospel-centered innovation that fosters spiritual growth and lasting Kingdom impact.
Bill Kollar is Evangelistic Initiatives Director for Cru’s U.S. Campus Ministry, where he helps students and university faculty hear and respond to the gospel. With more than 35 years of ministry experience, Bill is passionate about evangelism, discipleship, and mentoring the next generation. He also leads Take the Open Seat, a digital outreach initiative that helps students explore faith through social media and online conversations.
Andi Mitchell serves with Cru, where she helps equip and mobilize leaders to share the gospel and make disciples. A speaker, mentor, and ministry leader, she is passionate about evangelism, leadership development, and helping people live out their faith with courage and purpose. Through training and discipleship, Andi encourages believers to engage others with the hope of Christ.
Anne Ngo serves with Cru, where she helps develop and equip leaders for gospel-centered ministry. Passionate about discipleship, evangelism, and leadership development, she encourages believers to live missionally, build meaningful relationships, and share the hope of Christ in their everyday lives.
Jeff Grant serves with Cru as a Gaming Outreach Specialist, helping ministries connect with people through digital communities and online platforms. With nearly two decades of experience in campus ministry and leadership development, he is passionate about evangelism, disciple-making, and equipping leaders to reach people where they are. Jeff helps churches and ministries engage emerging mission fields with creativity and gospel-centered purpose.
Dr. Rochelle Scheuermann is Associate Professor of Evangelism and Leadership and Program Director for the Doctor of Ministry degree at Wheaton College’s Litfin Divinity School. An ordained minister, author, and scholar, she is passionate about evangelism, leadership development, and helping the Church engage culture with wisdom and grace. Her research focuses on mission, disability, and the intersection of faith and culture.
Dr. Christopher J. Harris is Director of the African American Church Evangelism Institute at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center and Executive Pastor of Crossover Church in Tampa, Florida. With more than 20 years of ministry and leadership experience, he is a strategist, communicator, and church leader passionate about equipping pastors and congregations for evangelism, discipleship, and gospel impact. Christopher helps leaders lead with wisdom, clarity, and purpose.
Anthony D’Andrea serves as Vice President for Advancement at Wheaton College, where he leads efforts to advance the College’s mission through philanthropy, alumni engagement, and strategic partnerships. A seasoned leader in higher education advancement, he is passionate about connecting people and resources to support transformational Christian education and Kingdom impact.
Dr. Michael Jordan is Associate Professor of Theology at Houghton University and a scholar of Christian theology and spiritual formation. Through his teaching, writing, and research, he helps students and ministry leaders think deeply about faith, doctrine, and discipleship. Michael is passionate about equipping believers to engage culture and ministry with theological wisdom and gospel-centered conviction.
Sharonda Cooper is a Bible teacher, author, and passionate advocate for evangelism. She serves on the Women’s Initiatives Team at The Gospel Coalition and is the author of Evangelism, part of The Gospel Coalition’s Disciplines of Devotion series, as well as Wisdom for Parenting. She has also coauthored Turn Your Eyes and contributed to Fruitful and Unto Us. Sharonda holds engineering degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and is currently pursuing her M.Div. in apologetics and philosophy at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Drawing from her experience engaging unchurched people in Scripture, Sharonda will share practical ways churches can help people encounter Jesus through studying the Bible together.
location
the venue
The Amplify Conference gathers church leaders focused on building thriving local churches that will show and share the message of Christ for decades ahead.
Learn church-tested ideas from innovators and emerging voices in evangelism and outreach in a space that fosters community and mission. The church of tomorrow is entrusted to your teams’ leadership today.
October 20
Tuesday | 9:00 am – 8:30 pm
October 21
Wednesday | 9:00 am – 4:30 pm