Guest Speakers & Artists

The Friday Night Change outreach event and the Saturday Change Conference will have some incredible, inspiring communicators and musical artists coming to share in their own unique areas of passion to motivate us to become leaders of change for this generation.

We wholeheartedly welcome all of our special guests with the full confidence that each is bringing God’s distinctive message for us in 2011. We trust that you will find great blessing as you come to Change ’11!

Bios

Manafest / www.manafest.ca

 

Chris Greenwood A.K.A. Manafest is a man on a mission.  His latest release, THE CHASE is his fourth full-length album and it’s his hardest hitting work to date, infusing rock, rap and pop seamlessly.  Manafest has been organically building his fan base for the past 6 years, playing hundreds of shows on three continents and selling over  100,000 records. He is a Juno and Dove nominee.  His music has been featured in video games, on TV shows like “Knight Rider,” “One Tree Hill” and “MTV Unplugged.”  He’s endorsed by: Circa, West 49 and Nomis. So, what’s left to achieve? That’s simple. Sell one million records, keep touring the globe and continue getting his message out to fans.  If past success is any indication, it’s only a matter of time before he makes this happen.

Stellar Kart / www.stellarkart.com

 

INO Records power pop-punk band Stellar Kart has a mission … to connect with youth and to teach them about Jesus Christ in a way that they can relate to. The band has worked tirelessly to encourage high schoolers to go all out for God. After three releases and one “best of,” they can safely say “mission completed.” They don’t just entertain our youth; they connect with them.  “They’re responsive to our music and lyrics because we just came through that period ourselves,” says lead singer, Adam Agee. “Stellar Kart is definitely geared toward youth group kids because that’s where we got our start.”  Talking with kids about life and second chances is what motivates Stellar Kart. “There are so many high school and junior high kids living a life with no direction. If we have the opportunity to help them, that’s great. It fires me up, keeps me grounded to think about how God’s using me to help other people.”

To Tell / www.myspace.com/totell

 

Meet To Tell – a piano-driven pop/rock fire ball blasting life through speakers and radio waves everywhere. To Tell is the musical adventure of Zach Havens, an energetic solo performer who is backed by his band of equal dynamism. Over the past two years, Zach has sent heads turning and toes tapping across Canada and the United States with coast-to-coast radio play, a non-stop touring schedule, and one of the most unbridled shows in recent history. Since releasing his debut full-length album (So Much More), To Tell has achieved countless #1 radio hits (More Radio CHR chart/CT-20), placement on several nationally broadcast television programs, and the opportunity to share the stage with artists such as Aaron Gillespie, Superchick, Sanctus Real, Group One Crew and Leeland to name a few. Based out of London, Ontario, To Tell writes songs that are not only drenched in passion and emotion, but race at the listener with walls of guitars, vocal harmonies that soar to the sky, and, of course, Zach’s signature piano notes that drop through the floor. This artist is taking the world by storm with music that is upbeat and danceable, catchy and hummable, energetic and fun for anyone and everyone. If you are a fan of the piano, music, or having a good time ever, To Tell is the perfect artist for you!

Eugene Cho / www.eugenecho.com

 

Eugene is the co-founder (with his wife) and executive director of One Day’s Wages – “a movement of People, Stories, and Actions to alleviate extreme global poverty.”  He is also the founding & lead pastor of Quest Church and the founder & executive director of Q Cafe – a non-profit community cafe and music venue in Seattle. Born in Korea, he immigrated to the U.S. at age six and grew up in San Francisco. He trekked out to the East Coast for several years, returned to the HomeLand of the Morning Calm [South Korea] for couple years, and now lives in Seattle with his family.

He and his wife, Minhee, have been married for 14 years and have three children. In the truest sense, Eugene is lost, wicked, and depraved but redeemed by the grace of God. Blessed by revelation and compelled to respond as a herald of resurrection, redemption, and reconciliation and an advocate for issues of mercy, justice, and compassion.

On his website it says that Eugene hasn’t published squat and is not a very highly sought out speaker but finds great joy in knowing that he’s still pursued by his wife and three children. He limits his speaking schedule to about eight engagements (per year) outside the state of Washington in addition to numerous same-day consulting on issues of Christian faith, leadership, non-profits, social entrepreneurship, social media, etc.

Eugene blogs regularly and is considered one of the prominent bloggers on issues of Christian Faith, Justice, Ministry, and utilizing social media for good.

Colin McCartney / www.urbanpromise.com

Colin is an ordained minister through the Associated Gospel Churches of Canada and is a veteran urban minister with over 25 years of experience in “high – risk” communities. He is married to Judith McCartney and has two children – Colin Junior and Victoria McCartney.  Before starting UrbanPromise Toronto, Colin had served as a Pastor at Parkway Bible Church (A.G.C) in Toronto for over twelve years and his ministry at this church was known for it’s creative and aggressive outreach to the community and especially to “at risk” youth.  While serving as a pastor he birthed many ministries: a drop – in centre for troubled teens, a ministry to young offenders, a ministry to the local high school and a Church for unChurched youth.  Colin has also been involved in training youth workers throughout Canada, the U.S and Australia.

Colin and his wife Judith started UrbanPromise Toronto in 1998. UrbanPromise is a para – Church ministry that was started in the USA under the direction of Dr. Tony Campolo.   UrbanPromise’s mandate is to “proclaim the love of Jesus, and to express it through educational, social, and spiritual development of children, youth and families in government housing projects in Toronto.  UrbanPromise targets children, teens and single moms in high-risk communities in Toronto through after school tutoring programs, summer camps, youth leadership and employment development and single Mom’s ministry.   UrbanPromise Toronto also has an extensive intern program where young adults, 18 –26 years of age, can serve in the city. Colin is also a popular speaker and youth ministry trainer who has spoken to audiences as large as 7,000 people.  You can take a glimpse of the ministry of UrbanPromise Toronto by logging on to their web site at www.urbanpromise.com. Colin is also involved in the Red Letter Christian Movement and speaks on their behalf alongside the likes of Tony Campolo, Shane Claiborne and others.

Nine O Five / www.myspace.com/nineofive

 

Birthed from a simple vision, Nine O Five grew from a simple idea, to a major reality. In the summer of 2003, Josh McCabe sat down and began penning ideas to his beat up notebook. McCabe, who was only 16 at the time, began to write down visionary plans to start a worship event that would change the way people view the church. Months later, despite having a youth ministry of only 8 teens, the event exploded, and hundred of kids began coming out to the Nine O Five events.

It was out of those worship rallies that formed the band, Nine O Five. Formed by worship leader/songwriter Josh McCabe, he quickly sought the support from his sister Stephanie, as they have been leading worship together from a very young age. Over the years, the band has taken more of a backseat role for the team, as Josh has been a part of other musical projects. Spending time on the road with Falling up, and drumming for Hello Kelly, and Esterlyn, Josh’s love for ministry has taken him far beyond on the Canadian borders. “Its been such a pleasure to be a part of other bands and ministries over the years, but ultimately God has called me to worship, and that is what Nine O Five is all about”.

Brent Crowe

 

Brent Crowe is a thought-provoking visionary and speaker who has a passion to present the life-changing message of the gospel.  An emerging spiritual and cultural leader, Brent uses humor and real life situations to relate to people at the heart of their struggles.  The roles of husband, father, minister, evangelist, writer and leader have allowed Brent to influence people from all walks of life throughout his years in ministry.

Engaging issues such as leadership, culture, and change, Brent speaks to tens of thousands across the nation and abroad at events.  He is also the Associate Editor of IMPACT, The Student Leadership Bible and a contributing author to The Complete Evangelism Guidebook.  His latest work, The Call: insights from those who have answered . . . practical advice for those who are about to, co-authored with David Nasser, has just been released and his next book, Chasing Elephants: Wrestling with the Gray Areas of Life was released in the fall of 2010.

The desire of Brent’s heart is to see people realize that they have been set apart to the gospel of God and thus, in turn, they must set their lives apart in an effort to capture every moment in worshipful service to Him.

Dave Sawler

David Sawler is presently lead Pastor of Lighthouse Community Church in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia.  He, and several people moved into the area almost six years ago to start a church planting ministry.  Cape Breton, is the eastern part of Nova Scotia and has one of the lowest percentage of young people and young adults engaged in any church in Canada.

David Sawler is a husband, father, pastor, author, and speaker.  In a very very simple and honest way he challenges people to live like Jesus without the clutter that is usually attached. He speaks to thousands of youth, young adults, parents, and leaders about why people walk away from their churches and faith.  His hope is to re-engage many on the fringe and to speak hope into lives of people, ministries, and churches today. Dave’s book’s include, Goodbye Generation, The Disciple – God’s Blueprint and recently released, Before They Say Goodbye.

Greg Stier / www.dare2share.org

Greg Stier is the founder and president of Dare 2 Share Ministries International.  Since 1991, Greg has impacted the lives of tens of thousands of Christian teenagers through Dare 2 Share events.  Greg combines amazing true-life stories and side-splitting humor to communicate sound Biblical truth in a way that not only inspires teenagers, but motivates them to action. He and his team are committed to mobilize teenagers to relationally and relentlessly reach this young generation for Christ. He is the author of eight books and numerous resources, including Dare 2 Share: A Field Guide for Sharing Your Faith, and Venti Jesus Please. For more information about Dare 2 Share or Greg Stier, please visit www.dare2share.org

Nathan Betts

Nathan Betts is an apologist who just recently joined the RZIM Canada team.  He received his undergraduate degree from Tyndale University College. He is also a graduate of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and has completed an MA in Bible and Ministry at King’s College London through the Centre for Theology, Religion & Culture.  Nathan has written curricula on basic Christianity and Apologetics for several Anglican churches in both Canada and the UK.  Being a keen baseball fan, he worked on the Toronto Blue Jays Ground Crew for four years. Nathan and his wife Brittany reside in Toronto.

Brian Penngelly

After serving on staff of New Directions Ministry for a number of years, Brian is transitioning to resume a focus on pastoral ministry.  He continues to be available for speaking engagements with youth and youth leaders across the country.

Brian has extensive experience ministering to teens who experience same-gender attraction. Brian’s personal testimony, clear grasp of the issues, and humourous and creative speaking style make him ideal for speaking to youth groups large or small.

Drawing on his experiences ministering in various youth subcultures, Brian challenges people to step outside their comfort zones to share God’s love with all people, including those who are different, or who may be closed to the gospel. It focuses on learning skills in evangelism such as humility, selflessness, sacrificial love, authenticity and respect which can open dialogue and communicated God’s love even to those strongly opposed to Christianity.

Launch Leadership Team

LAUNCH, a student leadership development program which is located in the GTA; www.321launch.ca will be at the Change Conference! This year we’re excited to provide students with a variety of workshops that will help them learn How to Make Important Decisions! We will also be leading the Focus Group Panel main session, where students will be sharing what they took into consideration when they made important decisions regarding; school, career, relationships and God’s will for their lives. Finally, students at the Change conference will have the opportunity to receive individual coaching regarding important decisions they are needing to make. The LAUNCH room will be available all day on Saturday to receive students that desire personalized coaching. Come and discover how good decisions today can prepare you for a productive future that honors God!

Carl Nash

Carl Nash is Director of LAUNCH. Carl has mentored and coached student leaders for over fifteen years, and it was through these relationships that the dream of LAUNCH began to take shape. He has enjoyed times of working as both a Physical Therapist and Youth Pastor, and is a graduate of Tyndale Seminary and the Arrow Leadership Program. Carl lives in Toronto with his wife Leanne and their three daughters.

William Raposo

William joined the LAUNCH team in September 2008 as LAUNCHee Coordinator. He is a graduate of the University of Whales and holds an M.Th in Biblical Studies. William has served as an Assistant Pastor for 2 years and has coached youth for the past 8 years. He is passionate about inspiring youth to discover their Kingdom Dream and to challenging them to meet the needs of those in their community. Currently, he volunteers as Youth Pastor at his local church in Toronto and lives in Burlington with his wife Cristina and 2 children.

Diana Skinner

Diana has joined the team as a Regional Coach Manager. She is a graduate of McMaster University and obtained her Bachelor of Education at O.I.S.E. (U of T). Diana is a high school English and Drama teacher who supply teaches in the midst of mothering her two young boys and baby girl. She loves mentoring young people and seeing how God works in their lives. Diana and her husband Matthew have a long history of serving at Ontario Pioneer Camp in a variety of roles and programs. After many years away, Diana once again lives in her home town of Burlington.

Melissa Burke

Melissa is joining our team as LAUNCHee Manager. She is newly married and enjoying life in Toronto. She is a recent M.Div graduate from Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto and has spent many summers loving life at Ontario Pioneer Camp. Melissa was lucky to have a mentor as a young woman and is passionate about other young women experiencing mentorship as well. Personally, Melissa enjoys hosting weekly neighborhood gatherings of artistic friends for food, music and art projects. She is an avid garage-saler and burgeoning banjo player.