Amber Smart is the founder of SmartMetrix, dedicated to helping organizations harness the full potential of their data. Amber was part of the original team that launched the Bible App in 2007, helping bring it to over 50 million users in its early days. She has since shaped data strategy for one of the largest mission-driven organizations in the U.S. and has worked with over 100 churches to help them see and understand their data. Now, she’s developing The Data for Good App, a SaaS product with AI-driven insights to guide mission-based organizations and church leaders. While many lead with answers, Amber leads with questions—because in today’s world, the right questions drive adaptation and growth. Fueled by curiosity and a relentless problem-solving mindset, she lives by the belief that everything is figureoutable.

Ann Eileen Thompson is a leadership coach, speaker, podcast host, and soon-to-be author who helps leaders lead wisely, live whole, and grow with both faith and practical strategy.  Ann brings decades of experience in market research, corporate leadership consulting, and ministry insight, helping leaders bridge the gap between business strategy and the mission of the church.

Ben is the Lead Pastor at CedarCreek Church. Since joining CedarCreek Church in 1999, Ben has taken on various leadership roles within the church. He started as one of the first interns, has led student ministries, served as a campus pastor, and eventually was appointed as the Lead Pastor in 2015.

Ben is passionate about helping people discover and pursue their God-given purpose. As the Lead Pastor, Ben guides individuals on their faith journey, fostering a welcoming and authentic community. His leadership reflects a genuine care for others and a dedication to the vision of CedarCreek Church. His commitment extends beyond Northwest Ohio as he champions the cause of the local church, making an impact both locally and beyond. 

Ben cherishes his wife, Lauren, and their four children. In his free time, he enjoys collecting new experiences and embarking on creative adventures.

Blue Van Dyke is the founder and CEO of Studio C and brings a rare blend of international business savvy, digital marketing expertise, and executive pastoral leadership to his work. He was first introduced to the concept of “member engagement” during his time at Mercedes, where he began shaping strategies that now help churches connect more personally with their people. Today, he leads Studio C in partnering with churches to implement tech-enabled, next-step communication strategies that drive engagement and discipleship. Blue, his wife Crystal, their family, and their dog Leo now reside in Arizona.

Jackie Glass is an energetic coach, magnetic leader, and experienced facilitator who was made to lead moments that spark transformation. She is passionate about seeing people live lives full of wellness: heart, mind, soul, and strength. As a licensed clinical professional therapist, health coach, pastor, and communicator, Jackie journeys with people as an inspirational coach, helping leaders navigate their personal and professional struggles, maximize their strengths and reach new levels of success that leaves an impact. Jackie is passionate about seeing people live whole and full of wellness: heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Jackie deeply desires for people to give voice to their lives as they ignite purpose, deepen calling, and lean in to talents. The world is better with you in it! So cheers to journeying together - let’s have some fun and throw glitter along the way.

Experienced Project Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. 

Skilled in Self Learning, Employee Training, Strategic Planning, Databases, and Project Management. 

Strong program and project management professional with a Master of Science - MS focused in Criminal Justice from The University of Toledo. 

Jay Owen is a visionary entrepreneur and seasoned business growth expert. He serves as the CEO of Business Builders, a marketing agency he started in 1999 at the age of 17. Business Builders empowers organizations and businesses of all sizes to get attention and acquire customers.

Jay is also the author of the book “Building a Business that Lasts” and hosts a podcast by the same title where he's interviewed over 100 business leaders with at least a decade of experience.

Outside of business, Jay has served at The Church of Eleven22 as the Executive Director of Ministries and has helped grow their digital footprint from thousands to millions.

Away from the business world, Jay treasures quality time with his wife, Claire, and their five children. They can often be found enjoying the sunshine and warmth of their beautiful hometown, St. Augustine, Florida.

Johnmark Oudersluys is CityLink Center’s Executive Director, a position he has held since 2010. Johnmark previously worked for two fortune 500 companies, was trained in cross-functional management through their leadership programs, and completed a Master’s degree in economic development. Active volunteerism in the community and his faith fostered a passion for creating large scale solutions for critical social issues. 

At CityLink, Johnmark has led the formation of a scalable, integrated center that breaks down barriers for Greater Cincinnati’s unemployed and economically challenged to progress to a better life. Cincinnati has been home for 15+years during which engagement with community has led to deep friendships, the opportunity to meet an amazing wife and start a family, and a profound appreciation for our city.

Liz Schauer serves as the Marketing, Communications, & Digital Director at Willow Creek Community Church.

Liz has seen firsthand how communications can make or break organizations. She’s passionate about approaching every message with intentionality—thinking through audiences, timing, and tone to ensure that people feel engaged, respected, and informed in the news that affects them most.

Ultimately, Liz is driven by purpose. The “what” of her work matters less to her than the “why.” She’s deeply grateful for the opportunities she’s had to lead projects and initiatives that bring life change and hope to individuals and communities alike.

Luke Dooley is the President of Ocean Accelerator and co-founder of Banded, driven by a deep desire to help people discover their place in a larger story. He believes that when we live and lead with intention, we shape the world around us for the better.

Luke is passionate about creating spaces and content that inspire others to live and lead in ways worth following. Known for his ability to build meaningful relationships and connect people across local and global networks, he thrives at the intersection of purpose, creativity, and community.

Dr. Matt Engel is a strategist and practitioner with expertise in data, leadership, and church innovation. He spent nine years at Arizona State University as a senior leader, using analytics and strategic communication to drive major gains in student enrollment and retention. Feeling called to ministry, Matt became a pastor in Arizona and later joined Gloo, where he has helped some of the nation’s most influential churches grow through data-informed, Spirit-led strategies.

Matt is the co-author of Fourteen Fridays and a sought-after advisor in decision science, organizational growth, and church engagement. He has helped lead large-scale community transformation efforts and currently guides one of the largest innovation networks of churches in America, equipping leaders to apply Engagement Frameworks, Platform Theory, and adaptive leadership. He holds a master’s degree from ASU and a doctorate in Christian Leadership.

Matt is the Director of the Studio at Crossroads Church, where he oversees Marketing, Design, Branding, Digital Products, and Insights while also spearheading digital strategy and innovation across the organization. Matt is a big believer in the positive transformative power of technology. Matt is married to Leah, an amazing mom and pediatrician. They have 3 super fun kids and the Weltys love all things outdoors, travel, and new experiences.

Terry Storch is the Co-Founder and Chief Platform Officer at YouVersion, a ministry of Life.Church. He helped create YouVersion from the ground up and now leads the YouVersion Platform, partnering with ministries and developers worldwide to bring God’s Word to everyone, everywhere, every day. Terry is passionate about becoming more like Jesus, mentoring leaders, and enjoying time with his family.

Collaborative author of 35 books for church leaders. 
Specialist in fast-growing churches, especially megachurches. 
Research director and knowledge-product manager. 
Adjunct seminary professor for 28 years. 
Former pastor, both church planter and assoc pastor. 
Ph.D. in sociology of religion. 
Quoted widely in national media, both Christian and mainstream. 

Zac Stephens is the Senior Pastor of Faith Promise Church, a growing multisite church in Knoxville, Tennessee. He and his wife, Rachel, are committed to equipping Christ followers to win their world. They inspire those they lead to continually ask what is next in their walk with God and who is next for them to impact for the kingdom of heaven.

Zac’s ministry journey includes pastoral experience at the student, campus, global, and executive levels. Most recently, he has founded the Win Network, a cross- denomination network for churches in Tennessee committed to equipping Christ followers to win their world. In addition to this, Zac holds a master’s degree in executive leadership from Liberty University.  He is currently a doctoral student at SEU and is expected to complete his Doctorate of Missiology in 2027.