SPEAKERS
Take a look at our 2023 speakers!
JOEY SULIPECK
AUTHOR
How do you stop falling? You find something to hold onto. Joey Sulipeck worked as a Chief Meteorologist in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee for more than 20 years when he suddenly found himself in the center of national controversy. Commenting on social media during a basketball game, his intent was misappropriated and his words redefined as he was accused of racism - a charge that was patently untrue. What quickly followed was an avalanche of national slander and attacks against both him and his family. But this isn't a story with a sad ending. It's just the opposite. While facing a tidal wave of public condemnation and internal despair, he found deliverance. Writing about his very personal struggle for the first time, he explains clearly what God did for him and how that hope is universal and applicable in your life as well. Ultimately, no matter the circumstances - God wins. Within these pages you'll find a collection of verses, conversations and revelations that gave him refuge, resuscitated his spirit, and strengthened his faith. His prayer is that they may help you as well. All glory to God.
LAUREN READY
FOREVER READY PRODUCTIONS
Lauren Ready is an Emmy award-winning storyteller, keynote speaker and the Principal Storyteller of Forever Ready Productions. The Forever Ready team tells mission-driven stories for nonprofits and businesses so they can realize and harness their collective purpose and impact. Lauren Ready started her TV news career as a production assistant at 17. She then spent the next ten years as a video journalist as she moved across Iowa, Nebraska, and Memphis to cover national breaking news. Lauren’s vision for storytelling is at the heart of every production at Forever Ready. It’s this background in reporting — where production happens fast and complex human stories are at the center — that gives Forever Ready its unique creative edge. Lauren’s specialty is taking moments of human experience and turning them into dynamic and compelling short videos. Since leaving her TV news career and starting Forever Ready Productions in 2016, her company has received the Small Business of the Year Award from the Memphis Business Journal. Lauren has also won 4 regional Emmys and in 2019, was named Memphis Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40. In 2022, she took home both the Indie Memphis Hometowner Documentary Shorts Jury and Audience Choice awards for her film “What We Will Never Know” about a teen who falsely confessed to murder. This was her fifth Indie Memphis trophy for documentaries, making her one of the most decorated filmmakers in the festival’s 25-year history. The film was also awarded ‘Best Social Justice Short Doc” by the Lane Doc Film Festival in 2022. Lauren is an Iowa native and a graduate of Loras College. As you get to know the Forever Ready team, you’ll learn that she’s not the only Loras College alum! As just one way to pay forward the enriching experience she had at her college, she has recruited and hired others from Loras — Charlie & Allison.
CHRISTOPHER FRANKLIN
INSPIRE MEDIA CONFERENCE
Christopher is an accomplished Marketing leader with over 25 years of experience in brand development, video, design and motion graphics. His keen insight into building strong brands was developed while working in impressive leadership positions at FOX Televisions stations, Guardsmark and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC). Chris served for 10 years at Hope Church, the largest EPC in America where he last served as Director of Media Production. During his tenure with Hope the church saw exponential growth becoming a recognizable market leader in Media Ministry as Chris founded the Inspire Media Conference
JUSTIN NAVA
NAVA CHURCH MARKETING
Remember when shops were closed and driveways were empty on Sunday mornings? Remember when the church was the central hub of the city? It's time for the Church to rise above the noise of the world and become the central hub of the city again. I want to see ONE MILLION churches become the cornerstone of their community again. I don't know exactly how God's going to do it, but I do know it has to start with a clear and well-defined path to get to engage and connect with you. A piece of software by itself will not do that. You need a proven process and partner in ministry to bring your church to the front of people's minds. We are here to help you revitalize your church's reputation and make you the go-to resource in your community.
JOHN GIRTON
MARTIN UNIVERSITY,
EVP & CHIEF OF STAFF
I am the former Lead Pastor of the historic CMBCIndy.org and currently travel nationally as a professional trainer and empowerment speaker on the topic of urban leadership. My passion for empowerment fuels me to continue striving for excellence in all that I do. To that end, I've obtained my Master's Degree in Urban Ministry Studies and intend to continue my studies to earn a Ph.D. in Urban Leadership within the next few years.
PRENTISS L. THOMPSON
CHURCH SOUND PODCAST
Prentiss L. Thompson is an author, and the CEO of the "Repurpose Podcast Network," host of "The Church Sound Podcast." Additionally, the Co-Founder of the "Metro Podcast Studio" located in New York City. Aside from his podcasting achievements, Mr. Thompson's expertise lies in the realm of Audio Video & Livestream (AVL) for churches, Notably, he imparts his knowledge and skills as a trainer to prominent entities such as the retail giant B&H Photo Video and various manufacturers.
REV. DR. STACY DANDRIDGE
THE DIGITAL CHURCH BLOG
Stacy Dandridge, a native Memphian, holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Crichton College, a Master of Divinity degree from Memphis Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Her doctoral project entitled “DigiVangelism: Sharing Faith on Digital Platforms” was designed as a guide to help churches bridge the gap between the use of technology and the proclamation of Gospel. It proposed innovative and creative methods for using digital platforms and technology as a means for furthering the impact of the Gospel message. She serves as the Associate Pastor of Digital Ministry and Technology at Christ Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis, TN. She is the curator of The Digital Church Blog, a repository designed to help churches navigate digital and tech spaces.
REV. CHAD JOHNSON
ASSISTANT PASTOR & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Chad has been a part of the Hope Church family for more than 15 years. Throughout his tenure at Hope, Chad has served as the Hope 4 Kids’ Pastor working alongside infants-5th grade students and their families; and has served as a Middle School Pastor working alongside students in the many changes and challenges they go through. These ministry opportunities and more have prepared Chad to relate the stories of Christ and his Word within all aspects of our lives. No matter where you find yourself, you can always count on Chad for an encouraging word, a listening ear and a funny story to help paint a clearer picture of God’s love for us.
Throughout Chad’s more than 15-year tenure at Hope Church, he has regularly navigated how to
utilize social media to truly connect. Before the phrase ‘social media’ was a household phrase he
was using it to engage families with one another and the ministries he served. Now as the
Community Engagement pastor of the 19 th fasting growing church in America, he is navigating
how to truly make social media organically social again. Moving digital connections to personal
connections, and personal connections to spiritual ones is something he strives for and desires
others to strive for too. However, we are currently living in the age of the loneliness epidemic.
How can we make sure we are a part of the solution? It takes intentionality, for our own overall
personal use and for those we try to connect with through the tool of social media. Through real-
life examples and stories of connection, Chad shares humor and healing in his own life and
others to make sure people know they are not alone in their search for hope and relationships in
this world.