Speakers

HELLO, BRILLIANT SPARK!

I’m Simon, and my purpose is to help you find your purpose. With three decades of corporate training experience, I ignite transformation in organizations, systems, schools, and nations by inspiring the people within.

Throughout my career, I’ve earned designations, won awards, received accolades, and garnered followers, but that’s not what drives me. The vision of a remarkable, unified world filled with purpose-driven people—now that’s what drives me.

Yes, I’m a motivational speaker who’s inspired over one million people, but here’s the real deal: I am perfectly imperfect. Like every human on this planet, I’ve failed at many things. I know what it feels like to have warped priorities that affect your daily life. When I was promoted to Sales Director at Disney Institute, I was a boss with an agenda instead of a leader with a vision. I was successful on the outside but insignificant on the inside.

I had traded a life of meaning for a fancy chair, a check, and a cup of coffee in a cubicle farm. One day I woke up, and I realized I hated my life. I wanted significance instead of an imposed definition of success. That afternoon I began crafting my exit-strategy and crafted a potential business plan of motivational speaking and corporate trainings.

When you find your spark, you find your joy.

When you find your joy, you find your voice.

When you find your voice, you find your freedom.

City and State: Randallstown, Maryland

Jurisdiction: Maryland Central

Title of Presentation: Living Victoriously Through Today’s Crises

We are living in perilous times. A rocket scientist, government official, or prophet is not necessary to declare we are living in critical times. Nations, governments, and the world at large are experiencing multiple crises on various fronts. During the last 12 months, we encountered blow after blow after blow after blow against our spiritual, intellectual, physical, social, economical, and emotional well-being regardless of age, gender, race, or religion. The following collective social ills and crises fuel and attack the “pressure points” of our mental well-beings: the racial injustice against Black men and women, the tension experienced by the Black Christian caught between the messages of the progressive social justice movement and the conservative Biblical principles of our lifestyles, the economic turmoil, high unemployment rates, healthcare disparities, climate change, and the educational challenges due to poor performing schools.

This presentation will equip you with spiritual and practical skills to handle each of these social ill and stress the importance of mental wellness, which is the key to being able to face the crises in your life successfully.

City and State: Westland, Michigan

Jurisdiction: Southwest Michigan Agape Jurisdiction

Title of your presentation: Single in the Pandemic

Abstract: Being unmarried brings its own unique challenges. Add to the challenges of singleness the pressures of navigating a global pandemic and all the new norms that go with it (i.e. isolation, social distancing, cancellation of social activities), and what we get is an uncharted terrain with lots of questions. This presentation seeks to address some of the pressures that come along with being single during the pandemic and provide insights to help unmarried people navigate this elongated season.

Biography: Pastor Kellen Brooks is a musician, author, pastor of Pentecostal Temple COGIC public speaker in the Metro Detroit area. He is a lifelong member of the Church Of God In Christ and pastors the Pentecostal Temple Church Of God In Christ, in Inkster, Michigan.Pastor Brooks has a passion for inspiring audiences through his sermons and talks. A few of his engagements include: The African Carribean Church Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland; Purity Class Day speaker during the Church of God in Christ Centennial Convocation in 2007at the historic Mason Temple, and TEDxDetroit Conference 2019 with his riveting talk “Questions Single People Hate” (found on Ted.com). That particular talk was based on his recent book entitled “When Shall We Eat Cake.” As a single man in the spotlight, Kellen desires to inspire unmarried people to live above the pressures to be married and enjoy their season of singleness.

City and State: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Jurisdiction: Oklahoma Southeast Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction

Title of your Presentation: Marriage in the Pandemic: Innovative Ways to Build Strong

Marriages While Leading

Abstract: The Corona Virus Pandemic has affected the life and lifestyles of citizens of the world in all aspects of life and livelihood. This presentation focuses on the impact it presents to marriages in particular. All of the systems involved in human relationships are particularly impacted both positively and negatively. On one hand, spending more time at home has allowed some to re-discover the passion and happiness that led them to make marriage vows and a fulfilled dream of “happily ever after”. On the other hand, more time together has resurrected long ignored issues that seemed to only chronically erupt and expose many unresolved problems still in need healing and restoration.

Presenter Bio: A native of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Bishop Malcolm Coby is the pastor of Victory Temple Church of God in Christ World Ministry Center. He serves as the Jurisdictional Prelate of the Oklahoma Southeast Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. He is married to Missionary Lady Reva Coby, a Case Manager for a Community Action Agency. and is a father, grand father and great grandfather. He serves the Church of God in Christ, as Chair, Board of Directors, All Saints Bible College, Chair of the Standards and Extensions Committee for the General Assembly and member of the COGIC Strategic Planning ?Committee. He a retired university professor with B.S. and M.Ed. (University of Central Oklahoma) and the Ph.D. (Oklahoma University). He is the author of over a dozen publications in Church administration, leadership and personal development. He is the President of M.W. Coby Consultant Services, LC.

Victory Publications by Malcolm W. Coby, Ph.D. : Until Morning Comes, Saints in the Wilderness, Prayer Ministry of the Saints, Handbook for Church Organization and Ministry, and Bylaws and Job Descriptions for the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction : Amazon.com and Church of God in Christ Store. On Demand Presentations: Marriage in the Pandemic:The New Normal; Pulling Down Strongholds in Men and Women; Preserving the Family Tree; The Proverbs 31 Man; The God-Called Leader; Principles of Effective Church Administration; From Heart to Soul, vols.1-4; Get Up Humpty and more.

General Supervisor, International Department of Women | Church of God in Christ

Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis of Los Angeles, California was elevated and appointed the International General Supervisor of Women Church of God in Christ by Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. and members of the General Board in April 2017. She stands on the shoulders of her predecessors as the seventh General Supervisor with a relevant vision in a Godly spirit of inclusiveness and purpose.

Mother Lewis has served since 1988 as the Jurisdictional Supervisor of women in the Southern California First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. She is the visionary of a 4.7 million dollar 41 unit senior citizen complex opened in 2002. It was named Hale Morris Lewis Manor for the three succeeding Jurisdictional Supervisors of Southern California Jurisdiction One. Her efforts in juvenile halls and drug rehabilitation centers in Los Angeles earned her recognition from the Mayor and local newspapers as Woman of the Year.

Her service on the national level is extensive including former women’s editor of the Whole Truth paper; twentythree-year former member of the Board of Trustees of the C. H. Mason Theological Seminary; and member of the Presiding Bishop’s Executive Planning Commission. Prior to her elevation as General Supervisor Mother Lewis served as International Marshal of the Women’s International Convention, member of the Advisory Board and Executive Board, chairperson of the Special Convention Assistance committee , chairperson Department of Women Program Committee and chairperson of the Department of Women Executive Business Affairs. She was elevated as the Assistant General Supervisor to Mother Willie Mae Rivers in 2013.

As a cutting-edge leader, Mother Lewis is passionate about the mission of the Church of God in Christ and is committed to its foundation and values. As General Supervisor, Mother Lewis has implemented numerous ministries and programs. Mother Lewis is a renown prayer warrior, a prolific writer and author of the Christian Woman’s Guide to Church Protocol and Saintly Decorum.

Married to the late Bishop James A. Lewis since June 1962, they co-founded the New Antioch Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles where their youngest son Administrative Assistant Jeffrey M. Lewis now serves as senior pastor (wife Floetta). Their oldest son Elder James A. Lewis Jr works in the ministry along with their two adult grandchildren Shannon and Jeffrey Jr. Internationally known as a Godly woman that follows His leading, her character, integrity, determination and incredible leadership have captivated and inspired many across generational lines. Her exceptional reputation for being one of the most powerful and hardworking women in her line of ministry precedes her,” said a spokesperson. The theme of her life is “I Can Do All Things through Christ Who Strengthens Me”

City and State: Houston, TX

Jurisdiction: Texas South Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction

Title of your Presentation: Session B: Marketing & Video Strategies for Virtual Ministry

Taping Strategies for Virtual Ministry (Individual Taping & Meeting At The Church for

Taping)

 

Presentation Abstract:

This session will present some of the current Social Media platforms and strategies that can be utilized for effective virtual ministry for individuals, local churches and jurisdictions both during and beyond the pandemic.

Presenter Bio:

She received her education in the Houston Independent and North Forest School Districts. She graduated with honors from the M. B. Smiley High School and continued her higher education at Houston Community College, Texas Southern University, and the University of Houston. She earned her Associates degree in Applied Data Processing from Houston Community College and a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Southern University where she majored in Computer Science with a Minor in Business. In 1987, she married Elder Prince E. Bryant, Sr. and became the First Lady of Anderson Memorial Church of God in Christ, now known as The Island of Hope Church of God in Christ. Currently, they serve The Island of Hope Church of God in Christ and The Buck Street Memorial Church of God in Christ. In 2007, Elder Bryant was elevated to the office of Bishop of The Texas South Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ

City and State: Louisville, KY

Jurisdiction: Kentucky First

Title of your Presentation: Kentucky First Jurisdiction NTI (Virtual Learning) Village …

Activate!!!

Presentation Abstract: This initiative was developed during the global COVID-19 pandemic to equip our children, parents and teachers with the necessary resources and strategies needed to be successful in navigating virtual learning when the 2020-21 school year began. Village Activate conducted 18 weekly Zoom sessions which dealt with topics of self-care, emotional management, reading and math academic support and strategies, community resources available during the pandemic, and a 3-part Speaker’s Series focusing on its core audience children, parents, and teachers. In addition to providing academic support to students who were struggling with virtual learning, Village Activate initiated virtual and in-person tutoring opportunities. Presently, we have been designated as a virtual and beyond learning hub for school district.

Presenter Bio: Mother Stallworth is an Evangelist Missionary with a passion for souls. She serves as a Jurisdictional Supervisor for Kentucky First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ and lives in Louisville, KY. The Love of her life is bringing forth the Word of God. She loves to see the souls enlightened and delivered. Mother has traveled extensively for purposes of missions and evangelism. Mother Romanetha Stallworth has over 30 years of experience in Private Practice, Therapeutic Family and Relationship Counseling. She was the Instructor for the Institute for the Healing of Racism and Assistant Coordinator of Academic Support Services.She implemented therapeutic programs for Children Services, thereby developing the “Being A Better Parent” Program. She has co-researched and co-authored Latent Effects of Domestic Violence in African American Children and has been used as an expert witness in custody cases regarding domestic violence.

Local Church: West Angeles Church of God in Christ

City and State: Los Angeles, California

Presentation: Ministry of the Local Church: A West Angeles Model

As the elder daughter of the late Bishop Benjamin F. and Lady Pearl Reid, Rev. Sylvia V. Reid has a lifetime of service to ministry and The Body of Christ. She earned her degree in Organizational Leadership and Development from Azusa Pacific University and is an ordained minister in The Church of God, Anderson, Ind. She currently serves as Director of Auxiliaries and Guest Services at West Angeles Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Presiding Bishop, Charles E. Blake, giving oversight, direction, leadership and training to leaders and auxiliaries. In her capacity as Director of Guest Services, Sylvia assists with arrangements for any guests of and to West Angeles; including those from the Ecumenical, Political, Social Services, and Artistic Communities. She also sits on the Executive Team of West Angeles which serves as the policy and procedure governing body of the organization. Sylvia serves her community as The West Angeles Church representative on The Crenshaw Community Leadership Council and the Faith Council for The Metro/LAX Project and the Political Action Network, an ecumenical body promoting the biblical worldview in public policy and legislation

Rev. Reid has served in a myriad of capacities on local, regional and national levels in and out of The Church of God. She has also been heavily involved in ecumenical work having served as Executive Coordinator to First Lady Serita Jakes of T.D. Jakes Ministries and Executive Administrator to Dr. Wanda Davis. Most importantly, Sylvia loves The Lord and His people and is committed to the furtherance of The Kingdom.

City and State: Montgomery, AL

Jurisdiction: Alabama 1st

Title of your Presentation: Shepherding the Hybrid Church

Presentation Abstract: This presentation identifies the current challenges of our church and world, encouraging pastors and leaders to embrace the new technology that is available to effectively Sheppard and grow their church. It also includes establishing relevant ministries that promotes engagement into the hybrid world to strategically reintroduce your church to your members and the world.

Presenter Bio: With only an unction from the Lord and faith, Pastor Ellison stepped out on what God told him. One church, seven locations–the vision. The mission to win souls. With this focus, he set out to accomplish what many said was impossible and darn near crazy. In August 1995 Bishop O. L. Meadows officially name ‘The Harvest District’ to Alabama Jurisdiction #1 and appointed Pastor Ellison as superintendent in December that same year. At the time, New Life had acquired only one location.Today New Life is operating with one church, seven locations in Montgomery, AL, plus a church in Birmingham, Alabama. Powerfully anointed to lead, he steers the course of the Lord’s Homeless Shelter, operating since 2013, a 24 hour all Christian radio station, endearing “Harvest for Souls” television broadcast, satellite television station–the Total Praise Channel, and diverse counseling services. On the regional and national level, Pastor Ellison is a highly sought after orator, facilitator, and published author. Pastor Ellison is married to Lady Jevonnah Ellison from Los Angeles, California.Pastor Ellison has 6 children, 16 grandchildren.

City and State: Chicago, Illinois

Jurisdiction: Illinois 1st

Title of your Presentation: Session I- Bridging The Generational Digital Divide Elder

Michael L. Payton Session II- No Family Left Behind; Filling The Void Through Online

Engagement

Presentation Abstract: These two sessions are sub-components of our “Autopsy Of A Dead Sunday School”, a three year, multi-denominational study into the death of Christian Education. Our thesis is that the decay in the methods and the approach to teaching and studying the Word of God has caused many to be powerless to fight against a relentless enemy. The current pandemic has only compounded the obvious: The church was not prepared for the shift to digitized discipleship. These sessions are designed, based on research and theory, to equip churches and members with methods to engage their circle of influence with the power of an unboxed word of God. How do we reach the world with the power of the Word of God in this new Information Age? How do we reshape our thinking beyond the comfortable four walls of the church to reach the four corners of the Earth? The church is at a crossroad: We are either going to be Anointed, or we will undergo an Autopsy.

Presenter Bio: Michael L. Payton is a faithful member of the New Birth Church of God in Christ, in Chicago, Illinois, where his pastor is Auxiliary Bishop Willard L. Payton. Elder Payton has been a presenter at many Christian and educational workshops and conferences. An educator for 18 years. Elder Payton graduated magna cum laude from Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi in 2001 with a degree in Elementary Education and minor in Child Psychology. He is near completion of his Master’s Program in Educational Administration and Mathematics.

Local Church: Pastor, Greater Community COGIC

City and State: Marietta, Georgia

Presentation: Connectivity: Bringing Kingdom to Community

Presenter Bio: Pastor Matthew Brown, Th.D., is an unequivocal Christian with a vast experience, similar to the biblical Joseph, in government and public administration. He is corporate trained, and educated in civic, social, secular and sacred institutions in his community. It is this eclectic collection of experiences that has served him well in faith, corporate and community engagements.Pastor Brown embraces the missional mandate to significantly assist churches, organizations and communities in their specific distinction of service, development and transformation to the locales they serve. He has committed his life to Servant Leader principles which he’s shared for over 30 years with diverse communities, faiths and business leaders.. Pastor Brown motivates ministries, trains leaders, collaborates and partners with communities to achieve collective benefits for others. He has proven his exceptional skills as a public speaker, leader, strategist, coach and facilitator through the implementation and administrations of many strategic ministry and community initiatives. Accomplished in his field, endorsed by his colleagues, and invited to inspire many in various parts of the world.

City and State: Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas

Jurisdiction: Texas Northeast First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction

Title of your Presentation: Leading with Effective Strategies in a Season of Changing Realities

Presenter Bio: VISIONARY, PASSIONATE, EDUCATED, FOCUSED, MAN OF INTEGRITY AND A MAN OF FAITH FULL OF THE HOLY GHOST . . .. The attributes of a God-chosen leader who is called, chosen, and faithful (REVELATIONS 7:14B), 

Bishop James E Hornsby, Prelate of Texas Northeast First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction was born a leader who leads with a true vision from God. He serves to promote, develop, and empower Christian leaders, congregations, and workers to impact communities and advance World Missions with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One of the important tiers of his leadership is multi-generational that focuses to effectuate change to build God’s kingdom. 

Bishop Hornsby has server in various capacities on all levels of the local, district, state, and national church. A noted intellectual on church protocol and pastoral, organizational, and strategic leadership, he is often requested to present in seminars and conferences across the country. 

As third in succession, Bishop Hornsby serves as Prelate of Texas Northeast First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. In addition, he also serves the congregations of Cathedral of Faith Church Of God In Christ in Euless, Texas and Saintsville Sanctuary Church Of God In Christ in Dallas, Texas as pastor and shepherd. 

God has blessed Bishop Hornsby to oversee the completion of the initial phase of a new $7.5 million dollar Cathedral of Faith Church of God in Christ edifice which when completed will exceed $10 million dollars. In the meantime, he has initiated and nearly completed a $2 million dollar renovation to the Jurisdictional Headquarters, Saintsville Church of God in Christ, including the parking lot which is currently in progress. 

Bishop Hornsby is married to the lovely and anointed Lady Janis L. Hornsby. They are the parents of three children, Jared (Stephanie), Jocelyn (DeVell), and Jason who are highly educated, extremely talented, and an enormous help to the ministry. They are the proud grandparents of one beautiful granddaughter, Jacie and three handsome grandsons, Dillon, Julian, and Drew who energetically participate in the ministry as well. 

City and State: Mississippi

Jurisdiction: Mississippi Southern First

Title of your Presentation: Jurisdictional Ministry In and Beyond the Pandemic

Presenter Bio: Bishop Littleton was appointed Prelate of the Mississippi Southern First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ in 2017. He is also Pastor of Greater Deliverance COGIC, a progressive ministry serving communities in two locations, Forest and Byram, Mississippi. A visionary leader, faith builder and spiritual motivator, he has labored in the Gospel more than 20 years. During this time, he has pastored four congregations, rebuilt two churches and birth dozens of sons and daughters in the gospel.

As a humanitarian, he founded GDC Community Outreach, Inc. to meet the social and physical needs of the community, and supports several charities, including COGIC Ministries, the Mississippi Food Network and the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Bishop Littleton is a graduate of Lanier High School and Phillips College. He also attended Jackson State University, where he studied Business Administration. He earned numerous certificates in Information Technology Management, and served 29 years in the Information Technology department of the Jackson Public School District (JPD). In 2010, he retired as a JPD ERATE Administrator and devoted his life full-time to ministry.