Speakers

When Faith Falls Short: Navigating Obstacles to Faith

Dr. Robert L. Davis has served as the Senior Minister of Drayton Mills Church of Christ since July 2016.  As a native of Gilbert, SC, he graduated from the University of South Carolina Upstate with a Bachelors degree in Biology.  After answering his undeniable call to ministry, he matriculated at Oklahoma Christian University Graduate School of Theology where he graduated with a Master of Divinity degree.  Seeking to equip himself to effectively engage an increasingly pluralistic and postmodern society, he enrolled at Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, NC, where he graduated with a Doctor of Ministry degree in Christian Apologetics (defense and proof of Christianity).  

Dr. Davis is a dynamic and charismatic speaker that utilizes the principles of expository preaching.  His sermons blend the scholarship of advanced exegesis without sacrificing the simple and practical truths of the Word of God.  His preaching philosophy follows the old adage: “Preaching should both disturb the comfortable while comforting the disturbed.” He has been privileged to be invited to keynote gospel meetings, revivals, lectureships, conferences, and other events across the US.  Dr. Davis is the husband of his college sweetheart, Dr. Courtney Wright Davis of Lexington, SC.  Together they are the proud parents of Wright, Carter, Carson, and Brooks Davis. He enjoys reading, traveling, athletics, and exploring unknown cultural cuisines.  He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Currently, he is pursuing board certification as a Professional Chaplain as well as working on his first publication.

Your Kingdom Come: Surveying Kingdom Anticipation

Peter Martin is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, and has been an active member of the Lord’s church since his youth. In 2002, he graduated as class valedictorian from Southwestern Christian College with a degree in Theological Studies with a minor in Greek. He is currently working on his M. Div at Houston Christian University. He has served several congregations of the Lord’s church. In addition to serving as minister of congregations, he has conducted numerous gospel and revival meetings, spoken on several lectureships, partnered in conducting marriage workshops, and was the keynote speaker at several youth events/meeting. He currently serves as the Senior Minister of the Cliff View Church of Christ in Dallas, TX.  Peter provides the church with insightful and edifying expository messages from the Word of God each week. He is happily married to his beautiful wife, Shon.

Maximizing Outreach: Strategies for Engaging and Reaching Community

Minister Jonathan W. Morrison loves the Lord and is humbled to be a servant in the Kingdom of God.  He is the son of Dr. W.W. Morrison, retired minister of the 6^th Ave Church of Christ in Mineral Wells, TX, and Anne Morrison. He is married to his lovely wife, Lataria, or “Sha.”  They are blessed to have four beautiful children; Jostyn, Jensyn, Juliyn, and Jiliyn.

He is a proud graduate of Amberton University, The University of Texas at Arlington, and Southwestern Christian College.  Shortly after completing his matriculation at Southwestern Christian College, Jonathan was appointed Dean of Men and continued to serve in this capacity until 2017.

He is privileged to have been shaped under the influence of a number of great gospel ministers including his father, Dr. W.W. Morrison, Minister of the 6^th Ave Church of Christ, for over twelve years; Dr. David Lane, Resident Retired Minister of the Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ, Dallas, TX, for over six years; and the late Dr. Eugene Lawton, of the Newark Church of Christ in Newark, NJ.

Prior to his call to Cedar Crest, he briefly served as Minister of the West End Church of Christ (Terrell, TX), and as Associate Minister of the Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ (Dallas, TX).  Since April of 2010, he has faithfully served as Ministering Evangelist for the Cedar Crest Church of Christ in Dallas, TX.  There, he is actively engaged in ministry that emphasizes saving the lost, strengthening the saved, and serving the community.

Beyond local ministry and organizing, Jonathan is humbled to serve yearly throughout the country in various capacities. When he is not working, he can be found enjoying his family, listening to music, watching a movie, attending sporting events, or watching his favorite network cable news channels.

Essential Ingredients to Creating Congregational Momentum

Matthew Wilson is the founding pastor of Ekklesia Christian Church in Conway, South Carolina, and he has led the church from a couple of dozen people meeting in his home to more than 1,500 people in weekend attendance over the past eight years. Matt’s life mission is loving people like Jesus, leading people to Jesus, and launching people for Jesus. Matt serves as a regional director for Renew.org, mentoring church leaders in the Carolinas. He is the author of The 40 Day Discipleship Journey. He and his wife Tina have seven children, and they all serve together in ministry.

Kingdom Woman for Kingdom Impact: Stepping into Scripture: Seeing Me the Way God Sees Me *(General All Female Assembly)

Tina Wilson is a pastor’s wife and mom of seven. Alongside her husband Matt, she has committed her life to serving King Jesus as a church planter, Bible teacher, author, and advocate for all-in-family ministry. She is the author of Step Into Scripture, a chronological Bible accompaniment guide. She also serves on the board of the Christian Standard. She is passionate about making Christ and his church famous in South Carolina and beyond, and she serves her local church, Ekklesia, as director of communications.

The Power of Collaboration- Building Healthy Ministry Teams

Marricus D. Ellis has been preaching the gospel for nearly 10 years. He currently serves as the Associate Minister of Green Meadow Church of Christ in Shelbyville, TN. Marricus has an associate’s degree in Business and Biblical Studies, and he is currently finishing his bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Heritage Christian University. After the completion of his undergraduate degree, he plans to attend graduate school at Harding School of Theology to acquire a Master of Divinity in Bible Exposition. Marricus is married to Jamila Ellis and they currently reside in Smyrna, TN. Marricus is excited to be one of the guest speakers at the 2nd annual Nehemiah Summit. He looks forward to witnessing how God will bless His church and enlarge His kingdom through this exceptional and transformative conference.

The Theology of Reconciliation- How it Works in the Church

Minister Jonathan Lamar Givens was born on February 26th, 1998, in Pontiac, Michigan to Barbara Givens and Timothy Bell. He matriculated at Oakland University School of Education. He holds an Associate of Biblical Studies and Advanced Teaching Certification from Midwestern Christian Institute out of Mt. Clemens, Michigan. 

He was saved at the age of eight under the leadership of Dr. Dallas A. Walker at Wyoming Avenue Church of Christ. He served under his leadership as a song leader and youth director. Dr. Walker after careful prayer allowed him his first opportunity to preach during a youth Sunday service in 2016. It was after this experience that Minister Givens realized that God had called him to serve in the preaching ministry. 

Jonathan Givens was officially ordained into the ministry on Sunday, June 13th, 2021 at Gray Road Church of Christ by Dr. Jeremy Flowers, Dr. Ramon Hodridge, Dr. Richard Price, Dr. Dallas A. Walker (virtually), and Bro. William Jones. 

Minister Givens has served in the capacity of youth director at Wyoming Avenue Church of Christ (Detroit, MI), Youth Minister at Elmwood Park Church of Christ (Detroit, MI), Assistant Minister at North Peoria Church of Christ (Tulsa, OK) and now is the newly elected Senior Minister at Southside Church of Christ in Montgomery, Alabama. While serving in previous capacities, his visionary leadership with the help of God has provoked phenomenal growth and innovation in the areas of youth, young adults, and outreach ministry. 

While serving with Dr. Blakney, at North Peoria Church of Christ, Minister Givens built a strong appetite for the ministry of social justice. He believes that every faith leader has a duty to speak out against any injustices that plague their members and the surrounding community. While serving in Tulsa, Minister Givens led and spoke at the 2020 & 2021 Pastors for Justice March in coalition with city clergy. He also sat on the “City-Pastors” advisory board which met monthly with local leaders such as the Mayor, Chief of Police, Chief of Fire, and the Sheriff of Tulsa County. 

Minister Givens believes in pushing everyone he interacts with to grow stronger in their faith and love for Jesus Christ. He is a firm believer that Jesus Christ died on the cruel cross at Calvary, but rose with all power in his hands so that we could have a chance to live again. Minister Givens believes in promulgating a thought-provoking, soul-saving, and deliverance-infused message that reaches across generational lines.

Kingdom Woman for Kingdom Impact: Not Worthy but Valuable *(General All Female Assembly)

Becky A Davis is an author, speaker, trainer, and entrepreneur who is thankful God can use her mess and life issues for His glory…and YOUR enlightenment and learning! 

Becky is a BIBLE reader and teacher. Through the teaching of the Word of God to women, her desire is to see women not only know the uncompromising truths of Scripture intellectually but experience them practically by the power of the Holy Spirit.

She has been an empowerment speaker for major corporations, organizations, national business conferences, churches, and Christian audiences across the United States and internationally. 

With topics ranging from marriage, parenting, singles, and spiritual growth to seasons of life, Becky is focused on helping others to deepen their spiritual walk. God’s Word is the authority. God is the teacher and Becky is the vessel that leads women on a journey of seeking, finding, and growing in Christ.

Becky left corporate America after 20 years. She was a regional vice president for Luxottica a Fortune 500 company. She stepped out on faith after a near-death experience to start her business, believing that God kept her here to pursue her dreams, and God-given purpose to empower women, coach entrepreneurs and develop leaders.  Becky is the President/CEO of MVPwork LLC, a coaching and consulting firm that helps entrepreneur women start, build and accelerate business growth, celebrating 10 years in business. She is a certified executive, leadership, and business coach and the author of seven books. She recently accepted an additional role of CEO for a $ 20 million dollar company. 

Becky was the 5-year national spokesperson for The Coca-Cola Company’s women entrepreneur initiative. Huffington Post, Essence, Black Enterprise, Forbes, Associated Press, and Rolling Out Magazine has recognized Becky, for her contribution to women entrepreneurs.  She has been seen on ABC, FOX, and TV One for her work with women. She gives all the glory to God. 

Between writing, speaking and training, and leading, she likes to spend her free time traveling, reading, shopping, and more shopping. Becky is married to her best friend and life partner, Will Davis, and they have four children. They live in Atlanta, Georgia.

Exegetical Lab: The Ministry of the Thorn – An Expositional Look at 2 Cor. 12:1-11

JK Hamilton a New York native, is presently the Ministering Evangelist of the Mountain View Church of Christ, Dallas Texas. His ministry has been with the Mountain View family for over 21 years. He and his wife Carole have been married for over 25 years and together they have 3 daughters. 

J.K. Hamilton holds his Undergraduate Degree from Southwestern Christian College and a Master’s degree in Professional Development and Counseling from Dallas Baptist University. 

In his time apart from the pulpit, J.K. Hamilton is devoted to training and mentoring young men aspiring to go into ministry. He speaks at various churches, community events, conferences, and other venues locally, nationally, and internationally. In his downtime, he enjoys a game of noncompetitive golf, reading, and fishing. 

J.K. Hamilton is also a Chaplain with the Dallas Police Department and has also authored and co-authored various books and has written for many publications, periodicals, and blogs over the years.

Serving but not Lording (Luke 22: 24-27)

Dr. Cleavon Matthews Sr is a prolific orator, communicator, and author. He is highly sought after and accomplished as a person of influence. He is academically accomplished having obtained the Doctor of Ministry degree from Amridge University. He is also a Registered Nurse and Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Ohio. Through his ministries, he continues to do extensive work in church consulting and premarital counseling. He has written several publications including three books: Get In The God Zone, and co-authored Unmasking The Satanic Attack Against Masculinity, and Bad Girls Are In The Church Too along with Minister Wesley T. Leonard. Dr. Matthews serves as Chairman of the Midwest Lectureship. He also founded and serves as Chairman of Bold Believers Community Involvement, Inc. He is an avid golfer and a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Inc. He resides in Dayton, OH. He ministers to the Bold Believers Church of Christ in Dayton, OH where he has served for twenty years.