called.

Dr. Heather Thompson Day is an interdenominational speaker, an ECPA bestseller, and has been a contributor for Religion News Service, Christianity Today, Newsweek and the Barna Group. 

Heather was a communication professor for 13 years teaching both graduate and undergraduate students in Public Speaking, Persuasion, and Social Media. She is now the founder of It Is Day Ministries, a nonprofit organization that trains churches, leaders, and laypeople in what Heather calls Cross Communication, a gospel centered communication approach that points you higher, to the cross, every time you open your mouth. 

Heather’s writing has been featured on outlets like the Today Show, and the National Communication Association. She has been interviewed by BBC Radio Live and The Wall Street Journal. She believes her calling is to stand in the gaps of our churches. She is the author of 9 books; including It’s Not Your Turn, I’ll See You Tomorrow, and What If I’m Wrong?

Susie Larson is a popular radio talk show host with over 7 million podcast downloads, a national speaker, and a bestselling author. Author of twenty-two books, Susie is also a veteran in the fitness field and has twice been voted top-ten finalist for the John C. Maxwell Transformational Leadership Award.

Susie and her husband live near Minneapolis with their three sons, three daughters-in-law, and a growing bunch of delightful grandchildren. Susie’s passion is to see people everywhere awakened to the value of their soul, the depth of God’s love, and
the height of their calling in Christ Jesus.

Learn more at SusieLarson.com

Aminta Geisler is a daughter of the King, wife to her best friend, mom of 4, and is affectionately known as the “Crazy Jesus Lady,” a nickname that she loves. She is the Executive Director of Reckless Abandon Ministries, host of the Mint. Podcast, Speaker, Bible study author, and Breakfast Club champion. Her mission is to equip people to run the race of faith well. In her free
time, Aminta enjoys taking long walks, reading, and remodeling homes with her husband. She loves coffee and pepperoni pizza.

Amanda Ellison is an inspiring vocalist and recording artist from Minneapolis, MN. Amanda has been singing all of her life, from the halls of her childhood home to the platforms of concert halls. Amanda sings the great landmark hymns of the faith from the depths of her soul with conviction and grace. Her voice has a richness and warmth that echoes her love for the Lord. Amanda brings musical comfort, by ministering the songs we grew up with and pine for.

What matters most to Amanda is giving God the glory by conveying His love in song. Amanda’s ministry brings the old hymns to new places. Amanda believes every hymn tells a story of God’s faithfulness.  A testament to His leading in her life. She is dedicated to honoring the heritage of hymns for generations past and preserving them for generations to come.

Melissa J. MacDonald is a seasoned veteran in the realm of ministry, boasting over two decades of dedicated service to the global community. She is a captivating speaker to audiences of all ages, an experienced coach, and a prolific author. She is profoundly committed to supporting ministry leaders and nurturing children’s spiritual growth worldwide. Melissa has left her mark on organizations such as The Christian and Missionary Alliance, the International Network of Children’s Ministry, and the Global Children’s Forum. She loves kayaking, golfing, and really good food. Alongside her husband, Luis, they serve as foster and adoptive parents, making their home in Iowa where they are actively involved in their local community. She also boasts having the world’s cutest dog but admits she may be biased.

Rebecca Martin is the founder of Boldly Seeking Ministries and host of the Between the Pages podcast, where she encourages individuals to follow Jesus with boldness, purpose, and a sense of adventure. Based in Duluth, Minnesota, she’s an adventurer, photographer, and worship leader who’s passionate about helping others live out their faith in real, everyday ways. When she’s not behind the mic or the lens, you’ll find her golfing, soaking in the beauty of Lake Superior, or spending quality time with her friends and family. She firmly believes God can use every story, yes, even yours and is excited to see how the people she meets start to lean into their calling and purpose.

Renee is on a mission to live intentionally and connect with others who want to do the same. She has come alongside thousands of women, encouraging and teaching them how to create a lifestyle that frees up time and space so they can focus on God’s purpose for their lives. Renee was fortunate to be married to her sweet husband Brett for 20 years before Jesus healed him of cancer in heaven, and she is honored to be a mom to their two teenage daughters, Megan and Sarah. Her energy is contagious, she loves people deeply, and she cannot wait to meet you!

Katie Jo Whitney is an ordinary woman looking for the extraordinary in her everyday life. She has a unique way of seeing “simple” moments become big connections to God’s word. Since 2020 God has encouraged Katie Jo to share what God is teaching her once a week on Social Media. It was a scary step to take but the simple has become extraordinary with opportunities to see God work miracles. Her co-pilot in life- Alaric Whitney is a walking miracle from going blind to seeing again. Along with his story are her 4 children on this side of heaven ranging from 17 years old to a 4 years old. In her simple but extraordinary moments, Katie Jo is a preschool teacher that loves superheroes, planning parties (because Jesus’ first miracle was at a party!), and bringing others together through a good meal. Her infectious laugh is a trait that is loved by her friends and family. She is excited to share about how we are Called to Extraordinary through the Simple moments.

Emily Alexander is a worship leader at Eagle Brook Church, a multi-site church in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. She is married to John of 17.5 years and has 3 awesome kids: Maddox (14), Marley (10), and Miles (2). She is an enneagram 7 through and through. She loves McDonalds, two of everything, traveling with the family to warm places, 300-piece puzzles, and longs for the moment in the day when the kids get OFF the bus from school! God has so graciously been making room in her life to explore the passion of writing and speaking! If you’d like to reach out to her for any reason, you can find her on Instagram: @emilyjalex or direct email: Emily.alexander@eaglebrookchurch.com. Emily and her husband, John, have also taken on a couple side hobbies, so if you’re looking for something light and encouraging for your ride to work in the mornings, her and her husband have a podcast called “The 143 Podcast with John and Emily Alexander,” where they talk about things that they love – And, have also written a devotion for both the Advent and Lent seasons called Daily Reflections of Advent + Daily Reflections of Lent, found on Amazon!

Rachel Pieh Jones writes about life at the crossroads of faith and culture for the New York Times, Christianity Today, Runners World, and more. Her work is influenced by living in the Horn of Africa, raising Third Culture Kids, and adventurous exploration of the natural world. She has lived in Somalia and Djibouti since moving to Africa in 2003. Recently, she completed two seminary degrees, moved back to the unfamiliar nation of the United States, and launched a ghostwriting business. Rachel is the award-winning author of Pillars: How Muslim Friends Led Me Closer to Jesus and Stronger than Death: How Annalena Tonelli Defied Terror and Tuberculosis in the Horn of Africa. Visit her at www.rachelpiehjones.com

Sonya Leigh Anderson has spent five decades discovering what it means to follow Jesus, and each season has been its own adventure. Through joy and trials Sonya has learned to pray the prayer that never fails: God, I trust you. Sonya has worked as a teacher, a family minister, a writer and a speaker. She began blogging several years ago as a way of paying attention to the unfolding story of God’s faithful love, both in her own life and within the pages of Scripture. She’s the author of The Covenant Story: Trusting the Love of a Faithful God—a book she wrote for her five young adult sons. Sonya’s current passion is exploring God’s breathtaking world alongside her courageous husband, and their growing tribe of wonder-filled grandchildren.

Becky Hunt helps Christian moms rebuild their lives after child loss, guiding them to reclaim their identity, rediscover joy, and live boldly in a future that honors their child and reflects God’s calling on their life. Through her podcast, Loud About Loss, and her book, Joy Does Return, Becky shares her 4-part framework: Identity, Calling, Joy, and Rebuilding, to help women stop chasing who they were and start walking in bold faith and clear purpose.

Becky knows what it means to live through the unthinkable. From losing her daughter Gracie to battling cancer, she’s walked through loss, fear, and identity-shaking grief. Whether it’s the loss of a person, a dream, or the life you thought you’d have, Becky’s message is a reminder that God is still writing your story, and joy isn’t just possible, it’s promised.

She’s also the founder of Cakes from Grace, a nonprofit that delivers custom cakes to families of children with congenital heart defects, offering celebration and sweetness in the middle of hard stories.

Becky has been featured on Twin Cities Live and other local news outlets, but her greatest joy is helping women believe that they don’t have to hide their pain to live with purpose. There is life on the other side of hard and it’s worth fighting for.

Shannon and her husband, John, are the pastors of North Star Community Church in Coon Rapids, MN. She is passionate about the local church’s ability to transform families, communities, and the world.

As a mom to two energetic boys, Aiden and Asher—affectionately nicknamed “Danger” and “Smasher”—Shannon finds herself constantly on her knees in prayer.

She thrives on building strong teams, collaborating with other female leaders, and engaging in meaningful conversations over coffee. Whether cheering on her boys from the ball field sidelines or enjoying quality time with her family, Shannon treasures every moment spent with loved ones.

Jennifer Dougan is a speaker, writer, and follower of Jesus. She loves bringing God’s word alive in vibrant relevant ways that inspire, reminding women of how valuable and loved they are to God, and releasing them from one more To-Do list. Women come alive with the truths and hope found in her messages.

With 29+ years of church ministry as a pastor’s wife, former church staff member, and a leader of women’s ministries, Jennifer loves to point people to God’s life-transforming words and joy.  She speaks often at retreats, conferences, churches, MOPS groups, homeschool co-ops, and camps. Jennifer has been married for 30 years and has three children.  http://www.jenniferdougan.com

Melissa L. Johnson (impossible-beauty.com) is a licensed marriage and family therapist, spiritual director, and the author of Soul-Deep Beauty: Fighting for Our True Worth in a World Demanding Flawless. She is also the founder of Impossible Beauty, a blog and podcast dedicated to redefining beauty as “the life of God at work in us and among us.” Melissa lives near Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her husband and English Golden Retriever, Scout. 

Christy Engelhart is a Bible teacher and Christian speaker who shares relatable, biblical messages with audiences of all ages. With over two decades of ministry experience, including serving as a youth pastor and small group pastor, she has a passion for teaching others about the grace and love of Jesus. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and a Master of Christian Education from Bethel University and Bethel Seminary.

Whitney Bass is a Minnesota-based speaker, certified Life & Business Coach, and beauty industry entrepreneur with a heart for helping women feel seen & walking boldly in their God-given calling. With over two decades of experience in the hair industry, she knows firsthand the power of creating space for transformation, both inside & out.  As the founder of growHER, a thriving community for female entrepreneurs, she empowers women to pursue purpose over perfection & find joy in every part of their journey.

A proud boy mom & iced coffee enthusiast, Whitney brings warmth, realness & truth to every stage she steps on reminding women that God’s plan is unfolding beautifully, even in the in-between.

Jill Noble is a Christian writer, speaker, and entrepreneur who delights in offering
encouragement and inspiration to sister sojourners. A sipper of tea, Jill finds great pleasure in
celebrations big and small, dark chocolate, and gifts wrapped in pretty bows. It’s her exceeding
joy to look together with others to Jesus, the Author and Sustainer of our life stories.
Jill and her husband have four adult children. Jill’s earthly sanctuary is their peaceful little
acreage in western Wisconsin, where she enjoys her eleven pet chickens, gardening, and an
adorable mini sheepadoodle named Phoebe.