ETCH NextGen Ministry Conference
ETCH NextGen Ministry Conference
Christy began singing and writing music in the church from a young age, as the daughter of a pastor in Oklahoma. She met Nathan in 1993, at the Christian Artists Seminar in Estes Park, Colorado, and they married in 1995. An invitation from Louie Giglio came later to join the first ever Passion Conference in Austin, Texas, which flourished into a fruitful fifteen years of writing and leading worship for the Passion movement. Christy’s devotion to creating earnest and honest songs prepared her to be an integral author and voice in songs like “Healing Is In Your Hands,” “Waiting Here For You,” “Let It Be Jesus,” and “Lord, I Need You.” She recently launched a podcast entitled “The Glorious in the Mundane,” which is intentionally focused on helping women in all places in life, finding the wonder and awe of God in the moments of the here and now.
Christy & Nathan live in Franklin, Tennessee with their three beautiful children: Noah, Elliana, and Annie Rose. When they’re not focused on parenting, producing, and writing, they love to spend time making their house, affectionately called Keeper’s Branch, a place of rest for their family. Whether it be a season of growth, pruning, or rest, God has been faithful to carry Christy and Nathan and give them songs and prayers for the sharing.
Darren Whitehead is the lead and founding pastor of Church of the City. In 2013, he and a small team had a vision to plant a family of churches that live in the way of Jesus for the renewal of global cities. Every weekend thousands of people join in person and online at one of 3 regional church congregations across the Nashville area. Originally from Australia, Darren has lived in the United States for over 20 years. He holds both Masters and Doctorate degrees in Ministry, with his dissertation focus on millennials and the future of the Western church. He recently released his second book, Holy Roar: 7 Words That Will Change The Way You Worship, co-authored with worship leader Chris Tomlin. Darren and Brandy have three daughters and live in Nashville.
Bio coming soon!
SL/Worship is a worship collective powered by Student Life Camp. Leading students across the U.S. through camp and on tour by bringing energy and depth that leads to moments students won’t forget as they meet with God through worship.
Gregg Matte was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and trusted Christ as his Savior at the age of 16. Since then, God has done a tremendous work in him and through him. In 1989, as a Texas A&M sophomore, Gregg and his roommates started a small Bible study named Breakaway in their apartment. Under Gregg’s leadership, Breakaway exploded, reaching thousands of students each week. In 2004, God called Gregg to become the pastor of Houston’s First Baptist Church. Today, this great church has grown tremendously and is impacting the world as never before. Gregg holds a marketing degree from Texas A&M and a master’s degree in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is an author of numerous books, the latest being “Capture the Moment.” Most importantly, Gregg is married to Kelly and is a father of two: Greyson and Valerie.
Kevin M. Jones serves as the Dean of the School of Education at Cedarville University. He also serves as the Managing Editor for Lifeway’s The Gospel Project. Kevin is a graduate of Kentucky State University, two-time graduate of the University of Kentucky, and earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Spalding University. He began his career as a first grade teacher and has taught in various K-12 and post-secondary settings. Kevin currently serves as a pastor at St. John Missionary Baptist Church. His longing is to see fathers build resilient sons and to see Christian teachers and leaders influence the lives of students nationally and internationally for the glory of God. He and his high school sweetheart, Demica, have three children: Kennedi, Kevin Jr, and Karsynn.
Katy Boatman is the author of You Can Rest: 100 Devotions to Calm Your Heart and Mind and lives in Nashville, TN with her mini goldendoodle. She’s on staff with IF:Gathering, but her favorite role is being an aunt to Shelby, Blake, and Ellie. Katy has spent fifteen years mentoring girls through student ministry, and she is passionate about helping them understand who God is and reminding them they are not alone. If she’s not writing or walking her dog, you can typically find Katy eating Mexican food with her friends! You can connect with Katy on Instagram: @katyboat.
Ricky Chelette is Executive Director of Living Hope Ministries and has been involved in ministry in the church for over 35 years. Having spoken to thousands who struggle with their sexual identity, Ricky brings vast experience and personal knowledge to this difficult subject. His logical, humorous, and straight-forward approach makes sense of a very complex and often confusing topic. Ricky holds a BA in Political Science/Pre-Law and a Masters in Religious Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. A sought-after speaker, he has taught at seminaries, colleges, and universities, throughout the US and around the world. Ricky also serves on the pastoral staff of First Baptist Church, Arlington, TX., where he has ministered for over 27 years.
