KEYNOTE SPEAKERS & WORKSHOP Leaders

KATHERINE SMITH is the executive director of Baptist Creation Care Initiative and an adjunct professor of ecotheology at Wayland Baptist Theological Seminary. Her academic studies, combined with time spent living and working as a missionary in a developing country, has left her with a profound sense of responsibility for the poor and the marginalized, especially those who are adversely affected by climate disruption and environmental degradation.

Workshop – Beyond Recycling: How Churches Can Truly Care for Creation

Friday | 1:15 p.m

AMANDA TYLER is executive director of BJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty), lead organizer of the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign and co-host of the Respecting Religion podcast. Leading BJC as it upholds the historic Baptist principle of faith freedom for all, Tyler’s constitutional law analysis and advocacy for religious freedom have been featured by major news outlets, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, CBS News, ABC News, CNN, and MSNBC. A member of the Texas and U.S. Supreme Court Bar, she has experience working in Congress, in a private legal practice and serving as a law clerk for a federal judge.

Workshop – Reclaiming Religious Freedom

Friday | 10:15 a.m.

CARRIE VEAL has served in children’s ministry for twenty years. Currently the Executive Minister at Myers Park Baptist in Charlotte, Carrie has observed almost every trend that has been in ministry. She and her husband have one dog, Hannah, a rescue who is a marvelous mutt. Carrie loves cooking and baking and reading; she is an avid exerciser and is certified with the Enneagram Approach. She loves using the Enneagram with adults and particularly with church staff teams and laity.

Workshop –Children’s Ministry After A Global Pandemic: Where Do We Go From Here?

Friday | 10:15 a.m.

KIM WYATT and her husband, Marc, are CBF field personnel and the founders of Welcome House Raleigh. This ministry and others like it across the state seek to welcome vulnerable people through hospitality, housing, and friendship. Through these relational connections the love of God is expressed and experienced.

Workshop – Let’s Talk Housing and Hospitality

Friday | 10:15 p.m.