Mark MacDonald

Mark MacDonald is a Church Branding Strategist for Be Known For Something, a national church communication and branding company, coaching pastors and churches to become relevant in their communities.

He’s the bestselling author of “Be Known For Something”, has been a guest on over 80 podcasts, and has had almost 900 magazine articles published in publications like Lifeway Research, Worship Facilities, Baptist Paper, and many more.

Over almost 4 decades, Mark has served as Pastor, Marketing VP, Creative Director, and Strategist; in one of Eastern Canada’s largest agencies, his own agency, for the 3000+ Florida Baptist churches, and at one of the largest church consulting groups.

He and Tammy, his wife since 1990, have 2 grown sons in Calgary and Nashville. 

Kendrea A. Moorer is a dynamic speaker, author, and nonprofit consultant with over 24 years of experience in ministry and leadership. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology and Family Science from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. As the Executive Administrator of New Covenant Believers Church, Inc.,

Kendrea oversees ministry operations and staff development, driving growth and positive change.

In 2007, Kendrea founded K Charles Consulting, LLC, where she helps organizations and leaders create strategic plans, business portfolios, and leadership training programs. Known for her motivational approach, she has presented at local colleges and national platforms on leadership development, organizational change, and strategic planning.

Kendrea is passionate about empowering others to fulfill their potential, serving her community through her leadership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and as the Board President of Kids Care Elementary. Her mission is to inspire others through Christ’s love, turning dreams intoreality and creating a lasting impact.

Kendrea A. Moorer, MBA

Cardell Oliver

Cardell Oliver is a transformative technology leader with over two decades of experience revolutionizing IT ecosystems within nonprofit and faith-based organizations. As Chief Technology Officer at Elizabeth Baptist Church, he orchestrates comprehensive digital transformations—from enterprise-level cloud migrations and robust cybersecurity frameworks to scalable multi-campus infrastructure solutions—that
enhance ministry effectiveness and organizational resilience.

Cardell's approach integrates strategic foresight with practical implementation, consistently delivering technology solutions that advance mission-critical objectives while safeguarding digital assets. His philosophy of servant leadership creates environments where innovation thrives and technology genuinely serves people.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Cardell is a dedicated husband, father, and competitive powerlifter who demonstrates how discipline, faith, and innovation can converge to create meaningful impact in both professional and personal spheres.

Maria joined the staff of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina in April 2013. Her responsibilities include all aspects of finance for the diocese, including the budget, common trust fund, health and retiree benefits and the general administration of the diocese. She also serves as the treasurer of the North Carolina Church Foundation. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a major in accounting and received her CPA. Shortly after, she attended Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio, graduating with her Master’s in Business Administration. Prior to working with the Diocese, she worked in public accounting and as an adjunct professor at Franklin University, where she enjoyed teaching students of all ages.

Maria has been married to Jim, her college sweetheart from OSU, for 25 years. She is the mom of three girls, two of whom are twins, and couldn’t imagine life without them. They are a constant joy. When not at work she enjoys being with her family and friends. Maria loves relaxing at Lake Gaston, kayaking/paddle boarding, reading and walking her goldendoodles, Ginger and Penny.

Maria Gillespie

Bob Bickford

Sensing a call to reach his community and heart for revitalization, Bob Bickford left his staff position at a large multi-site church in the St. Louis area and became the pastor at Sherwood Baptist Church in November 2012. Through a strategic process, a new church, The Groves, was birthed in January 2014. He served that congregation for nine years.

Bob is a passionate church renewal advocate. He served as the Associate Director of Replant for the North American Mission Board, created a national strategy for church renewal used by Southern Baptist Associations and was the architect of the Resound Network for the Missouri Baptist Convention. He now serves as the Executive Director of the Nashville Baptist Association.

He is the author of, Am I a Replanter?, Pathways to Partnership and the Associational Replanting Guide. He and his wife live in Nashville, TN.

Hope Darst will be leading us in worship on the first day of the Conference. Hope is an American Christian musician and songwriter. Darst made her debut in 2020 with the release of her debut studio album, Peace Be Still (2020), containing the singles "Peace Be Still" and "Promise Keeper", which debuted at number 23 on the Top Christian Albums Chart in the United States. "Peace Be Still" was her breakout hit single and it peaked at number six on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart. In 2021, Darst received three nominations at the 52nd GMA Dove Awards, being nominated for New Artist of the Year, Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year for "Promise Keeper", and Worship Recorded Song of the Year for "Peace Be Still".

Hope Darst- Singer and Songwriter