News & Resources 

Plenary Speakers

Daniel L. Akin is the president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a gifted expositor and an unflagging advocate of Great Commission ministry. His preaching and teaching ministry takes him around the world. He has written a number of books, including two commentaries. He lives in Wake Forest, N.C., with his wife Charlotte. They have four sons, three daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren.

Thabiti Anyabwile is the full-time husband to a loving wife, Kristie, and father to three adorable children - Afiya, Eden and Titus. He now serves as the senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.  He worked previously as an assistant pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church.  Thabiti holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in psychology from North Carolina State University. A former high school basketball coach and bookstore owner, Thabiti loves reading, sports, and watching sci-fi films.

Mark Dever serves as the senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC. A Duke graduate, Dr. Dever holds a M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, a Th.M. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Ecclesiastical History from Cambridge University. He is the president of 9Marks and has taught at a number of seminaries.  Dr. Dever has also authored several books and articles. He and his wife Connie live and minister on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

James MacDonald is the founding and senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel in the northwest Chicago, Ill., suburbs, ministering to more than 13,000 people. As a pastor, author, radio Bible teacher and speaker, MacDonald ignites a bold passion for God in every avenue of influence. A prolific author, he was born in Ontario in 1960, and received his D.Min from Phoenix Seminary, focusing on ministry to men. MacDonald and his wife Kathy married in 1983, have three children and reside in the suburbs of Chicago.

Ben Mandrell is the pastor of Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson, Tenn. A father of four and husband to Lynley, Ben’s passion is to see the local church become the saltiest salt and the brightest light she can be. Every Sunday, Ben finds great joy in delivering biblical, relevant messages to the flock at Englewood. When not preaching, Ben’s favorite activities include playing tennis with his wife, eating crab legs in Gulf Shores, AL, and watching thought-provoking movies.

Darrin Patrick serves as lead pastor of The Journey in Saint Louis, Mo., which he founded in 2002. Patrick also serves on the board of directors of the Acts 29 Church Planting Network as vice president and is a regular contributor at the Resurgence. His passion is to help the church understand and live the gospel in the world. He is the author of two books, and is married to his high school sweetheart, Amie. They have four children. Patrick enjoys vacations with his family, basketball, good food, good books, good movies and weightlifting.