Polishing the Pulpit - Sevierville 2026: Full Schedule

11:00am EDT

Friday August 14, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am EDT

Speakers

Kyle Butt

For the past twelve years Kyle Butt has worked at Apologetics Press. Kyle graduated from Freed-Hardeman University with a B.A. in Bible and Communication and an M.A. in New Testament Studies.

He is the author or co-author of 20 books dealing with topics such as the existence of Go... Read More →

Friday August 14, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am EDT
Ballroom A

Members Contemporary Issues

8:00pm EDT

How to Talk to Those Who Are Deconstructing Their Faith

Friday August 14, 2026 8:00pm - 8:30pm EDT

Ballroom C

Speakers

Billy Camp

Billy is a minister at Dalraida church of Christ where he has been serving since 2011. He is married to Shelby (the daughter of Matt & Jennifer Vega) and lives in Montgomery, AL with their three children: Kinley, Roman, and Lewis. Billy served as the college minister at Dalraida for... Read More →

Friday August 14, 2026 8:00pm - 8:30pm EDT
Ballroom C

Contemporary Issues

9:00am EDT

Hot Button Issues: Faith in the Age of Conspiracy Theories

Saturday August 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

EHA

Christians have always believed in unseen realities—but what happens when that turns into distrust, rumor, and speculation? A call back to sober-minded faith.

Speakers

Eric Garner

Evangelist, East Ridge church of Christ

Eric D. Garner is a native of Chattanooga, TN and privileged to be married to his beautiful wife Daljuania (Del-wana) who blessed him with two wonderful and lovely daughters, Aiyana (I-yana), and Leilani (Lay-lani). He began preaching the gospel of Christ in 2009 and served the Avondale... Read More →

Saturday August 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
EHA

Contemporary Issues

11:00am EDT

21st-Century Challenges for Every Christian: Build Community in a Crowd of Followers

Saturday August 15, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am EDT

EHA

Thousands of connections cannot replace one real friend in Christ (Acts 2:44–47).

Speakers

Andy Baker

Minister, Arnold church of Christ

Andy is the pulpit preacher at the Arnold church of Christ in Arnold, Missouri. He is a former public school teacher, a former youth minister, and a former opera and musical singer. He holds a Bachelor of Music with a double major in English, and also a Master of Arts in Music Education... Read More →

Saturday August 15, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am EDT
EHA

Contemporary Issues

1:30pm EDT

Hot Button Issues: The Bible and Slavery

Saturday August 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT

Ballroom A

Speakers

Kyle Butt

Saturday August 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Ballroom A

Contemporary Issues

3:00pm EDT

There Still Isn't Anyone out There

Saturday August 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Meeting Room CD

Speakers

Michael Houts

Dr. Mike Houts has a PhD in Nuclear Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, worked 11 years at Los Alamos National Laboratory, and will complete 24 years at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center prior to retiring later this year. Awards for his work on advanced... Read More →

Saturday August 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Meeting Room CD

Contemporary Issues

3:00pm EDT

What Happens When the World God Made Tries to Live Without Him

Saturday August 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

EHA

Speakers

David Smith

Minister, North Hamilton church of Christ

I am a native of the Chattanooga area. I spent five years in active duty military service. I am married to Ashley and we have two amazing girls: Evie Rose and Graceley. I have education from East Tennessee School of Preaching, Southern Christian/Amridge University and Liberty University... Read More →

Saturday August 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
EHA

Contemporary Issues

3:00pm EDT

What Has Happened in the Courts Since Last Year That Christians Need to Know?

Sunday August 16, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Ballroom B

Speakers

Matt Vega

Dean and Professor, Freed-Hardeman University

Matt Vega is from Henderson, TN where he’s the dean of the college of business at Freed-Hardeman. He also preaches at the Scotts Hill church of Christ and practices law on the side. He is married to Jennifer and they have 3 kids and 7 grandchildren.

Sunday August 16, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Ballroom B

Contemporary Issues

8:15am EDT

Five Reasons I'm Not Eastern Orthodox

Monday August 17, 2026 8:15am - 8:45am EDT

Ballroom D

Speakers

Aaron Gallagher

Monday August 17, 2026 8:15am - 8:45am EDT
Ballroom D

Doctrine Contemporary Issues

11:00am EDT

21st-Century Challenges for Every Christian: Keep Worship Sacred in a World That Treats It Like a Show

Monday August 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am EDT

EHA

The stage was never meant to replace the Savior (John 4:23–24).

Speakers

Melvin Otey

Professor of Law & Preacher, Faulkner University & Perry Hill Road church of Christ

Melvin preaches for the Perry Hill Road church of Christ in Montgomery, AL, and serves as Professor of Law at Faulkner University’s Jones School of Law, where he teaches criminal law and procedure courses. He formerly worked as a trial lawyer for the Criminal Division of the... Read More →

Monday August 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am EDT
EHA

Contemporary Issues Doctrine

12:30pm EDT

Hurry Back Session: America Turns 250—What Scripture Says About Nations That Grow Old

Monday August 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT

Ballroom A

Speakers

John Moore

Instructor, Bear Valley Bible Institute International and Bible Land Passages

A native of Dripping Springs, Texas, John has served as an evangelist, teacher, preacher and minister of the gospel for over 30 years. He and his wife Carla are working with Bear Valley Bible Institute International, and serve as the directors of Bible Passages, a ministry dedicated... Read More →

Monday August 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT
Ballroom A

Contemporary Issues History

2:15pm EDT

21st-Century Challenges for Every Christian: Choose Depth over Dopamine

Monday August 17, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm EDT

EHA

Faith grows slowly; your feed refreshes fast. One builds disciples — the other burns attention spans (Psalm 1:2–3).

Speakers

Joe Wells

Joe Wells holds an earned B.S. degree in Science along with a completion certificate
from the Nashville School of Preaching and Biblical Studies and a Masters of Ministry
degree from Freed Hardeman University. Joe is an author of numerous books and a
frequent speaker for youth and f... Read More →

Monday August 17, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm EDT
EHA

Contemporary Issues

10:00am EDT

Seven Minutes of Wisdom on Faith and Technology

Tuesday August 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Ballroom A

Speakers and topics:
• Daniel Stearsman — Integrity in the Digital Shadows—What Is Your Feed Feeding You?
• Michael Clarke — Practical Advice for Using Technology for God's Glory
• Austin Johnson — Silence—The Spiritual Discipline Technology Is Stealing
• Adam Faughn — Romans 1:32—A Verse to Consider Before Liking Something on Social Media
• Joe Wells — Redeeming Your Reach—Why You Should NOT Argue with Brethren on Social Media
• Josh Robinson — Three Pieces of Technology You Should Consider Using at Your Home Congregation

Speakers

Daniel Stearsman

Faculty/ Dean of Graduate Studies, Bear Valley Bible Institute

Daniel Stearsman is a preacher, pharmacist, and ethicist by training. After serving congregations in Florida and Georgia, he joined the faculty of Bear Valley Bible Institute in 2025 and was appointed Dean of Graduate Studies in 2026. He holds degrees from the University of Florida... Read More →

Michael Clarke

Recruiting & Digital Promotions (MSOP)/ Director of Operations (SAN), Memphis School of Preaching

Michael Clarke is a 2017 graduate of the Memphis School of Preaching and a 2020 graduate of Amridge University (Bachelor of Ministry in Bible & Science) and a 2024 graduate of Amridge University (Master of Ministerial Leadership). He is married to Meagan (Teske), and they have one... Read More →

Austin Johnson

Preaching Minister, Florence Blvd church of Christ

Austin preaches for the Florence Blvd Church of Christ in Florence, AL. He received his B.A. in Biblical Studies and M.A. in NT Studies from Freed-Hardeman University. He and his wife Brianne have three kids, Jarrett (9), Brooks (7), and Saylee (3).

Adam Faughn

Married to the former Leah Moon, Adam preaches for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah, Kentucky. They are blessed with two children: Mary Carol and Turner. His family maintains a website--A Legacy of Faith--that is meant to encourage families (faughnfamily.com). Adam enjoys textual... Read More →

Joe Wells

Josh Robinson

Manna Project and Uplift Media

Josh Robinson is the Director of Communications for the Manna Project. Josh is also experienced in video and media production and operates Uplift Media, helping the church reach the lost online. Josh is a part-time instructor at the Georgia School of Theology (teaching technology... Read More →

Tuesday August 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Ballroom A

Contemporary Issues

11:00am EDT

Defending the Bible Against False Charges: The Bible is Full of Violence, Genocide, Prejudice, and Injustice, Often Commanded by God; and Has Been Used by Christians to Justify More Violence and Oppression

Tuesday August 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am EDT

Ballroom D

Speakers

Justin Rogers

Dean, College of Biblical Studies, Freed-Hardeman University

Dr. Justin Rogers is a graduate of Freed-Hardeman University (B.A. in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in New Testament Greek; M.A. in New Testament) and Hebrew Union College—Jewish Institute of Religion (M.Phil; Ph.D). Since 2010 he has served as a professor and administrator... Read More →

Tuesday August 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am EDT
Ballroom D

Contemporary Issues Textual

12:30pm EDT

Hurry Back Session: High Society, Low Sobriety — Thinking Biblically About Marijuana in a Relaxed Culture

Tuesday August 18, 2026 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT

Ballroom B

Speakers

Daniel Stearsman

Faculty/ Dean of Graduate Studies, Bear Valley Bible Institute

Tuesday August 18, 2026 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT
Ballroom B

Contemporary Issues

2:15pm EDT

21st-Century Challenges for Every Christian: Keep Hope Alive When Cynicism Feels Safer

Tuesday August 18, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm EDT

EHA

Faith requires risk; despair requires nothing. Hope anyway (Romans 15:13).

Speakers

Austin Johnson

Preaching Minister, Florence Blvd church of Christ

Tuesday August 18, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm EDT
EHA

Contemporary Issues

3:00pm EDT

Defending the Bible Against False Charges: The Bible Was Written by Ancient and Primitive People, and Has No Value to Modern People Anymore

Tuesday August 18, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Meeting Room CD

Speakers

Justin Rogers

Dean, College of Biblical Studies, Freed-Hardeman University

Tuesday August 18, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Meeting Room CD

Contemporary Issues Textual

8:15am EDT

Defending the Bible Against False Charges: Christians Cannot Even Agree on What It’s Saying, so Who Cares if It’s True or Not?

Wednesday August 19, 2026 8:15am - 8:45am EDT

Ballroom D

Speakers

Justin Rogers

Dean, College of Biblical Studies, Freed-Hardeman University

Wednesday August 19, 2026 8:15am - 8:45am EDT
Ballroom D

Contemporary Issues Textual

9:00am EDT

I Have Had a Part in Converting 150+ People with TikTok: Here's All You Need to Know to Get Started

Wednesday August 19, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Meeting Room B

Speakers

Paul Mays

Hymnist, Paul Mays A Cappella Hymns

Paul Mays is a hymnist (writer of hymns) and travelling evangelist. He and his wife, Yvette, are parents to Sophia and Chloe. All four worship at the Westside church of Christ in Salem, Virginia.

Paul works extensively on social media, sharing his original A Cappella teaching hymns, recorded teaching videos, and live teaching videos which generate many Bible studies. Paul broadcasts live hymn studies at 1 PM Eastern and 9 PM Eastern on Digital Bible Study on Facebook and YouTube... Read More →

Wednesday August 19, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Meeting Room B

Evangelism Contemporary Issues

11:00am EDT

Is the Restoration Movement Over?

Wednesday August 19, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am EDT

Ballroom B

Speakers

Doug Burleson

Doug Burleson serves as a Professor in Bible at Freed-Hardeman University where he also is the Assistant Dean of the College of Biblical Studies, the Director of the Annual Bible Lectureship, and the Director of the Equip Ministry Camp. He is married to Kristi Johnson Burleson and... Read More →

Wednesday August 19, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am EDT
Ballroom B

Contemporary Issues History

1:30pm EDT

Rediscovering Morality: How Should Christians Use Prescription Medications?

Wednesday August 19, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT

Meeting Room B

Speakers

Rick Harrison

Wednesday August 19, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Meeting Room B

Contemporary Issues

2:15pm EDT

Hot Button Issues: Why Should Christians Never Gamble?

Wednesday August 19, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm EDT

Ballroom A

Speakers

Doug Burleson

Wednesday August 19, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm EDT
Ballroom A

Contemporary Issues Members

3:00pm EDT

Hot Button Issues: The Pornography Epidemic in the Pew

Wednesday August 19, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Ballroom B

Not just a “youth talk.” This session will tackle pornography’s hold on adults, marriage, and leadership — and present tools for confession, accountability, and grace.

Speakers

Glenn Colley

Wednesday August 19, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Ballroom B

Contemporary Issues

3:00pm EDT

Hot Button Issues: The Church and the “Post-Christian” Generation: Reaching People Who Don’t Feel Guilty—Just Empty

Wednesday August 19, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

EHA

Instead of guilt-based evangelism, this examines how to reach a generation driven by loneliness, disillusionment, and identity confusion.

Speakers

Chris Donovant

Chris Donovant lives in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and works with the Kensington Woods Church of Christ, a growing thriving congregation. Chris has been married to his wife, Jessica, since 2004, and they have three sons, Aidan, Liam, and Rian. Chris loves telling people about Jesus... Read More →

Wednesday August 19, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
EHA

Contemporary Issues Evangelism