Polishing the Pulpit - Sevierville 2026: Full Schedule

3:00pm EDT

Friday August 14, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT

Evangelism does not work as God intended if it's not congregational. How do we break the 80/20 culture and get every member involved? Come and See.

Speakers

Rob Whitacre

Director, HTHSOE

Rob Whitacre was born in Carbondale, Illinois. He was raised near San Antonio, TX, attending the Northern Oaks church of Christ. He married Nicole of Nashville, TN, in August of 1996. They have one daughter, Hannah and one son, Jared. He comes from a God fearing family of preachers... Read More →

Friday August 14, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Ballroom C

Evangelism Ministry

10:00am EDT

Seven Minutes of Wisdom: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Saturday August 15, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers and topics:
• Mike Vestal — to Hire and Fire Preachers (Acting Too Quickly or Not at All)
• Glenn Colley — to Incur Excessive Debt or to Store up Excessive Wealth
• Wade Webster — to Diminish or Reduce Worship Assemblies
• Steve Johnson — Methods That Prefer Micromanagement to Delegation
• Roger Comstock — to Silence All Criticism Because of Negative Input (or Reactions) in the Past
• Justin Morton — to Continue Ministries, Activities, and Programs Without Assessments and Modifications over Time

Speakers

Mike Vestal

Mike has served the Westside congregation in Midland, TX for almost 25 years. He and Cherie have been married for over 40 years. They have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. Mike has preached in meetings or lectures in 37 states and in 7 foreign countries. Mike has served as an adjunct... Read More →

Glenn Colley

Wade Webster

Steve Johnson

Roger Comstock

Justin Morton

Saturday August 15, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Hotel Cades Cove

Ministry

12:30pm EDT

Hurry Back Session: Tech Solutions Panel - Social Media Ministry

Saturday August 15, 2026 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT

Ballroom A

Panelists:
• Josh Robinson
• Paul Mays
• Dan Fraley

Speakers

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 →

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 →

Dan Fraley

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

Ministry

2:15pm EDT

Why Most People Don’t Need a Debate—They Need a Christian Who Makes Sense

Saturday August 15, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm EDT

Ballroom B

Speakers

Steve Higginbotham

Preaching Minister, Karns church of Christ

Steve Higginbotham is a native of West Virginia. He graduated from Freed-Hardeman in 1984 and has been preaching ever since. He is married to Kim (Pierce) Higginbotham, and together, they have four children. Steve currently serves as the preaching minister for the Karns church... Read More →

Saturday August 15, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm EDT
Ballroom B

Evangelism Ministry

3:45pm EDT

Brainstorming Panel: Eyes Wide Open—Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Local Congregation

Saturday August 15, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT

EHA

Coordinator: Daniel Stearsman
Panelists:
• Chad Tagtow
• Billy Camp
• Joshua Posey
• Josh Robinson

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 →

Chad Tagtow

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 →

Joshua Posey

Josh Robinson

Manna Project and Uplift Media

Saturday August 15, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
EHA

Ministry

8:00pm EDT

Two for One: Crisis Management in the Church

Saturday August 15, 2026 8:00pm - 8:30pm EDT

Meeting Room CD

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.

Saturday August 15, 2026 8:00pm - 8:30pm EDT
Meeting Room CD

Elders Ministry

8:00pm EDT

Two for One: Crisis Management in the Church

Saturday August 15, 2026 8:00pm - 8:30pm EDT

Meeting Room CD

Speakers

Billy Camp

Saturday August 15, 2026 8:00pm - 8:30pm EDT
Meeting Room CD

Elders Ministry

3:45pm EDT

What Effective Follow-up with New Christians Looks Like

Sunday August 16, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT

Hotel Deep Creek

A lot of work goes into converting someone. Even more work needs to go into continuing to develop them. This class will examine the continued discipleship process needed once someone becomes a Christian.

Speakers

Matt Wallin

House to House Heart to Heart

I have worked with House to House Heart to Heart since 2006, where I have overseen production and promotions of the House to House magazine. I currently serve as the Director of Promotions.

I received a business degree and a Bible degree from Faulkner University and a Masters in Management from Troy University. After graduating from Faulkner I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, so I moved to China to live with a friend who was serving as a missionary. While I was there... Read More →

Sunday August 16, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Hotel Deep Creek

Ministry

12:30pm EDT

Hurry Back Session: Second Thoughts—How to Restore Prodigals

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

Ballroom B

Evangelism focuses on prodigals, too! We will give each participant a new Bible study called "Second Thoughts" and show one method to bring the erring back. This congregational plan has a 30-70% success rate. Come and See.

Speakers

Rob Whitacre

Director, HTHSOE

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

Ministry Elders

3:45pm EDT

Brainstorming Panel: Fixing Church Problems Before They Become Church Splits

Monday August 17, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT

EHA

Coordinator: Brandon Rader
Panelists:
• Glenn Colley
• Eric Owens
• Matt Vega
• B. J. Clarke

Speakers

Brandon Rader

BRANDON RADER, North Lexington church of Christ, Lexington, KY.

Brandon Rader has served in numerous capacities as a member of the North Lexington church of Christ in Lexington, KY. Roles have included deacon, Bible class teacher, and mission trip coordinator. For nearly two decades, Brandon coordinated a college ministry serving young adults a... Read More →

Glenn Colley

Eric Owens

Preacher, Westside church of Christ

Eric is married to Vanessa and they have three daughters: Brittany (husband, Willie), Breania, and Bethany; and two grandsons, Landon and Logan. He served in the first Gulf War and was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps in 1992.

He is a graduate of the Memphis School of Preaching (1992-94) and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Amridge University (2001). He served as the pulpit minister for the State Street church of Christ in Rockford, IL (1994-97) and preached for the Avondale church of Christ... Read More →

Matt Vega

Dean and Professor, Freed-Hardeman University

B. J. Clarke

Director, MSOP

If you would love to learn the Book, and learn how to preach the Book (tuition free) at the Memphis School of Preaching, I would love to talk to you about how you can do just that!

Monday August 17, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
EHA

Elders Ministry

6:00pm EDT

Hurry Back Session: Narcissists and the Church

Monday August 17, 2026 6:00pm - 6:45pm EDT

Meeting Room CD

Speakers

Tavaro Hanna

Monday August 17, 2026 6:00pm - 6:45pm EDT
Meeting Room CD

Ministry

10:00am EDT

Why Saying the Right Thing the Wrong Way Still Makes It the Wrong Thing

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

Meeting Room A

Scripture makes clear that truth is never separated from wisdom, tone, and love. Let's examine how correct words, spoken carelessly or harshly, can damage relationships and weaken our influence—and how biblical communication reflects both conviction and Christlike character.

Speakers

Dean Thompson

Evangelist, University church of Christ

Dean Thompson received his bachelor's degree in Communication studies from Wingate University in Wingate, N.C. ('15), and a Graduate Diploma from the Memphis School of Preaching ('21). He is currently enrolled in the Graduate School of Theology at Freed-Hardeman University, where... Read More →

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

Ministry

3:45pm EDT

Running on Empty: What to Do When You’re Working In Ministry but Feel Like You’re Losing Your Soul

Tuesday August 18, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT

Ballroom D

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 →

Tuesday August 18, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Ballroom D

Ministry

3:45pm EDT

Brainstorming Panel: Why Kids Quit Loving the Church—and How to Change It

Tuesday August 18, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT

EHA

Coordinator: Brandon Rader
Panelists:
• Clark Sims
• Joe Wells
• Cody Westbrook
• David Smith

Speakers

Brandon Rader

Clark Sims

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 →

Cody Westbrook

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 →

Tuesday August 18, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
EHA

Ministry Family

8:15am EDT

A Church That Is Growing Is Working

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

Ballroom C

Speakers

Brandon Rader

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

Evangelism Ministry

10:00am EDT

When You Make Financial Adjustments in Your Outreach

Wednesday August 19, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Meeting Room A

Speakers

Jeff Archey

Speaker/Director, International Gospel Hour

Come visit with Jeff at the International Gospel Hour exhibit in EHB.

Preaching over 35 years; currently serving as the speaker/director of the International Gospel Hour, the longest running radio program in churches of Christ.

IGH is heard world wide through "over-the-air" stations, internet and over 30 podcast platforms as well as the IGH app. The television version is aired over YouTube; a number of markets through the Gospel Broadcasting Network and sixteen local stations throughout the US, Canada, Europe... Read More →

Wednesday August 19, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Meeting Room A

Elders Ministry

1:30pm EDT

How Churches Drift While Still Calling Themselves Faithful (and How We Can Avoid It)

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

Ballroom B

Speakers

Eric Owens

Preacher, Westside church of Christ

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

Ministry Members

2:15pm EDT

Tech Solutions Panel: Hardware You Need for Auditoriums/Offices/Classrooms, and More

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

Meeting Room CD

Panelists:
• Josh Robinson
• Michael Brown
• Daniel Rhodes

Speakers

Josh Robinson

Manna Project and Uplift Media

Michael Brown

Daniel Rhodes

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

Ministry

3:45pm EDT

Brainstorming Panel: Building a Discipleship Plan That Works

Wednesday August 19, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT

EHA

Coordinator: Brandon Rader
Panelists:
• Westley Hazel
• David Smith
• Jim Faughn
• Mike Hixson

Speakers

Brandon Rader

Westley Hazel

Westley Hazel is the minister for the Forrest Park congregation in Valdosta, GA. He has received a Doctorate in Biblical Spirituality from Southern Seminary and Master of Divinity degree from Freed-Hardeman University. He is the author of Beyond The Tithe. Westley is married to Shelley and they have two teenage children, Evie and Deacon... Read More →

David Smith

Minister, North Hamilton church of Christ

Jim Faughn

Jim Faughn is a native of Metropolis, Illinois. After his high school graduation and receiving a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, he returned to Metropolis to teach at the high school from which he graduated. He was baptized into Christ... Read More →

Mike Hixson

Mike graduated from Lipscomb University in 1985 with a degree in Communications including a minor in Bible. He married the former Nancy Ericson in 1987 and their son, Braden, was born in 1989.

Mike preached in the Nashville area for several years before moving to the Memphis are... Read More →

Wednesday August 19, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
EHA

Elders Ministry

8:15am EDT

The Prophet Who Quit Preaching (Jeremiah 20)—And Why God Didn’t Quit Him

Thursday August 20, 2026 8:15am - 8:45am EDT

Ballroom D

Speakers

Mark Reynolds

Mark married Mindy in 1991 and together they have three daughters (Cassidy, Abby, and
Corinne) three sons-in-law (Nick and Max, and David) and one grandson (Benson).
Mark began preaching full time in 1995 and has served three congregations: Towne Acres in
Muncie, Indiana (23 years... Read More →

Thursday August 20, 2026 8:15am - 8:45am EDT
Ballroom D

Preachers Ministry

9:00am EDT

Walking with the Wounded: A Church Response to Sexual Brokenness

Thursday August 20, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Meeting Room B

The church must neither minimize sexual sin nor abandon those wounded by it. This session considers how Christians can uphold God’s standards for holiness while offering real help to those struggling with sexual failure, abuse, or confusion. Drawing from Scripture, we will discuss how to speak truthfully, act redemptively, and create a culture where repentance is possible and restoration is pursued.

Speakers