Polishing the Pulpit - Sevierville 2026: Full Schedule

8:00pm EDT

Some Questions I Have Been Asked

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

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Glenn Colley

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

Elders

9:00am EDT

Islam, the Quran, and Christianity: May Christians and Muslims Agree?

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

Hotel Cades Cove

This session pinpoints the #1 unresolvable conflict between Christianity and Islam—making the two religions completely incompatible.

Speakers

After working fulltime with five congregations from 1976 to 2002, including directing a
school of preaching and hosting a nationally televised program, Dave commenced work
at Apologetics Press, Inc. over 20 years ago. He is a frequent writer (more than 40
books & booklets) and speak... Read More →

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

Doctrine

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

11:00am EDT

Living Virtuously in a Sexualized World

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

Hotel Cades Cove

This lesson will provide frank, biblically grounded teaching on sexual temptation, pornography, marriage, and godly self-control in a culture saturated with sexual messaging.

Speakers

Freddie Klein

Fredrick Klein serves as a co-minister at the Abingdon Church of Christ and brings over 15 years of ministry experience to his work. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Fredrick came out of the denominational world with a deep conviction to help others discover the truth of God's Word—just... Read More →

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

Teen Boys

1:30pm EDT

Scientific Evidences Supporting a Young Earth

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

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Jeff Miller

Scientist, Apologetics Press

Dr. Miller holds multiple degrees in the physical sciences, including an earned
Master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Ph.D. in Bio-
Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University, with emphases in Thermodynamics,
Bio-Thermal Science, Bio-transport Phenomen... Read More →

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

Evidence

2:15pm EDT

Things the Bible Never Apologizes For: Commands Without Explanations

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

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Gary Massey

Pulpit Minister, Mountain Creek Church of Christ

Gary Massey, Jr., J.D.

Gary Massey has been preaching the gospel since he was a teenager. Gary earned Bachelor degrees in Bible and History from Freed Hardeman University and a law degree from Samford University.

Between college and law school, Gary married his college sweetheart... Read More →

Saturday August 15, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm EDT
Hotel Cades Cove

Doctrine

3:00pm EDT

Lies Creeping into the Church: A Women Can Serve on the Lord's Table and Make the Announcements

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

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Tish Clarke

Tish Clarke hails from Memphis, TN, and has been happily married to BJ Clarke since 1983. She has three children: Daniel, Holly (married to Juan Pena), and Michael (married to Meagan Teske). She has three perfect little grandchildren, Adam and Audie Lynn, who keep her young! Teaching... Read More →

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

Women

3:45pm EDT

Fine Tuning: Islam

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

Hotel Cades Cove

This movement of two billion people is no longer “over there.” It is here and it is growing. Preachers a generation ago rarely preached on Islam, but now Muslims are in our schools, our neighborhoods, and our government. What is Islam—a religion, a system of government, or both? This class will look at what is at the core of this aggressive ideology.

Speakers

Kerry Duke

Vice-President of Academics, Tennessee Bible College

Minister of West End church of Christ in Livingston, TN. Author of ten books on Bible interpretation and current issues. Host of My God and My Neighbor podcast and speaker for GBN Beyond the Basics studies.

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

Preachers Doctrine

8:10am EDT

Bible Class (Schedule A): The Verses We Read Too Quickly: Each Will Give an Account (Romans 14:10-12)

Sunday August 16, 2026 8:10am - 8:40am EDT

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Robby Eversole Sr.

Sunday August 16, 2026 8:10am - 8:40am EDT
Hotel Cades Cove

Bible Class Members

9:30am EDT

Bible Class (Schedule B): Humanity's Place in the Majesty of God (Psalm 8)

Sunday August 16, 2026 9:30am - 10:10am EDT

Hotel Cades Cove

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 →

Sunday August 16, 2026 9:30am - 10:10am EDT
Hotel Cades Cove

Bible Class Textual

2:15pm EDT

How Can You Develop Stronger Faith in the Seasons You’d Rather Skip

Sunday August 16, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm EDT

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Sheri Harris

Sheri Harris was raised in Harrison, TN and currently lives in Munford, Alabama with her husband, Dale. They have three children, Lauren, Andrew and Catherine. She is a graduate of Faulkner University, a homeschooling mom, wife, daughter and is a member of the Ironaton church... Read More →

Sunday August 16, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm EDT
Hotel Cades Cove

Women

3:00pm EDT

The Ethics of Obedience: When Is Submission Righteous and When Is It Sin? (Daniel 3; Romans 13)

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

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Jon Burnett

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

Doctrine

3:45pm EDT

Seven Minutes of Wisdom on Communication and Connection

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

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers and topics:
• Michael Shepherd — Tips for Reading the Room While Preaching
• Gary Massey — Speaking to Different Generations In the Same Room
• Will Hanstein — Preaching Without Notes (and Without Panic)
• Nathan Liddell — Using Silence as a Tool, not a Mistake
• Dean Thompson — How to Preach With Your Eyes, not Just Your Mouth
• Greg Dismuke — Connecting with Listeners Who Don’t Want to Be There

Speakers

Michael Shepherd

Gary Massey

Pulpit Minister, Mountain Creek Church of Christ

Will Hanstein

Nathan Liddell

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 →

Greg Dismuke

Pulpit Minister, Newport News church of Christ

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

Preachers

9:00am EDT

Lessons on Parenting from the Life of David

Monday August 17, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Rebekah Colley

Rebekah Colley is a graduate of Freed-Hardeman University, where she earned a B.A. in Bible with a minor in psychology (2015), as well as an M.A. in New Testament Studies (2024). Since 2015 she has been married to Caleb Colley. Together, with their children Maggie (2018), Ellis (2021... Read More →

Monday August 17, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Hotel Cades Cove

Women

10:00am EDT

God’s Persistent Plan to Save the World Using People Like Us (Judges; Matthew 28:18–20; 1 Corinthians 1:27)

Monday August 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Victor Eskew

Minister, OceanSide church of Christ

Married: Kathleen Connolly Eskew
Children: 3
Grandchildren: 8
1982 Graduate of the Memphis School of Preaching
1 book: I'm Thinking about Becoming a Christian
Speaker: Lectureships and Gospel Meetings
Class: How to Study the Bible

Monday August 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Hotel Cades Cove

Members

11:00am EDT

Two for One: Learning to Speak with Grace and Live with Dignity in Every Setting

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

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Shelley Hazel

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

Teen Girls

11:00am EDT

Two for One: Temptation and Identity (You Don’t Have to Prove Yourself to the World)

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

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Teresa Hampton

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

Teen Girls

1:30pm EDT

Life Lessons from the New Testament World: Pharisees and Sadducees

Monday August 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT

Hotel Cades Cove

The best-known critics of Jesus already had a history before His life on Earth. A better understanding of these sects helps us appreciate Jesus’ practical teachings even more.

Speakers

Caleb Colley

Pulpit Minister, North Jackson church of Christ

Caleb Colley is the pulpit minister for the North Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, Tennessee. He is a graduate of Freed-Hardeman University, where he received a B.A. in communication, a B.S. in biblical studies (2006), and an M.A. in New Testament (2021). He also received a Master’s... Read More →

Monday August 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Hotel Cades Cove

Textual History

2:15pm EDT

Two for One: The God Who Redeems—Ruth’s Story and the Hope of the Overlooked Woman

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

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Sheri Harris

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

Women

2:15pm EDT

Two for One: The God Who Sees—Hagar’s Story and the Hope of the Invisible Woman

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

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Shameika Hanna

I am a wife of 19 years and 5 months to the love of my life, a mom to five super-spectacular souls ages 3 to 14, a teacher, a Certified Public Accountant, a crafter and most importantly a child of God! Being the companion of Christians makes me happy and worshipping alongside them... Read More →

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

Women

3:00pm EDT

Never Enough? The Lie Every Mom Believes

Monday August 17, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Denise Martin

Denise Martin supports her husband, Jerry, a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Professor at Amridge University, in his counseling ministry. They conduct Marriage Seminars as their schedules allow. Denise has also worked beside her husband as a preacher's wife for over four decades... Read More →

Monday August 17, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Hotel Cades Cove

Women

3:45pm EDT

Two for One: The Intersection of Physical and Mental Health for Christian Women

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

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Lori Morris

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

Women

3:45pm EDT

Two for One: The Intersection of Physical and Mental Health for Christian Women

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

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Dana Glasscock

Dana Glasscock and her husband, Lee, have been married for 34 years this year and have three grown children. They live in Franklin, Tennessee and worship with the Spring Meadows church of Christ in Spring Hill.
Dana has been teaching women and girls in Bible classes for about 30 years. She just recently graduated from Heritage Christian University with a masters in ministry in ministerial counseling. She now works with several local congregations in helping to counsel women and children... Read More →

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

Women

5:30pm EDT

Meet and Greet Zone: Churches Looking for Preachers / Preachers Looking for Churches

Monday August 17, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Gary Hampton

Pulpit Minister, Siwell Road church of Christ

Gary C. Hampton has been preaching since 1968 and has done work in North Little Rock, Arkansas; Mobile, Alabama; Valdosta, Georgia and Cookeville, Tennessee. Hampton served as the director of the East Tennessee School of Preaching and Missions in Knoxville, Tennessee for nearly six... Read More →

Monday August 17, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
Hotel Cades Cove

Preachers Elders

9:00am EDT

Rachel: When Desire Outruns Contentment

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Melissa Cain

Melissa and her husband Scott moved to Memphis, TN, in February 2022 to work with the Forest Hill congregation. Before that, they served with the DeGaulle Drive Church of Christ in New Orleans, LA, from 2009-2020, and then with the Mercedes Drive Church of Christ near Tuscaloosa... Read More →

Tuesday August 18, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Hotel Cades Cove

Women

10:00am EDT

Why the Canon of Scripture Matters More than Many Christians Realize

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

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Aaron Gallagher

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

Doctrine History

11:00am EDT

Fine Tuning: Premillenialism

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

Hotel Cades Cove

There are two essential features of premillennial interpretation of prophecy. Without these hermeneutical pillars, the theology of this popular belief collapses. This class will identify these underlying premises and give a biblical response.

Speakers

Kerry Duke

Vice-President of Academics, Tennessee Bible College

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

Preachers Doctrine

1:30pm EDT

Creativity and the Christian

Tuesday August 18, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Jeremy Pate

Youth Publications Coordinator, Apologetics Press

Jeremy is the Youth Publications Coordinator at Apologetics Press, where he has served since 2019. He and his wife, Brooke live in Montgomery AL with their 4 children: Ava, Greta, Willa, and Prentice. Jeremy served as a full-time Youth/Family Minister for 18 years before moving to... Read More →

Tuesday August 18, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Hotel Cades Cove

Members

2:15pm EDT

Do I Have the Humility to Receive Correction and Grow?

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

Hotel Cades Cove

A misconception of spiritual growth is it’s always “comfortable.” The reality is spiritual growth is rarely comfortable. A more accurate reality; it is a series of constant corrections based on biblical truths. This session will look at specific biblical passages as well as neurobiology to examine why we resist correction and how we can embrace it to grow in Christ.

Speakers

Jessica Hamm

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

Women

3:00pm EDT

Peace That Passes All Understanding!

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

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Sheri Harris

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

Women

3:45pm EDT

The Danger of Pride in Ministry and the Power of True Servanthood

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

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Laura Boyd

Married since 1976 to Brooks Boyd. He is a gospel preacher and an elder.
We have been working with the Glencoe church of Christ, in Glencoe, Alabama since January 2018.
We have four children and ten grandchildren.
I graduated from Freed-Hardeman University in 1977, then from Gadsd... Read More →

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

Women

9:00am EDT

Taking Personal Responsibility for Sin . . . When the Blame Can't Be Shifted

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

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Carla Moore

Women’s Instructor, Bear Valley Bible Institute

Carla Moore grew up in a family dedicated to ministry, then met her husband, John, while they were in college at Texas State University. They married in 1986, and have since been involved in ministry at the Bible Chair on the campus of TSU, then with the Southwest School of Bible... Read More →

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

Women

10:00am EDT

10 Truths About the Trinity/Godhead

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

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Mike Vestal

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

Doctrine

11:00am EDT

The Battle for Your Mind and for Your Family: Porn, Media, and Purity

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

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Terica Turner

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

Women

1:30pm EDT

Biblical Sexuality: Advice from the Song of Solomon

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

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Chantelle Swayne

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

Women

2:15pm EDT

Martyr: Study of Early Christian Persecution

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

Hotel Cades Cove

Speakers

Luke Griffin

Executive Director, House to House, Heart to Heart

Luke was an assistant professor and a librarian at the Illinois Institute of Technology and Jacksonville State University before joining the staff of House to House/Heart to Heart (HTH). He has worked for HTH and PTP since 2003 and now serves as the Executive Director for HTH and... Read More →

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

History

3:00pm EDT

How to Overcome Difficult Questions in Evangelism: "Are You Saying I Have to Get a Divorce?"

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

Hotel Cades Cove

Knowing how to respond, when to respond, and what to say is critical during Bible studies. Divorce and Remarriage is not hopeless. Come and learn how to deal with the most difficult questions. Your answer weighs heavily on people's eternal souls.

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 →

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

Evangelism