The Age of AI: Discernment, Imagination, Responsibility (panel)
Dustin Stout — Founder/CEO,Magai
Ron Hunter, Jr. — CEO & Executive Director, D6 Family Ministry
Micah Voraritskul — Founder, VerifiedHuman
Katie Allred — Communications Strategist and Author
The Age of AI: Discernment, Imagination, Responsibility brings together four AI experts for a big-picture conversation on how artificial intelligence is reshaping journalism, creativity, and Christian witness. This panel will examine both the opportunities and ethical challenges AI presents, helping attendees think beyond hype or fear toward faithful, responsible engagement. Together, the panelists will explore how discernment and imagination can guide Christian journalists and content creators as they navigate truth, technology, and their calling in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Telling the Truth with Integrity: Christian Journalism in a Polarized Culture (panel)
Warren Smith — President, MinistryWatch
Others TDB
In a time of cultural polarization and declining trust in media, members of EPA are uniquely positioned to model journalism marked by both excellence and Christian conviction. This panel of four seasoned journalists will discuss how to report on contentious issues with accuracy, fairness, and Christlike integrity, while serving audiences with clarity and grace. The conversation will focus on practical approaches to tone, framing, and engagement that strengthen credibility and reflect the gospel in today’s challenging media landscape.
Strategies for Handling Controversial Issues—While Staying Objective (panel)
Anita Smith — President, Children’s AIDS Fund
Emily Belz — Senior New Writer, Christianity Today
Jenny Dyer — Founder, The 2030 Collaborative
Myal Greene — President & CEO, World Relief
Increasingly, journalists and communications professionals encounter sensitive issues which require extraordinary discernment in thoughtful, appropriate, fact-based and rational responses. This becomes even more challenging in our progressively divisive world where people who disagree on theological, cultural or political issues treat one another as enemies in our communities, our professional networks and even our places of worship. Professional communicators must find ways to address these issues in a balanced way if we are to be part of the solution, rather than avoiding them because they are too difficult. This session will feature a moderated panel of communications professionals who, based on their experience and body of work, would address several controversial issues as “case studies” in current public discourse to provide strategies for effective dialogue followed by participant questions.
What you will learn:
• Understand methods of research and reporting that will promote fact-finding and objectivity while addressing the topic accurately and in a balanced manner.
• Learn from panelists how to handle biased sources while conducting research and constructing communications tools.
• Learn to evaluate the constituents receiving the message to maximize its appropriateness and effectiveness of balanced perspectives.
• Identify resources promoting finding common ground on divisive issues and ways to incorporate principles in an effective communications approach.
To Substack or Not to Substack?
Seana Scott — Content Creator / Founder, Well Soul Life
Substack is one of the fastest-growing platforms for today’s writers to reach wider audiences and monetize their content, but is Substack for you? Join Seana Scott, a freelance writer, share her story about how Substack has helped her in her writing journey, the pros and cons, and what to think about before you get started or to take the next step in your Substack journey.
What you will learn:
• What is Substack and how is it helpful for today’s writers and communicators?
• Features and limitations of Substack (and is it right for you?)
• Suggestions in how to maximize Substack for your personal or organizational goals.
Thriving Without a (Large) Team
Allison Dellenbaugh — Editor, Next Step Disciple
Are you a “team of one” or on a small team, carrying the whole load on a shoestring budget? Or maybe you work remotely, or as the only person in your type of role, without a backup or someone to talk shop with. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, under-resourced, or isolated as you strive to plan, solve problems, and get the work done without a network of support. This workshop will equip you with practical, personal, and spiritual tips to move you from merely surviving to thriving, without a large team or no team at all.
What you will learn:
• Insights to fuel your creativity amid constraints
• Mindset shifts to combat discouragement and frustration
• Practical pointers for getting things done when you’re wearing many hats
• Advice for enlisting allies
Stories Hiding in the Numbers
Warren Smith — President, MinistryWatch
A practical, jargon-free introduction to data journalism designed for working reporters. This workshop shows how numbers can sharpen questions, strengthen investigations, and make everyday stories clearer and more credible—without requiring advanced math skills. Focusing on mindset over formulas, the session demystifies data journalism, highlights ethical and responsible use of numbers, helps participants avoid common pitfalls, and equips them with simple techniques they can apply immediately in their daily reporting.
The Transformative Power of Writing
Warren L. Maye — Editor-in-Chief, SAconnects/The Salvation Army Eastern Division
When you put pen to paper—or fingers to keys—something changes. Not just intellectually, but mentally, physically, and spiritually. So, if you’ve ever felt like there’s something inside you that needs clarity… If you’ve ever had ideas you couldn’t quite organize… Or if you’re ready to stop just thinking about God’s vision and start recording it—Stay with me. This is where your transformation begins.
What you will learn:
• By the time you’re done, you’re going to have practical tools—how to write text and scripts for compelling videos, live events, social media, magazines, even books. One of the things we’ll dig into is what “spelling” really means—and trust me, it’s probably not what you think. Real-world applications you can use immediately. But more than that, I want you to understand why writing matters.
The Power of the Spread: Designing Two Pages That Tell One Great Story
Steve Lopez — Designer, Influence/General Council of the Assemblies of God
Discover how to engage your readers with two-page spreads that function as a single, compelling storytelling canvas. Through real-world examples and clear design principles, the session will cover how to create strong visual hierarchy, guide the reader’s eye, balance text and imagery, and build rhythm and flow across the gutter. Goal: Thoughtfully-designed spreads that heighten a story’s emotional impact and elevate the overall quality of your publication.
I’m Into Print. Why Should I Care About Video?
Phil Cooke — Co-founder, Cooke Media Group
Short videos have become the #1 marketing tool in America, and every major company in the country has opened a TV studio or is planning to. If I’m a magazine, newspaper, or other print publisher, could short videos help me promote our work, and tell our story to a wider audience
The Secrets of Leading Creative People
Phil Cooke — Co-founder, Cooke Media Group
Creativity is the currency of this generation, and yet few leaders are equipped to inspire and lead creative professionals. Plenty of information is available about leadership, but very little on leading creative teams. In this insightful session, Phil Cooke will reveal how to make the leap from writer, executive, designer, or other creative role to become a leader of other creatives. You’ll walk away with 10 critical skills that will help you foster a culture that will attract and inspire creative men and women to accomplish amazing things.
Smartphone Video Production: Using What’s in Your Hand
Sam Ebersole — Director of Training, Global News Alliance
We all remember the story of Moses, when God told him to look at the thing in his hand. Today, the thing in our hands is (too) often a smartphone. But the good news is that the device in your hand has become incredibly capable of producing powerful video content. The days of big video cameras and expensive editing suites are in the past…and today’s mobile devices are being used to produce powerful video content that you can use to reach new audiences with compelling messages. Android or iPhone, low-budget or no-budget, this course will help you get started with the exciting new world of video production…starting with the thing in your hand.
What you will learn:
• The basics of using your phone, and a couple of free apps, to shoot, edit, and upload video. You’ll also learn a few tricks to gathering stable video and clear audio.
The 10x AI Stack: Tools & Tactics for Real Results
Dustin Stout — Founder/CEO, Magai
Most teams don’t struggle with AI because it’s “bad”—they struggle because they don’t know **which tools to use, what to use them for, or how to prompt for consistent results**. In this workshop, you’ll get a practical AI stack (best models + proven prompting tactics) to speed up ideation, drafting, editing, repurposing, and distribution without losing voice or quality.
What you will learn:
• Which models are best for the job
• Key elements are needed to get usable output
• How to get consistent results for the entire team
Rewriting the Script: How AI and Culture are Impacting Christian Creatives and Artists in the Hollywood Industry
Kathleen Cooke — Co-founder, Cooke Media Group/The Influence Lab
“Open” AI. The phrase can send chills down your spine—or spark imagination. Like fire, AI can bring light and propel creativity forward, or it can burn and cause real harm if mishandled. How can Christian communicators harness AI as a tool for Kingdom impact and human flourishing? Drawing on decades in the Hollywood industry, actress, producer, and writer Kathleen Cooke is not an AI expert but a seasoned creative sharing how Christian artists are choosing wisdom and engagement over fear to bring the light of God into a rapidly changing creative world.
Solutions Journalism in a Time of Religious Fracture
Emily Belz — Senior New Writer, Christianity Today
The celebrity culture of evangelical news is a persistent problem because it draws in readers, which every publication needs. But a different path of focusing on smaller subjects at a local level can be compelling to the readers that matter and help overcome religious divides. A reporter shares examples from the field.
What you will learn:
• How to tell a compelling story that might not seem immediately “clicky”
• How to navigate polarization in the Christian community.
The State of Theology: What Americans Believe and Why It Matters for the Church
Carol Pipes — Director of Corporate Communications, Lifeway Christian Resources
Marissa Sullivan — Managing Editor, Lifeway Research
Aaron Earls — Senior Editor, Lifeway Research
What do Americans—and Christians—believe about God, the Bible, and the Church? And why does it matter for ministry today? The State of Theology is a nationwide survey revealing how people today view key doctrines of the Christian faith. In this session, the LifewayResearch.com team will lead a conversation, unpacking the 2025 State of Theology study from Lifeway Research and Ligonier Ministries. Drawing fresh insights from the study, we’ll explore the latest findings and discuss how these beliefs impact both society and the Church. This session will help you navigate theological misunderstandings, better understand the spiritual landscape in America, and equip church leaders to respond with clarity and conviction.
Reaching the Next Generation: Forming Faith in a Secular Age
Jana Magruder — Strategic Initiatives Director, LifeWay Christian Resources
Chuck Peters — Director, LifeWay NextGen
The cultural battle of the next generation is fundamentally a battle of worldview. In this breakout, we’ll explore how secularism has shaped the thinking, values and identity of Gen Z and Gen Alpha and why it matters for the Church today. You’ll discover the two core needs driving these generations and learn practical, gospel-centered strategies to create biblical belonging while helping young people ground their identity in Christ.
What you will learn:
• Learn characteristics of Gen Z and Gen Alpha and how they compare to older generations
• Understand the cultural dynamics affecting younger generations and what their two big needs are as a result
• Discover tools and strategies that the Church and churches can use to more effectively reach Gen Z and Gen Alpha”
Getting Unstuck: Four Thinking Modes for Designers to Generate Better Ideas
Stephanie Salvatore — Associate Creative Director of Design, LifeWay Christian Resources
Designers are expected to be innovative, but innovation doesn’t come from brainstorming harder—it comes from knowing how to think differently. This breakout introduces a four-mode framework that explains how designers generate options, reframe problems, connect unexpected ideas, and ultimately narrow toward strong solutions. Grounded in creativity research and design practice, this session reframes innovation as a skill set designers can deliberately practice, not a talent reserved for a few.
What you will learn:
We’ll explore four complementary modes designers can use to solve problems more effectively:
• Divergent thinking — expanding the range of creative possibilities
• Lateral thinking — reframing the problem itself and breaking hidden assumptions
• Associative thinking — connecting ideas that don’t obviously belong together
• Convergent thinking — refining, selecting, and strengthening the best ideas
Designing for Reading, Not Just Scanning
Stephanie Salvatore — Associate Creative Director of Design, LifeWay Christian Resources
Much of today’s design education and inspiration is optimized for marketing and conversion, not for comprehension, formation, or sustained reading. That bias can quietly undermine content-driven work like magazines, Bible studies, devotionals, newsletters, and long-form web content. Drawing on reading research, accessibility principles, and publishing practice, we’ll examine practical design tools that support real reading—not just visual appeal—and discuss how designers can make a stronger, evidence-based case for these choices when collaborating with editors.
What you will learn:
• Design trains readers how to read: Readers don’t arrive with fixed behaviors…design cues actively shape whether content is skimmed, scanned, or read deeply.
• Small typographic and layout decisions have out-sized cognitive impact
• Designers don’t have to rely on taste or instinct when advocating for reading-first choices–Cognitive research, accessibility findings, and reader behavior studies provide a shared, objective language for collaborating with editors and stakeholders.”
How AI Can Strengthen (Not Replace) Human Storytelling: Using AI to Support Creativity, not Cheapen It
Dillon Sherlock — Associate Communications Director, Brentwood Baptist Church
This workshop explores how Christian communicators can use AI as a practical creative partner—without outsourcing voice, values, or theology. It focuses on responsible, real-world uses of AI for research, outlining, summarizing, and content adaptation, while drawing clear boundaries around what should not be delegated to machines. Designed for writers, editors, and social media teams, the session shows how AI can reduce busywork, speed up workflows, and support stronger storytelling without cheapening it. Participants will also learn key guardrails every Christian organization should have in place and examine real examples of healthy, ethical AI workflows that protect creativity, credibility, and mission.
Clarity Beats Clever: How to Communicate So People Actually Pay Attention
Justin Dean — Marketing & Events Leader, The Sunday Group
In an era of endless content, clever ideas often fail while clear ones win. This workshop helps editors, writers, and digital publishers sharpen their message, structure content with intention, and remove friction that causes readers to disengage. Attendees will learn how to make editorial decisions that improve comprehension, trust, and engagement across print and digital platforms.
What you will learn:
• How to evaluate headlines, ledes, and layouts for clarity instead of creativity alone
• A practical framework for simplifying complex stories without dumbing them down
• Common editorial mistakes that unintentionally confuse or lose readers
• How to align writing, design, and digital presentation around a single clear message
When the Story Breaks: Crisis Communication for the Digital Media Age
Justin Dean — Marketing & Events Leader, The Sunday Group
When a crisis hits, content creators and publishers play a critical role in shaping understanding, credibility, and trust. This workshop equips editors and media leaders with practical tools for navigating fast-moving situations, making sound editorial judgments under pressure, and communicating with clarity across print and digital channels. Attendees will learn how to respond wisely without reacting hastily.
What you will learn:
• How to determine what to publish, when to publish, and when to wait
• A clear framework for managing tone, timing, and accuracy during a crisis
• How to coordinate messaging across print, web, and social platforms
• Mistakes that damage credibility during crises and how to avoid them
How to Design Like a Pro: A Show-and-Tell Demo
Rob Patete — Art Director, God’s World News
How do you get from a simple Word document to a visually compelling, reader-engaging, press-ready file? Come and watch the process in real-time as God’s World News master graphic designer Rob Patete—using his 30+ years of experience with 20 as art director—crafts an article layout, complete with text, images and color from start to finish.
What you will learn:
• How anyone (with the appropriate software) can take words and combine them with images to generate an award-winning layout that draws in readers.
Cultivating an Audience in the Digital Age: Are you a Barnes and Noble or a Borders?
Tyler Sansom — Filmmaker and Lead Pastor, Church Anywhere
Why did Barnes & Noble survive while Borders collapsed? This workshop breaks down the real lessons behind that question and applies them directly to building an audience today. We’ll look at how creators and organizations can adapt to digital shifts without losing their identity, values, or voice. If you’re tired of chasing the next platform and want to build something that actually lasts, this workshop is for you.
What you will learn:
• Identify whether you’re building a platform or just renting attention
• Create audience pathways that turn viewers into followers and followers into advocates
• Avoid common digital mistakes that slowly erode trust and relevance
• Build systems that outlast trends, platforms, and algorithms
Social Media for Publishers Who Don’t Want to Be Influencers
Dillon Sherlock — Associate Communications Director, Brentwood Baptist Church
This workshop is designed for publishers and ministry teams who want to use social media effectively without turning their organizations into personal brands. It addresses why Christian organizations often struggle on social platforms and how to show up with clarity, credibility, and consistency—without chasing influencer culture. Participants will explore the shift from simply posting links to telling stories that are native to each platform, along with a clearer understanding of what meaningful engagement looks like for ministry-based content. The session also sets healthy expectations, helping teams understand what social media is—and is not—well-suited to accomplish in support of their mission.
Mastering AI for the Modern Communicator
Katie Allred — Communications Strategist and Author
Let’s be honest: AI can feel like a “super-powered autocomplete” that’s either going to save your Friday afternoon or accidentally hallucinate a new theology. For Christian communicators, the goal isn’t just to work faster; it’s to work smarter so we can focus on the people who actually matter. In this session, we’re moving past the “futuristic science fiction” and getting into the weeds of actual AI literacy.
What you will learn:
• Prompting as the New Language of Ministry: Learn to treat AI as a sharp but literal assistant by mastering the “Power Prompt”—using context and personas so the output actually sounds like a human and not a generic bot.
• The Shepherd’s Guardrail: Establish a “safety-first” workflow that uses the “Copy-Paste” rule to keep sensitive missionary data and church databases air-gapped from AI models—because no amount of convenience is worth a security breach.
• Automate the Menial, Not the Sacred: Identify the “super-powered autocomplete” tasks you can offload—like drafting social posts or summarizing data—so you can spend your limited time on the face-to-face ministry only a human can do.
Every Careless Word
Andy Butcher — Freelance Writer & Editor
What does Jesus’ warning in Matthew 18:26 mean for those of us who work with words daily? Amid a program focused on helping us “”sharpen our axes,”” a pause to reflect on why we carry one and how we should wield it.
What you will learn:
• A reminder of our mission
• A review of our motives
• A refining of our methodology
• A renewal of our ministry
The State of Faith Film and Television
Bob Elder — Founder & CEO, Collide Media Group
An inside look at the last 25 years of Christian Films and Television. Bob Elder (Collide Media Group) will review the growing impact of Faith through a deep analysis of Box Office successes and failures, exposing trends and opportunities facing the marketplace today.
AI Strategy for Gospel-Centered Content: How to Use It Without Breaking Trust — or Having to Repent
Micah Voraritskul — Founder, VerifiedHuman
AI has upended content creation with the force and confusion of a hurricane. For most industries, the question is “how do I use AI to win?” For gospel-driven publishers, the question is harder: “How do I use AI to live out my calling—without compromising the trust my audience placed in me?” This talk frames the AI moment for Christian content creators as an honest look at where the lines should be, what’s at stake, and how to create with integrity when the tools can produce content without the guiding of the Spirit.
What you will learn:
• A framework for identifying where AI serves your mission and where it undermines it — grounded in the unique accountability gospel-centered publishers carry.
• A practical approach to transparency that builds trust with your audience instead of eroding it.
• Why the creators and publishers who get this right now will be the ones their audiences trust most in five years.
Wait… Was That Rude? Generational Misfires in Workplace Communication
Russ Jones — Journalist and Media Consultant
Why do younger staff members sound abrupt, older leaders feel dismissed, and everyone feel exhausted by email, Slack, and texts? Drawing on original research into Gen Z communication patterns, this workshop explores how changing norms—not declining character—are reshaping how we speak, listen, and disagree. Participants will unpack the perceived rise in rudeness, examine how different generations interpret tone and respect, and learn practical strategies to reduce friction, build trust, and communicate clearly across age groups in mission-driven organizations. This interactive workshop explores why perceptions of rudeness are rising and how digital communication amplifies misunderstanding.
What you will learn:
• How to decode Generational “Dialects”: Identify the specific triggers and preferences that cause friction between Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.
• How to implement an Intergenerational Communication Plan: Apply practical, biblically rooted strategies to bridge the gap between digital-first authenticity and formal hierarchical traditions.
• How to reduce Workplace Conflict: Master specific “translation” tools to turn generational misunderstandings into collaborative opportunities for your nonprofit staff and boards.
Trauma-informed Writing
Lindsey Hartz — CEO, Ignite Faith Media
Digital Marketing Strategies
Lindsey Hartz — CEO, Ignite Faith Media
The Anatomy of a Brand
Dean Sell — Brand Consultant