CHOG Convention 2014: Meet the Speakers!

Compiled by Carl Stagner

Did you know that Anne Graham Lotz is the daughter of world-famous evangelist Billy Graham? Probably. But did you know that this female preacher is considered by her father to be the best preacher in the family? You might know that Marty Grubbs is the son of longtime Church of God pastor and former CBH speaker David Grubbs. But did you know the senior pastor of Crossings Community Church has a degree in sacred music? Meet the speakers before you hear them!

Anne Graham Lotz

In 1999, the New York Times named Anne one of the five most influential evangelists of her generation. She’s been profiled on 60 Minutes and has appeared on TV programs such as Larry King Live, The Today Show, and HannityLive. Her “Just Give Me Jesus” revivals have been held in more than thirty cities in twelve countries, with hundreds of thousands of attendees. Anne, who has authored several books, is the founder and president of AnGeL Ministries. She and her husband, Danny Lotz, have three grown children and three grandchildren. They reside in Montreat, North Carolina.

Michael Thigpen

Michael Thigpen is the lead pastor of Celebration Church in Anderson, Indiana. He has served in the body of Christ in a variety of ministry areas for almost twenty years. As a former president of the National Inspirational Youth Convention (NIYC), Youth Network Team member, community activist, and educational advocate, Michael stays close to the pulse of youth and family issues. His ministry is geared to all people and families. Michael’s greatest joys in his life are his personal relationship with God; the love of his life, his wife Melanie; and their four beautiful children—Brittany, Shekinah, Gianna, and Destinee.

Diana Swoope

Diana L. Swoope began her tenure on the staff of the Arlington Church of God in Akron, Ohio, in 1981. In 2009, Swoope was elevated to the office of senior pastor of the church, and is the only female to serve in that capacity since the church was established in 1917. Pastor Swoope is the first female elected as president of the National Inspirational Youth Convention of the Church of God, which began in 1938. She is also a member of the Anderson University Board of Trustees. Swoope and her husband Lawrence live in Copley, Ohio. They have three children (Alecia, Allen “Imani,” and Andreco) and four grandchildren (Nyemah, Sophia, and twins, Jeremiah and Micah).

Marty Grubbs

Marty Grubbs graduated from Anderson University in 1981 with degrees in sacred music and religious studies, and recently celebrated thirty-two years on staff at Crossings Community Church, twenty-eight of them as senior pastor. Crossings has changed significantly over the past thirty-two years, growing from a congregation of 145 to more than six thousand people now actively participating each week. Crossings Clinic and Crossings Community Center have provided over $11 million in medical, vision, and dental services since their inception in 2005, and have provided tutoring, counseling, and free legal services to the community. Marty has served on various state and national boards, including Anderson University, LifeChurch.TV, and Water4. Marty and his wife Kim have three children and welcomed their first grandchild this summer.

Dave Stone

Dave Stone is the senior pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, where he preaches to twenty-one thousand people each weekend. Dave Stone has been the senior pastor of Southeast Christian Church since 2006 and on staff at Southeast since 1989. He is married to Beth and they have three children: Savannah, Sadie, and Sam. Dave is passionate about families and has recently released a book series called Faithful Families.

Reggie McNeal

Dr. Reggie McNeal serves as the missional leadership specialist for Leadership Network of Dallas, Texas. Reggie’s past experience involves over a decade as a denominational executive and leadership development coach. He also served in local congregational leadership for over twenty years, including being the founding pastor of a new church. Reggie has lectured or taught as adjunct faculty for multiple seminaries, and his work extends to the business sector—including the Gallup Organization. Reggie has authored several books, including A Work of Heart: Understanding How God Shapes Spiritual Leaders (Joseey-Bass, 2000) and Get Off Your Donkey: Help Somebody and Help Yourself (Baker, 2013). Reggie and his wife Cathy make their home in Columbia, South Carolina.

It’s not too late to register for the Church of God Convention at www.chogconvention.org! There you’ll also find an event schedule, lodging information, promotional materials, and more.

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