Meet Our Speakers
Dr. Michael Mills, Keynote
He has been a career missionary since 1992 to both Ecuador and 10 years to Uruguay. After 41 years of marriage he became a widower when his soulmate Denise died of COVID in 2021 on the coast of Ecuador. She was a professional chef. They always said, “we leave you with a good taste for missions!” She faithfully served the Lord and finished the race to her Lord as a one-way missionary. She heard the words, “well done my good and faithful servant.” He continues as a one-way missionary with a calling to Scotland!
He is a missionary because God asked him to give up his life 31 years ago so he can fulfill the Lord's calling in countries that did not know the Lord yet. The Lord purchased his life with Jesus' blood! What was he going to say but YES?
Bishop Rocky McKinley, Keynote
Bishop Rocky McKinley serves as the lead pastor of Destiny Community Church in Newberry, FL, a church he planted with his wife Mandi in September 2006. He is the author of the book Big Dreams in a Small Town and currently serves as chairman of the Florida State Council. He also serves on the National Evangelism Board, and, as chairman of the Church of God Church Plant Task Force.
In the summer of 2006, God called Bishop Rocky and Mandi McKinley to leave the comforts of familiarity in Tampa to plant a church in the Gainesville, FL area. That church plant remained portable for eleven and a half years. During that time, God was faithful to grow the church and add to their number daily souls that were being saved. In June of 2020, Destiny Community Church moved into their new home located at the gateway to their community on a beautiful 20 acre campus. Now they have three campuses including live-streaming their worship services into the Florida Women’s Reception Center, a women’s prison in the central Florida area.
The success of DCC has opened doors of opportunity for Bishop Rocky McKinley. He is the author of the book Big Dreams in a Small Town and trains pastors and church leaders all over the country. He currently serves as chairman of the Florida State Council. He also serves on the National Evangelism Board for the Church of God, and, as chairman of the Church of God Church Plant Task Force.
Pastor Jacob Newton
Jacob Newton serves as Pastor at High Springs Church of God in High Springs, FL, and has been in pastoral ministry for the last 8 years. High Springs Church of God has undergone revitalization under Pastor Jacob growing from 24 on his first Sunday to averaging 100 on Sunday mornings today. His heart is to pastor his community, and he has integrated himself in the life of High Springs, regularly praying the invocation at city commission meetings and serving at community events. He has been married to his wife, Stephanie, for 12 years, and they have 5 kids - Madison, Abel, Jeremiah, Alexandria, and Judah.
Pastor Steve Burkowske
Pastor Steve Burkowske, along with his wife Dawn, serves as Lead Pastor of Open Door Church of God in Palatka, Florida, where he is passionate about helping churches become healthy, Spirit-filled, and mission-focused. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Ministry Leadership and a Master of Arts in Ministry Studies from Lee University. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Christian Leadership with a concentration in Church Revitalization through Liberty University. Drawing from both academic research and hands-on pastoral experience, Pastor Steve encourages church leaders with practical strategies for renewal, evangelism, leadership development, and congregational health.
We invite pastors to bring their key leaders to be inspired and equipped in the area of evangelism. Our speakers will bring practical tools that can be used in the local church and in our communities.
Dr. LaVoy and Julie Newton, Lighthouse Church of God
-Hosts
We are so excited to partner with this conference and see what God is up to.
Pastor Chris and Amanda Hill, Berean Church of God
-CoHosts
Schedule
Friday
6pm: Banquet Meal (Free-Please Register)
7pm: Worship & Message- Bishop Rocky McKinley "Rediscovering Your Why"
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Saturday
8:00am : Breakfast & Fellowship
9:00am-12:30pm: Sessions
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Practical Steps for Church Growth-Jacob Newton
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Healthy Things Grow: Practical Steps for Church Revitalization-Steve Burkowske
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Practical Steps for Discipleship-Dr. Michael Mills
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Practical Steps of Soul-Winning-Bishop Rocky McKinley
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Sunday
10:30am Worship and Message-Discipleship- Dr. Michael Mills
