Modal speakers 2026

Danielle Strickland

Speaker, author & justice advocate

Leadership Track 2 - Kingdom Community

Men and Women leading well together

Wednesday 11:30 - 12:30

Studio 1

Main Sessions

Power

Wednesday 19:30-21:30

Auditorium

God’s Power is as different from as it is greater than any other power. How can we live the alternative vision of the Good Gospel in the present moment? We need power. Rooted in Acts 1 and Exodus 3.

Confrontation

Thursday 9:00-10:30

Auditorium

God’s power will always be a confrontation to the powers of this world. How do we fight against the principalities and power of this world using God’s power in a way that brings life? Rooted in Acts 10 and Acts 16.

Danielle’s aggressive compassion has served people first-hand in countries all over the world. From establishing justice departments and church plants, to launching global anti-trafficking initiatives, to creating new initiatives to mobilize people towards transformational spiritual life. Danielle trains, advocates, and inspires people to live differently through various initiatives and through her book including her latest release The Other Side of Hope.

Mark Pugh

Apostolic eyes

Tuesday, 10.30–12pm

Auditorium

In a world that often feels dark and uncertain, leaders are called to see differently — to recognise light in the darkness, hope in the midst of despair, and the possibility of resurrection where others see only decline. This keynote will challenge and inspire us to look with apostolic eyes: discerning prophetic possibilities and stepping forward with courage and faith. Mark opens the conference by setting the vision for our Eyes of Faith theme and calling us to see what God is doing before it becomes visible to everyone else.

Mark was appointed as the General Superintendent of the Elim Pentecostal Churches in May 2024 and is the Apostolic Lead at Rediscover Church in Exeter.

Rachel Hickson

Prophetic or pathetic ministry?

Tuesday, 7.15-9.30pm

Auditorium

Prophets are a gift to the church that can help bring alignment and vision, especially in a season of redesign. Leadership partnerships with prophets can be fulfilling God adventures and don’t have to be annoying! Get ready to journey with joy!

Married to Gordon for 45 years, Rachel is recognised as a prophet by many church networks and denominations, Rachel serves several national church leadership networks sharing prophetic wisdom, insight and leadership strategy.

Al Gordon

Prepare the Way

Wednesday, 10-12pm

Auditorium

Al Gordon unpacks how Jesus is calling a generation to get ready for awakening, and shares stories of hope, faith, and love.

Al Is the leader of SAINT, a thriving church in East London. He’s the founder of RENAISSANCE, a trustee of Alpha International and the author of SPARK: Ignite Your God-Given Creativity.

Ruth Ann Cannings

Are you following the Sheep or the Shepherd?

Wednesday, 7.15-9.30pm

Auditorium

We can easily end up trying to meet every demand of the sheep and still never satisfy them. But when we follow the guidance of the Great Shepherd, we can truly care for everyone entrusted to us, preparing them for ministry to others.

Joining Kensington temple in 1969, Ruth Ann, has ministered there as director of pastoral care, the community link programme and more recently as founder of Arise Ministry – for such a time as this.

Mike Nicholls

Eyes of Faith: Reclaiming truth in an anxious age

Thursday 10-12pm

Auditorium

In a culture that promises limitless self-definition yet produces unprecedented anxiety, the Church must recover the ability to see clearly and to cultivate resilient, truth-shaped communities who can see beyond circumstances and with eyes of faith.

Mike is the Senior Minister of Birmingham City Church and is passionate about teaching the Bible.

Richard Hasnip

Storytelling for Preachers – Harness the power and techniques of storytelling to enhance your preaching

Tuesday, 3.00-4.00pm

Kings suite

In this practical and engaging workshop, Rich Hasnip teaches some easy to learn (but lifetime to master) techniques for incorporating storytelling into preaching as well as some tips for becoming a more dynamic and gripping communicator.

Rich Hasnip leads the Applied Theology and Performing Arts course at Regents Theological College. He is passionate about helping others explore the Christian faith through story and creativity.

Ian Harland

How to build a thriving children’s ministry

Wednesday, 3.15-4.15pm

Queens suite 1

If you’re reading this, the chances are high that you first gave your life to Jesus as a child. Studies tell us that that 83% of adults who are Christians now made a commitment to Jesus between the ages of 4-14. Evidently, children’s ministry is absolutely mission-critical for the future of the church.

So how do we develop a thriving children’s ministry in our local churches? In this session we explore the four hallmarks of a thriving children’s ministry and consider what that means for our local churches.

Ian has been involved in kids’ ministry for over 30 years in various forms and is currently the Director of Kids Ministry within Elim in Ireland.

Sam Johnson

Leading young

Tuesday, 3.00-4.00pm

Auditorium

Join this interactive session as Ben and Sam share about the heart posture, mindset and actions that can set up young people to lead well.

Sam joined the Elim ministry at the age of 23 leading a church in the Welsh Valleys. He is now the Associate Pastor at City Church Cardiff.

Steve Kempton

Growing a movement of church planters

Tuesday, 4.30-5.30pm

Auditorium

Steve Kempton hosts Elim Global leaders to share what they have learned from planting 200+ churches and what God can do through people willing to go where He sends them.

Steve is a former Elim Missionary to Nepal and is Senior Pastor at Holy Trinity Church in Weston Super Mare. Steve is facilitating Elim’s church planting programme & training church planters around the world.

Jenny Kimble

A pathway into Elim ministry

Wednesday, 3.15-4.15pm

Queens suite 2

Have you sensed God may be calling you to Christian ministry? Have you considered joining with Elim in our mission to reach our nation for Christ and build His Church?

This seminar will give you an opportunity to hear more about what ministry in Elim looks like and how you could explore the possibilities. Hear the stories of two young people who have stepped out and responded to God’s call to give their lives in serving Jesus today.

Jenny is the Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Ministry Foundation Certificate Course Leader at Regents Theological COllege, and also serves on the MIT Development Team.

Phill Beynon & Matt Parry

Church tech for leaders (not for nerds)

Wednesday, 4.30-5.30pm

Queens suite 1

Led by church leaders who work in church tech, this seminar covers creating the right environment for worship, avoiding Sunday-setup-stress, and empowering volunteers—plus plenty of time for Q&A!

NoiseBoys helps church leaders understand audio, visual and lighting tech, giving them the confidence to make informed decisions and work effectively with their AV teams.

Michelle Nunn

Raising the saints: empowering women leaders and ministers

Wednesday, 4.30-5.30pm

Kings suite

In this session, we will consider how we raise women to lead and minister in our communities, workplaces, churches, and the mission field.

This session will give some context about the history and experience of women in ministry in Elim, and discuss how we recognise the call-in women's lives, cultivate gifting, and encourage women to fulfil their call.

Pastor Michelle Nunn was appointed Principal of Regents Theological College in August 2024, having served as Senior Pastor of Nantwich Elim for many years. She has also served as a member of Elim’s NLT since 2022.

Ben Ryan

Leading Young

Tuesday, 3.00-4.00pm

Auditorium

Join this interactive session as Ben and Sam share about the heart posture, mindset and actions that can set up young people to lead well.

Ben lives in Chorley with his wife Laura and their 3 girls, Arabella, Ebony & Rosie. He is the Director of Ministries for Limitless, and is on the leadership team at Living Waters Church, Chorley.

Debbie Howard

Octagon-shaped ministry: An introduction to health care chaplaincy

Wednesday, 4.30-5.30pm

Auditorium

With the help of other health care chaplains and real-life stories of encounters, Debbie will share about eight key facets of health care chaplaincy. Having ‘assembled the octagon’ Debbie will ask 'Is God calling you to this shape of ministry?'

Debbie Howard is Lead Chaplain at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Jonathan Skelton

Developing the dream team

Thursday, 1.45-2.45pm

Auditorium

In this session, Jonathan will share practical insights, personal experiences, and biblical examples to enhance leadership skills for those serving on teams. This session promises valuable takeaways for anyone looking to grow in their leadership and teamwork.

Jonathan is the Lead Pastor of Rugby Elim with 30 years of ministry experience. He co-leads Revive Rugby, helping churches and ministers partner together in Rugby. A father of three daughters, married to Sam, he enjoys long walks and living a life filled with adventure.

Ishbel Straker

Making the church neurodiverse acceptable

Wednesday, 4.30-5.30pm

Queens suite 2

Join Ishbel to explore the challenges that neurodiverse individuals face trying to fit into a neurotypical church environment, how church settings, practices, and expectations can unintentionally create barriers for neurodiverse individuals, and highlight practical ways churches can foster an environment of understanding and accessibility.

Ishbel Straker is the CEO and founder of I Straker Consultants and is recognised as an expert in the field of addiction and the treatment of co-existing mental health problems.

Mike de Vetter

Get on my shoulders

Wednesday 1:45pm

Queens suite 1

Building a culture that unites and releases every generation to build God's Kingdom.

Mike is Associate Pastor at Rediscover Church and author of 6 children’s books and a children’s album. He has a passion to see the generations growing together on the discipleship journey.  Mike and Amy have three children, Rosie, Josiah and Zoe.

Boyd Ratnaraja

Being a visionary leader

Tuesday, 1.30-2.30pm

Auditorium

Healthy churches don’t grow by accident—they grow when every person on the team is intentional. Whether you’re on staff or serving as a volunteer, your role is vital in building a thriving, life-giving church.

In this session, we’ll unpack key principles for church growth, explore what makes a church truly healthy, and discover how you can contribute to a culture of strength, unity, and impact. If you’re passionate about seeing your church grow, this session is for you!

Boyd and Sharon are the National Leaders of Elim New Zealand and the Senior Pastors of Elim International Church in Wellington, New Zealand. They have devoted their lives to building the local church, raising up leaders, and helping people fall in love with Jesus. They are proud parents of their two boys Josh and Jax.

Alistair Taylor

Church planting

Tuesday, 4.30-5.30pm

Queens suite 1

Can you? Should you? How to? How APEST can help you to plant a church.

Alistair has been involved in church planting for over 30 years with KT, Elim nationally, and the CPA.

Caitlin Suddick

How to build a thriving children’s ministry

Wednesday, 3.15-4.15pm

Queens suite 1

Caitlin is the children’s worker at Church 180, in Paignton. She has a huge passion to see all children come to know Christ and to live out in their godly calling on their life. 

Charlotte Nall

Why innovation is key to impact

Tuesday, 4.30-5.30pm

Queens suite 2

Explore innovative tools and digital strategies to bridge the gospel gap, transforming evangelism with scalable, impactful, and creative outreach.

As CV’s (Christian Vision) Community Manager for Western Europe, Charlotte is passionate about using technology to help the church reach beyond physical walls and connect with people wherever they are. Charlotte is married to Gavin and is a mother to two miracle children.

Bekah Legg

In churches too: Domestic abuse

Wednesday, 3.15-4.15pm

Kings suite

Research shows 1 in 4 people in our churches have experienced domestic abuse. This session will be an introduction to recognising and responding to DA within your church and community.

Bekah is the CEO of Restored, a Christian organisation speaking up about the realities of violence against women, and equipping the Church to stand against domestic abuse and support survivors.

Sarah Whittleston

Let’s pray

Tuesday, 4.30-5.30pm

Kings suite

Let’s pray - you hear those words and either jump for joy or want to hide away! How can we grow in confidence to pray well with and for one another? How can we equip prayer ministry teams? Come along and let’s explore building creative, dynamic, and safe spaces to pray together.

Sarah is the Elim Prayer Director. She loves to inspire people to live from a life of prayer, with a heart for developing leaders and equipping the church.