2019 LINE UP
SPEAKERS & PANELISTS
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KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
DOUGLAS JACOBY "DR. J"
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE TEACHER
Douglas Jacoby is an international Bible teacher. His degrees are from Drew, Harvard, and Duke. After serving as a minister for 20 years in Britain, Sweden, Australia, and the U.S., Douglas works as a freelance teacher and consultant, as well as an adjunct professor of theology at Lincoln Christian University. He has engaged in a number of debates with well-known atheists, imams, and rabbis. Since the late '90s, Douglas has led annual tours to the biblical world. Douglas has written 33 books, recorded 600 podcasts, and spoken in over 100 universities, and in over 500 cities, in 125 nations around the world.
ALLEN GOWER
FOUNDER @
ANIMATE CONFERENCE
Allen is an evangelist and worship leader in Dallas, Texas. He has led ministries in California, Colorado and Texas. From the age of four, when he was bribed to sing at church with an ice cream cone, Allen has hardly been off stage. Allen has recorded with two different A Capella groups and has led or worked with bands and worship teams all over the country.
"Whether you're a seasoned veteran in music ministry, or new to serving the church in this way, the Animate Conference will move and stir your heart to worship and action. I can't wait to hear the voices of those who understand and love music ministry!"
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TINA J CRAWLEY
QUEEN OF GOSPEL
Recently featured on the FOX TELEVISION hit show “EMPIRE” & EMPIRE Films Soundtrack....Tina Jenkins Crawley is a National and International Touring Recording Artist, and Singer-Songwriter. She was recently featured on the FOX Television’s hit show “EMPIRE.” She was named “Best Gospel Entertainer” by Chicago Music Awards. Tina is a Worship Leader, Conference Speaker and Teacher, Vocal Director and Artist. Her CD “The Longest Journey” went #1 not he UK Soul Charts. Tina is a happy wife to Mark, a happy mother to Andrew and Alyssa, and a believer and disciple of Christ. She resides in Chicago where she is a Band Leader and Chicago Jobbing and Orchestra Member.
"Some of us might be feeling flat-lined or un-inspired in our own personal praise or church worship. I am asking GOD to resuscitate our hearts at Animate, and re-birth a fresh inspiration inside of all of us. I pray our adoration for him is multiplied and renewed!"
CHRISTIAN RAY
FOUNDER @
ANIMATE CONFERENCE
Christian Ray is an evangelist, recording artist, enterpreneur and co-founder of venture development company Third Drive. He has led churches in Russia, Ukraine and the U.S.
"All of us long to be inspired, feel connected and, above all, find deep meaning in all we do in life. Our ambition with Animate Conference is that all of the above happens with every person who attends. We hope Animate can be a sanctuary, a slice of heaven and a spiritual feast we can look forward to and bring back to our churches."
EMILY MORRIS
SOUL WHISPERER
Emily Morris leads the worship at Tribe in Austin, Texas. She works as a Neurologic Music Therapist at the Center for Music Therapy where she also runs the business operations. Emily is currently completing her Master's in Business Administration from Texas State University and in her free time loves to gig around town solo and with local bands.
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“Studying and exploring Worship has opened my mind and my life to a better understanding of who God is and the magnitude of His grace. All I want to do is help others see and feel that grace in brand new ways. Leading others in worship is my way of trying to do just that. Animate is a safe place to explore and worship our God without hesitation. Hope to see you there!”
PANELISTS
DAVE STOVALL
AUDIO ADRENALINE
SHERWIN MACKINTOSH
THE SAGE
MALEE HUGHES
SINGER/SONG WRITER
MICHAEL BRINGARDNER
ELECTRO FREAK WIZARD
ALEESHA SOLANO
WORSHIP LEADER
ROSS LIPPENCOTT
WORSHIP LEADER
WAYNE GERAMI
AV GURU
JAY MINOR
PIANO MAN
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BUSINESS TRACK
BRANDON KNICELY
BUSINESS JEDI
Brandon Knicely has been successful at building companies in the tech space for thirty years. Brandon is passionate about developing a global network of entrepreneurs to advance God's Kingdom. He is the co-founder of Third Drive.
"As a parallel track to Animate Worship, called Animate Business, we thought we could have a few entrepreneurs get together to explore how to use our gifts as worship to advance the Kingdom. And, we get to enjoy all of the musical worship while we are at it!"
