Elijah Conference

We just completed the first annual Elijah Conference, hosted by Allison Durham Speer Ministries. This fantastic event served to challenge artists to better serve the kingdom of God by becoming effective communicators of the gospel. From artist/pastor relations, sharing deep spiritual truths in a concert and simply loving on people, all those in attendance--students and faculty--were challenged and sharpened through lecture, discussion and practical "lab" experiences.

Many of the students were also former students from the Stamps-Baxter School of Music, but there were several new faces. Brian & Allison Speer led a staff including Mike Allen, Wess & Susan Adams and myself along with many industry professionals who spoke on a variety of topics including pastors' perspectives on booking artists (Johnny Minick), booking dates (Kathi Mathis), Nashville Number System (Jack Clark), Marketing (Les Butler), creating a non-profit ministry (Rebecca Irwin), and producing an independent record (Aaron Minick).

What Allison teaches at the Stamps-Baxter school we were able to delve into even further with more detail and purpose--creating meaningful and impactful segues/transitions, using humor to create a comfortable concert setting, the power of scripture in your programs, how to successfully market an artist. Just a fantastic weekend!

This conference should be required for all soloists and groups wishing their ministry will have a profound effect on the kingdom of God and I can't recommend it highly enough. I am blessed to have been a small part of this fantastic event.

www.elijahconference.com.