The Speakers
FEATURED SPEAKERS
01
Biblical Scholar
Reverend Janiece Renee Williams is a Ph.D. candidate in the Graduate Department of Religion at Vanderbilt University, specializing in Homiletics and Liturgics with a focus on African
American preaching and ethics. As a distinguished Theology and Practice Fellow, a Russell G. Hamilton Scholar, and a Louisville Institute Doctoral Fellow, she is dedicated to advancing
scholarship in her field. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, she was licensed to preach at Temple Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Sedric D. Veal Sr. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies from Nyack College and a Master of Divinity degree from Wake Forest University School of Divinity.
As a practitioner-scholar, Reverend Williams is a certified Homiletic Coach through the David G. Buttrick Homiletic Peer Coaching Program at Vanderbilt University. She is also the creator of Sermon Development: A Workbook for Preachers, which rapidly became a primary resource for hundreds of pastors and preachers nationwide and is now recognized as a key tool at
conferences across the country.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Reverend Williams has held various congregational roles, including digital ministry and executive ministerial leadership, most recently serving as the
Interim Executive Minister at Watson Grove Baptist Church in Nashville, TN, under Reverend Dr. John R. Faison Sr. She has had the privilege of preaching, lecturing, and speaking in
numerous churches, universities, and conferences, including The Hampton University Minister’s Conference Late Night Service. Furthermore, she made history as the first woman to serve on the
leadership cabinet of the Pastors and Ministers Division of the National Baptist Convention USA. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Reverend Williams is
committed to service efforts that uplift underserved members of the community.
REV. JANIECE WILLIAMS
Dr. John Guns
02
Bishop John E. Guns is the Senior Pastor of St. Paul Church of Jacksonville, Inc., where he has transformed what was once a rigid, placid, traditional Southern Baptist church into an oasis of faith, fellowship, and fun. Through innovative leadership and an approachable spirit, Dr. Guns has modeled the true essence of koinonia, cultivating a vibrant and welcoming community of worshipers. His deep love for worship is evident whenever the St. Paul family gathers.
Bishop Guns received his formal education in the public and private school systems of Hampton Roads, Virginia. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Norfolk State University and later obtained both his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University.
A visionary leader, Bishop Guns wears several proverbial hats. He is the Founder of Operation Save Our Sons, a national movement designed to work with at-risk boys and equip them to make positive decisions regarding the law and authority. For well over twenty years, he has nurtured and advised senior pastors across the country and was established as the Presiding Prelate of Kingdom Fellowship International, a growing fellowship of bishops, pastors, and church leaders. Bishop Guns also serves as the Senior Vice Presider of the Global United Fellowship, under the leadership of Bishop Joel R. Peebles, Presiding Prelate. In addition, Dr. Guns proudly serves as Dean of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. He is actively involved in several boards and community-based organizations and has been a dedicated member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, since 1982. Of all his accomplishments, Bishop Guns considers his greatest blessing to be his family. He is the proud husband and life partner of Co-Pastor Sonjanique L. Guns, M.Div. Together they are the loving parents of three amazing daughters: Alexis (Claude) Cheatham, Daijah S. Guns, and Tayler J. Guns. He is also a devoted grandfather to his grandsons, Zion John-Eric and Claude Douglas III, and his granddaughter, C’Zariah Alexis Michelle.
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Dr. William H. Curtis
A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Dr. William H. Curtis accepted the call to ministry at the age of 17. For seven years, he served as the Senior Pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church in York, PA; however, since1997, he has served as the Senior Pastor at Mount Ararat Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, PA.
Dr. Curtis has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards. In 2009, he was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers of Morehouse College. In the spring of 2010, Dr. Curtis moved from the speaking arena into the publishing arena with his first book, “FAITH -- Learning to Live Without Fear,” which is currently in its fourth printing. His second book, “Dressed for Victory: Putting on the Full Armor of God” was released in April 2015 and is currently in its second printing. And, his third book “Mentor Shift” was published in May 2019. “One Day Closer” a compilation of his mediations during the Pandemic shut-in from March 2020 thru May 2021 was published in June 2021; and it was followed by “One Day Closer”–Volume 2 which was published in June 2022.
Dr. Curtis is an instructor at the United Theological Seminary and has graduated several groups of doctoral students at the institution. He also serves at Virginia Union University. Aside from pastoral instruction, he is Co-Owner of The Church Online, a successful technology and full-service marketing firm that provides top of the line services to ministries all over the world.
Dr. Curtis holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Studies and Philosophy from Morgan State University, a Master of Divinity Degree from Howard University School of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
Dr. Curtis is married to the former Christine Y. Richardson, and they are the proud parents of one lovely daughter, Dr. Houston M. Curtis.
Agenda
OCT 7
06:30
Worship Service - Dr. Janeice Williams
Agenda
OCT 8
09:00
Registration
10:00
Opening // Welcome // Worship Service
11:00
Break
11:15
Rev. Dr. Williams
12:30
Lunch
1:35
Music Ministry Impact Panel
2:25
Break
2:40
Dr. John Guns
4:00
Breakout Sessions
Agenda
OCT 8
9:00
Welcome // Open
9:10
Dr. William Curtis
Break
10:25
10:40
Breakout Sessions
11:55
Lunch & AI Presentation
1:00
Worship Service
2:00
Break
2:15
Closing Remarks
2:30
Preaching Practicum
