Preaching Conference
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Fresh Preaching Conference

Conference for Preachers, Pastors, and Ministry Leaders at Azusa Pacific University on Thursday, November 6, 2025

Our Theme

FRESH PREACHING

Fresh Preaching one-day conference at APU for preachers, pastors, and ministry leaders from all contexts to join us for a day of refreshment and encouragement that includes interactive workshops, inspiring speakers, and worship. Our theme is Fresh Preaching because between the grind that is unique to those who preach God’s Word as well as everything that is swirling around today, we want this experience to be one that refreshes, renews, and reinvigorates those who participate! It is our prayer that this 1-day conference will provide a space for you to connect with God, be refreshed by the Holy Spirit, as well as be encouraged alongside other preachers.
“I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19
Guy raising his right hand
A group of happy teenagers smiling while looking at the camera

Conference Information

Our conference will feature two general sessions as well as a
workshop hour. Continental breakfast and lunch are included
with your registration.

Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
Time: 9am-3pm; Check-in/Breakfast begins at 8:15am
Location: Azusa Pacific University, West Campus
Cost: Regular Admission – $49, Cohort Participants attend for $25

Registration is now open and the last day to register will be Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Register Now

Conference Schedule

Check-In & Breakfast Open: 8:15 am

General Session: 9 am -10:10 am

Workshops # 1: 10:15 am -11:15 am

Workshops # 2: 11:20 am -12:20 pm

Lunch: 12:25 pm

General Session #2: 1:20 pm – 3:00pm

Kaleo worship night

Conference Speakers

Erica Rodriguez

Dr. Janette Ok

Author and Associate Professor of New Testament at Fuller Seminary

Janette H. Ok is Associate Professor of New Testament at Fuller Seminary. Her research interests include 1 Peter, 1–3 John, the Catholic Epistles, and the formation of early Christian identity, with an emphasis on Asian American, intersectional, feminist, and social-scientific approaches to biblical interpretation. Janette is the author of Constructing Ethnic Identity in 1 Peter: Who You Are No Longer (2021) and coeditor of The New Testament in Color: A Multiethnic Bible Commentary (2024). As a church leader and preacher, Janette brings over 25 years of ministry experience to the classroom. She is an ordained minister who pastors at Ekko Church in Anaheim, California. Her interdisciplinary interests and ecclesial commitments have shaped her preaching, teaching, and scholarship, giving her a practical focus on church ministry and Christian leadership. She is passionate about forming wise leaders for the church.

Erica Rodriguez

John Hansen

Pastor, Centerpoint Ministries and Filled to Flow Ministries

John Voris Hansen is a passionate leader, pastor, and author known for his creative, practical, biblical teaching. John and his wife, Ann, have been married for over twenty years and are the founders and Lead Pastor of Centerpoint Ministries and Filled to Flow Ministries. John has a B.A. from Rutgers University and an M.Div. from Fuller Seminary. John’s desire to ignite passion for the Holy Spirit is something he carries out in a naturally supernatural way—and it’s contagious!

Key Leaders and Presenters

Traci Birge

Dr. Anthony Powell

Conference Host

Stephanie Gala

Noemi Chavez

Workshop Presenter

Will Hooper

Jon DeCuir

Workshop Presenter

Traci Birge

Matu Taylor

Workshop Presenter

Stephanie Gala

Alexander James

Workshop Presenter

Worship

Angel Ramirez

Angel Ramirez Jr. serves as Worship Leader at Venice Church in Los Angeles, where he leads the congregation in Christ-centered, Spirit-filled worship each week. His heart is to create spaces where people encounter God through music, community, and authenticity.

Beyond his role at Venice Church, Angel is a professional singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. He has collaborated with a wide range of artists, written and produced songs featured on national platforms—including a Super Bowl commercial—and continues to work actively in both live performance and studio production. Angel also runs Studio to Stage Academy, where he teaches and mentors the next generation of musicians in areas such as guitar, piano, vocals, worship leadership, and music production.

With his unique blend of church leadership and professional music industry experience, Angel brings both excellence and authenticity to every setting he leads in, helping others engage deeply with God and grow in their musical and spiritual gifts.

Jesus Use Me

Fresh Preaching Conference FAQs

What is the purpose of the conference?

We want to provide refreshment, encouragement, and inspiration to all who are called to preach in today’s culture and climate. This marks the Institute for Faith, Leadership, and Service’s inaugural preaching conference, and our team and partners are deeply honored and excited to bring it to life.

What age does a person need to be to participate?

Outside of a few undergraduate Azusa Pacific Preaching Lab students, ministry leaders who are 21 and up can attend.

What about parking?

Free printable parking permits will be provided to registrants prior to the conference. Participants will park in lots F and G.

Where is the Conference?

The Conference takes place on APU’s West Campus.

What time does the Conference start and end?

Check-in will begin at 8:15am. Our first general session will begin at 9am sharp. From there, the day will consist of a workshop hour, lunch, and a closing session that will conclude at/around 3pm.

What meals are provided?

We will be providing continental breakfast and coffee during check-in from 8:15am-9am as well as lunch.

How many workshops are provided?

We have four different workshops for attendees to choose from, which will cover a variety of topics pertaining to our preaching and self care.

Will I need a photo consent form?

Your registration is your consent to the possibility of APU’s Strategic Communications team taking your photo. If for some reason you would prefer your photo not be taken, please let us know at ifls@apu.edu.

What is the Compelling Preaching Initiative?

The Compelling Preaching Initiative seeks to cultivate space for pastors and ministry leaders to collaborate, learn, and grow together as preachers and in their overall flourishing as leaders. We do this by offering the following programs: the Compelling Preaching Cohorts, the Certificate in Transformational Preaching, as well as the Formation and Preaching Lab for APU students.

Have any more questions?

Please contact us at ifls@apu.edu