SpeakersDecoration image for quotationThis year, we were led to invite keynote speakers who are our friends. They all have an affection for one another and carry the conviction that Jesus is a person who, when we give Him space to move, can do more than we could imagine, here and around the world. I wrote their bios below with the above in my heart. We say here at Mission Central, “Who you do life with is more important than what you do.” Plenary SpeakersApril BatesBiography“April carries the compassion and radiance of the Holy Spirit. She is bubbly and is often the first to cry as she listens as you share the journey Jesus has you on. She is full of faith and has an inward stillness like Mary, who waited at Jesus’ feet. She loves and champions Jesus’ heart to elevate women who carry a calling and commitment to give Jesus everything. She honours Jesus’ voice and can pull you into His heart without you seeing it coming. The enemy is afraid of April because her humility and meekness flow from His very presence... Read MoreJon ThompsonBiography“Jon Thompson has opened more doors for Canadian leaders to see their ministry through a Kingdom lens than anyone I know. Jon carries the culture of Jesus, the Father’s wisdom and the Holy Spirit’s clarity. Jon has walked with Jesus in environments of criticism, unbelief, and spiritual darkness with such grace, Biblical precision, and wit that testifies that Jesus was truly among them. Jon’s heart is that of Jesus’ best friend and disciple, whom it was said was leaning on Jesus’ bosom; he truly lives to move Jesus’ heart, not man’s expectations. He was the first preacher I asked to... Read MoreJonathan MitchellBiography“Jonathan Mitchell is a man of steel in the eyes of the Father, a real superhero for so many young people and youth pastors. It sounds funny, but the ‘S’ on his chest is the Spirit. His heart to see people walk with a person in discipleship is contagious. When he walks in a room, you can feel the smile of the Holy Spirit, and you want to change your life instantly to be more like Jesus. Jonathan has given his life to the next generation and has truly practiced what He preaches. When I met with him for the... Read MoreMatt MenzelBiography“Matt is a man after God’s own heart; a man whose hunger for Jesus burns like a fire that warms everyone and scares hell. He is the most consistent friend I have ever had. He doesn’t waste words or take His calling lightly. He is an example to every missionary and pastor of someone who walks in the fellowship of the suffering of our Jesus; a living Paul. He walks with Jesus so closely that you can feel the very honour of heaven on Him when he speaks. Matt’s affection for the scriptures and the power of God is contagious... Read MoreRyan JohnsonBiography“Ryan Johnson has walked with Jesus to the cross like no pastor I have ever met. He’s taught me how to die to self and care about one thing: Jesus. Christ and Him crucified is the legacy of this man. Ryan preaches like Jonathan Edwards in our day; his words carry the sword of the Spirit and the truth of the Person of Nazareth. Similar to the responses toward Jesus, when Ryan preaches, you will be, ‘utterly amazed at his teaching, because he was teaching them like one with authority.’ Ryan has a deep passion for pastors to experience the... Read More