Louisville Line-up
Bands
KJ-52
In 1998, Sorrentino stepped down from his youth minister position to pursue his Christian rap dream full-time. He has said he still considers himself to be in the field of youth ministry, however, as the main consumers of hip-hop are teenagers and young adults. He fills a significant portion of his songs with messages intended for the current generation of youth, addressing a multitude of issues regarding the church, and Christians in general. www.kj52.com
Fireflight
Beginning in 2006, upon signing to Flicker Records after a couple independent releases, Fireflight became one of the most popular bands on Christian rock radio. The female-fronted band's style of rock is fairly heavy, bordering on metal, and is reminiscent of other popular female-fronted rock bands of the time. The band is based in Orlando, FL, and tours the United States extensively, reportedly performing an estimated 140 shows per year. www.fireflightrock.com
Everyday Sunday
Made up of Trey Pearson (lead vocals), Dan Hunter (bass), Chris Hines (drums) and Jesse Counts (guitar), Everyday Sunday hails from Columbus, Ohio. The band first attracted a national audience with its 2001 independent Christian radio single, Just A Story. This was followed by the release of two successful projects, Stand Up and Anthems for the Imperfect. Numerous accolades ensued, including being named among CCM Magazine's "Favorite New Artists of 2003”. www.everydaysunday.com
Worship Band
Aaron Pelsue Band
The Aaron Pelsue Band is a high-energy/modern-rock worship band that ministers to both the body of Christ and the unsaved world. Encompassed by deep-gripping vocals, colorfully powerful guitars, and rock solid rhythms, this Indianapolis based band is making it's name known in the worship circles of America. Aaron is worship leader at East 91st Christian Church, Fishers, IN. Aaron leads multiple venues including their main Sunday morning contemporary service.
Speakers
John Vermilya
John Vermilya is a gifted communicator whose ministry focus is to stir Christians to move beyond spiritual apathy, stagnancy and religiosity, and instead embrace a life of passion and purpose by actually becoming a follower of Christ with all the unpredictability and risk that it entails. Through storytelling, humor and reflecting upon his own Christian walk, John is able to connect with audiences of various ages and challenge and encourage them in their spiritual journey.
A graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University, John has traveled and ministered extensively across the globe. Prior to joining the staff of Kingdom Building Ministries, John played pro soccer for four years with the Charlotte Eagles (USL) and served for over a decade with Missionary Athletes International, leading soccer ministry tours internationally. John currently lives in Buckley, Michigan, with his wife, Darcey, and their children, Isabel, Lilian, Sophie, Gabrielle and Benjamin. www.johnvermilya.com
Jim Dunn
Jim is deeply passionate about God’s Word and how it continues to transform lives all around the world. Some of his roles in life include: leading the cause of Spiritual Formation for The Wesleyan Church, pastor, college professor, convention planner, speaker, and author. However, his favorite responsibilities in life are being a disciple of Jesus, husband of Mindy, and Father to their two teenagers – Caleb and Courtney. www.headhearthand.com
Dawn Michele
When Fireflight lead singer Dawn Michele was 6, her younger brother, Ian, drowned. The accident devastated the family. "I was so sad, confused and angry at God," she says. "Later, I realized God's ways are not our ways and Ian is in a better place. But still, some emotional baggage stuck with me." Eventually, Dawn was worn down by her attempts to be perfect and do everything she could for God. "I was empty," she says. "I was exhausted. I lost my passion for the Lord. I just didn't feel the joy and peace I used to. And that's when God overwhelmed me by revealing through Scripture how much he loves me. www.fireflightrock.com