Among Friends Conference Speakers

Kathy Troccoli

Kathy Troccoli is celebrating 30 years of music and ministry in 2012! With numerous accolades and record sales reaching two million, Kathy has enjoyed 19 recordings, 17 number-one radio hits, 19 Dove Award nominations, 2 Dove Awards, and 3 Grammy nominations. Her last four recordings are self-produced including her newest release Hope’s Alive and her beloved worship CD, Draw Me Close.

A highly sought-after conference speaker and singer, Kathy has ministered to millions of women through various national conferences and was selected as one of the “Most Influential Christian Women in America” by Today’s Christian Woman magazine readers. Kathy is an award-winning singer, songwriter, speaker and author of numerous books including the bestselling Falling in Love with Jesus bible study series co-authored with Dee Brestin, Spaghetti for the Soul co-authored with Ellie Lofaro, Am I Not Still God? and Live Like You Mean It.

Kathy Troccoli holds a unique combination in the music and publishing fields. It is the diverse talents and circumstances in Kathy's life that stirs and captivates her audiences. She has allowed both successes and trials to shape her over the years, equipping her for a multi-faceted career. Kathy is intelligent, funny, and raw. She bears scars that have produced a powerful and insightful communicator.

Kathy has never been more fulfilled than she is now. “I am exactly where I am supposed to be. There is such freedom in that. Now I truly understand that my singing is just a part of what God has created me to do.” And what is that? “Encouraging, motivating, and inspiring – what a privilege.”

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Donna VanLiere

SPECIAL GUEST IN DES MOINES, IA

Donna VanLiere is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author and gifted conference speaker/dramatist. She has published ten titles including The Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Blessing, both of which were adapted into movies (starring Rob Lowe, Kimberly Williams-Perry and Neil Patrick Harris) and garnered big ratings for CBS television. LifetimeTelevision adapted The Christmas Hope (starring Madeline Stowe) and premiered it December 2009 to stellar ratings as well. Donna's non-seasonal novel, The Angels of Morgan Hill, has captured the same warmth as her Christmas books and continues to please loyal and new fans alike.

Donna is the recipient of a Retailer's Choice Award for Fiction, a Dove Award, a Silver Angel Award, an Audie Award for best inspirational fiction, a nominee for a Gold Medallion Book of the Year and was recently inducted into the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges Hall of Excellence joining such luminaries as Coretta Scott King, Hugh Downs, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale and Senator John Glenn. Donna is an in-demand conference speaker having appeared at countless women's and family events, including select Women of Faith and Extraordinary Women conferences.

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Ellie Lofaro

SPECIAL GUEST IN LOUISVILLE, KY • LANCASTER, OH • SUGAR LAND, TX

Ellie Lofaro is a first generation American and the second of five children in a “very Italian” family. A native New Yorker, she speaks of being brought up “with the awareness of God, but not the experience of God.” However, as a teenager, she encountered a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and realized her new identity as a “Capital C Christian” — “highly flawed, fully forgiven and greatly favored.”

Ellie’s message is a wonderful blend of plainspoken truth, common sense practicality and disarming humor. Drawing from the context of real life, she deftly handles the Word of God and steadily directs her audiences to consider what concerns them in light of God’s timeless truths. With her trademark quick wit and convincing demeanor, she pairs Biblical principles with life’s deeper questions. The result? An audience who willingly joins Ellie in the journey toward deeper faith and applying God’s grace and truth to their lives.

A serious student of Scripture and a keen observer of the culture, Ellie has developed a unique teaching style that touches the heart, stimulates the mind, and nourishes the soul. Ellie has been a featured guest on James Dobson’s Focus on the Family, James Robison’s Life Today, 100 Huntley Street, The Harvest Show, and CBN’s Living the Life—as well as the Moody, Salem, Bott and LeSEA Broadcasting Networks.

After meeting Ellie for the first time, Patsy Clairmont shared, “She is the kind of person you immediately hope will always be your friend.”

Dr. Jeanne Porter

SPECIAL GUEST

Dr. Jeanne Porter is passionate about the Word of God and helping women and men to discover and unlock their leadership potential. She is a Bible teacher, preacher, educator, author, consultant, and a popular conference and retreat leader. Currently serving on Pastoral staff for ministry development of a mega-church in Chicago, Dr. Porter has a heart for God and for people as she draws upon over twenty five years of ministry leadership and organizational consulting to bring her unique style and godly wisdom to churches and corporations.

Her writings focus on leadership and leadership development, especially as it relates to women and churches. She is the author of Leading Ladies: Transformative Biblical Images for Women’s Leadership and Leading Lessons: Insights on Leadership from Women of the Bible. Dr. Porter received both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, the Master of Arts of Theological Studies (with an emphasis on spiritual formation and leadership) from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago and the Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Communication from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.

Previously, Dr Porter served on the faculties of DePaul University and North Park University and currently serves as adjunct faculty for the Executive Leadership Certificate Program at McCormick Theological Seminary.

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Anita Renfroe

SPECIAL GUEST

Comedian and author Anita Renfroe became an overnight Internet sensation when her YouTube video of her singing everything a mother says to her children in a single day to the tune of “The William Tell Overture” in just two minutes and fifty-five seconds was viewed by millions. Renfroe was featured on morning and late night entertainment and news programs and resulted in her becoming a comedy contributor for Good Morning America.

With her unique brand of estrogen flavored musical comedy and blend of sass, edge and slightly offbeat takes on All Things Female, audiences at her comedy concert tours, viewers of her TV appearances and the YouTube masses would say she just says what everyone is thinking, but won't say out loud.

Anita is author of Hyperion release DON’T SAY I DIDN’T WARN YOU: Kids, Carbs, and the Coming Hormonal Apocalypse. Anita has been featured in The New York Times, Readers Digest, Women’s Day and The Washington Post.

lisa harper

SPECIAL GUEST IN SUGAR LAND, TX • LANCASTER, OH

Rarely are the terms hilarious storyteller and theological scholar used in the same sentence, much less used to describe the same person…but then again, Lisa Harper is anything but stereotypical! She has been lauded as a gifted communicator, whose writing and speaking overflows with colorful pop culture references that connect the dots between the Bible era and modern life. Her style combines sound scriptural exposition with easy-to-relate to anecdotes and comedic wit.

Now a sought-after Bible teacher and speaker, Lisa is currently featured on the Women of Faith tour and speaks at many other large multi-denominational events – such as Moody Bible, Women of Joy and Focus on the Family conferences – as well as at hundreds of church retreats all over the world. She’s been on numerous syndicated radio and television programs and was featured on the cover of Today’s Christian Woman.

She’s written nine books including Holding Out For a Hero and A Perfect MessShe also served as a key contributor to the Becoming Devotional Bible for Women and as a columnist for Today’s Christian Woman magazine.

Yet in spite of her credentials, the most noticeable thing about Lisa Harper is her authenticity. When recently asked about her accomplishments she responded with a grin saying, “I’m definitely grateful for the opportunities God’s given me; but don’t forget, He often uses donkeys and rocks!”

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chonda pierce

SPECIAL GUEST IN KALISPELL, MT

Armed with an abundance of unpretentious Southern charm and laser sharp wit, Chonda Pierce has been entertaining audiences from coast to coast for more than a decade. An in-demand stand up comic, television hostess and author, Pierce has parlayed her gift for storytelling into a multi-faceted career.

Pierce has produced DVDs, authored six books --most recent being, Laughing In the Dark (Simon&Schuster/Howard) and has ranked among Pollstar's top-selling live performers. She's a frequent guest on the famed Grand Ole Opry and has served as host of the Inspirational Country Music Awards, Christian Music Hall of Fame Awards and the Dove Awards.

“I come straight from the world of wooden pews and hell fire preaching. Some of it probably did a little damage – that’s where I get my warped sense of humor - but most of those days gave me solid roots,” she says. “You learn a lot from your past – what to weed through and throw out and what to hold onto forever.”

Pierce mixes music and comedy into a frothy blend that always leaves audiences laughing hysterically.

JAN SILVIOUS

SPECIAL GUEST IN ALBANY, NY • LANCASTER, PA

Jan Silvious has been reaching out to women for over 25 years, helping them to live fully and to embrace an intelligent attitude toward life.

As a featured speaker at Women of Faith arena events, Jan has encouraged audiences across the country and across every denomination, challenging them to grow into the women God has called them to be. She has been a plenary speaker for Precept Ministries’ National Women’s Convention, Moody’s Women’s Conferences, Moody’s Founder’s Week.

On the radio, Jan enjoys interacting with the hosts on “Midday Connection,” as well as other national call-in and interview shows. For five years she and Kay Arthur co-hosted the nationally broadcast call-in program, “Precept Live.” Jan has also appeared on several television programs including James Robison’s “Life Today,” “100 Huntley Street,” and Kay Arthur’s “Precepts for Life.”

Of the eleven books Jan has authored, two of her favorites have been reader favorites as well: Big Girls Don’t Whine and Fool-Proofing Your Life.

Jan also is a professional life coach, helping people to ‘get from where they are to where they want to be.’ Her life’s work truly is to encourage people to embrace the truth that ‘changing your perspective changes everything.’

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Carol Kent

SPECIAL GUEST IN KALISPELL, MT • ALBUQUERQUE, NM • SUGAR LAND, TX

Carol is an award winning author and a gifted speaker. Her vibrant personality and relevant messages make her one of the top Christian communicators today. She is regularly featured on a wide variety of radio and television programs.

Carol is hilariously funny, biblically sound, culturally relevant, and a welcome addition to any platform. Past venues include keynoting at Women of Faith, Extraordinary Women, and Women of Joy arena events. She has been featured with Point of Grace, Sandi Patty, Nicole C. Mullen, Charles Billingsly, Mandisa, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Kathy Troccoli, and Nicole Nordeman.

Carol’s love for the Lord and her passion for equipping, encouraging, and empowering people to live for things that matter shines through. Her readers are irresistibly drawn to see God’s astonishing “grace places” in the middle of their roadblocks.

Carol’s most recent writings include: Between a Rock and a Grace Place, A New Kind of Normal and When I Lay My Isaac Down.

Liz Curtis higgs

SPECIAL GUEST IN LOUISVILLE, KY • DES MOINES, IA • ALBANY, NY

In her best-selling series of Bad Girls of the Bible books, workbooks, and videos, Liz Curtis Higgs breathes new life into ancient tales about the most infamous—and intriguing—women in scriptural history, from Jezebel to Mary Magdalene. Biblically sound and cutting-edge fresh, these popular titles have helped more than one million women around the world experience God's grace anew. Her best-selling historical novels, which transport the stories of Rebekah, Leah, Rachel, Dinah, Naomi, and Ruth to eighteenth-century Scotland, have also helped her readers view these familiar characters in a new light. And her nonfiction book, Embrace Grace, winner of a 2007 Retailers Choice Award, presents her message of hope in an engaging and personal way, speaking directly to the hearts of her readers.

A veteran speaker, Liz has presented more than 1,600 encouraging programs for audiences in all 50 states and 11 foreign countries. Feature articles about Liz have appeared in more than 250 major newspapers and magazines across the country, and many websites. She has also been interviewed on more than 600 radio and television stations, was an award-winning columnist for Today’s Christian Woman magazine for ten years, and more than 4,000 churches nationwide are using her video Bible study series, Loved by God.

Liz is the author of 28 books, with more than three million copies in print.

Jennifer Rothschild

SPECIAL GUEST IN SUGAR LAND, TX

Jennifer Rothschild’s life drastically changed at the age of fifteen when she lost her sight. Now, more than 25 years later, she boldly and compassionately teaches women how to walk by faith, and not by sight. She travels the country offering fresh, sensible Biblical advice to audiences who, like her, are determined to pursue healthy and productive lives. Jennifer has shared her inspiring message to arena sized audiences of the popular Women of Faith conferences, and media outlets, including Dr. Phil, Good Morning America, Life Today, and The Billy Graham Television Special. She’s the author of seven books, including the best-selling Lessons I Learned in the Dark, Self Talk, Soul Talk, Walking by Faith Bible study and the popular Me, Myself and Lies Bible study.

Jennifer and her Dr. Phil live in Springfield, Missouri with their two sons, Clayton and Connor.

ANGELA THOMAS

SPECIAL GUEST IN LANCASTER, PA

Angela Thomas is the best-selling author of numerous books including DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM, DO YOU THINK I'M BEAUTIFUL and MY SINGLE MOM LIFE. She is a gifted teacher and story-teller speaking to thousands each year. Angela teaches and transparently shares life experiences that draw her and others into a deeper passion for knowing God. Angela graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill & Dallas Theological Seminary. She has filmed and written five video studies with LifeWay including BRAVE & WHEN WALLFLOWERS DANCE. Living in Greensboro, North Carolina, Angela is also a wife, mother and an ordinary woman.