2022 Speakers

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Director of Communications

Madison Church North

Pastor Ericka Williams yearns to see the Body of Christ function at its fullest potential, and her call in this is dual. She is called to minister to the brokenhearted to help them discover their true identity in Christ and come to a place of healing and restoration in every area. This call is also manifested through her bi-vocational leadership as All-Site Director of Communications at Madison Church, Grand Rapids. She acts as a liaison to help discern and give the church clarity to speak truth and direction in love. She stands as a witness and herald to all the goodness God is doing in their midst, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to convey the messages he prompts - not only in words, but also in design and color. And somehow God weaves all those together as she preaches and leads worship at her home church, and other community churches and organizations.

Her academic background includes a dual major Bachelor of Science degree and Religious Studies from Regis University of Denver, Colorado; and a Master of Divinity degree from Wesley Seminary in Marion, Indiana. Ericka writes devotional-style preaching helps, has ghostwritten for new writers, and launched a small Christian publishing house, Reaction Rich Publishing. Among her published works are Pearls: Lessons to Live and Grow By (2011), It’s Supposed to Kill You (2019), and Davidic Reformation (2019).

Some of the highlights of Ericka’s life are her daughter and best friend, Alexa, and her love of red lipstick and coffee.

  Women's Ministry Pastor 

City Church

 Charlene Martin currently serves by title and call as Women’s Pastor at City Church, Rockford, MI.  

She is a graduate of GU’s Berean School of the Bible and the co-author of Walk Worthy, an in-depth study on the book of Ephesians.   

Charlene’s passionate message to women is the beauty of our sisterhood; how together, shoulder to shoulder, we are called to be a company of women who love God, love the Word, and love the Church.  

After more than thirty years in ministry to women, Charlene is now passionate about identifying and encouraging the generation that follows hers to rise up and take their place.   

Charlene and her husband Scott have been married for 40 years, Together they enjoy homecooked meals, early morning coffee, the lakeshore, and the unofficial review of a new restaurant.

   Leadership Development Pastor

Kentwood Community Church 

Rev. Dr. Debbye Turner Bell is a veterinarian, author, minister, speaker, corporate trainer and Miss America 1990.  She addresses audiences in the corporate, academic, faith, and community service arenas.  In addition to speaking, Dr. Turner Bell is the Founder and CEO of Debbye Turner Bell Consulting, through which she provides leadership development training in communications, influence, and diversity to corporate and business leaders, managers, and executives. 

Turner Bell ministers the Word of God, His purpose and deliverance to youth, singles, women’s groups, and churches nationwide.  God has sent Dr. Turner Bell as far away as South Africa with a message of the saving power of Christ’s love and God’s awesome design for every human beings’ life.  She received her full order as an Elder in April 2011.  She now serves as Leadership Development Pastor at Kentwood Community Church.

Turner Bell worked in broadcast journalism for over 20 years, including being a staff correspondent at CBS News Network in New York City.  Currently, she can be seen as an expert contributor to the shows “DOGS 101” and “CATS 101” on Animal Planet.  Turner Bell lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her husband and daughter.

Rachel Norton

Rachel Norton is a lover of Jesus whose greatest thrill is walking beside and watching others as they take fresh steps toward a closer walk with the Lord.  Her primary passion is to encourage women to listen for Jesus' voice, learn from His word and lean on Him to live it out with gusto!  Rachel serves on staff at Ada Bible Church where she gets to spend much of her time developing leaders, helping the unconnected get connected and hosting various events. One of her greatest joys is being part of a collaborative team where each person and role is equally valued. She lives in Grand Rapids where you can often find her at the nearest Panera "going deep" with a friend over one too many cups of coffee or taking a walk in her neighborhood with her husband John.  Whether at Panera with one or speaking with many at large events, she seeks to connect with women in a way that taps into each one's God-given passion, purpose, and potential.   

 Jade Richards

Jade Richards is from Birmingham, England and is currently on mission to reach the HipHop Culture for Christ by serving at the EDGE.  Whether it is preaching, hosting or spoken word; Jade has a passion and skill for communicating the gospel in relevant and effective ways. Using her experience as a producer for BBC Radio, Jade’s latest venture has been creating and hosting Hustle Pray Eat: The Podcast which allows her to spread the message and movement to an international audience.

Ash Nibbe 

Ash Nibbe believes when we encounter the presence of God and and the powerful truth about His love for us, we cannot help but to be moved to worship Him. It is her privilege and passion to worship God and to lead people in the worship of Him. She is married to a wonderful husband with two amazing boys and is continually creating and collaborating on multiple ventures in ministry and business. She loves recruiting, uniting and pouring into people who are gifted and called to serve together with team vision. She is grateful for the freedom and commission we have in Christ to Love God and Love People!