Guest Speakers

CREDENTIALING SERVICE Sunday Evening

HEAD SHOT FOR DR. MICHAEL RAKES

Dr. Michael Rakes

President of Evangel University
Dr. Mike Rakes is a Spirit-led leader, university president, and turnaround leader known for blending theological depth with bold executive leadership. With terminal degrees in both theology and business, he operates at the intersection of spiritual discernment and organizational transformation. Dr. Rakes has raised over $100 million in philanthropic investment, led institutional renewals, and coached leaders to navigate complexity with clarity and conviction. He is the author of The Black Start Leader, a groundbreaking framework that helps leaders restore momentum after seasons of breakdown, using biblical and energy metaphors to reignite vision and restore the organization to greatness. His voice is prophetic, his leadership catalytic, and his message clear: this generation needs leaders who are as committed to the presence of God as they are to measurable impact. Dr. Rakes speaks with a singular passion — to see leaders formed in the fire of God’s presence and to power the organizations they lead.

General session Monday Morning

NEW Head Shot John Davis2

Supt. John Davis

Superintendent of Wisconsin Northern Michigan Ministries Network
Pastor John Davis is the Network Superintendent of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan for the Assemblies of God. He has served thirty years of faithful ministry as lead pastor of Poplar Creek Church in New Berlin, WI, along with serving on numerous boards. He has been in the ministry for 38 years and has also served as President of the Board of Directors of City on a Hill – an inner city ministry in Milwaukee – and as a Member of the Board of Regents at North Central University, Minneapolis, MN. In May 2018, Pastor Davis earned a Master of Arts Degree in Strategic Leadership through the Graduate School at North Central University. Pastor John has a shepherd’s heart for the people of the Body of Christ. The mercy and grace of the Lord shows through his actions and his anointed preaching and teaching. His passion is to have the people God places in his care walk closely with the Lord Jesus Christ and experience the power of His Holy Spirit.

General session MONDAY AFTERNOON

HEAD SHOT FOR DR. DARLA RAKES

Dr. Darla Rakes

Evangel University's ambassador to Students & Donors
Darla Rakes currently serves as Evangel University’s Ambassador to Students and Donors. Her speaking inspires and awakens people to rise up from every false identification to discover the power of their real identity in Christ. In addition to serving as a student pastor in Oklahoma and Missouri, she has held various other positions in Florida churches and, most notably, as a co-lead pastor with her husband in North Carolina.

General session Tuesday sessions

HEAD SHOT FOR SPEAKER PHOTO TEMPLATE

Dr. Darnell Williams

President North Central University & the National Black Fellowship
Darnell K. Williams, Sr., was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and is a lifelong Browns fan. He is an ordained minister in the Assemblies of God and has been married to Charlene Williams since 1993. They are proud parents of one adult son, Adrian (Darnell Jr.). Dr. Darnell and Charlene spent nearly 30 years of ministry as Lead Pastors, serving churches in Columbus, Ohio (2006-2022). He has a passion for the multiethnic church, practical leadership principles, and addressing barriers to those engaged in Urban Ministry. Besides his presidency with the National Black Fellowship of the Assemblies of God, Darnell Williams, Sr., has recently been named the President at North Central University (NCU) in Minneapolis, MN. He has served as an Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies at NCU since 2022 and will continue to serve in this capacity, in addition to his new role as President. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Preaching Institute for City Transformation, a grant-funded initiative at NCU, courtesy of the Lilly Endowment. The Institute aims to foster preaching that encourages, inspires, and guides individuals in their walk with Christ. Darnell Williams, Sr., holds a Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.) from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, an M.A. in Business Managment from Regent Uiversity, and a B.A. in Pastoral Ministry from Holmes Bible College. He is also the author of two books ~ "Wings to Rise - Blacks, Leadership and the Assemblies of God" and "Set-up for a Breakthrough - Reflections on the Life of Joseph."