KEYNOTE

Rev. Dr. Erin Edwards, the Director of Ecclesial Innovation at Brite Divinity School/TCU, is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in shaping spiritual communities. As the founder and lead pastor of Live on Purpose Community Church in the Bay Area, California, she demonstrated a powerful ability to create impactful change through community outreach and innovative programs. Her expertise spans pastoral care, spiritual leadership, and a passionate commitment to anti-racism, social justice, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Residing in Texas with her wife, Chelsea, and their three children, Erin continues to dedicate her ministry and life to helping others authentically experience the love of Jesus individually and collectively.

PANELIST - Beloved UMC

Rev. McSwords grew up in the Worthington area, received her bachelor’s degree in public relations (with a music minor) from Otterbein in 1995, and earned her M.Div. from Methodist Theological School of Ohio in 2017.  Prior to answering the call to ministry Sara worked in membership and public relations for trade associations, non-profits, and a managed health care organization.  Sara also has experience serving churches in a variety of ways, including a focus on communications and music ministries.  Pastor Sara lives in Marysville, Ohio with her amazing husband Joe.  Joe is a teacher at Marysville High School.  They have 4 wonderful young adult children who are living, learning and working in Ohio.  The McSwords also have two dogs – Cisco and Archie.

PANELIST - Fresh Start Worship Center

Apostle Hampton was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. She is an affirmed as an Apostle (EDIFY Covenant Ministries International), and is currently the Senior Pastor of Fresh Start Worship Center, in Columbus, Ohio.

She is an author, speaker, and the founder of Women Of Substance Women’s Ministry.

She serves on the Board of Trustees of the Alcohol Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH), serving Columbus, Franklin County, and Central Ohio.

With great excitement, her professional leadership career has expanded to include an appointment as an Executive Advisor in the Office of The Mayor - Office of Violence Prevention, Columbus, Ohio.

Apostle Hampton is married to the love of her life. They have two adult children and four grandchildren.

PANELIST - City of Refuge

Timothy Isaiah Cho serves as a pastor of City of Refuge Columbus, a hybrid church that focuses on becoming a healing and just community of Jesus followers. Timothy also serves as a board member of the Racial Justice and Unity Center (RJUC), an organization that helps Christian individuals and organizations to work toward biblical, racial justice and unity in their lives, organizations, and society. Timothy has over a decade of experience in various ministry capacities, and writes and speaks on the intersection of faith and culture, justice and mercy, and solidarity with the most vulnerable. Timothy lives in Columbus with his wife, Alison, and their two boys.  

HOST - Trinity UMC, Grove City

Hank Spaulding is a pastor serving two United Methodist churches in central Ohio and an instructor of Religion at Ohio Wesleyan University. He is the author of The Just and Loving Gaze of God with Us and Iconoclastic Sex, both published with Cascade Books. Hank lives in Columbus, Ohio, with his wife, Michaela.

ORGANIZER - Cityview UMC

Joe Graves is a pastor, entrepreneur, and consultant dedicated to rethinking assumptions and creating new possibilities in faith, leadership, and social impact. As the founding pastor of Central City Church—now Cityview Church—Joe has launched and supported numerous churches and nonprofits, including the Columbus Violence Reduction Fund, Little Bottoms Free Store, and the Ohio Writers Association. He is passionate about church renewal, justice, and empowering leaders to navigate change with creativity and compassion. With experience in church planting, organizational health, and nonprofit leadership, Joe brings practical insights and innovative strategies to help faith communities and mission-driven organizations thrive.

OPENING WORSHIP - Church for all People

Rev. Norman Moxley II serves as the Associate Pastor at Church for All People, where he helps lead worship, develop inclusive ministries, and offers support to individuals on their journey of recovery and renewal. With a passion for community engagement and a heart for healing, Pastor Norm is committed to building a church where all are truly welcome. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio.