Artists/Speakers

Alan & Aaron Franklin | Speakers

Twin brothers, Alan & Aaron Franklin come from a family of musicians. Their parents founded a church in 1972. This is where Alan & Aaron began to cultivate their gift, at the age of five. Numbers 7 & 8, of 12 children, their family sang, played instruments & directed the choir. In 1995, Alan & Aaron founded MuzicNet, an organization dedicated to helping pastors find/train musicians & singers.

Today, MuzicNet School of Music has 32 instructors. They teach over 1000 students each week at their two school locations and other off-site locations. Artists such as Vashawn Mitchell, Jennifer Hudson & Ke Ke Palmer have taken music lessons at MuzicNet. The twins have taught at many music seminars & conferences including “A Deeper Level” conference hosted by Israel Houghton & New Breed.

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Terrilyn Franklin | Speaker

After accepting God’s call to ministry at the age of 17, Terrilyn Franklin has served as an ordained minister and intercessor. She attends Christian Life Center, a multicultural church located in the south suburbs of Chicago.  Terrilyn and her husband currently serve as Elders and she is the Director of Prayer Ministries.

She is often invited to speak for conferences. She has a burden for the body of Christ to reach their full potential in God and enjoys helping to empower leadership.  Her mission is to serve as a spiritual midwife in the Kingdom of God helping others give birth to destiny.

Terrilyn has been married to Alan Franklin, co-founder of Muzicnet School of Music, for over 28years.  She and her husband are founders of GROWTH Ministries International (GMI) which sponsors an annual worship conference, Selah Conference. They are proud parents of four daughters:  Alaynia, Alynn, Alyssa and Alexis.  She is the author of: “Discerning the Season of Your Children”, which offers insights on raising children who are full of God’s purpose in every season of life.


All For Love (A4L)  | Artist

Midwest Natives All 4 Love, better known as A4L, are a group of sisters who have made themselves available to Christ. Their family blend, tight harmonies and spontaneity takes listeners on a worship journey that is fresh and exhilarating.

Whether leading worship, preaching the gospel, serving through outreach, or Prophesying, A4L’s mission is to invite all people to grow in love with their creator and to be SET FREE. In 2019, A4L released their Debut, self-titled album, All 4 Love on all digital platforms. Their 2021 album titled Shut-in is their newest work that they have created during the pandemic.

They have ministered at: the 2019 Chicago Gospel Music Festival, The One University Live, Go Getter Conference, Selah Worship Conference and various other events and gatherings. A4L hosts events of their own such as PuriTea for millennial women, Family Skate Nights, All Night Prayer and Worship Nights. Their annual event, Addicted Love: A Rehab, held the first week of January, invites hundreds to gather to seek Gods heart through worship, teaching & impartation.


Pastor Dan Johnson | Speaker

Pastor Dan Johnson is the Senior Pastor of Restoration Christian Church. He has served in ministry for over 24 years alongside his wife Pat Johnson. Dan was ordained into full-time Youth Ministry in 2004. In 2012 Dan was given the distinct honor of being ordained as Senior Pastors by Bishop TD Jakes under the auspices of The Potters House and PHIPA Pastoral Alliance.

He was recently certified under John Maxwell in Leadership and Coaching. Dan and Pat have been married for over 24 years and have three beautiful children, Elliott (Hannah), Mariah (Andrew), and Emily. They also have one beautiful granddaughter Kaia-Grace.


Erick David Townsend  | Artist

Erick David Townsend is a Chicago native and self-proclaimed prodigy of the church. Graduating from Anderson University with a double BA in Christian Ministries and Mass Communications, he has been a corporate lead Worshipper for the last 34 years. He has spent the last 27 of those years studying and developing his Theology on Worship.

In 2012 He founded a Non-Profit Organization, Worship For 24, Inc., that desires to re-define our idea of God–focused Worship, based on the models of Genesis 22, Matthew 25 and Acts 2.

He is married for 12 years to his Bride Reynonda and they have one daughter Raina Elise, 11.


Geno Olison | Speaker

Geno Olison is the leader of the Black Pastors and Leaders Association for Vineyard USA and lead pastor of the South Suburban Vineyard Church just outside of Chicago.Geno grew up on the south side of Chicago, Illinois, where he came to faith in the Full Gospel church founded by his parents. In 1999, he moved to Urbana, Illinois to attend the University of Illinois and began attending the Vineyard Church of Central Illinois in 2001.

After graduating from the University of Illinois with a B.A. in Communications, Geno worked in the TV news business and spent several years in sales and marketing while attending and serving at the Vineyard Church of Central Illinois. Sensing a call to plant a multicultural, multi-ethnic Vineyard, Geno and his wife, Shannon, began the process of preparing to plant a church, serving in various roles and positions at church, attending trainings, and building an intentionally diverse team.

The South Suburban Vineyard Church officially landed in the south suburbs of Chicago in June 2009. Since that time, the church has become a picture of the vision given to Geno and Shannon – a beautiful, multicultural expression of a Vineyard church. He desires to help other pastors, leaders, and church communities see the value and importance of being a diverse church on mission.

Geno has served on the Vineyard USA Executive Team and has worked with teams of talented people to create the Better Together conference which focuses on race, reconciliation, and the multiethnic church. As a musician, producer and songwriter, Geno’s worked with Vineyard Worship to develop Vineyard Soul, a multi-cultural, gospel-leaning expression of worship music in the Vineyard.

Geno’s most important roles, though, is parenting his four boys and husband to his wife, Shannon.


Jon Jones  | Artist

Jon Jones is an experienced worship leader, psalmist, publisher and writer, entrepreneur and networking visionary. He has trained choirs, worship teams and individuals vocally for over 15 years. Jon a.k.a. J2 specializing in teaching and directing worship/church bands.

He is the founder and Director of Atmosphere of Heaven (AOH) which is not only a team of arts leaders (vocalist, writers, dancers, spoken word artists, etc.) but everyone who believes that they are created, called and uniquely gifted to reproduce the Atmosphere of Heaven on earth!

In 2012, Jon Jones released his CD project entitled Atmosphere of Heaven Vol. 1.


Jon Thurlow  | Artist

For fifteen years, Jon led worship on a near-daily basis at a church and prayer ministry in the Midwest.  During that time he also led worship at conferences, churches, and ministries all over the globe, serving and writing with worship leaders from Bethel Music, Maverick City, Upper Room, Housefires, and others.

Then 4 years ago Jon realized he had a growing desire to take the things he’d learned in worship and pass them along to the next generation of worship leaders. Since that time, he’s coached and trained hundreds through his worship leader zoom groups.

In Jon’s own worship-leading journey he discovered that his connection and conversation with Jesus offstage was the difference-maker in his worship-leading onstage, and Jon has a passion to encourage other worship leaders in this same flow.

Jon is currently based out of Texas, and has been blessed with the most amazing wife and children.


Runere Brooks  | Musician

Runere Brooks, born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, has been playing upright, electric, and key bass for a combination of 15 years, and has become one of the bass staples in Chicago. He has played and recorded for the likes of Frank McComb, Lupe Fiasco, Miki Howard, Res, Gerald Albright, Lonnie-Liston Smith, Cyrus Chestnut, Tim Warfield, Dorinda Clark Cole, Chicago Bulls etc…

He also is a part of an emmy nominated recording. Currently, Runere is the main bass player for the award-winning actress, singer, and talk show host Jennifer Hudson. He continues to thrive in the music industry as being one of the top calls in the low-frequency spectrum.

His biggest influence is his father the late great David Brooks, who is a bass legend, and has been a staple in the music industry for years!


Michael Weatherspoon  | Artist

Michael has been in the music industry for 30 years as a musician, ministry leader, producer, consultant and label executive. Forming Spoonfed Productions with his brother Daniel Weatherspoon 25 years ago, Michael has produced dozens of records for various gospel and inspirational artists around the world. Having performing on over 100 albums with over 1000 songs recorded, multiple DVDs production and performances as well as touring with dozens of artists. Michael has gained valuable knowledge, insight and experience to help new and seasoned artists, music ministry staff and volunteers achieve their goals in their assignment. Having spent 5 years as Director of A & R for Kingdom Records, 1 year as President of The Well Media Group and 2 years with Tribute Records in Nashville, Tennessee. To view discography,
go to: www.michaelweatherspoon.com

In April 2016, Michael released his 1st book entitled, “The Cost of Indecision: A Plan for Music & Life” which presents practical principles on how to properly manage, supervise, organize and structure creative arts and music departments while form alliances with other ministries to strengthen the ministry or organization. This book is also being used at institutions of higher learning around the United States and in Canada as a tool to help develop students who want to become employed in creative arts, ministry and music arena.

In March 2020, Michael released his 2nd book entitled, “Notes to a Leader”. Which points out 16 issues that many leaders, regardless of institution you lead, struggle with personally while leading others. These issues tend to go undressed while we develop and manage other leaders in the departments and
organizations we are responsible for.

In previous positions, Michael served as Senior Director of Creative Arts & Development at New Life Covenant Church Southeast in Chicago, Il. Pastor of Worship/Music at All Nations Worship Assembly Chicago, Il and Minister of Music at Valley Kingdom Ministries International in Oak Forest, Il.

Currently, Michael serves on the Board of Directors for American Blues Theater in Chicago, Illinois, the Board of Directors for Black Christian Influencers and serves on the Equity Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Committee for Porchlight Music Theater Company. In April 2021, Michael was ordained as Pastor at New
Life Covenant Church Southeast. Michael holds an Associates Degree and BA in Sociology and In September 2022, Michael received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Sacred Music: Praise & Worship from WWMI Seminary and Bible Institute in Indiana.


Jacqueline (Jackie) Saunders | Artist

Jacqueline (Jackie) Saunders had a passion for the arts at a young age being trained and launched into professional modeling and dance as a young adult. For over 15 years Jackie owned and operated a reputable talent agency that managed
over 200 models, actors, and dancers. She choreographed and danced for traveling runway productions and trade show presentations with national cosmetic companies like SoftSheen/Carson – Loreal USA, MIZANI, ISOPLUS and many
others.

In 1994, Jackie stepped into Dance Ministry and joined the KARAR Praise Dance Team of the recording group “Shekinah Glory Ministry” at Valley Kingdom Ministries International. It was here that her journey in worship launched and in 1999 prior to their recording of the “Praise Is What I Do” CD she began leading the Karar Dance Ministry. While modeling, traveling and dancing in the secular entertainment arena, she was exposed to talented, “beautiful” people who like herself quite often suffered from rejection, low self-worth, physical, mental and substance abuse. It was in the midst of this hurt the refining fire of God hit her life and in 2003 she accepted her calling to ministry. She shifted into ministerial school and began functioning in the Prophetic office in 2006, was Licensed a minister of the Gospel in 2007, ordained an Elder in 2012 and a Prophet in 2023.

Jackie’s has a dual ministry of Prophetic Preaching and Dancing that demonstrates Kingdom Truths, Pure Worship, Healing and Deliverance. Over the years, Jackie has taught both youth and adults a course entitled “DANCE B4 HIM that gives biblical background, technical assistance and detailed instructions to begin and grow in worship and dance ministry. Her raw honesty about her past, and anointed creativity allows her to encourage and impart at many levels.

Elder Saunders has been impactful both in the USA and Internationally during worship services, conferences, concerts and workshops. Jackie has been blessed to share the love of Christ within both secular and Christian communities, developing live stage productions, retreats and seminars for women, men, youth and social services organizations. Jackie is the leader of MIRIAM’S MISSION a ministry that unifies, equips, and deploys worshippers from around the USA and abroad. Taking the Glory of the Gospel beyond the walls of the church, reaching communities, transforming hearts, and developing agents of change.

Jacqueline Saunders is an inspired speaker, published author, CEO of Zion Movement LLC and one of the nation’s leading Praise Dance Instructors. She is currently on the Board of Directors for the International Christian Dance Fellowship- USA and spent 3 years as the Executive Director of Worship & Creative Arts at Cornerstone Christian Center. Jacqueline’s two greatest blessings are her son Aaron and daughter Lauryn, who are also loving, intelligent, anointed young creatives. Her passion will always remain to creatively charge atmospheres with pure worship and bring regional transformation.


Valencia Lacy | Artist