Annual Gathering: October 15-16, 2021

​Rev. Dr. Michael Beck:
Michael Adam Beck is the Director of Remissioning for Fresh Expressions US, Director of the Fresh Expressions House of Studies at United Theological Seminary, and Cultivator of Fresh Expressions Florida UMC. He is "a spiritual guide who helps people heal, love, and unleash imagination to create better lives, organizations, and communities." Michael and wife Jill are co-pastors of two revitalization congregations Wildwood and St Marks UMC in Ocala FL, and a network of thirteen fresh expressions gathering in tattoo parlors, dog parks, burrito joints, and digital spaces. They direct an inpatient rehab, homeless shelter, and an interracial unity movement. Michael earned a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary and a Doctorate in Semiotics and Future Studies at Portland Seminary with his mentor Dr. Leonard Sweet. Michael is the author of six books, and is considered a global thought leader in the fresh expressions movement. Jill and Michael currently live in Ocala. They have a blended family of eight children, four grandchildren, and two pugs.

Rev. Dr. Dee Stokes
Dr. Dee Stokes is a spiritual advisor, speaker, coach, author, and educator who is known as a program builder. Dr. Stokes utilizes her apostolic gift to repurpose organizations and build influential people who change the world and live out the Gospel practically. Dr. Stokes ministers in a variety of settings, but her passion is preaching, teaching, and empowering others to WIN! Dr. Stokes believes every Christ follower should be involved in their community and as such, she is heavily involved in the city of Thomasville, NC serving on numerous boards including the Thomasville City Schools Board of Education. 
Dr. Dee serves on the teaching/preaching team at Christ Wesleyan Church, Greensboro, NC. She is President/CEO of a cross-cultural non-profit ministry: Dee Stokes Ministries, Inc. Owns a consulting firm and does leadership development in the areas of cultural intelligence, emotional intelligence, transformational leadership, and burnout. Dr. Stokes is also a part of a  Luther Seminary Faith + Lead innovation team. She participates as a mentor/coach and curriculum developer for a ministry innovator fellowship called The Seeds Project. Dr. Stokes is also on the Fresh Expressions US staff as the Director of Cultural Intelligence & Trainer.