I grew up in Detroit in a neighbourhood dominated by gangs, violence, and failing schools. I graduated from the University of Michigan and had an eight-year career in software before becoming a pastor. At the age of twenty-four, I began having doubts about God, church, and Christianity. This began a secret two-year journey of struggle which eventually led me to enroll in seminary to learn more about the Bible, theology, and philosophy.

I currently serve as the Director of the Send Institute at the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College where I lead and oversee all of its initiatives. Prior to directing the institute, I planted a church in Toronto where I also helped recruit, assess, and train church planters through the Send Network and the Release Initiative. I served on various church staffs including Northwood Church, led by Bob Roberts Jr., where I was mentored as a church planter and was involved in global and multi-faith engagement.

I earned an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Michigan, and am currently a Ph.D. Intercultural Studies student at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Tuere K. Butler grew up in Washington, DC but now calls Atlanta, GA home. She and her husband Nate reside in the Old 4th Ward.  She is a proud alumna of Spelman College where she received her BA in English.  Tuere attends Passion City Church, where she and her husband helped to lead the PCC College Ministry as they both have a heart for 18-25 year olds and mentorship. Her former professional career was in the world of politics. She was the longest serving employee for Congressman John Lewis as District Director.  Tuere recently transitioned into the non-profit world as the Director of Operations for Plywood People. Plywood People is a non-profit in Atlanta leading a community of start-ups doing good. When she is not working, she devotes her time and giftings to her mentees, friends and family.  Tuere is a strong believer in empowering others, she is continually inspired by the question Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. asked “Life’s most urgent question is, What are you doing for others?”

After spending 20 years as the Executive Pastor at Granger Community Church, and six years as the Vice President of Consulting at Vanderbloemen Search Group, Tim joined the team at Willow Creek Community Church in 2020 as Executive Pastor. Tim has been a thought leader in the world of church, ministry and leadership for more than thirty years. He has a passion for helping churches and organizations solve problems, put together great teams, build irresistible cultures and lead with excellence. Stevens has written seven books, the most recent titled "Marked by Love -- A Dare to Walk Away from Judgment and Hypocrisy" was released by Barbour Publishing in 2018.

Jermaine Harris is a 21-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department. He currently serves as a Lieutenant where he develops community-based solutions to violence prevention by collaborating with law enforcement and nonprofit partners. Jermaine is a Chicago native who was born on the city’s West Side in the Austin community and is now a resident of North Lawndale. He is a graduate of Whitney Young High School and a United States Marine Corps veteran.

Jermaine holds pride in his ability to explore nontraditional policing roles. At the heart of his philosophy to positively impact the lives of Chicagoans is a goal to employ social justice as a violence prevention strategy. Addressing issues of access and equity has yielded positive results in both reducing violence and improving the quality of life for residents in some of the city’s most under-resourced neighborhoods.

Ben is a reality‑TV personality best known for appearing on The Bachelorette Season 11 and serving as lead on The Bachelor Season 20. A graduate of Indiana University (business administration, 2012), he launched philanthropic ventures like Generous Coffee and co‑owns restaurants across Denver. He’s authored Alone in Plain Sight, hosts the Almost Famous podcast, and is married to Jessica Clarke, with whom he welcomed a daughter in February 2025 .

Christie serves as a board member and is a dynamic force for good. Her extensive experience in non-profit flourishing and her giftedness in the area of individual coaching brings even more strength to this founding team. She is an organizer, idea generator, and cheerleader of our valued community partner Love Out Loud. She works tirelessly to connect people across the city and is involved in a number of initiatives, including Winshape Camp for Kids and a Uniform Mart for students of Speas Elementary School! She's the happy mother of two sons and the daughter of the King of kings

From Greenwood, South Carolina, to Atlanta, Georgia, Debaron Hughes has always loved the art of music—the space it creates, the way it invites people in. What started out as just a passion growing up in a quaint little mom-and-pop town suddenly turned into a lifestyle in 2013: “Debaron Hughes” became DJ4:12. 

He’s come a long way since he moved to the city where the players play, finding his own groove, specializing in creating inimitable moments and experiences through his fingertips on a turntable. 

Over the past few years, he’s had the incredible opportunity to DJ for multiple artists, such as Lecrae in his “I’m Turnt” music video, Montell Fish, NF, KB, Tedashii, Canon, and Trip Lee (just to name a few).

He’s also been able to DJ at conferences like Destination Imagination, Catalyst, and Propel Women. When he’s not touring, he enjoys getting to DJ for Atlanta Track Club, America’s second-largest running club. 

His most recent endeavors have found him DJing for multiple Fortune 500 companies, including Walmart, Pfizer, and Kraft Heinz, to name a few.

From concerts to music videos to private shows—all the way to spinning at marathons—DJ4:12 does it all. While some are lovers of cultivating community, not many can bring people together the way DJ 4:12 has. 

And there’s still more to come. 

I believe learning is a business imperative. Corporate strategies are implemented when people are convinced, committed, and skilled to execute. Organizations innovate and change only as fast as their people can learn. That is why the learning experiences I design and facilitate inspire and equip employees to perform at their best in alignment with organizational priorities. My special gift is combining neuroscience, narratives, and creative nuance into challenging, playful, personalized learning experiences that ignite behavior change. When called upon to facilitate these programs, I do so with a level of energy, humor, and zeal participants find motivating and exhilarating. Through the learning I design and deliver, leaders discover and put into practice what they need to know, believe, and do to make a difference in their role, team, and organization. It is so fulfilling to see people and businesses flourish together.I found my calling at the start of my senior year at Northwestern University. Today, I work with organizations where people are the priority, passion is appreciated, and curiosity is esteemed.

'm honored that I get to dedicate my life to teaching and equipping the Church. I draw much joy from training and encouraging ministers of the gospel - YOU! I serve the local church as the Director of Missional Communities and a teaching pastor at Doxa Church in Bellevue, Washington. I'm also on the leadership team of Saturate the Sound, a Puget Sound church collective dedicated to seeing our region saturated with the good news of Jesus.

When I'm not coaching our missional communities or prepping trainings and sermons, I oversee the vision of Saturate and the Soma Family of Churches; two organizations dedicated to the planting and strengthening of churches that multiply disciple-making communities. On occasion, I also get to do a little writing.

Jayne, my beautiful wife of twenty-four years, and I have three children; Haylee, Caleb, and Maggie.

Jeremiah Mateola is an integral songwriter/worship leader for Victory Worship, out of Victory Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Born and in London, England and Raised in Medford, Oregon, Jeremiah Mateola has a global upbringing that’s has bled into his music background in a beautiful diverse way, and has been known for his energetic and dynamic anthems for the church since his debut appearance on the first FAITH album with lead single “Unforgettable Love” in 2021. Spending a large part of his time travelling to serve churches all over the world, Jeremiah is wholeheartedly passionate about seeing people find joy and freedom in Jesus!

Emily Buchanan is a writer, brand consultant, and creator of the #GoodDayNewsletter, a newsletter for faith-filled go-getters. She helps her husband, Camilo, lead the Young Adult ministry at Passion City Church, and loves handwritten cards.

Jay Mason is a “start-up guy” founding and running a half dozen health technology businesses over the last four decades. Along the way he has developed numerous initiatives to foster and support entrepreneurship and philanthropy in the region.

Most recently while at the Kern Family Foundation Mason led the area of Faith, Work and Economics where they promoted the idea that productive work within a free economy is critical to human flourishing as it allows the most people to lead meaningful, satisfying, and sustainable lives.

Now his emphasis is focused on mentoring and “saging” to individuals to help them find their sweet spot for vocation, calling and impact. Whether they are youth or seniors Mason says “My main goal is for my fruit to grow on other people’s trees.”

Jon is the Creative and Teaching Pastor at Soul City Church in downtown Chicago. He is proud to have been part of the FILO Conference and greater FILO community since 2016 in multiple roles including videography, social media, breakout faculty, and more. Jon lives in Park Ridge with his wife Erin, and his daughter Florence.

Jon Jorgenson is an author, speaker, and spoken word poet whose YouTube videos have been viewed by more than 20 million people. Jon partners with numerous organizations including Awana International, Moody Bible Institute, the Willow Creek Association, and hundreds of other churches, colleges, and conferences all over the globe. His spoken word poetry provides a dynamic and creative experience that captures the imagination of audiences everywhere. As a former Broadway actor, Chicago native, and very lucky husband, Jon hopes to provide a fresh, unique voice to some of life’s most difficult and challenging questions.

Juan Martinez III graduated from Evangel University with a Bachelors in Church Leadership and embarked on a journey mentoring and influencing teenagers from all over the country. His first steps towards this journey were taken back in junior high when he accepted an invitation by a friend to attend an easter play at church that resulted in his personal decision to follow Christ. That decision started a ripple effect in his family and shortly after, his brothers and his parents committed their lives to Christ.  Years later, like many teenagers,  he got involved in unhealthy social settings that negatively affected his school life and his family life.  His life was spiraling downhill due to his rebellion and destructive habits.  After a spiritual reawakening, he turned to his parents, teachers, and youth leaders who then became the positive voices in his life that influenced and mentored him to begin the process of restoration that led him to be successful in his studies, his personal life, and eventual career path.

She is a sought-after speaker, leader, and writer. Her passion to develop people to live boldly & fully gives her a unique voice of hope and challenge.

Jeanne is the author of multiple devotionals including the newly released “Less is More” as well as “Everyday Brave”, “Grit & Grace”, and “You Are Enough”. Her newest book “What’s Here Now?” is scheduled to release in Spring 2022 and is available now for pre-orders at Amazon.com.

She wrote Soul School for Youth Workers and is a contributor to the Bible Study and Video Series “Twelve Women of the Bible” as well as “Real Women, Real Faith.” In addition to pastoring Soul City Church, Jeanne finds great joy in being a wife to Jarrett, and a mom to her son, Elijah, and daughter, Gigi.

Jim spent 30 years in business, holding leadership roles in the supply chain automation and management consulting industries. In 2018, Jim founded Gemini Global Advisors to assist his clients in achieving similar results to what he has delivered throughout his career. His clients include venture capital, private equity and supply chain technology companies. He has served in several board and advisory roles with privately held market leaders, including Shipmonk, Autostore and Covariant.ai. Jim has a passion for social enterprise and impact investing. He currently serves as the Co-CEO of Halftime.

Justin McIntee is a Christian business leader, on campus and off. His academic achievements, professional accomplishments and community engagements all speak to his commitment to living and working in accordance with his values. Justin earned his undergraduate degree at Vanguard University before becoming the associate director of major gifts at the U.S. News & World Report-top ranked private Christian university. His Vanguard University MBA helped propel him into other strategic nonprofit development roles in Orange County. As the director of major gifts at Mission Hospital Foundation, Justin and the major gift team spearheaded a landmark $500 million comprehensive fundraising campaign. Justin returned to Vanguard University as the associate vice president of development and campaign management before assuming his current role as vice president for university advancement. His disciplined approach to forming strategic partnerships enabled him to lead teams that have completed 4 capital campaigns and raising over $34 million since he arrived in 2013. Justin’s talent for building a culture of philanthropy is enabling Vanguard University to evolve further as a hub of academic excellence.I was previously a Teaching Pastor at Willow Creek Church in Chicago, as well as pastoring at North Point Church in Atlanta. I’ve had the privilege of writing for magazines like Christianity Today and Relevant as well as traveling the world speaking at amazing churches and conferences.

Lauren Scott is a worship pastor, artist, and songwriter based in Atlanta, Georgia. Her contributions span multiple worship communities, including the International House of Prayer, Forest City Worship, and Maverick City Music. Scott's personal story includes overcoming significant life challenges, and her resilience has shaped her heart for ministry and her commitment to leading worship with authenticity and depth. Her artistry is deeply rooted in a desire to help others encounter the presence of God.

Brett helps ensure that highly qualified candidates fit the ministerial and spiritual needs of the clients, and he guides candidates through the Vanderbloemen interview process as well as proactively searches for candidates on behalf of Vanderbloemen’s clients. Brett has completed over 150 searches during his time at Vanderbloemen.

Financial Associate.

I love working with people who want help – they want to do better for themselves. Because of my work history, I’m usually helping business or gym owners, self-starters and young families.

I have always loved writing songs.  I can remember even as young as 5, going outside to play and making up songs.

It wasn't until 9-11 that I sat down at a piano and wrote my first real song.  My family and I lived in NYC at the time and I was so over come with emotion, that the only way I could get it out was to put lyric and melody to my emotion.

I have been writing songs ever since.  To me, songwriting is a way to convey the stories and emotions of life in a way that your soul can feel it.

When I married my husband Cory, I decided to surprise him by writing him a song and playing it for him at our wedding.  Little did I know that it would speak so deeply to people that they would want to use it in their own weddings!  Today, my wedding songs are being played around the world, and I am truly so honored!

Faith in God is a huge part of my life, and it shows up in all of my music.  Through everything I've walked through in my life, the highs and lows, I can confidently say that the only one that has truly sustained me is Jesus.

Ultimately, I want to write and produce music that bring hope to people's hearts -- that brings peace to the restless heart and that leads people closer to the God of the Universe, who loves them deeply.

Your story matters, and you are deeply loved

I am a dreamer, a doer, a risk taker and wanna be secret agent. I want to hear what your dream is, that thing that fires you up and keeps you up at night. I want to help you figure out how to take it from great to awesome. I want to cheer you on and convince you to take a risk and believe you can do this because well, I am an enneagram 7 and that’s just what I do.

I live an incredibly abundant life in Northwest Arkansas married to my best friend. My journey to get here has been a story I never would have chosen, but one I would never trade. My faith has been tested time and again and proves the incredible power of the resurrection and the freedom that comes through it. I want to spend my life helping men and women find the same freedom and hope that is ready and waiting.

Scott joined the DSGO family in August of 2019.  He is passionate about developing resources, programs and events that positively impact people; leading them to live life to the fullest.  Scott received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Evangel University in 1998.  He brings over 20 years of experience in the creative consulting industry, and over a decade of non-profit executive leadership experience to assist in advocating for our DSGO families.  Scott's hope is to continue flipping the narrative of Down syndrome Upside Down...away from what individuals can't do and focusing instead on what they can.

My journey has led me to work closely with CEOs and leaders from various industries. I am honored to help them unveil their hidden potential, redefine their identities, and achieve unparalleled success in both their personal and professional lives.

Fifteen Years of Impact:

For over 15 years, I've been committed to impacting lives and motivating individuals and organizations to reach new heights. Through coaching and speaking engagements, I've connected with people from all corners of the world, including members of diverse countries and governments.

Convoy Of Hope

Terry G. Williams, MBA, Dip Econ, is enterprise executive vice president and chief population, corporate & government affairs officer of Atrium Health, one of the largest non-profit and leading academic health systems in the United States. He has responsibility for Population Health, Government Affairs, Employer Services, and Faith Health, which encompasses five ACO’s and CINs, 750,000 managed lives and 6,500 physicians in three states.

With more than 25 years of experience, Williams joined Atrium Health in October 2020, when Atrium underwent a strategic combination with Wake Forest Baptist Health (WFBH) and Wake Forest School of Medicine. Previously, Williams was executive vice president and chief strategy officer for Wake Forest Baptist Health for seven years. Additional leadership positions held throughout his career include chief strategy officer in three health systems, chief transformation and growth officer, vice president at a national healthcare IT company, partner at a national consulting firm, and other leadership and consulting roles with more than 200 healthcare organizations in 25+ states.

Resources For You:

Get involved in the work they are doing around the globe.

Resources For You:

Free money coaching (yep, free). Money Canvas offers a series of free one-on-one meetings with a financial coach to help you see where your money is going and build healthier financial habits.

Learn about how Orchard Cohorts can help you lanch your Non-Profit.

Resources for you:

-Schedule a meeting with Blink Tees to share your vision for a Merch or Fashion Line and make your vision come to life. This is the company we use to print all of the Generation Distinct merch and we highly reccommend working with them for your future Merch.

Resources for you:

Hire Bright Cap Entertainment to shoot your next video to share your vision with the world.

Resources for you:

If you have a dream in your heart to start a life-giving church and reach your city with the message of Jesus, ARC is here to come alongside you in the journey.

Resources for you:

Learn more about their services they offer to create the perfect learning solution for your organization to prioritize people over production.

Resources for you:

Find local Christian concerts to attend across the midwest

Resources for you:

Learn about the work they are doing across the Ukraine and discover how to get involved.

Listen to Tim Steven’s Podcast for Leaders