The DEEPER LIFE SERIES, is a time when we consider what it means to deepen our relationship with Christ and submit more fully to the working of His Spirit in our lives.
Our speaker is no stranger to Bethel. Nirup Alphonse is the Lead Pastor of LIFEGATE Church in Denver. Originally from Singapore, Nirup relocated to Chicago where he finished high school and later earned his degree from Trinity International University. After nearly two decades in ministry, Nirup is a highly sought-after speaker and communicator with a love for God’s Word and a profound passion for empowering individuals to embrace their fullest potential and to live out their calling of being made alive in Christ.
Outside of leading his church, traveling, and speaking, his greatest joy is being married to his wife Hannah and being a father to his four wonderful boys.
Dr. Emily McGowin is an associate professor of theology at Wheaton College, where she teaches classes on systematic and historical theology. Dr. McGowin has an M.Div. from Baylor’s Truett Seminary and a Ph.D. in theology from the University of Dayton. She is currently a faculty fellow at the Institute for Ethics and the Common Good at the University of Notre Dame where she is doing research for a new project on the communion of saints. She is the author of three books. And she and her husband of 22 years, Ron, are the parents of three teenagers.
Dr. Robert Brandt, is a professor of Youth Ministry at Bethel. Robert grew up in San Diego, California where he pursued an engineering degree at San Diego State University because he wanted to build buildings. But God had different plans. After he surrendered the control of his life to God’s will he was called into ministry and instead would build into peoples’ lives.
Robert served in full-time ministry for 15 years in churches in California and Colorado and is now in his 22nd year teaching at Bethel. He is married to his wife, Melody, and they have seven children…and three grandchildren.
Robert, Melody and his family have intentionally invested in a wide variety of students over their years at Bethel.
Reverend, Dr. Theo Williams is an Associate Professor of Communications at Bethel University, where he has taught for almost two decades. He has a master’s degree in urban ministry from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, and a PhD in communication from Regent University. He and his wife Nicole have been married for 22 years and have ministered together locally, nationally and overseas. He is currently serving as the pastor at Covenant Community Church in South Bend. Theo has a heart and passion for young people, marriages, racial reconciliation and social justice. Would you please welcome to the Bethel University stage, Dr. Theo Williams.
Elijah Shamenda, is the Lead Pastor of Overflow Church, a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural community in Southwest Michigan. He is currently pursuing a PhD in New Testament Studies at Columbia International University where he is exploring the concept of “faithful witness” in the book of Revelation. He’s married to Jaynee and they have three children.
Kevin Moore is the Regional Director of the Missionary Church North Central Region. He is also a church planter and the pastor of Noble County Community Church. Kevin has written eight books, and trains leaders in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors—helping them lead themselves, their families, and their teams with passion and precision.
Kevin is married to Veronica, and they have four children and four grandchildren.
Through storytelling and humor, John reflects on his own Christian walk and his experiences as an athlete, including four years as a professional soccer player for the Charlotte Eagles, and more than a decade as a soccer ministry tour leader with Missionary Athletes International.
John preaches the Bible, motivating and training youth and adults to be Gospel-driven disciples who live on mission. He played professional soccer before serving as the lead pastor of a church in Buckley, Michigan. John and his wife Darcey have five children and one amazing grandchild
