AWAKENING: BREAK EVERY CHAIN
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36
Sunday, August 17 | Davey Blackburn
In November 2015, Davey’s wife of 7 years, Amanda Grace, was tragically murdered in a home invasion. Davey was left to pastor their church as a single dad of their 15 month old son, Weston. 2 years later Davey remarried and God’s redemption story began to unfold. Davey and his new wife, Kristi, have devoted their lives to helping people through their valleys in life and teach them that when following Jesus, Nothing is Wasted. Davey and Kristi live in Indianapolis, IN with their three kids, Natalia, Weston, and Cohen. They founded Nothing is Wasted Ministries to help people partner with God to take back their story.
Monday, August 18 | Kevin Hamm
Dr. Kevin Hamm has been the Senior Pastor of Gardendale First Baptist Church in Gardendale, AL since April 2006. GFBC is committed to passionate worship and anointed preaching of God's Holy Word. Pastor Kevin has the unique ability to hold an audience's attention by communicating God's Word with tremendous clarity and enthusiastic passion. His preaching schedule includes Evangelism Conferences in Oklahoma, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, Florida and Mississippi. Pastor Kevin has served on the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention and as President of the Alabama Baptist Pastor's Conference. His articles have been published in Growing Churches, Leadership and Leader Life.
He has his B.A. from Western Kentucky University, M. Div. from Mid- America Theological Seminary and Doctor of Ministry degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He married his wife, Kim, in 1987 and they have three grown daughters: Lindsey, Lauren and Kayla.
Tuesday, August 19 | Ted Traylor
“This now is the Word of God.” These seven words spoken at the beginning of each sermon preached by Dr. Ted Traylor is the foundation of his ministry. Having served as pastor of Olive Baptist Church since 1990, Dr. Ted Traylor is committed to developing fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. His bold and practical preaching brings listeners to a fresh understanding of the Bible and challenges them to become bondservants for Christ. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Dr. Traylor’s coaching style of leadership allows teams to develop their spiritual gifts as they serve the body of Christ and their communities. Mentoring and training young ministers is a passionate focus of his ministry. Preaching at various meetings and conferences throughout the country, he is known for his uncompromising stand on biblical issues and a strong defense of the Christian faith.
Dr. Traylor has served as First Vice-President of the Southern Baptist Convention, President of the Florida Baptist Convention, President of the Southern Baptist Convention Pastors’ Conference, Pensacola Bay Baptist Association moderator, and as a member of the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force. He currently serves as a trustee at the Baptist University of Florida and serves on the board of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes of the University of Alabama. Having a family committed to Christ and the church is Dr. Traylor’s greatest honor. He has been married to his accomplished wife, Liz, since 1976. They have two grown children, Rachel and Bennett, and two adorable granddaughters, Kathryn and Elizabeth.
Wednesday, August 20 | Fred Luter
Fred Luter, Jr. began his ministry after a life-changing motorcycle accident in 1977, which led him to fully surrender to Christ. He started preaching on street corners in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward before delivering his first sermon in 1983. In 1986, he became pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, then a small congregation of 65. Passionate about reaching families, Pastor Luter emphasizes biblical teaching and creative outreach. Under his leadership, FABC has reached over 7000 members. His outreach method, “FRANgelism,” encourages members to invite friends, relatives, associates, and neighbors.
In 2012, Pastor Luter made history as the first African American President of the Southern Baptist Convention and was re-elected in 2013. Known for his humility, passion, and dynamic preaching, he often reminds his church: “It’s not about the Pastor, it’s about the Master.”
Born in New Orleans in 1956, Pastor Luter has been married to Elizabeth, his “Prime Rib,” since 1980. They have two children and two grandchildren.