the free methodist church in canada
Speakers
We are absolutely thrilled to introduce our esteemed lineup of speakers for General Conference. Each speaker brings a different perspective, experience, and inspiration that promises to make this event truly exceptional. Get ready for an enriching experience as we come together to learn, grow, and imagine together.
THURSDAY NIGHT
Dean of Chapel
- BA in Biology, Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas
- MDiv Asbury Theological Seminary
- DMin 2022 Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University
Jessica LaGrone became the Dean of the Chapel at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky in 2014. She is an acclaimed pastor, teacher, speaker, and writer whose engaging communication style endears her to groups throughout the United States. A native of Texas, Jessica is an ordained pastor who served churches in the Houston area, most recently serving for nine years at The Woodlands Methodist Church near Houston, Texas.
Jessica’s books and studies include Out of Chaos; Namesake: When God Rewrites Your Story; Under Wraps; Broken and Blessed: How God Used One Imperfect Family to Change the World; Set Apart: Holy Habits of Prophets and Kings; and The Miracles of Jesus. Jessica is a contributor to an all-church Advent study called Under Wraps and is the New Testament video presenter for the Disciple Fast Track series. Her works have been used in personal and group studies around the world.
Jessica and her husband, Jim, have two young children, Drew and Kate.
FRIDAY NIGHT
Sarah Newman is a Ph.D. student in Old Testament Biblical Studies at Wycliffe College, part of the Toronto School of Theology at the University of Toronto. When Sarah is not studying, she is a Lay Minister at the Armadale Free Methodist Church in Scarborough, Ontario, and serves on the Board of Governors for the Canadian Bible Society, where she has also assisted with Bible translation as an intern. In her limited spare time, she writes on her blog, Joyful For Jesus (https://joyfulforjesus.com/) about the impact of faith on daily life.
Sarah has completed a Honours Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics (Honours B.A.) from the University of Toronto Scarborough, a Master of Arts in Linguistics (M.A.) from the University of Toronto St. George, and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Tyndale University. In both her doctoral studies and ministry, God intertwines her love of learning and teaching with God’s love for others, and looks forward to seeing how God will continue to lead.”
FRIDAY NIGHT
Jeffrey Webb is the pastor of Blue Mountain Community Church. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Brock University and a Masters of Divinity from McMaster Divinity College. Jeff and his wife Raven (a primary teacher) have been married for just shy of five years. In that short amount of time they have moved from St. Catharines to Scotland to Jordan Station and to Owen Sound before finally settling in the beautiful community of Clarksburg, Ontario. Jeff enjoys anything outdoors, specifically hiking, biking, climbing, camping, portaging as well as spending time with a good book or playing games with friends.
SATURDAY NIGHT
Danny became the Lead Pastor of what is now known as Freedom Church in November 2022. He brings vast experience having served over 12 years in various church ministry context roles. Previously, Danny and his wife, Alison, led a Missions Organization called Pais Movement in North America where they oversaw missionaries across the continent. His relevant and deep preaching style allows listeners to practically apply biblical truths into everyday life. Danny is passionate in seeing people be transformed through the good news of Jesus Christ. He resides in New Westminster, BC with his wife Alison, 2 kids Arya and Josias and their dog Mylo.
SATURDAY NIGHT
Jenn Wagar is an ordained minister. Jenn believes that Jesus came to bring us life and life to the full (John 10:10). As a result, she has made it a life goal to tell people about God’s faithfulness to fulfilling this promise to all those who choose to be in relationship with Him. With a focus on God’s Word, she passionately delivers this unrelenting message of hope to all people. Jenn is strongly committed to promoting and ministering at summer camps, firmly believing that they play a major role in developing one’s spiritual formation. Jenn believes that kayaking and travel play key roles in spiritual health!
