Speakers

Steven Curtis Chapman

In a career that has spanned more than three decades, Steven Curtis Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music history. With 59 Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards, five Grammy Awards, an American Music Award, and a historic 50 No. 1 singles, he has sold more than eleven million albums with ten RIAA-Certified® Gold or Platinum albums to his credit.

In his career, he has collaborated with and had his songs recorded by other renowned artists in the Christian music world including BeBe Winans, CeCe Winans, Amy Grant, Casting Crowns, Mercy Me, Geoff Moore, and others. His songs of hope have also crossed genres, seeing collaborations with Glenn Campbell, Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts, Ricky Skaggs, Brad Paisley, and Mitchell Tenpenny. In 2017, Chapman also became a best-selling author with his memoir Between Heaven and the Real World: My Story.

His new album, Still, is filled with entirely fresh, life-giving songs for the masses, including his 50th #1 hit “Don’t Lose Heart”.

He is also the recent recipient of the BMI Icon Award. Given to him in June 2022, Chapman is the first Christian music songwriter to receive the honor, joining an elite list that includes Barry Manilow, Brian Wilson, Carole King, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard, and Sting.

Along with touring the world, Steven Curtis Chapman has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS Sunday Morning and This Morning, CNN, MSNBC, 60 Minutes, E! Entertainment, The Today Show, Fox & Friends, and The Tonight Show among others, along with appearing in the pages of People Magazine, Billboard, Parents Magazine, and more. As a vocal supporter of adoption, Chapman along with his wife Mary Beth founded Show Hope in 2003, a nonprofit organization that helps restore the hope of a family to orphans.

Ralph S. Emerson

Ralph Emerson is a preacher, pastor, and administrator with over 20 years of experience working in roles as Executive and Senior Pastor. Ralph’s passion is to push people into gospel purpose.

He is a graduate of Florida A&M University, a current MDiv student at George W. Truett Theological Seminary.

He is happily married to his boyhood crush and best friend, Chanesia. They have two children, Orien Christopher, and Eden Gabrielle.