Speakers & Workshops
2026 Main Session Speaker
Karen Hightower
Karen was saved at the age of 8 during a revival meeting at her childhood church in Illinois. She surrendered her life to the Lord as a teenager. God brought Hal Hightower into her life to be her life-long mate, and they have been married for over 45 years.
God has given Karen and Hal a wonderful marriage and ministry over the years. Hal pastored The Baptist Church of Hadley in Hadley, MI and then Tabernacle Baptist Church in Lebanon, MO for 15 years. God called them into full-time evangelism, and they traveled all over America for 12 years. For the past 10 years they have been at Rochester Hills Baptist Church in the northern Detroit area.
Karen enjoyed speaking to teen girls and ladies at youth camps, conferences, and ladies retreats as they traveled the country in evangelism. She now enjoys the one-on-one relationships she has with many of the ladies at RHBC and speaks in other ministries as God opens the door. Her passion is to encourage ladies to look to the Son for everyday strength and direction, and to help them build a close, strong relationship with God. Karen is also the author of Securely Woman, a book written for women who long to live according to God’s “very good” design.
2026 Workshop Speakers
Friends Diligently Seeking God Together
Presented by Tami Gardner & Carole Vawter
Carole and Tami built a godly, iron-sharpening-iron friendship over the years, each supporting the other through times of difficulty. They began to memorize Scripture together, agree in prayer about certain needs, concerns, or even impossibilities, and share truths and applications as each studied the Word. Over time, both of them grew in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord. May their story inspire you and their suggestions for spiritually challenging friendships start you on a journey as more than a friend.
About Tami and Carole
Carole Vawter was blessed to have heard and believed the Gospel in her early childhood. She and her husband, Wayne, served in pastoral ministry in Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin, with Wayne ending his ministry career as the Mission Director for the WFBC. Many of Carole’s friendships over the years resulted in spiritual growth and strength for Carole and those she loved. Following retirement, the Vawters minister as they are able in their local church in Sebring, FL.
Canva 101
Presented by Courtney Rankin
Have you ever wanted to create a beautiful party invitation, notecard, event flyer, or social media image? This workshop will get you started on how to do that and more! We will 1) walk through the process of how to apply for Canva Pro (free for nonprofits), 2) go over general, basic design principles, 3) take a tour of the basic Canva interface, and 4) design a simple social media graphic in the workshop. You don’t need to bring a laptop to attend this workshop.
About Courtney Rankin
Courtney Rankin graduated with a degree in Communication Arts from Maranatha and worked at MBU in communications & marketing for several years. Now, she serves alongside her pastor-husband by helping her church design digital and print communications.
Pastor Doesn’t Have to Do It All!
Presented by Sharon Anderson
What is the Biblical model for discipleship in the church? Do I expect the pastor to do it all? Who can I disciple? Join us as we look at several examples of discipleship in God’s Word and discuss practical ideas of how you can put discipleship into practice!
About Sharon Anderson
Sharon grew up in a pastor’s home and graduated with a music degree from Maranatha Baptist University where she met her husband, Jon. They have been married for 21 happy years and have 6 boys. Jon is the pastor at Faith Baptist Church in Oconomowoc, WI where they have been serving for 18 years. Besides homeschooling their boys, Sharon has been involved in various church ministries including discipling, music, and nursery.
In His Time & Way: Pursuing God’s Will in Every Season (Personal Testimony)
Presented by Giovanna Prigge
How important is it to be committed to God’s will for our lives? It’s not always easy to take steps of faith and follow the direction the Lord has for us. However, making decisions with a purpose leads us to experience the wonders that the Lord has prepared, for His will is good, pleasing, and perfect.
About Giovanna Prigge
Giovanna came to know Christ as an adult in Brazil. This was the beginning of God’s incredible transformation in her life. Guided by the loving hand of her heavenly Father, she is now enjoying her calling as a pastor’s wife, stepmom to six, and grandmother to Judson. Her life inspires others to walk in faith, fully trusting God’s purposes.
Leading a Child to Christ
Presented by Jenny Markle
Children look to us for many things: food, clothing, protection, education, comfort, love, life skills, and so much more. It is completely right and natural for them to seek our help to understand the gospel and to put their faith in Jesus. And what a joy to see a child trust Christ and become a new creation! But many women hesitate to help due to inexperience, lack of confidence, or a fear of “doing it wrong.” This workshop offers practical steps, insights, and practice that will assist anyone in leading a child to the Lord. “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:16).
About Jenny Markel
Jennifer Markle is blessed to be the wife of Christian Markle and the mother of six amazing young people, ages 12 to 23 years old. Twenty of their twenty-five years of marriage have been spent in Phillips, Wisconsin, where Christian is the pastor. Jenny loves serving the Lord–especially by educating her children, counseling and supporting women, and teaching little people in Kid’s Club on Wednesday evenings. One of her greatest joys is watching people (both young and old!) come to an understanding and acceptance of the gospel of Christ.
Are You Ready?
Presented by June Kimmel
When friends or strangers ask hard questions about what you believe, are you prepared to respond with confidence, grace, and clarity? This workshop moves beyond theory to equip you with practical, ready-to-use ways to engage conversations that naturally point hearts to Jesus Christ. Together, we will learn how to stand firm in biblical truth while responding with gentleness and respect. You will leave encouraged, equipped, and eager to grow in confidently sharing the truth of God’s Word.
About June Kimmel
June Kimmel is a published Christian author and conference speaker devoted to proclaiming biblical truth with clarity, conviction, and grace. Whether writing or speaking, her calling is the same: to encourage transformation rooted in God’s power, purpose, and presence. Through her books, conferences, and ministry, she seeks not only to communicate truth but to cultivate a legacy of grace. June is a missionary wife, mother of three, and grandma of nine.
The Mouth of a Godly Woman
Presented by Pam Jones
“That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom.15:6
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Ps. 19:14 Several years ago, Pam taught a Ladies Bible Study: “The Anatomy of a Godly Woman.” This workshop is a result of that study on the mouth of a Godly Woman.
About Pam Jones
Encouragement for Ministry Wives
Presented by Karen Hightower
Join Karen as she encourages ladies serving alongside their husband in ministry.
About Karen Hightower
God has given Karen and Hal a wonderful marriage and ministry over the years. Hal pastored The Baptist Church of Hadley in Hadley, MI and then Tabernacle Baptist Church in Lebanon, MO for 15 years. God called them into full-time evangelism, and they traveled all over America for 12 years. For the past 10 years they have been at Rochester Hills Baptist Church in the northern Detroit area.
Tone Chimes
Presented by Cheryl Habegger
Join us for this fun, hands-on workshop where we will prepare to play a song during one of the main sessions. Anyone can participate, as there will be parts for all skill levels. Cheryl will also take a few minutes to share how you can start a tone chimes ministry in your church, including ways to involve children in this ministry. Don’t delay in signing up, as there is a cap on the number of participants in this workshop!
About Cheryl Habegger
Cheryl is privileged to serve alongside her husband at Temple Baptist Church in La Crosse, WI. She has a music degree and the Lord has grown her love and passion for music over the years. Cheryl has a desire not only to serve the Lord through music, but to pass that love along to the next generation. In addition to her church ministries, she stays busy teaching piano lessons, and in her free time, she enjoys time in the kitchen, crafts, a good competitive board game, and all things related to camping and the outdoors.
Choir
Directed by Allie Morken
Cost: $3
Join ladies of all musical skill levels to make a joyful noise to the Lord! We will rehearse a choral piece during this workshop and share it at the final general session on Saturday. Each participant may keep her octavo to bring home.
About Allie Morken
Allie Morken is a recent graduate of MBU with degrees in Music and Biblical Counseling. She currently works as Administrative Assistant for MBU’s Music Department and teaches elementary piano students. At church, Allie enjoys co-leading the Patch the Pirate Club and playing piano. Allie looks forward to marrying her fiancé, Jackson, in August and seeing where God leads them.
Craft: Material Pumpkin
Mary Stroup
Cost: $3
We will use some recycled materials to create a small stuffed pumpkin decoration. We will tie with rubber bands, fill with stuffing, hot glue, and wrap in twine. Participants may embellish as desired or leave as assembled. This is a beginner friendly craft!
About Mary Stroup
Mary Stroup currently lives in Lake Mills, Wisconsin and attends Rock Lake Baptist Church, but she was raised in Georgia then attended Bob Jones University in South Carolina. She and her fiance are planning to get married in June, and then she will join him at his church, Calvary Baptist in Menomonee Falls. She works for an elementary school in the front office, but after marriage she’s looking forward to staying at home and busying herself with wife-life and crafting!
Craft: Fancy Tins
Presented by Elisabeth Olson
Cost: $3
Decorate a tin and make it your own. There are four choices with many kinds of paper and decoration options available. You can choose a purse catch-all, gift card/sweet treat tin to give away, prayer tin with a mini pen, or a playset (with a dog or cat option) for a child in your life. Craft A: Purse Tin Craft B: Present Tin Craft C: Prayer Tin Craft D: Play Tin
About Elisabeth Olson
Elisabeth lives in La Crosse, WI. She keeps busy as a pastor’s wife and mom to four kids. She loves to read, play games, decorate, and craft.