Men’s Workshop

K Edward Copeland

K. Edward Copeland serves as pastor of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Rockford, Illinois. He earned a BA from the University of Illinois, a JD from the University of California, an MDiv from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in Mill Valley, California, as well as a DMin from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He has taught for the National Baptist Convention of America, USA Inc. as well as district associations, conventions, and conferences throughout the nation and across denominational lines. He is author of Riding in the Second Chariot: A Guide for Associate Ministers, and a contributing author to Entrusted with the Gospel by Crossway. He also serves as a Council Member of the Gospel Coalition.

Mervyn Eloff

Mervyn is the Rector of St James Church, Kenilworth in Cape Town South Africa. After completing undergraduate degrees in Science and Theology, he earned a DTh in New Testament Studies from the University of Stellenbosch. Before joining the staff at St James, Mervyn served in churches in London, Stellenbosch, and Cape Town and as a lecturer and vice Principal at George Whitefield College in Cape Town. He has contributed to Built on the Rock: Studies in Matthew’s Gospel (Eerdmans), The Proclamation Bible, and has authored Teaching 1,2, 3 John and Teaching James (PT Resources – Christian Focus). His doctoral thesis is titled From the Exile to the Christ: Exile, Restoration and the Theology of Matthew’s Gospel. In his role as Director of African Initiatives, he helps with the design and implementation of the workshop portfolio in Africa, focusing particularly on the training of instructors for international Workshops. 

Women’s Workshop

Katie Willis

Katie is a Women’s Ministry Director at NorthCreek Church in Walnut Creek, California. She has a BA from Azusa Pacific University and has a background in education. Katie has served in women’s ministry for more than 17 years. She teaches in women’s Bible studies, oversees curriculum development, equips leaders, and is involved with women’s discipleship. Katie also facilitates all NorthCreek Simeon course classes for women.

Joanne Parks

Joanne helps lead a weekly Women’s Bible Study, and counsels and disciples women in her church, Covenant Hope Church in Dubai, where her husband, Brian, serves as Senior Pastor. She is a mother of four daughters and a grandmother. Joanne spends her weekdays working as a nurse at the U.S. Consulate in Dubai.