Speakers:
SPEAKER
Kris Sledge
Kris Sledge is the lead and founding pastor of The Journey Church, a vibrant United Methodist congregation planted in 2019 in the heart of urban Harrisburg, PA. The Journey is a diverse and inclusive faith community with a bold vision: to create a space where all people can experience the liberative and transformative spirit of Jesus. Approximately 65% of the congregation is under the age of 40, and the church’s multi-ethnic makeup (55% white, 45% people of color) reflects its commitment to justice, inclusion, and radical belonging. He recently co-authored Followers Under 40: The Journey Away from Church for Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha with Rachel Gilmore. The book explores the challenges facing the church today -- declining trust, aging congregations, and dwindling attendance -- and offers a hopeful path forward for churches ready to foster belonging, curiosity, and safety for younger generations.
Kris was born and raised in central Pennsylvania, where a local church became a surrogate family, saved his life, and instilled a love for God and people. That nurturing foundation laid the groundwork for his call to ministry and continues to shape his leadership today.
Outside of ministry, Kris loves spending time with his wife, Hannah, and their daughter, Lydia -- traveling together, discovering new breakfast spots, kayaking in the summer, or sledding in the winter.
SPEAKER
Nicole Caldwell-Gross
Rev. Nicole T. Caldwell-Gross is an ordained minister, visionary pastor, author, and sought-after preacher shaping the future of church and community. She currently serves as Lead Pastor at Noblesville First UMC—breaking the stained glass ceiling as the first woman and person of color in this role.
Her ministry has spanned youth leadership, nonprofit communications, and directing mission and community development for 550 congregations across New Jersey. At St. Luke’s UMC in Indianapolis, she spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives including a minority business incubator, Afghan refugee resettlement, Northside’s first Freedom School, and citywide anti-racism training. Her advocacy for education and equity earned her the Washington Township Superintendent’s Service Award—twice.
A digital innovator, Nicole founded The Well, a virtual women’s community that grew to 500 members in just 90 days, and now hosts the God Bless This Holy Mess podcast, exploring the intersection of faith and family. She has developed resources for Amplify Media and Abingdon Press, and co-authored two books: Justice or Just Us? (2020) and The Big Picture: Seeing God’s Dream for Your Life (2022).
Her preaching and teaching have taken her to Dubai, India, South Africa, Cuba, and Israel—but her most meaningful mission field is at home in Noblesville, where she and her partner in marriage and ministry, Rev. Dr. Jevon Caldwell-Gross, are outnumbered by their three children: Joshua Alexander, Olivia Grace, and Isabella Joy.
SPEAKER
Bishop LaTrelle Easterling
Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling is the episcopal leader of the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Area, making history as the first woman to lead the Baltimore-Washington Conference in 2016. Before her election as bishop, she served as superintendent of the Boston Metro District in the New England Conference and was Dean of the Cabinet.
A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Bishop Easterling holds a Bachelor’s degree, a Doctor of Jurisprudence, and a Master of Divinity from Boston University School of Theology, where she graduated summa cum laude. She is known for her commitment to justice, servant leadership, and transformative ministry.
In addition to her pastoral work, Bishop Easterling serves on multiple boards and committees, including serving as chair of The Council of Bishops’ Anti-racism Leadership Team. She is also the founder of the Seeds of Security ministry, supporting those escaping abusive relationships. Bishop Easterling is married to Rev. Marion Easterling Jr., and they have two grown sons.
Artists:
The Young Escape
The four siblings known as The Young Escape started their musical journey together as teens and pre-teens in Riverside, CA. They booked their own tours up and down the California coast before making their first recordings while still teens. The results were number one radio hits like the anthem Good Life and the declaration Love Me Like You that led to touring across the country on tours with artists like Crowder and Big Daddy Weave.
Ryan Johns (lead guitar), McKenna Johns (lead vocals, keys, guitar), Kyrsten Johns (bass), and Luke Johns (drums), create music that speaks from a deeper place, with live performances that resonate with heart, joy, and energy, all focused on pointing the spotlight toward the One who brings life, the One who calls us to escape from whatever is holding us down, and to find the child within us born to follow God.
Rai Jackson
Rai Jackson, known as The R&B Pastor, is a versatile artist from Prince George’s County, MD, celebrated for blending his talents as a songwriter, pianist, producer, pastor, actor, and church planter. A classically trained musician, Rai began his musical journey at age four and has since built an award-winning career in R&B, jazz, and gospel, influenced by icons like Babyface, Toni Braxton, and Kirk Franklin.
As part of the production duo H.M.P. (Hipnotic Music Productions) with Grammy-winning producer Jamil "Face" Johnson, Rai has worked with artists like Raheem DeVaughn, Ari Lennox, and organizations like Universal Records. His production highlights include DeVaughn’s 2023 EP The Summer of Love and the track "Ooh Wee." His single “It’s Giving,” featuring Jacq Sam’s, and other songs like “Breathe and Rock" & "For Your Love” are gaining radio attention.
Rai's performances combine R&B, pop, jazz, and inspirational grooves, offering audiences an unforgettable experience. He's appeared on shows like The Autumn Joi Live and DMV Sound Check.
Beyond music, Rai is the lead pastor and church planter of The Well, a creative arts-focused faith community in the DMV area. He also fosters meaningful conversations and connections through his work.
Rai’s artistic journey extends to acting, with performances at the Kennedy Center and in award-winning films. A dedicated family man, he became a foster parent at 22 and again at 27, making him a proud 'pop-pop' of 11.
Rai continues to redefine music and faith, creating a unique fusion that resonates with his community, his family, and his supporters, whom he calls “Rai’s of light.
