Conference Speakers
Karl Vaters
AuthorKarl Vaters is the founder of Helping Small Churches Thrive at KarlVaters.com. He is also the author of five books: De-Sizing the Church, The Church Recovery Guide, 100 Days to a Healthier Church, Small Church Essentials, and The Grasshopper Myth.
Karl’s heart is to help pastors of small churches (up to 90 percent of us) find the resources to lead well, and to capitalize on the unique advantages that come with pastoring a small church – something virtually every pastor will spend at least some of their ministry years doing. He also believes that big and small churches can and should work together more often – to the benefit and blessing of everyone.
He also hosts a bi-weekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith & Ministry. Episodes feature in-depth interviews about the topics that concern pastors, especially those who minister in a small church context.
Karl has served in small-church ministry for over 40 years, so he speaks and writes from decades of hands-on pastoral experience. He and his wife, Shelley have three children and two grandkids.
PastorDave Vogt
Pastor Dave Vogt has been sharing the Gospel since the young age of seventeen. He has faithfully served as the pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Scottsville, Virginia, since 2014. Married to his wife Laura for 22 years, they are blessed with six children. In his free time, Pastor Dave enjoys fishing, sports, studying the Bible, and traveling. Deeply involved in the community, his passion lies in connecting with individuals and sharing the love of Jesus.
Pastor
John Ditty
Dr. John Ditty serves as the Robert O. Fitts Professor of Old Testament and Director of the Undergraduate Program at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Pineville, Kentucky. Dr. Ditty is passionate about helping students understand the Old Testament and apply its teachings to preaching and Christian ministry.