2021 Event Speakers
We are thankful for our guest speakers who make this conference full of rich and biblical truths.
The Essential Church: Elevating Our View of Christ’s Bride
The past year has brought the church of Jesus Christ face to face with its own legitimacy. Non-Christians have taken it upon themselves to decide whether the church is “essential” or not. We contend that no man has the right or authority to make that determination no matter the circumstances. This is a wake-up call to churches everywhere to re-examine their esteemed position as the bride of Christ, to re-ignite their devotion to worship, and to re-inspire their members to a high view of Christ’s Ekklesia, the gathered people of the Savior.
"I am writing these things to you so that... you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth"
(1 Timothy 3:14–15)
We live in an age and culture that makes us want to question everything and not believe that truth is immovable. It's no wonder the Apostle Paul warned us, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable." (1 Corinthians 15:58)
"Beloved, Be ye STEADFAST in the doctrines of the gospel. Know what you know, and knowing, cling to it."
Charles H. Spurgeon
British 19th century "Prince of Preachers"
This word STEADFAST is crucial in Scriptures and occurs dozens of times, warning us and encouraging believers to be strong in our faith. We know as Christians we are called to be different from our culture, and it is by standing upon God's Word that we are strengthened.
"Continue STEADFAST and unmovable in the profession of [your] faith"
George Whitefield
Great American 18th Century Preacher
"...Continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven."
The Apostle Paul
Colossians 1:23 (ESV)
Dr. Carl Hargrove ministered at Grace Church from 1990–1993, was ordained, and pastored two churches in the Los Angeles area from 1994–2014 before returning to Grace Church. He has a passion for foreign missions and travels internationally each year supporting leaders and volunteers in various countries. Carl serves on several missions boards, holds a certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC), and serves as a board member of the Biblical Counseling and Discipleship Association of Southern California (BCDA SoCal). He also leads the Grace Advance ministry of Grace Church that provides pastoral leadership for developing churches. Carl has earned degrees from The University of Cincinnati and The Master's Seminary (M.Div., Th.M., D.Min.), and he serves as the dean of students, associate professor of pastoral ministries, and director of placement at The Master's Seminary. Currently, Carl co-pastors the Anchored fellowship group. He and his wife, Joanna, have five children.
Dr. Nathan Busenitz is the executive vice president & provost at The Master's Seminary. He is also an elder at Grace Community Church, where he serves as a pastor of the Cornerstone fellowship group. Dr. Busenitz has authored several works that have benefited the church, including Men of the Word: Insights for Life from Men Who Walked with God, Reasons We Believe: 50 Lines of Evidence That Confirm the Christian Faith, and Long Before Luther: Tracing the Heart of the Gospel From Christ to the Reformation.
Dr. Steve Swartz is the senior preaching pastor of Grace Bible Church in Bakersfield, California and the featured speaker on Steadfast in the Faith, a teaching ministry based in expository preaching and writing. Author of Shattered Shepherds, Preparing for Heaven, Strength in the River, and more, Steve's desire is to train men and build up churches to know and teach the Word of God and to equip the local community of believers with impact for the Gospel of Christ. He is a two-time graduate of The Master's Seminary and brings 25 years of seasoned pastoral and counseling experience to the pulpit. Steve lives in Bakersfield with his wife and family.