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2026 Conference Speakers Announced
Conference President Stephen Davis has announced a wonderful group of speakers for this year’s conference. They are:
Dr. Nathan Napier
Nathan resides in Cleveland, TN with his wife and four children. He is a small business owner, a lay minister, and Chair of the Evangelism and Mission Committee at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. He has taught in local churches through Sunday School speaker series, confirmation classes, preaching, and pastoral-care and formation forums, and he has published in theological journals including Review & Expositor and the Wesleyan Theological Journal.
A specialist in faith and culture, he earned a Doctor of Ministry from Mercer University (Atlanta, GA). His in-residence thesis, “Haunted by Faith: An Ethnographic Study of Signals of Transcendence in Nones,” draws on ethnographic methods to learn from non-religious individuals and their non-creedal commitments, helping the Church identify ways to engage in this changing cultural landscape. His teaching and research focus on the rise of non-religious sentiment and on expanding the Church’s theology of mission and evangelism, inviting communities to reimagine the Great Commission in the rapidly changing 21st century.
Cash Daniels
Cash Daniels is a youth conservationist focused on protecting waterways and inspiring others—especially young people—to take practical action for nature. Learn about him in his own words:
“My conservation journey started with a love of the outdoors and concern for the health of our rivers and wildlife. What began as local cleanups grew into projects that protect rivers, oceans, and the animals that depend on them—pairing hands-on work with education and storytelling to show that real change can start right where you live.
My mission is to explore rivers, oceans, and wild places—and to protect them through cleanups, recycling, and sustainable choices. I envision a future where adventure and conservation go together, preventable pollution is the exception, and the next generation sees protecting the places they love as part of their journey. These values come to life through Wild Earth Defenders, a youth-led movement that turns exploration into action through recycling programs, river and coastal cleanups, and outdoor education.”
John Posey
John Posey, known for “impacting the one who impacts many,” is a certified trainer, coach, speaker, and DISC consultant, and a founding member of The John Maxwell Team. He holds an associate degree in Electrical Engineering, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and a Doctorate in Pastoral Theology, along with additional certifications in business management, leadership development, life coaching, and streaming media consulting.
With nearly five decades of experience developing leaders across diverse social, technical, and educational settings, John brings a practical blend of ministry, business, and leadership. He currently serves as the Metro Atlanta Area Director for the Christian Business Men’s Connection (CBMC), a ministry founded in 1930 and active in 98 countries.
John’s calling is to equip and encourage leaders—pastors, marketplace professionals, and community builders—to grow into their God-given purpose and multiply their impact through values-based leadership.
John and his wife, Sandra, co-authored a 52-Week Marriage Equity Devotional and co-founded Marriage Equity Systems, a marriage coaching, training, and mentoring organization that equips couples to invest in lifelong, thriving relationships.
A message from 2025 President Nat Howry
The Episcopal Churchmen of Tennessee have gathered since 1947 for a conference incorporating worship, study and recreation. Now in our third year at the Ayres Center for Spiritual Development at St. Mary’s Sewanee, we once again invite the Episcopal laymen of Tennessee to a weekend of growth and fellowship on the mountain.
The theme for our 79th conference is “An Invitation to Intention”, exploring how we can live more fully through routine and healthy habits. The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 5:15-16, “Be careful then how you live, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time.”
Sister Hannah Winkler, Prioress of the Community of St. Mary, Southern Province, will speak Friday night on the balance found in the disciplines of the Benedictine Order, which are summed up in the motto, “Ora et Labora” (pray and work). Following worship and breakfast Saturday morning, the Rev. Tom Gildemeister will explore the practice of “Everyday Mysticism”. Andy Van Grinsven, Personal Trainer, will close out Saturday night with encouragement to transform our lives and capabilities, asking “Have you tried being strong?”
We are grateful to have Bishops John Bauerschmidt and Phoebe Roaf with us throughout the weekend, and especially at our times of worship. This year we will miss Bishop Brian Cole of East Tennessee and wish him rest and renewal while on sabbatical. Friday and Saturday nights will close with Compline, and our mornings will begin with Holy Eucharist under the tent on Saturday, and at All Saints Chapel at the University of the South on Sunday.
The hours not spent under the tent will be full of great conversation, delicious food and majestic views. The unstructured hours on Saturday afternoon are a time for golf, swimming, hiking, cycling, napping and enjoying the company of friends old and new. Conference legend Allen Nohsey will once again host his tailgates on both Friday and Saturday. This retreat to the mountain is a time of camaraderie, reflection and renewal that is treasured by those who have experienced it and look forward to it as a highlight of their summer.
Churchmen, we invite you to come to the mountain!
Nat