Tuesday, OCTOBER 13, 2026
The Jeffersonian
10617 Taylorsville Road
Jeffersontown, KY 40299
Beginning at 8:00 a.m.
ARISE is an event for believers to inspire and equip each other to be salt and light where God has called us.
ARISE is an event designed to mobilize God’s people, in our community. ARISE focuses on the seven spheres of influence in society. Each session will provide practical ideas of ways to make a difference in each of these areas of focus.
There will be an interactive Q & A at the end of each presentation, and networking time to connect with others.
Our attendees, partners, and speakers are passionate about being servants for Christ where God has planted them. Save the date, registration will be open soon!
Why Attend?
Not only does God call us to be salt and light, but he wants us to engage our culture. Paul went to Athens, the heart of the philosophical world, and was captivating. Daniel was a close advisor to several kings that did not agree with his religion. God tasked people with art and music, to be educators and leaders, to live in families, and to live lives of faith. As Christians, we must live fully in this world just as Jesus did. At ARISE, we will more deeply explore ways to do this.
Schedule at a glance
7:30 AM
Doors Open - Breakfast - Meet & Greet
8:00 AM
Welcome - Emcee
8:15 AM
Family: Bob & Carol Esham
9:00 AM
Education: Pastor Justin Walker
9:45 AM
Prayer - Visit with Partners - Meet & Greet
10:15 AM
Government: Herb Melton
11:00 AM
Business & Faith: Michael Collins
11:45 AM
Lunch - followed by Q & A and Next Steps Discussion
Connect with others, be bold for Christ and make an eternal difference.
Meet our Speakers:
Family Speaker: Bob & Carol Esham
Bob and Carol have been married for 42 years. They learned the hard way God’s design for marriage is the only way to peace and intimacy. Bob and Carol have served with FamilyLife’s Weekend to Remember for 5 years and in 2014 founded MERCI (Marriage Education Resource Center, Indiana) Having been in marriage ministry for 24 years, they have shared with hundreds of couples the life-changing principles that changed them individually, their marriage and their family legacy. The story of their turning point was featured on The 700 Club in February 2023.
Education Speaker: Pastor Justin Walker
Pastor Walker is the lead pastor of Salt & Light Church in Kentucky and the founder of Salt & Light Academy, a community-supported Christian school ministry dedicated to reaching the next generation with the Gospel and a biblical worldview.
Justin is passionate about helping people understand and apply God’s Word through clear, Christ-centered teaching. Through his online Bible teaching ministry, “The Whole Truth,” he has reached millions through daily Bible studies, sermons, podcasts, and social media content focused on pointing people to Jesus.
After walking through the loss of his first wife to cancer, Justin now shares a message of hope, restoration, and faithfulness alongside his wife Kelly through their ministry and podcast, “Happy Chaos.” Together, they encourage others navigating grief, blended family life, marriage, and ministry.
Justin and Kelly live in Kentucky with their large blended family and are committed to building ministries that impact both their local community and people around the world with the hope of Christ.
Business & Faith: Michael Collins
Michael is a husband, father, entrepreneur, and passionate follower of Jesus Christ. Originally from Auburn, Kentucky, Michael has been married to his wife, Karen, for 24 years, and together they have two sons, Xander and Caleb, both soon to be graduates of Christian Educational Consortium (CEC). The Collins family faithfully attends Southeast Christian Church and is deeply committed to living out their faith in everyday life.
Michael was baptized at age 16 and has been walking closely with the Lord since age 21. His greatest passion is seeing lives transformed by the Gospel and helping others discover their God-given purpose.
Professionally, Michael’s journey began in retail before moving into sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Since starting his first business at age 21, he has owned and operated multiple companies. Today, he serves as Managing Partner of Redemption Solar & Roofing, founder of the Kentucky Christian Chamber of Commerce, owner of a marketing company, Snack Attack Vending, and several rental properties.
While Michael enjoys building businesses, he is most excited about opportunities to advance God’s Kingdom, encourage fellow believers, and connect Christians in the marketplace. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and learning from faithful servants and leaders from churches and ministries across the region.
Michael’s heart is simple: to honor Christ in business, family, and community while helping others do the same.
7 Spheres of Influence in Society
faith
family
news media
ARISE focuses on the seven spheres of influence in society. This year, at ARISE, our speakers will be focusing on Education, Family, Business and Arts & Entertainment. Each session will provide practical ideas of ways to make a difference in each of these areas of focus. There will be time for Q&A as well as connecting to others.