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Home > Faith Cafe TV > Guest Bios - Season Two

Season Two Guest Bios

CEO of Jittery Joe's Coffee, Bob Googe has worked with corporations, schools, businesses and professional groups and churches for the last 15 years. Bob is an expert in the recruiting, training, managing, motivating and retaining today's young worker. His extensive background provides an unparalleled perspective on the challenges and issues facing businesses today. His work has taken him throughout the United States , China , the Middle East and Europe . Bob is an Ordained Presbyterian Minister and former Director of the Presbyterian Student Center at the University of Georgia in Athens , GA.

Shaun Groves / www.shaungroves.com

Shaun Groves defies typical expectations and simple labels. He is an insightful songwriter, one who displays such incredible lyrical prowess that his musical peers nominated him for Songwriter of the Year solely on the strength of his 2001 debut. More than a musician, Shaun Groves is a communicator, a man full of messages and ideas that he hopes to translate through a variety of media. A writer, teacher, preacher, father, husband… and yes, most definitely a songwriter, performer and musician, Groves encapsulates everything that one would hope an artist could be. His songs reflect the bare-bones honesty of a searching, passionate faith. Unafraid of the questions or of stepping on toes, Groves sets his sights as high as possible, aiming to pursue profound theological truths in the most accessible lyrical metaphors he can create.

Chris Maxwell / www.chrismaxwellweb.com

Chris Maxwell has served over twenty years in pastoral ministry. He writes articles, curriculum, reviews and devotionals for a variety of publications. In addition to pastoring, Chris teaches and speaks at colleges, hospitals, ministries and writer's conferences, and serves on leadership teams of two missions organizations. Many read his e-mail devotional, “Another Day Along the Way.” Chris' demanding schedule and areas of ministry are all the more remarkable in light of his ongoing battle with the lingering effects of a near-fatal brain illness on March 6th, 1996. After serving as pastor in Orlando FL for 19 years, Chris now serves as Campus Pastor and Spiritual Life Director for Emmanuel College and Writer/Editor for LifeSprings Resources.

Avalon / www.avalonlive.com

This Sparrow Records group consisting of Jody, McBrayer, Melissa Greene, and Janna and Greg Long is synonymous with vocal excellence and integrity. Avalon has sold more than three million albums, garnered the Group of the Year accolade three consecutive years from CCM Magazine readers, and won numerous Dove Awards, including New Artist of the Year in 1998, as well as an American Music Award. Additionally, Avalon has scored 20 number one singles and performed before thousands on coast-to-coast tours.

Nazareth / www.nazarethusa.com

Nazareth 's Comedy Crusade has reached millions on television broadcasts as varied as Comedy Central, The 700 Club, and the NBC Nightly News. He's toured with the Temptations and the Righteous Brothers with his act that appeals to all ages. But behind Nazareth 's smashing success as one of America 's foremost “clean” comics is the saga of a scared, Palestinian kid. Raised in a strict but decidedly un-devout Christian home, as a young adult he found himself alone in America , where his heritage and identity clashed with the almost-anything-goes society. Today his comedy opens even the toughest audiences to hear the Good News that transformed his life. He weaves his faith into his act, often leading prayers to receive Christ. The 300-member Christian Comedy Association voted him its president.

Stephen James and David Thomas / www.stephenanddavid.com

Therapists, authors, and two regular guys, Stephen James and David Thomas enjoy taking what on the surface seems mundane or ordinary and asking questions to reveal the absurd and the holy that is embedded in every day life. Candid, humorous, and vulnerable, James and Thomas draw deeply on their own personal experiences, their practices as therapists, and their theological training so that their writing and speaking are as funny and relational as it is informative and helpful. Stephen and David are the co-authors of three down-to-earth books; “Becoming A Dad” (Relevant Books) and the companion books “Yup.” “Nope.” “Maybe.” (Tyndale House) and “Does This Dress Make Me Look Fat?” (Tyndale House).

Nicol Sponberg / www.gregandnicolsponberg.com

For Nicol Sponberg, God has always been her compass. Growing up in Africa in a missionary family, she saw God's grace and provision early in life. After moving to Nashville to pursue a career in music, she landed a record deal in what might seem like a music business cliché. She was waiting tables at a popular Music City restaurant frequented by Mike Curb and his family. She got to know the music mogul and his daughters as good customers, not even knowing what he did for a living. Someone tipped cousin Benson Curb to the fact that their favorite waitress was an aspiring singer. He loved Nicol's tape and soon after, she was shocked to get a call from Mike offering her a deal. Since then she's released two acclaimed solo projects and spent eight years performing with her brother Todd Smith and Allan Hall as Selah. Marriage and motherhood provided a transition back to solo status and these days Sponberg is focusing not only on her music, but on having a ministry with her husband.

Tammy Maltby / www.tammymaltby.typepad.com

Tammy Maltby is a compelling speaker, author, Bible teacher, and media personality with a heart for helping real Christian women live richly and fully in the real world. A co-host of the four-time Emmy-nominated television talk show Aspiring Women, she has also been featured on Focus on the Family, Family Life Today with Dennis Rainey, Life Today with James and Betty Robinson, The 700 Club, Midday Connection, and hundreds of other radio and television programs. She was the ongoing MC for the John Maxwell's international THRIVE! event and serves on the board of the National Woman's Ministry Association, Christian Woman in Media and Arts, and Woman of Courage International. In her keynote addresses for women's events around the country, Tammy expands on themes developed in this book and her previous titles, “Lifegiving: Discovering the Secrets to a Beautiful Life” and “A Discovery Journal to A Beautiful Life.”

Chris Rice / www.chrisrice.com

Everything up until now has been rehearsal. That's the way Chris Rice thinks. Today is the important day, and everything in his life up until this point has been the preparation. This is obvious as he charges forward in his artistry with his new release “What A Heart Is Beating For.” Following up on the radio success of “When Did You Fall” could have been intimidating. But instead, that success set the stage for these next steps Chris is taking as an artist. His music reflects the way he lives his life – laid-back optimism and building on new opportunities as they present themselves. For Chris, “What A Heart Is Beating For” is a logical step resulting from those opportunities, as well as a launching point for a host of new ones.

Stan Toler / www.stantoler.com

Stan Toler serves as senior pastor of Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma City , Oklahoma , and hosts the television program "Leadership Today." Dr. Toler trains pastors and church leaders throughout North America . He conducts seminars on strategic planning, stewardship, outreach, and leadership. Raised in a rural mountain community in Welch, West Virginia , Stan knew at an early age that God wanted him to be a full-time minister. He adopted this role with a youthful zeal and, at the age of seventeen, became pastor of Westside Church in Newark , Ohio . Since then, he has pastored some of the fastest-growing churches in Ohio , Oklahoma and Tennessee and has traveled around the world helping churches and missions organizations develop plans for growth. Stan has authored multiple books and manuals on the subjects of church ministry, evangelism and "helps" for pastors. He communicates his zeal for touching lives through the ministry of the Church with witty enthusiasm and practical insight.

B.J. Harris / www.bjharris.com

B.J. Harris is an artist, illusionist, communicator, dreamer, husband, church planter, and leader. Ultimately, he's a catalyst for transformation in the hearts and lives of people. By utilizing the creative talents given to him, B.J.'s passion is creating experiences and environments that help people connect with their Creator, and unleash their human potential to gulp life, and not just sip it. A true professional, he does everything with excellence. B.J. is most widely known for his talents and skills as an illusionist. In 1992, he received a simple magic set from his Grandparents for Christmas. Since that time, B.J. has devoted over a decade to becoming a specialist in the art of illusion, and is regularly recognized by his peers on an international level. More than just an entertainer, and more than just a speaker, B.J. is an artist that creatively communicates truth in an unforgettable way—a way that is uniquely his own.

Rebecca St. James / www.rsjames.com

A multiple Dove Award-winner, as well as a winner of America's most prestigious musical award—the Grammy—Australian-born Rebecca St. James has throughout the late ‘90's until present been considered to be a major defining female voice in contemporary Christian Music. With the dawning of 2007, her groundbreaking album project “Pray” has most recently achieved RIAA gold record status—following in the footsteps of the previously gold-certified RSJ album “God.” In January 2007, she was for the 6th consecutive year named “Favorite Female Artist” in Contemporary Christian Music by the more than 27,000 votes cast by readers of CCM Magazine. Rebecca also repeated with the “Best Female Artist of 2006” award from one of Christian music's highest traffic music sites—Christianitytoday.com—her fourth consecutive year to be given this honor.

With sales of her music soaring around the globe, her signature blend of modern pop/rock sensibilities and lyrics of unwavering devotion has blazed straight to the heart of an entire generation. Along the road of more than 200 concert dates a year, her path has led to 17 Top 10 singles – 9 of which reached the #1 spot on the charts. CRW Magazine has named Rebecca to the list of the “50 Most Influential People in Contemporary Music.”

Charles J. Powell

Charles J. Powell appears on television, speaks at conferences and writes for several publications and online magazines, such as Crosswalk.com, on a variety of topics that affect Christians and churches from post-modernism to terrorism. He is also the producer of the award-winning Christian talk and entertainment television program, Faith Café seen on the I-Life-TV Network. Powell is a behavioral scientist graduate from Trevecca Nazarene University , has served as a consultant for numerous corporate and ministry organizations and serves as the director of marketing for LifeSprings Resources in Franklin Springs , Georgia .

Leigh Nash / www.leighnash.com

Two years ago artist Leigh Nash's experienced a season of change. Sixpence None the Richer, the band she had been a member of for nearly half of her life, called it quits. Disoriented by this major change, Nash and her husband left their Nashville home of ten years and moved to Los Angeles . While in L.A., Nash penned a batch of songs that would eventually comprise her first solo record, “Blue on Blue”, a sweetly understated collection of musings on love and motherhood released in 2006 on One Son Records, Nash's own imprint label through Nettwerk Productions.

A few months after Sixpence None the Richer parted ways, Nash welcomed her son Henry into the world, along with a new sense of creative vitality. With Sixpence behind her and a two-year-old son along for the ride, Nash is prepped to return to music even though she never really left. Now perhaps a bit more career-conscious and business-weary, Nash reveals that tired edge without losing her dainty charm.

Todd Agnew / www.toddagnew.com

Todd Agnew's willingness to stand up and provide perspective and voice doesn't come from a place of anger or defiance, but rather from the experiences of a man continuing to wrestle with the very questions he poses. From his debut Ardent release “Grace Like Rain” to the sophomore explorations of “Reflection of Something” to the epic nature of last year's seasonal effort “Do You See What I See?” to the present-day realities of “Better Questions,” there is a deepening lyrical maturity displaying confidence while still maintaining power and edge.

Taylor Maxwell / www.taylormaxwell.com

Taylor Maxwell's music reveals his heart for the world; his voice welcomes audiences to join in the journey. With honest lyrics traveling smoothly through Taylor 's various musical styles, his songs guide audiences toward a greater understanding of what life is all about. After falling in love with music and truth in his youth, Taylor began singing in various places in Orlando , FL. Whether he was a soloist or the lead singer of a band, audiences felt his passion. Making his way to the finals in a radio station's contest, Taylor was invited to play three of his songs for Johnny Wright at Orlando 's House of Blues. Since then, Taylor Maxwell has performed concerts and led worship in conferences and church gatherings throughout the United States and in Canada , South Africa , and Panama . Now serving as worship leader for Youth With a Mission Orlando, Taylor Maxwell invites audiences to join him in his journey for sharing God's heart globally.

Chris Coppernoll / www.providencebook.com

Chris Coppernoll is the author of four books including “Soul2Soul”, “Secrets of a Faith Well Lived”, and “God's Calling.” His "Inspirations" column is published monthly in the mid Michigan newspaper, The Jackson Citizen Patriot , and his interviews with Christian artists air weekly on 650 radio outlets in thirty countries. He recently released his first novel “ Providence : Once Upon A Second Chance.”

Nate Huss / www.natehuss.com

Growing up in a most unconventional family, with brothers and sisters of every race and personality imaginable, Nate's parents taught by example the importance of standing together but thinking for your self. It was as a student at Northern Arizona University in 2004 that Nate began to develop his singer/songwriter chops, playing just about anywhere on and off campus that would have him—dorm lobbies, coffee shops, churches, student union. Nate's brother Dan encouraged him to put his money where his passion was and enter the American Christian Music Showcase competition near Los Angeles . He gathered up the courage and entered, but didn't place. Still, on the way out, one of the judges encouraged Nate to work on his music and enter the 2005 Gospel Music Association's Music in the Rockies vocal competition three months later. Nate took the advice and won first place. When the shock subsided, the reality set in. God had opened the door for Nate's “little hobby with a lot of passion” to become a full-on music career. Within a matter of months Nate was headed to Nashville , where he now resides, to get the ball rolling. Nate's debut album “Here With Me” hit stores in May 2007.

Jim Palmer / www.divinenobodies.com

Jim Palmer is the author of Divine Nobodies: Shedding Religion to Find God (and the unlikely people who help you). He is the founder of the Pilgrimage Project, an initiative encouraging the freedom to imagine, dialogue, live, and express new possibilities for being an authentic Christian. His background includes inner-city service and international human rights work. He has a M.Div. from Trinity Divinity School in Chicago . Through writing, blogging, speaking, conversation and friendship Jim offers a unique voice in dialogue about knowing God and spirituality.

Cheri Keaggy / www.cherikeaggy.com

Originally from Southern California , Cheri Keaggy began studying classical piano at age seven. After marrying her high school sweetheart, her home church offered her a job as a novice worship coordinator. There she found herself looking for songs that would best express the pastor's sermon. One week, when she couldn't find one to match a message on Psalm 91, her husband suggested she write something of her own. That afternoon “You, Oh Lord, Are My Refuge” was born. Eventually a recording of her very first songs made its way to Nashville . Six albums, nine number one songs, and a Dove Award later, Cheri Keaggy is recognized as a mainstay in the adult contemporary and inspirational genres, and songs like “There is Joy in the Lord” and “In Remembrance of Me” are sung in churches worldwide. Barring the recently released compilation, the “Very Best Of Cheri Keaggy”, it has been five years since her last studio album. Good things come to those who wait and Cheri's seventh offering, “Because He First Loved Us”, is something to savor.

Aaron and Amanda Crabb / www.aaronandamandacrabb.com

Little could the human eye see or mind comprehend exactly what God had in store with the joining of Aaron and Amanda Crabb. After nearly five years of marriage, and two children, the plan is beginning to come into fruition. Aaron and Amanda each offer unique gifts that compliment one another and lift up the name of Jesus. Recently the two have answered the call to launch an evangelistic ministry together. Although God has definitely begun to prepare pastors' hearts in both Aaron and Amanda, and they feel that is the direction in which God will eventually lead them, they are obediently answering the call of evangelism for this particular season in their lives and ministry. In addition to preaching, Aaron and Amanda will incorporate their musical abilities into their evangelistic ministries. In fact, they have co-written several songs, four of which are featured on the Crabb Family's farewell recording.

The Crabb Family / www.thecrabbfamily.com

From a church in rural Kentucky to an annual concert audience of 800,000, the Crabb Family has managed to break through musical genre barriers to reach people from all walks of life with the message of the gospel. From the beginning of their musical ministry nearly 10 years ago, they had no way of knowing just what was in store. In August 2006, the Crabb Family, Jason, Kelly, Adam, Aaron and Terah, decided to say farewell. The siblings felt it was time to move to a new season in their lives. Each member has plans to keep with tradition and will continue to pursue their separate ministries. Everyone is anticipating what God has in store for the family. Their last day as a group was August 1, 2007.

For more information about the individual ministries of the Crabb Family siblings, visit www.jasoncrabb.com , www.aaronandamandacrabb.com , www.themikeandkellybowlinggroup.com , and www.crabbrevival.net .

Kristi Cain

Kristi Cain is a speaker, writer, and mentor. Kristi has served as a youth director, Christian education professor, and campus pastor. Now as an editor and curriculum developer at LifeSprings Resources, she also assists with the production of the Faith Café television show seen on the i-Life network. Kristi loves speaking to college students and women challenging them to become more like Christ.

Mary-Ann Bowen

Mary-Ann Bowen is a sales and marketing professional, speaker, and mentor. Mary-Ann has served as an image consultant, sales director, and event planner. In addition to her role as vice president of marketing for Emmanuel College , she is the media makeup artist and special projects director for In Touch Ministries. Mary-Ann has a passion to inspire people through discovering their God breathed uniqueness, while challenging them to exceed mediocrity in life and work.

Scott Phillips / www.scott-phillips.com

Scott Phillips is a Nashville based independent artist originally from Northwestern Pennsylvania . He's been a full-time indie artist for over 5 years now and has released 4 full-length albums - most recently a project titled “Next Stop Willoughby.” He likes being on stage performing his music better than just about anything. He is a passionate supporter of child sponsorship through World Vision, a relief and development organization committed to eradicating poverty, hunger, AIDS, and child exploitation. In 2005, Scott received the World Vision “New Independent Artist of the Year” award for his work with his favorite organization, and currently sits among their top 5 artists raising support through sponsorship.

Scottie May / http://www.wheaton.edu/ce/faculty/may.html

Scottie May is Assistant Professor of Christians Formation and Ministry at Wheaton College . She is co-author of the book Children Matter: Celebrating Their Place in the Church, Family, and Community . She has three children and seven grandchildren, from whom she draws inspiration for much of her writing.

Bebo Norman / www.bebonorman.com

While studying Biology at a South Carolina college, Bebo Norman began playing music at Young Life camps in his spare time. After getting his degree he decided to take “one year off” before medical school to try his hand at music, but God clearly had other plans. His first CD, an independent release called “The Fabric of Verse”, sold nearly 50,000 copies. His first national release, “Ten Thousand Days”, debuted at #3 on the Internet Sales Chart ahead of Backstreet Boys and Sarah MacLachlan. In 2003 Bebo received 7 Dove Award nominations. In mid-2007, Bebo signed with BEC Recordings. His latest CD “Between the Dreaming and the Coming True” was released in October 2007.

Michelle McKinney Hammond / www.michellehammond.com

Author, speaker, singer, and television host – Michelle McKinney Hammond does it all. With her dynamic, girlfriend-in-your-living-room writing style, Michelle has released her own special art of conversation onto men and women across the world, with books on living life single, as a woman, in interpersonal relationships and in relationship with God. Michelle is a frequently requested speaker for churches, universities, women's groups, general audiences, and seminars for couples, and is known for blending a refreshing femininity with hard-hitting reality checks. She also frequently sings where she speaks, and believes in singing messages from the heart. She doesn't believe in singing just to sing; Michelle sings because she has something to say. Shying away from performing, Michelle uses song as a communication vehicle to connect to the heart of her audience. In addition, Michelle's ability to share her convictions and insights in a non-confrontational manner landed her a co-hosting job on the cable television women's talk show, Aspiring Women, appearing in more than 100 markets across the country.

Andrew Peterson / www.andrew-peterson.com

In the early-80s, Andrew Peterson was a little kid who loved adventure. When he wasn't staging make-believe wars with GI Joe and building forts in the backyard, he was getting lost inside Hardy Boys mysteries, Lewis's enchanted Narnia, and Tolkein's hobbit-lurking Shire. Throughout his adolescence in rural Florida , these stories sparked Peterson's imagination and soon he began conjuring his own fantastic tales, inventing far-away lands and unusual creatures to inhabit them. Twenty-five years later, Peterson's love of storytelling has remained a vital part of his life. He's either huddled down flipping pages for his young sons Aedan and Jesse and their little sister Skye, or he's out on the edge of a stage, spinning tales as one of today's most prolific songwriters. With his sixth album released in 2005, Peterson invites listeners on yet another journey to someplace unexpected, “The Far Country.”

Charlie Richards / www.lifeatthepond.com

Writer for and creator of The Pond, Charlie Richards has written everything from commercials to news to Adventures in Odyssey to prime time sitcoms. It's a resume only an oddball writer could have. And it all boils down to this - The Pond - the first creation of his own.

Nate Sallie / www.natesallie.com

Classically trained Nate Sallie grew up in Washington D.C., banging away on a Baldwin upright piano until his fingers hurt. This is when Nate realized how powerful a tool music was. This is what he wanted to be a part of and use for the right reason: to reach those within his reach. Over the years, he played his way in and out of bands, in and out of competitions, and in and out of record deals. It was definitely a learning process for Nate who says he realizes what it is all about now, and looking back, is glad he had the opportunity to grow both musically and, most importantly, spiritually. When you see Nate live, the first word that comes to mind is honesty. The second word that pops into your mind is passionate, and the third is “Unbelievable!” How can so much energy come from one person? As he talks about each song and tells stories about his journey, you wonder what makes him tick, where he comes from, and why he seems to get by without sweating the small stuff.

Ashley Cleveland / www.ashleycleveland.com

In a music scene overpopulated by breathy girls and melismatic vamps, Cleveland is that rare thing—a woman who sings like a woman. A woman with grit and passion. A woman who's not afraid to follow her longings into places both light and dark. Yes, she can roar and wail with maximum soul wattage (her voice inspires regular comparisons to locomotives and hurricanes). But she can also be soft, tender, sly, wistful, open-hearted, melancholy, wise, seductive, wry - all those facets that make a vocalist deep and compelling. And whether she's delivering a regretful ballad or a mighty rocker, she connects emotionally with a strength and clarity that would make Cingular jealous. It's that emotional connection - a combo of Ashley's natural wonder of a voice and fierce songwriting talent—that has been thrilling listeners since her debut in 1991. Blending rock, blues, gospel and folk with her distinct open-tuned guitar playing, she has forged an unmistakable sound that has won her two Grammy Awards, three Dove Awards, a place on countless year-end Top Ten lists and a legion of devoted fans.

Beyond her own career, Ashley is also one of Nashville's most in-demand session singers, having performed on over 300 albums, for artists including Emmylou Harris, John Hiatt, Jars Of Clay, Don Henley, Amy Grant, Faith Hill, Delbert McClinton, Etta James, Rodney Crowell, Pam Tillis, Patty Smith and Michael MacDonald. A spokesperson for SHARE (Songs of Hope And Recovery for Everyone), Ashley also regularly performs at national events focused on addiction recovery.