Extravaganza Speakers & Presenters
There are six general sessions throughout the Extravaganza designed for you, those working with children, youth, and families in congregations across the country. Get ready for transformative worship, cutting-edge teaching from our carefully selected speakers, and make meaningful connections that will equip you with exactly what you need for ministry today. Leave inspired, challenged and renewed for your ministry ahead.
General Session Speakers & Musicians
More Information Coming Soon
 David Hawkins
General Session Emcee
Teacher. Storyteller. Educational leader. Adoptive dad. Those are just a few of the ways David would describe himself, though plenty of people might start with his colorful bandanas or his genuine delight in teaching campers how to use a broom for the very first time.
A lifelong ELCA Lutheran, David often says that youth ministry raised him as a leader. Through summer camps in Tennessee, California, and New Jersey, and leadership opportunities throughout the church, David discovered his gifts, found his voice, and grew into the person he was becoming. Those experiences continue to shape his belief that youth ministry changes lives—not just for young people, but for everyone who helps create communities where they belong.
David currently serves as Middle School Dean of Students at The Pingry School in New Jersey, where he continues helping people navigate change, discover belonging, and make meaning of the world around them. He is honored to serve as Extravaganza’s Emcee and believes the Holy Spirit is already at work in the stories we share, the songs we sing, and the people God gathers together.
 Jae Bates
General Session Speaker
Jae is a preacher & pastor by training, storyteller by nature, and a scholar by necessity. Prior to his scholarly endeavors, Jae directed children, youth and family ministry for congregations and non-profit ministries for 7.5 years. He continues to be about practical theology, how does this all apply to real people in their real lives. His work is rooted in the liberating work of Jesus Christ & a vision of flourishing life for all. He considers himself an always-reforming, post-denominational, free-range, evangelical pastor (little e!) who has been deeply formed by the Jewish community that helped raise him & the Buddhist culture from which he was born. Jae has been invited to partner with people from all over the Christian spectrum. He’s worked with everyone from Cru at UT Austin to Catholics out of New England.
Jae currently serves as the Director for the ELCA’s Leadership Network (aka “LeadNet”).
He’s based out of the Twin Cities & lives with his partner and 2 dogs. In his free time, he loves to rock climb.
Follow Jae’s work on Instagram @pastorinterrupted
 Rev. Emmy Kegler
General Session Speaker
Emmy Kegler (they/she) is a queer Christian, mama, wife, author, pastor, and speaker called to ministry at the margins of the church. They believe intentional and accessible Scripture fluency is essential for the church, particularly in the face of escalating isolation and polarization. They currently serve as the blog editor for Church Anew. Mostly, Emmy spends time with their wife and three kids, adventuring through Minneapolis' playgrounds and parks.
Follow Emmy’s work on Facebook and Instagram @emmykegler
 Spencer LaJoye
Featured Artist/Musician
Spencer LaJoye makes queer indie folk music for everyone. With a crystalline voice, a multi-instrumentalist’s harmonic command, and virtuosic mastery of the loop pedal, LaJoye is a one-human tour-de-force, winning ears and hearts everywhere they go.
Follow Spencer LaJoye's work on Instagram
 Rev. Lucille "CeCee" Mills, Secretary of the ELCA
Preacher
The Rev. Lucille “CeCee” Mills serves as secretary of the ELCA.
Prior to her election, Secretary Mills had served as an assistant to the bishop for the call process and as interim director for evangelical mission in the ELCA North Carolina Synod since 2019.
She is a certified coach, a Ventures Stewardship facilitator, a Healthy Congregations facilitator and a Bowens family systems theory enthusiast. She also participates as a facilitator and activist in social and racial justice efforts.
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