The Elijah Conference exists to help young musicians become servants of the church in areas of worship leading, music delivery, business management and scheduling. The primary goal is to teach gifted young ministers to carry on a responsible, accountable ministry with the principles of holiness, musical excellence, and a spirit of servant hood.

At the end of the course, attendees should be able to properly plan and execute musical packages of varying lengths to present the gospel in song in the most professional and spirit-filled manner possible. Our goal is not to force specific methods on attendees but to give them the tools to create their own identity and personality in their performances.

Les Butler

Les Butler is the Director of Business Operations at the Singing News Magazine. Based in Nashville, Les is also an accomplished producer and musician. This year he celebrates 30 years in southern gospel radio and is a featured on-air personality for Solid Gospel Radio, syndicated across the U.S. and Canada.

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Johnny Minick

The senior pastor of River of Life Church in Smyrna, TN, Johnny is also a renowned singer, producer, songwriter and accomplished musician. He traveled and sang with his wife Sherry and son Aaron as a family group, and more recently with the Happy Goodman Family. Johnny serves on the board of directors Allison Durham Speer Ministries.

Rebecca Irwin

Rebecca and her husband Ed have served the church as pastors and are now on staff at River of Life Church in Smyrna, TN. Rebecca is a consultant to ministries wanting to obtain 501(c)(3) non-profit status with the IRS. She serves on the board of many ministries and is the secretary on the board of Allison Durham Speer Ministries.

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Mike Allen

Mike can be seen and heard on over 100 Gaither Homecoming Videos. Accomplished bass singer, Mike has sung with the Weatherfords, Poet Voices, The Blackwood Quartet, Monument Quartet, and the Prophets. With a full solo ministry, Mike has gained a great deal of performance experience. His 12 years touring with the Gaither Homecoming tour has made him a favorite with gospel music lovers worldwide.

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Kathi Mathis

Kathi has served Allison Durham Speer Ministries for nine years as Allison’s scheduling coordinator. She is responsible for Allison’s touring schedule and for keeping her and Brian on the road. Residing in Chapel Hill, she and her husband John have three kids who Kathi has home schooled since 1992.  Her experience with booking and management of a musical artist is extensive and she brings a great deal of advice in this critical area of music ministry.

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Steven Allen

Born in the small town of Worthington, WV, Steve is a recording engineer and producer who has worked with such artists as Legacy Five, Allison Durham Speer, Dottie Rambo, Vestal Goodman, The Gaither Vocal Band, the Crabb Family, and many more.  A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, He owns Square One Studios in Franklin, TN.

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Jack Clark

Jack is a pianist, orchestra director, well-published gospel songwriter, author, studio musician, producer, teacher, and veteran southern gospel pianist and arranger.  He was inducted into the Southern Gospel Piano Roll of Honor, having played in the 50’s and 60’s for the Homeland Harmony Quartet, the Harvesters Quartet and the Landmark Quartet.  Residing in Cleveland, TN, he teaches music theory, class singing, and private piano at Ben Speer’s Stamps-Baxter School of Music.

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Brian Speer

The youngest child of Faye and the late Brock Speer of the Speer Family, Brian is also Allison’s husband of 18 years.  He manages Allison Durham Speer Ministries and travels with her as her soundman, roadie, driver, valet, merchandise person, and biggest supporter.  He graduated in 1986 with a double-major in accounting and business administration from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN, and has worked in accounting and copyright positions for the Benson Company, Riversong Records, Homeland Entertainment, and Integrated Copyright Group.

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