Dr. Michelle Anthony is the Director of The Initiative for Faith and Family and Sr. Executive Pastor for Family Ministries at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, CO. Michelle has graduate degrees in Christian education, theology, and leadership, and has more than 30 years of ministry experience in the local church and higher education. She is the author of Spiritual Parenting, The Big God Story, 7 Family Ministry Essentials, and Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family and the architect of the Tru Curriculum by David C Cook Publishing. Michelle loves being with her family, the beach, and a good cup of coffee.
Tim Shepard has a passion to follow Jesus, preach the gospel, and invite others to do the same. He served as a Childrens and Student Pastor for eight years in the local church and currently serves as the Program Director for The Initiative for Faith and Family. Tim and his wife, Mariah, have two beautiful children and volunteer weekly in Family Ministries at New Life Church in Colorado Springs. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, exercising, and playing/coaching competitive Pickleball
Rev. Kristen Lambert Sanders is an ordained preacher, volunteer pastor, entrepreneur, and educator. She holds a Master of Divinity degree in Church and Ministry from Regent University, Master of Ministry degree in Church Leadership from Southwestern Christian University Graduate School, and Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Emmanuel University. Kristen currently serves on staff at Living Hope Church (Lenoir, NC) as a volunteer Pastor of Small Groups, on the IPHC Discipleship Ministries Council, The-IFF (Initiative for Faith and Family) Dream Team, and the Cornerstone Conference Strategic Advisory Council. With a heart for women ministers, she inspires God’s sons and daughters to co-labor in the Body of Christ, rediscover the ways of God, and accomplish the mandate to make disciples of all nations beginning with the home. Kristen lives in North Carolina with her husband, Jeremy, and their four children.
Rev. Keith Gilliam was born and raised in Marion, North Carolina. He received the Lord as his Savior at age 8 and answered the call to become a minister in his late teens.
After graduating high school, he attended Emmanuel University. Upon graduation in 1985 he accepted the pastorate of the Living Hope Church in Lenoir, North Carolina where he continues to serve. During this time the church has experienced significant growth. In 1998 the church relocated to the current campus.
In addition, Keith currently serves as the World Missions Director for the Cornerstone Conference and also serves on the World Missions Council. He is currently the pastoral representative for the Council of Bishops Executive Committee and the Council of Bishops. He has served on various boards and committees in the Western North Carolina region. In 1985 Keith married Lana Holloway and they have two children Jennifer (Bradley) Decker and John (Sidney) Gilliam. They are the proud grandparents of one grandchild, Briggs Decker.
Rev. Jason Cook is the Lead Pastor of the Refuge Conway Campus and is the overseer of the Refuge, INC. Pastor Jason has served the Conway, SC community for over 14 years. The Refuge has now grown into 5 locations, and over 400 members. Pastor Jason and his wife Chloe, have been married for 18 years and have one beautiful miracle daughter, Alice. Pastor Jason has a Masters Degree in Theology from Liberty University and is a Doctoral Candidate at Liberty University with an estimated graduation date of April, 2025.
I was raised in a small town in North Carolina, and I love small-town life! I met my wife, Alexa, in Honduras, where I served as a missionary teacher for a couple of years. We have two children and our first grandchild on the way. We began here at Upward in 1997 and have loved the path forward. I love to read, play the piano, and exercise. Serving Jesus in this community is my passion.