Brother Lawrence (c. 1614 - 12 February 1691) was a lay brother in a Carmelite monastery, who is today most commonly remembered for the closeness of his relationship to God as recorded in the classic Christian text, The Practice of the Presence of God. Brother Lawrence was born Nicholas Herman in Hériménil, near Lunéville in the region of Lorraine, located in modern day eastern France. He received a revelation of the providence and power of God at the age of 18, but it would be another six years before he joined the Discalced Carmelite Priory in Paris. In this intervening period he fought in the Thirty Years' War and later served as a valet. Nicholas entered the priory in Paris as a lay brother, not having the education necessary to become a cleric, and took the religious name, "Lawrence of the Resurrection". He spent almost all of the rest of his life within the walls of the priory, working in the kitchen for most of his life and as a repairer of sandals in his later years.

Bounds was born in Shelby County, rural Missouri to Thomas J. and Hatty Bounds. His father, Thomas J. Bounds, was instrumental in organizing Shelby County, Missouri, he was an original landholder in the county seat, Shelbyville, and he was a driving force in the building of the First Methodist Church in 1840. Because his father served as county clerk, the Bounds' home was used for court sessions. When Edward was fourteen years old, his father contracted tuberculosis and died.

Frank Viola is a Christian author and speaker. His public speaking covers a wide range of topics including the all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ, the deepening of the spiritual life, Christian community, church planting, God's eternal purpose, mission, and church restoration. He has written numerous books on the deeper Christian life and radical church reform, including the bestsellers From Eternity to Here, Jesus Manifesto (coauthored with Leonard Sweet), and Pagan Christianity (co-authored with George Barna) as well as Finding Organic Church, Reimagining Church, Bethany, and The Untold Story of the New Testament Church. His books and articles have been translated into Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Dutch, German, French, Swedish, Portuguese, Afrikaans, and Russian. He has traveled extensively in Europe, South America, and the continental United States.

John spent a decade in college and graduate school studying two fields--theology and technology. He has worked as a technology consultant for 30 years for major technology and internet companies throughout Silicon Valley. He has also consulted for many of the largest ministries in the world regarding technology and communication. His passion is to experience deep measures of life and freedom as well as to help others do the same. He began using the Internet for evangelism and discipleship in 1994 and founded ocean.org in 1995 to explore new strategies and technologies to advance this mission. John is a seeker, writer and passionate follower of Jesus Christ.  John resides in the Houston area with his wife Anita (a singer, songwriter and worship leader). They are also involved in international mission work, particularly in the Baltic region (helping bring hope as well as spiritual and emotional healing to war-torn regions).

Watchman Nee (1903–1972) was a Chinese Christian author and church leader during the early 20th Century. He spent the last 20 years of his life in prison and was severely persecuted by the Communists in China. Together with Wangzai, Zhou-An Lee, Shang-Jie Song, and others, Nee founded the The Church Assembly Hall, later which would be also known as the "Local churches". Watchman Nee became a Christian in 1920 at age 17 and began writing in the same year. In 1921, he met the British missionary M. E. Barber, who was a great influence on him. Through Miss Barber, Nee was introduced to many of the Christian writings which were to have a profound influence on him and his teachings. Nee attended no theological schools or Bible institutes. His knowledge was acquired through studying the Bible and reading various Christian spiritual books. During his 30 years of ministry, beginning in 1922, Nee traveled throughout China planting churches among the rural communities and holding Christian conferences and trainings in Shanghai. In 1952 he was imprisoned for his faith; he remained in prison until his death in 1972.

Andrew and Emily McCoy are worshippers and students of the Word. Consider that before composing their debut of their instrumental worship CD, they spent time studying the Song of Solomon. Their desire was to depict the journey of the Shulamite and her beloved through melodies and harmonic motion, that each song would paint a musical landscape for the selected portion of Scripture. Listen to the beautiful strings in "Song 3," also called "The Bride's Troubled Dream," which depicts the difficult encounter the Shulamite faces when she cannot find the one she loves. On "Song 5," enter into the rest of knowing the Lord's thoughts towards you as the piano melody creates an atmosphere of tranquility and stillness. And let the Lord quiet your spirit as the guitar flows from Andrew and melodic vocals pour out of Emily.

Audra Lynn Hartke has been singing on stage in churches since the age of five. She began to take an interest in several instruments when she was seven, including drums and other kinds of percussion. Her mother was a worship leader at their home church in Seattle, Washington, so Audra was able to gain much experience in being part of a worship team. When she turned fifteen, Audra became aware of the lack of spiritual conviction and Holy Spirit activity in her life. She began seeking a more personal relationship with the Man Christ Jesus. Out of that deepened relationship, she began to write music and learned how to play guitar.

David Ruis has been trend-setting worship leader for well over a decade. His blend of electronica and world music form a unique and easily recognizable style all his own. His passionate translates into some of the most poignant and powerful lyrics in Christian music. Many of his lyrics and songs have become standard offerings among contemporary churches today. This includes such songs as “You’re Worthy of My Praise” and “Every Move I Make.” David is also known for his spontaneous renditions of his music. He has worked collaboratively with many other Christian artists and friends.

Julie Meyer is a longtime worship leader, songwriter at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, and has been leading since before IHOP's start in 1999. She is a prophetic singer who has a heart to carry the glory and presence of God as an abandoned worshipper. Through worship songs and spontaneous choruses her music has inspired many to lean into their Beloved. Julie has recorded several albums and recently authored the book Invitation to Encounter. In her traveling ministry at conferences and churches, Julie teaches about the kindness of Jesus from the Song of Songs and the wealth of going deep in God.

Luke Wood grew up in Harrisonville, Missouri, a small town 20 miles south of Kansas City. His childhood was rich with spiritual memories, "I remember attending church as a young boy with my parents and genuinely loving the Lord, in between fights and arguing with my brothers. I especially remember from time to time this fluttering feeling and this emotional explosion that would happen in my heart when the Holy Spirit would breathe upon the worship on those Sunday mornings." Luke's high school years were a bit more emotional and challenging, and he eventually found himself not wanting anything to do with God. After six years of resisting the Lord's call on his life, God broke in, "The Lord set a Divine ambush on me and I couldn't do anything but begin to look with new eyes of faith at the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me."

Merchant Band was formed from a worship team at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City (IHOP-KC) when Marcus Meier, Tim Reimherr, and a few friends began playing some of the two-hour slots in the 24/7 worship schedule. Over the years that worship team has seen a lot of change and growth, recently leading six two-hour sessions a week at IHOP-KC, as well as leading worship at IHOP conferences. The band, more affectionately known as “Marcus and Tim’s worship team”, frequently travels with IHOP’s onething™ young adult ministry, playing at conferences and events internationally.

Brian and Ramey Whalen's worship leading style is a breath of fresh air that follows after the movements of the Holy Spirit. Though it is not always a typical worship experience, it is easy to engage and it feels safe to lose yourself in the flow of the Spirit as they lead. Their songs release a spirit of revelation and a boldness to be free in worship. Their apparent joy and passion is infectious. The Whalens are madly in love with Jesus and are ever pursuing a deeper relationship with their Savior. It is out of this relationship that they worship Him, following His Holy Spirit and allowing the Lord to inhabit their praise. Brian and Ramey believe that every creative expression is a manifestation of a characteristic of God, the Creator. Brian and Ramey travel full time, teaching and leading worship while encouraging and releasing others to engage uninhibited in new expressions of biblical praise!

Third Day is a Contemporary Christian Music and Christian rock band formed in Marietta, Georgia during the 1990s. The band was founded by lead singer Mac Powell, guitarist Mark Lee and former member Billy Wilkins. The other band members are bassist Tai Anderson and drummer David Carr. The band's name is a reference to the biblical account of Jesus rising from the dead on the third day following his Crucifixion. The band was inducted in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame on September 19, 2009.