Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Hope of the Gospel Evangelism Virtual Summit
Empowered to Share: Spreading Hope Through the Gospel
Come expectant—God is still opening doors for the gospel.
This isn’t just another online event where you sit back and watch. In this interactive webinar, you’ll learn and practice how to share hope in everyday moments—with family, coworkers, neighbors, and even strangers God places in your path. Together, we’ll walk through real-life scenarios, pray, and explore simple, Spirit-led tools you can start using right away.
Be equipped. Be bold. Be a witness right where you are. Whether you’re brand-new to evangelism or ready for a fresh spark, you’ll leave with a clear next step, language that feels natural, and confidence that the Holy Spirit goes before you.
Come ready to receive, ready to grow, and ready to go—because the gospel is too good to keep to ourselves, and now is the time to share it. Register today and prepare your heart for what God will do in and through you—right from your own home.
Summit Schedule
Morning Sessions
9:00 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks
President Tammy Swanson-Draheim
9:05–10:00 AM | Opening Session
Unleashing Your Inner Evangelist
Ieisha Hawley & Andrew Morrell
10:15–11:15 AM | Leadership Session
Equipping Your Church: Building a Culture of Evangelism
Michelle Dodson
11:15 AM–12:15 PM | Breakout Sessions
Afternoon Sessions
12:15–1:00 PM | Lunch & Networking
1:00–2:00 PM | Breakout Sessions
2:15–3:15 PM | Leadership Closing Session
A Call to Action: Taking the Gospel Beyond the Summit
Pastor David Swanson
Bonus Panel Discussion
3:15–4:15 PM | Bridging Borders: Faith, Diversity, and Social Justice in Evangelism
Panelists: Dominique Gilliard, Fabio and Johnna Muiz, Trinity Opp
Host: Christa Armstead
Summit Speakers
Ieisha Hawley
Director of Evangelism - The Evangelical Covenant Church
David Swanson
Senior Pastor - New Community Covenant Church/Bronzeville
Andrew Morrell
Senior Pastor - REAL Community Covenant Church
Michelle Dodson
Associate Pastor - New Community Covenant Church/Bronzeville
Trinity Opp
Senior Pastor - Alexandria Covenant Church
Jerome Cook
Senior Pastor - New Life Alive Church
Hope of the Gospel Podcast
The gospel changes everything—and we’re here to explore how.
Hope of the Gospel is brought to you by the Evangelical Covenant Church’s Make and Deepen Disciples initiative. Every episode is a conversation about growing in Jesus, living with purpose, and sharing hope with the people around you. Pull up a chair. There’s room for you here.
Dr. Efrem Smith and First Lady Donecia Smith
Join Ieisha Hawley for a powerful conversation with Rev. Dr. Efrem Smith and First Lady Donecia Smith of Midtown Church, Sacramento. Discover how faith, justice, and love intersect in ministry, marriage, and community transformation. This episode will uplift and challenge you to live the Gospel boldly.
Dave Sims
Ieisha Hawley welcomes Pastor Dave Sims from Renew Covenant Church in Lynnwood, Washington. Together, they explore themes of spiritual renewal, community impact, and Gospel-centered living. Be inspired by this rich conversation rooted in faith, authenticity, and the power of God to transform lives.
Paul Robinson & Justin Tarsiuk
Discover how digital innovation meets spiritual transformation on Hope of the Gospel. Ieisha Hawley hosts Executive Minister of Serve Locally, Paul Robinson, and You Version’s Justin Tarsiuk for a dynamic conversation on global ministry, technology, and the enduring power of the Gospel to reach hearts across cultures and generations.
Glenn Peterson
Join host Ieisha Hawley and guest Glenn Peterson as they explore church planting and spreading Jesus’ love everywhere. Dive into inspiring stories, practical insights, and encouragement to fulfill Matthew 28:19-20. Tune in and ignite your mission today!
Angela Yee
In this episode of Hope of the Gospel, host Ieisha Hawley sits down with Rev. Angela Yee, former Chief Ministry Officer of the Evangelical Covenant Church and now a consultant helping leaders and organizations thrive. Angela shares her journey of faith and leadership, and how the hope of the Gospel continues to shape her work and life.
Dominique Gilliard
In this episode, Ieisha Hawley and Dominique Gilliard share how Justice Journey for Kids is helping the next generation live out God’s call to love our neighbors—and how you can join that vision through the Covenant-wide reading of Welcoming the Stranger.
Christina Burrows
In Episode 5 of Hope of the Gospel, host Ieisha Hawley welcomes Pastor Christina Burrows, ordained minister, spiritual director, and leadership coach in the Evangelical Covenant Church. With honesty and grace, she shares her journey, the sacred work of spiritual direction, and how she helps leaders lead with purpose and authenticity.
Dani Kilgore
Dani Kilgore, lead pastor of Church Without Walls Berkeley, shares how Christ’s hope sustained her through grief, maternal loss, and justice advocacy—inviting leaders, parents, and dreamers to trust God’s presence in hard places.
Kim Wright
Join us for an inspiring episode with Pastor Kim Wright from the Church of the Resurrection in Harlem, NY. Pastor Wright shares her faith journey and the innovative ways her church impacts the community. Discover how hope thrives in challenging times through personal stories that connect spirituality and social justice.
Mary Hendrickson
Join Pastor Ieisha Hawley and special guest Pastor Mary Hendrickson for a conversation about PhCheck and resources for missional vitality. Discover practical insights to revitalize your church’s mission and outreach, helping your congregation thrive.
Trinity Opp
In this premiere, Pastor Ieisha Hawley, Director of Evangelism for the Evangelical Covenant Church, interviews Pastor Trinity Opp from Alexandria Covenant Church about the upcoming Rural Impact ’25—a one-day leadership training event for rural and small-town ministry leaders.
