Each year at ARW, we invite gifted leaders to help bring the conference theme to life in creative and faithful ways. Working alongside the director and planning team, they shape our morning worship and keynote experiences with depth, imagination, and a spirit of holy curiosity.
This year, as we lean into Wild Hope, expect voices that inspire, worship that connects, and moments that help us see where hope is already breaking through.
This year, as we lean into Wild Hope, expect voices that inspire, worship that connects, and moments that help us see where hope is already breaking through.
2027 WORSHIP AND MUSIC LEADERSHIP
Rev. Gail Henderson-Belsito
Worship Leader We are thrilled to welcome Rev. Gail Henderson-Belsito as Worship Leader for the Arts, Recreation, and Worship Conference 2027!
A self-described “Free Range Pastor,” Gail brings a spirit of curiosity, creativity, and deep trust in the movement of the Holy Spirit. Having served as Associate Minister at Caldwell Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, she now shares her gifts in preaching, teaching, and leadership across the wider church, inviting communities into worship that is both grounded and expansive. A storyteller, dreamer, and holy space-maker, Gail has a way of helping people notice where hope is already breaking through. Her leadership invites us to lean into Wild Hope—the kind that grows in unexpected places, refuses to stay contained, and calls us to imagine something more. When Gail leads, expect to be drawn in, opened up, and gently surprised by grace. Come ready to worship deeply, listen closely, and discover hope in new and unexpected ways. We’re so glad she’s with us! |
Kim Mendoza
Music Leader If there’s a guitar nearby, Kim Mendoza will find it and before long, you’ll find yourself singing.
Kim brings a contagious energy to worship, the kind that gathers people in and makes room for every voice. She lives with her eyes and heart wide open, always paying attention to where the Holy Spirit is already moving. Whether she’s leading music, running toward something that excites her, or cheering others on in their gifts, Kim shows up with joy, authenticity, and a deep love for community. She is a graduate of Azusa Pacific University and Austin Seminary and currently serves as Associate Pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Flower Mound, Texas. At ARW, Kim’s leadership will invite us into Wild Hope through sound and song—where rhythms build, harmonies grow, and something unexpected begins to take shape. You may come in quietly, but don’t be surprised if you leave singing. |
2027 PLANNING TEAM
The Planning Team gives two years to imagining and creating the conference before you ever arrive. This year’s crew brings together longtime ARW folks and new voices, all ready to help you experience arts, recreation, and worship through the lens of Wild Hope.
Jay BanasiakRev. Jay Banasiak (he/him) is a woodworker, pastor, and musician who brings creativity and care into everyday ministry. Through Jay Ban Works and his role as a volunteer “Ministry Phone-a-Friend” at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, he connects with people in meaningful ways. He’s often outdoors, cooking over a fire, or enjoying a Cheerwine Zero.
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Jess FoyJess Foy serves as Program Coordinator for Faith Formation with Children, Youth, and Young Adults in The Presbyterian Church in Canada. She is passionate about equipping leaders and creating meaningful spaces for young people to grow in faith. Jess enjoys gardening, photography, crafting, reading, and time with her family.
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Sally Campbell-EvansRev. Sally Campbell-Evans has served in ministry for over 38 years, including work as a missionary, in disaster relief, and with the Young Adult Volunteer Program. She currently serves as Pastor for Congregational Care at Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa and finds deep joy in walking alongside others in faith.
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Kailey StephensRev. Kailey Stephens (she/her) is Associate Pastor for Family and Community Ministries at King’s Grant Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach. Since her first ARW, she’s been drawn back again and again by the creativity, connection, and shared life of the week. You’ll likely spot her with a Dr Pepper in hand, her six-year-old nearby, and her two dogs close behind.
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Tristan WallTristan Wall is Director of Youth Ministry at University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He is passionate about building relationships and creating meaningful experiences for young people. In his free time, he enjoys disc golf, reading, and music—especially jam bands.
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Byron WadeRev. Byron Wade, a longtime part of the ARW community, serves as General Presbyter of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina. He looks forward to a week of music, connection, and shared life together.
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Register Today!
Sign me up for 2027 Arts, Recreation, and Worship Conference!
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Montreat Conference Center is a pleasant, scenic, 20 minute drive east from Asheville, North Carolina. A national conference center serving the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), it offers guests a time-honored tradition of friendly, gracious hospitality in a warm and casual setting. Annually, approximately 50,000 people of all ages and from all walks of life come to Montreat for rest, renewal, and recreation.
Sponsored and planned by re:create and Montreat™ Conference Center. |
