Keynote Speakers

Dr. Doug Finkbeiner

Professor of the New Testament at Lancaster Bible College

Dr. Doug Finkbeiner and his wife Sheri have been married for 32 years and have 6 children between the ages of 20 and 29. Doug has 13 years of pastoral experience and speaks extensively at churches and conferences. In 1997 Doug became a full-time professor at Calvary Baptist Seminary and began teaching in the area of New Testament and Practical Theology. In 2014 Doug became a full-time professor at Lancaster Bible College, where he teaches primarily in the area of the New Testament at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level. He especially enjoys teaching undergraduate and graduate students how to interpret and communicate the Bible. He has completed four graduate degrees– a Master of Divinity from Calvary Baptist Seminary (1985), a Master of Theology from Calvary Baptist Seminary (1989), a Doctor of Ministry from Denver Seminary (1995), and a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania (2010). While his doctoral degree at Denver Seminary focused on preaching, his doctoral degree at the University of Pennsylvania focused on Early Judaism and Early Christianity.

Alan Rathbun

Director of Development at The Alliance Eastern District of PA

Alan Rathbun enjoys asking thoughtful questions and the opportunity he has to encourage and equip pastors to help them be faithful and fruitful with Jesus.  He’s surprised as anyone to have spent his whole ministry career so far in Harrisburg, PA. He first served as a youth pastor, then as a church planter, and now serves in his current role with the district. He’s married to Sandra, his college sweetheart from Lancaster Bible College, and they have 2 sons, 1 daughter, 1 daughter-in-love, and 1 son-in-love.  He is always up for a road trip, especially if it includes exploring God’s beautiful creation, watching some baseball, or eating good ice cream.

Breakout Speakers 

Dr. Matt Lee

Director of Master of Divinity at Lancaster Bible College | Captial Seminary  

Dr. Matt Lee is the director of the MDiv Global Program and an assistant professor at LBC | Capital. He obtained his MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary, his MA in Christian Apologetics from Biola University, then his PhD in Christian Apologetics from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to LBC | Capital, he served in various pastoral roles from 2001–2022, notably at SaRang Church in Seoul, Korea, as the lead pastor for the young adult singles ministry. Dr. Lee has released multiple worship music recordings in addition to publishing a number of writings which includes his book, Cultural Contextualization of Apologetics. Dr. Lee is a pastor-teacher, a passionate disciple-maker, and a fervent minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He believes in the power of the Gospel to change everything and seeks to carry out such Gospel-driven ministry through teaching, preaching, and disciple-making. He is married to Lindsey, and they have two children, Olivia and Matthew Jr.

Drew holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Bible from Philadelphia College of Bible, and a Master’s of Science Degree in Bible from Philadelphia Biblical University. As an ordained minister (times two!), Drew understands first-hand the great joys and heartaches that pastors experience as they minister in the local church. His heart for teaching and preaching God’s Word brings a pastoral, yet personal touch to Life Institute’s seminars. As the Ministry Director, Drew enjoys the opportunities to shepherd, encourage and counsel pastors all across the country.

Elyse M. Kauffman, M.B.A 

Everence Financial 

Elyse M. Kauffman, MBA, is the Charitable Consultant for Everence in Central Pennsylvania. Prior to Elyse joining Everence in 2020, Elyse was a professional fundraiser for more than 15 years. Having worked in a variety of different organizations, both large and small, she has a diverse background in understanding the needs of donors and of charitable organizations, and serves individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and churches in Central Pennsylvania in charitable planned giving. Elyse earned her bachelor’s degree from York College of Pennsylvania in public relations and speech communications and an MBA from the same institution. Elyse regularly shares with individuals regarding charitable giving tools and smarter ways to give appreciated assets. She is frequently asked to present on communication and marketing resources for nonprofit organizations to further their missions.

Adam Fox

Program Director at Woodcrest Retreat 

I started working at Woodcrest in the summer of 2014 and moved into the full-time position of Summer Camp Director in 2017. In the summer you will find me in colorful bandannas and silly socks. I’m Lancaster county born and raised. I love the ministry at Woodcrest and I’m inspired by the community that exists to support what we do here. My passion is to disciple summer staff as they develop deep faith that results in unconditional love for the campers we serve. I attend Hinkletown Mennonite Church in Ephrata. My favorite verse is John 10:10(b) “But I have come to give life, and life to the full.” I am married to my amazing wife Tasha, who is also no stranger to camp life, previously serving on summer staff for 5 years.

Rev. Bill Klees

Executive Director at Woodcrest Retreat 

I am thankful for the privilege of serving at Woodcrest. I joined the team as Executive Director in the fall of 2019. My passion is camp ministry. I have been active in serving at various camps since high school when I surrendered my life to Jesus at a Christian camp. I spent many summers at Camp Susque in Trout Run, PA. For eight years I was the full-time program director at Susque where God honed my creative talents. Even while spending 12 years pastoring a church in Towanda, PA, I continued my passion for camp. I started a teen camp at the church and spoke at numerous camps and conference centers during the summer. I am excited to return to camp ministry full-time and to use both my camp skills and pastoring skills to further the mission of Woodcrest.I received my Master of Divinity degree at Evangelical Theological Seminary in Myerstown, PA. I’m an avid reader and a random trivia buff (although some would say nerd). My life verse is Romans 12:1-2 which motivates me to help others to think biblically and to live radically for Christ. My personal mission statement is to inspire others to do their creative best for God’s glory. Joining me in this journey is my wife, Heather, and our four children. We spend lots of time in the outdoors together exploring God’s creation. We also enjoy board games with family and friends.

Overnight Accommodations Available

Woodcrest is pleased to offer overnight accommodations to leaders who wish to take a personal retreat during the Conference. Private or shared retreats in our comfortable cabins are available upon request.  Private meeting rooms are available for you to meet with your ministry staff. The conference is a great space for your to connect as a staff. Meeting rooms may be reserved during the conference free time or the week of the conference. Please contact matthew@woodcrestretreat.org to reserve.  To view our meeting rooms please see our Meeting Room Page. To view our cabins please see our cabin page Up to two nights free for cabin reservations.

Thank you to our Ministry Conference Sponsors