Extravaganza Speakers & Presenters
There are six general sessions throughout the Extravaganza designed for you, those working with children, youth, and families in congregations across the country. Get ready for transformative worship, cutting-edge teaching from our carefully selected speakers, and make meaningful connections that will equip you with exactly what you need for ministry today. Leave inspired, challenged and renewed for your ministry ahead.
More speakers and presenters will be announced soon, check back for updates.
Event Theologian
 Rev. Joseph Yoo
Episcopal Priest
Joseph Yoo is an Episcopal priest and reluctant adult. He serves as the vicar of Mosaic Episcopal Church in a suburb of Houston, TX, where he’s trying to help build a community of authentic faith, humble questions, and good neighbors. He blogs at josephyoo.com, and is the author of When the Saints Go Flying In.
Joseph believes people come before institutions and that grace trumps theology—every time. He’s passionate about creating space for those who’ve felt on the outside of faith, especially those hurt or burned out by the church. His approach to ministry leans on vulnerability, humor, and not pretending to have it all figured out.
He lives with his wife Rahel, their son Nathanael, and a sense of disbelief that anyone trusts him with a microphone. He tries to stay out of trouble, but trouble keeps finding him—usually right after he’s said something into that microphone.You can follow his work at JosephYoo.com or at @JOSEPH.YOO.
Event Emcee
 Anna Skates
Advocate
Anna Skates is a children and family advocate working to help the world see children as full people. A former children’s librarian, children's pastor, and entrepreneur, Anna blends heartfelt advocacy with playful creativity—whether she’s leading kid book clubs, hosting events and workshops, or filming content that helps kids feel seen, heard, and valued.
Her mission in life is to shift the social narrative, encouraging adults to listen more deeply, see more clearly, and reimagine what it means to care for children well. Her work champions storytelling, emotional growth, and creating spaces where kids can truly be themselves.
She currently lives in Franklin, TN with her husband, two stepkids, and cat, Pixel. You can follow her work on Instagram @anna_skates or at annaskates.co.
General Session Speakers & Musicians
Dr. Andy Root
Author and Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary
Andrew Root, PhD is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary. He is most recently the author of Evangelism in an Age of Despair and the six volume Ministry in a Secular Age series (including Churches and the Crisis of Decline, The Congregation in a Secular Age, The Pastor in a Secular Age, The Church After Innovation, The Church in a Age of Secular Mysticism and Faith Formation in a Secular Age). He is also the author of The End of Youth Ministry? and many more.
Andy also serves as theologian in residence at Youthfront. He has worked in congregations, parachurch ministries, and social service programs. He lives in St. Paul with his wife Kara, two children, Owen and Maisy, and their dog. When not reading, writing, or teaching, Andy spends far too much time watching TV and movies. You can follow his work at .
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