Snapshots of Innovation with Tommy “Urban D” Kyllonen and Troy and Mark Evans

Jon Wiest (“West”) is the Co-Founder of Mobilize the Church, a global ministry mobilizing a growing wave of disciple makers, pioneer leaders, and church planters. He previously planted churches in Dallas, TX and Des Moines, IA and is the author of Banding Together and Pioneers. Jon has degrees from Wheaton College, Wesley Seminary, and a D.Min. in Church Planting from Asbury Theological Seminary. He is a rabid San Francisco 49ers fan, loves traveling, sports, and history, and currently lives in the Indianapolis, IN area with his wife and four daughters.

Tommy “Urban D.” Kyllonen has been in ministry for over 20 years at Crossover Church in Tampa, Florida. He has been the lead pastor for over 15 years. Under his leadership the church has seen incredible growth. This multi-ethnic, multi-generational, multi-class church has become a model. Outreach Magazine recognized Crossover as one of America's Most Innovative Churches. Urban D. is an internationally known hip-hop artist who has released nine full-length albums and several remix projects (www.urband.org). Tommy has authored five books. His most acclaimed book Love Our City is a 30-day devotional format for churches and small groups to go through together. It also includes a community service project aspect. He founded the Flavor Fest Urban Leadership Conference, which has trained over 5,000 leaders. His coaching network has trained over 100 urban pastors and church planters. He lives in Tampa, Florida, with his wife Lucy and his two daughters Deyana and Sophia.

Troy Evans started his professional career as an IT Engineer working for GM, Red Cross & The Bing Group. He later launched an IT staffing company in the metro Detroit area. After moving to Grand Rapids to plant his second church, he started a marketing company, providing services for churches, international recording artists, and other organizations. In the past 27 years, Troy has planted and served as pastor of four urban churches. He has been featured on 700 Club, TEDx, Focus On the Family, Failure Lab, NPR and Exponential. Troy served as the Urban Church Planting Catalyst for the Wesleyan Church in the US. Then established an urban church planting network in the UK. Troy currently serves as President of Nitrogen Urban Network where they are committed to equipping pastors, leaders and churches to do the work of urban ministry for the purpose of multiplying disciple-making churches.