Summit Worship & Guest Speakers

Some of the most uplifting moments at Summit are those that we, as a Summit community, are able to spend in worship and praise with each other glorifying God. See also: Summit Schedule.
Worship | Keynote Speakers | Devotional Speakers | Anchor Point Dinner

WORSHIP

NIC DUNBAR

Nicolas “Nic” Dunbar is a worship pastor, vocalist, songwriter, and producer whose work lives at the intersection of pastoral ministry and thoughtful songcraft. With a foundation in classical and operatic training, he brings a powerful, refined tenor and deep musical discipline to both the local church and broader creative spaces. Nic has toured nationally in vocal ensembles and worship collectives, shaping a musical voice influenced by a cappella precision, gospel harmony, and contemporary expression. Whether leading a congregation or performing in concert settings, he approaches music as formative work—believing that what the church sings shapes what the church becomes. As a songwriter, he crafts theologically grounded songs that are accessible, durable, and singable. His work explores themes of surrender, hope, and trust, holding together artistic excellence and spiritual formation. Alongside ministry leadership, Nic serves as a creative director and producer, guiding artists and teams toward faithful, intentional expression. He’s been married to Bathsheba for 21 years, and they have four children. Nic currently serves at The Hills Church in North Richland Hills, seeking to honor the Giver in all he creates.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

JOSH GRAVES

Wednesday, Oct. 7 / 7:00-8:30 p.m. / Chapel on the Hill

Dr. Josh Graves serves as the senior minister for the Otter Creek Church. He loves telling Jesus stories to anyone who will listen. Josh holds a D.Min. from Columbia Seminary where he studied the relationship of postmodernism and Christianity. He has written four books: The Feast: How to Serve Jesus in a Famished World, Heaven on Earth (with C. Seidman), and How Not to Kill a Muslim: A Manifesto of Hope for Christianity and Islam in North America. Recently, Josh released The Simple Secret: Choosing Love in a Culture of Hostility with Cascade Publishers. Josh is currently helping to lead Pepperdine University's Compelling Preaching Initiative as well as The Gathering for Telemachus Mentoring held each year in Boca Grande, Florida. Josh is married to Kara—the real theologian in the family. Josh and Kara have three life-giving sons: Lucas, Finn, and Oliver. 

 

SARA BARTON

Thursday, Oct. 8 / 1:30-2:30 p.m. / Chapel on the Hill

Dr. Sara Barton is a chaplain and director of pastoral care at Baylor University. Her previous ministry experiences include teaching and serving in university chaplaincy at Pepperdine University, serving as the campus minister at Rochester Christian University in Michigan and working in women’s ministry in Jinga, Uganda. Sara also served on the preaching team at the Camarillo Church of Christ in Camarillo, California prior to moving to Texas. She holds a Doctor of Ministry from the Hazelip School of Theology at Lipscomb University. Sara is married to John, and they have two adult children. 

 

HEATHER GORMAN

Thursday, Oct. 8 / 6:00-8:30 p.m. / 201 Mesquite

Dr. Heather Gorman is Associate Professor of New Testament at Abilene Christian University. She holds a Ph.D. in New Testament from Baylor University, an M.A. in New Testament from Abilene Christian University and a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Cincinnati Christian University. She co-authored Lunchroom Theology: Pushing Tables Together in a Fractured World with Mark Nelson and has published other works focusing on narrative and rhetorical criticism of the New Testament. She is a consulting editor for the Stone-Campbell Journal and has served on steering committees for both the Christian Scholars’ Conference and the Society of Biblical Literature Conference. Heather enjoys teaching Greek and classes on various books of the New Testament. She has served in various leadership capacities in the local church. She and her husband Jamey have two daughters and enjoy hiking, kayaking, and travelling. 

 

MITCH WILBURN

Friday, Oct. 9 / 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. / Chapel on the Hill

Mitch Wilburn graduated from Abilene Christian University in 1990. One week after graduation he was blessed to begin a ministry position at The Park Church of Christ in Tulsa, OK. Thirty-six years later, Mitch is still there. The Park church is an active, spirit-filled congregation who love to connect others with the love of Jesus. Mitch is a proud husband, dad, and granddad. He is married to Shannon McKnight Wilburn. Together Mitch and Shannon have served on multiple university Board of Trustees, Mitch at York University and now at Abilene Christian University and Shannon at Oklahoma Christian.