Special Guests
Rev. Susan Sparks
As a trial lawyer turned standup comedian and Baptist minister, Susan Sparks is America’s only female comedian with a pulpit. A North Carolina native, Susan received her B.A. at the University of North Carolina where she was President of her Class, and a law degree from Wake Forest University.
After ten years as a lawyer moonlighting as a standup, she left her practice and spent two years on a solo trip around the world, including working with Mother Teresa’s mission in Calcutta, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, and driving the Alaska/Canadian Highway. Upon returning home, she entered Union Theological Seminary in New York City where she earned a Master of Divinity and wrote an honors thesis on humor and religion. In May 2007, Susan was installed as Madison Avenue Baptist Church’s 15th Senior Minister and the first woman in its 176-year history. She continues in that pulpit to this day.
Susan is also a professional storyteller and comedian who has performed at venues such as Carolines on Broadway, Stand Up New York, and Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater NY (October 2024). Her work with humor, healing, and spirituality has been featured in O (The Oprah) Magazine, the New York Times, and on such networks as ABC, CNN, and CBS. As a nationally known preacher and speaker with wide-ranging clients such as Chautauqua Institution, the World Bank, and Canyon Ranch, Susan is the best-selling author of five books and an award-winning nationally syndicated columnist.
Susan was awarded with the 20th John L. Haber Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts given by the University of North Carolina (awarded personally by comedian Lewis Black). She also received the Intersections International Award for her interfaith work to promote justice and reconciliation among diverse communities. Most importantly, Susan and her husband Toby love to fly-fish, ride their Harleys, eat good BBQ, and root for UNC Tar Heel Basketball and the Green Bay Packers.
Wintley Phipps
Wintley Augustus Phipps was born in Trinidad, West Indies and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He attended Kingsway College, a Christian Academy; Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama where he received a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Theology; and earned a Masters of Divinity Degree from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. He also holds an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Waynesburg University and MidAmerica Nazarene University; an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Andrews University; an honorary degree of Doctor of Education from Wheelock College; and an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Oakwood University. Mr. Phipps is married to the lovely Linda Diane Galloway Phipps (an RN) and they have been blessed with three fine sons: Wintley Augustus, II, Winston Adriel, and Wade Alexander.
Wintley Phipps is a pastor, world-renowned vocal artist, motivational speaker, and education activist. He is the founder and president of the U.S. Dream Academy, Inc., a national after-school program that aims to break the cycle of intergenerational incarceration by giving children the skills and vision necessary to explore and expand their potential to lead productive and fulfilling lives. Since 1998, the U.S. Dream Academy has served nearly 12,000 children living in neighborhoods harmed by high rates of incarceration.