Seth Lovell
Keynote Leader
Seth Lovell is the Pastor/Head of Staff at Olivet Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, Virginia. He earned degrees from Union Presbyterian Seminary and New College Divinity School at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Before his current role, Seth spent nearly a decade in youth ministry and remains passionate about helping young people experience faith in meaningful ways. He and his wife, Brittany, have three children, and together they love traveling—especially back to Scotland—hiking, and cheering on their favorite sports teams.

Cedric Portis
Preacher
Cedric has been leading Third Presbyterian Church since 2003, bringing bold messages and a big heart. He’s a mentor, speaker, and changemaker who’s just as comfortable behind the pulpit as he is making moves in the neighborhood. With his wife Varonaki and son Cedric Jr. by his side, he’s all about faith in action.

Jasmine Evans
Music Leader
Jasmine is an NC native currently serving as Associate Pastor at North Avenue Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA. During her time at North Avenue she has served as Associate Pastor for Young Adults and Acting Head of Staff during their Pastoral Transition. Her interests include college/young adult ministry, uplifting BIPOC Women seeking ordination in the PCUSA, the performing arts, and traveling for ministry as well as leisure. She holds a B.S. in Music Business with a concentration in Vocal Performance from Winston-Salem State University and an M.Div. with a concentration in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Wake Forest University’s School of Divinity.

De' Patton
Music Leader
De’ Patton is a high school chorus teacher in SC and Director of Music at Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church in Rock Hill, SC. A graduate of Winthrop University, De’ enjoys playing with his two labradoodles, traveling, spending time with family and friends, exploring all things music, and being in Montreat.

Jeremy Tidman
Recreation Leader
Jeremy lives in Richmond, VA with his wife and their new baby boy, Peter. Jeremy enjoys all forms of worship and play, and his favorite part of Montreat is when those two things can meet! In his free time, Jeremy enjoys playing D&D, fantasy football, and any sport he can get outside and enjoy.

Merritt Liebman
Recreation Leader
Merritt is the Director of Youth Ministries at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church in Wake Forest, NC. As a lifelong Presbyterian, her journey in ministry began early, shaped by formative experiences serving on the New Hope Presbytery Youth Council and as an Advocate at Massanetta Springs—places that nurtured her love for faith, service, and community. Her and her husband Paul share their life with two energetic dogs who keep things playful and loud (in the best way). Outside of church, you’ll probably find her on a yoga mat, out on a run, or savoring a really good cup of coffee.