Location: The Potter’s House of Dallas

About Fall Symposium

Get ready for an electrifying experience at this year’s highly anticipated annual JDS Fall Symposium! Mark your calendars for the Symposium on The Future of Christian Leadership and Emerging Trends, a transformative event set to take place on November 3-5, 2024, within the captivating atmosphere of The Potter’s House of Dallas.

Imagine yourself immersed in vibrant discussions, surrounded by fellow believers, visionary pastors, dynamic ministers, theologians pushing boundaries, and the brilliant minds of JDS students. Brace yourself for conversations that will ignite your intellect and invigorate your faith.

Schedule Speakers

Keynote Speaker

Bishop Dr. John E. Guns

Bishop Dr. John E. Guns is the Senior Pastor of St. Paul Church of Jacksonville, Inc. where he has revived what was once a rigid, placid, traditional southern Baptist church into an oasis of FAITH, FELLOWSHIP, and FUN. Through extremely innovative thinking and an approachable spirit, Bishop Guns has epitomized koinonia before this great congregation and has ultimately built an amazing community of worshipers. His love for worship is evident whenever the St. Paul family gathers! He was formally educated in Hampton Roads, VA’s public and private school system. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Norfolk State University and his Master of Divinity and Doctoral of Ministry Degrees from the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University. Bishop Guns wears several proverbial hats. He is the Founder of Operation Save Our Sons, a national movement to work with At-Risk boys designed to equip them to make positive decisions regarding the law & authority. Bishop Guns serves as the Senior Vice Presider of the Global United Fellowship, under the leadership of Bishop Joel Peebles, Presiding Prelate. Bishop Guns also serves as the Dean of the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA. He works on several boards and community-based organizations and has been an active Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. member since 1982. Of all his accomplishments, his most important is his family. Bishop Guns is the proud husband and life partner of Co-Pastor Sonjanique L. Guns, the loving father of three amazing daughters, Alexis (Claude) Cheatham, Daijah S. Guns, and Tayler J. Guns, and committed grandfather to his grandsons, Zion John-Eric and Claude Douglas III and granddaughter, C’Zariah Alexis Michelle.

Guest Speakers

Fall Symposium 2024 Schedule of Events  

*JDS Student Schedule will vary. Students should refer to the student registration page for a detailed schedule of student events.