2023 Celebrate Life Dinner

Registration: 6:00 PM, Dinner and Awards Ceremony: 6:45 PM,  Keynote: 8:00 PM

Honoring Respect for Life Award recipient, Melissa Coles.

2023 Keynote Speaker | Alex Kendrick, Christian filmmaker, writer, director, and actor.

Alex Kendrick has dedicated his life to serving Jesus Christ and making His truth and love known among the nations through movies, books, speaking, and prayer.  Alex and his brothers, Stephen and Shannon, operate Kendrick Brothers Productions. He and his family are active members at Sherwood Church in Albany, Ga.

In 2002, Alex founded Sherwood Pictures with the blessing of senior pastor Michael Catt, and began production on their first movie FLYWHEEL with his brother Stephen. Alex wrote, directed, produced, and acted in the film with the help of 60 church volunteers. The DVD went on to sell over a million copies. After an overwhelming response, he partnered with his brother once again to write and produce FACING THE GIANTS. Alex once again acted and directed the film.  Facing the Giants was given a limited theatrical release in September 2006 and grossed over $10 million in box office receipts. The DVD was later released in 56 countries and has sold over 2.5 million copies. In 2007, Alex and Stephen wrote the screenplay for FIREPROOF, and shot it in Albany with Alex directing and Stephen producing. The film was released in September 2008 and grossed over $33 million at the box office, making it the highest grossing independent film of 2008. Fireproof has since sold over 3.5 million DVDs. Alex and Stephen then wrote COURAGEOUS in 2010, with Alex once again acting and directing. More than 15,000 churches have used the movies for ministry and outreach in their communities. In 2014, Alex co-wrote the screenplay for WAR ROOM with his brother Stephen, and shot the feature in Charlotte, NC with the help of 85 churches. The film was released theatrically in August of 2015 and became the #1 movie at the box office. It was subsequently released in 20 other countries in theaters. In 2022, Alex captured the story of Columbus, Indiana native Melissa Coles, in the film LIFEMARK.  To date, Alex has received over 30 awards for his work. His other acting credits include the films The Lost Medallion (2013) and Mom's Night Out (2014). Alex and Stephen served as Executive Producers of the 2018 FamilyLife project, LIKE ARROWS.

Alex and his brother, Stephen, have co-authored multiple bestselling books. Their latest book entitled, Defined, was recently released with their newest film, OVERCOMER. Previously, they authored the NY Times bestsellers, The Battle Plan for Prayer, The Resolution for Men, and the Love Dare.

Alex has been a featured speaker at marriage, filmmaking, and men's conferences across the US, including five national simulcasts. He has spoken at churches, universities, film-festivals, and numerous seminars in America, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.