Family of Faith Network
Family of Faith Network Conference
June 18-20, 2009
Malibu, CA
Workshops
The Family of Faith Network Conference includes six workshop sessions. Workshop selections can be made at the conference. You do not need to select workshop sessions on the registration page. Click on the arrow next to the workshop title for specific workshop details. Workshop locations will be distributed in your conference registration packet at the Conference.
Thursday, June 18, 2009 - 2:45 p.m.
(additional information pending)
Description: How to develop a healthy church culture where followers of Christ reproduce and the Body of Christ experiences dynamic growth.
Bio: In 1976, Larry, his wife, Beccy, and three children made the westward journey to Thousand Oaks, California, with a dream—to create a fresh model of church life in America that was Christ-centered, Bible-based, culturally relevant and outreach oriented.
God honored that dream. Starting with six families, Calvary Community Church became one of the nation’s leading church models for the boomer generation . . . reaching literally thousands of families.
In 2003, Larry resigned as senior pastor and became founding pastor. With a new God-given dream and challenge from the elders to take some of what had been learned at Calvary Community to the Church at large, Cornerstone Network was launched. Today the vision for Cornerstone seems as exciting and challenging as the dream for Calvary Community those many years ago.
Cornerstone Network is based on the premise that the ultimate network is connecting people to Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone of life, and to God’s purpose for their lives. Cornerstone is about connecting people with God and connecting people with people, based on similar dreams and passions to have a significant impact on our world for Christ! Cornerstone’s mission, in collaboration with the Mission America Coalition, is . . .
Every follower of Christ . . . praying ~ caring ~ sharing.
Bio: Ben Freudenburg has been a Director of Christian Education for 31 years and is presently serving as Family Life Program Director and Professor in Family Life Studies at Concordia University Ann Arbor. He is married to Jennifer and is father to Cori and Sara and grandfather to Caleb and Markey. He received his BS in ED and certification as Director of Christian Education and Master's of Science -Family Life through Concordia University in Seward Nebraska. He has served as President of Lutheran Education's TEAM department and as President of Lutheran Education Association a national professional organization for Lutheran educators. He has written for a variety of education and youth journals, magazines, and books including "The Family Friendly Church."
Description: Stop the cycle of divorce and remarriage by understanding stepfamily dynamics. First marriages are "apples" and subsequent marriages are "oranges." This hidden population in your church will not surface unless acknowledged. Most impacted are the children. Learn the important differences in relationship development, discipline, handling finances, etc. in order to prevent re-divorce.
Bio: Executive Director and Co-Founder of Opportunities Unlimited, Carri is a Certified Communication Skills Trainer (since 1993) and Executive/Personal Coach (since 1995). Carrie is the author of two DVD series: "Designing Dynamic Stepfamilies: Bringing the Pieces to Peace" and "Children of Divorce: The TOUGH Truth". Carries has served in a multitude of roles including president of NEW LIBERTY ENTERPRISES, Inc., the General Partner for seven film Limited Partnerships, and as Chief Financial Officer for two non-profit corporations. As a public speaker, she communicates with clarity and humor. She illustrates insights with personal transparency.
Description:This seminar would discuss two metaphors I have found very helpful in guiding parents and teens in understanding one another. The format would be a short presentation followed by interactive discussion. Does this fit the concepts you are looking for?
Bio: Jack Williamson is the Youth and Family Minister for the Conejo Valley Church of Christ church since 1993. Jack earned a Master of Science in ministry at Abilene Christian University, a Master of Divinity degree from Pepperdine Univeristy, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Fuller Theological Seminary. Jack and his wife, Tami have three terrific children, Brendin, Caleb, and Alicia. He has taught courses in Youth Ministry at Pepperdine University and Hope International University as an adjunct professor. He also directs "Impact," a junior high retreat for So Cal Churches of Christ every November. Jack enjoys reading, hanging out in the rain, and just about anything he can do with Tami and the kids.
Thursday, June 18, 2009 - 4:15 p.m.
Description: Today's men are "numb" to the call and programs of the church. But, they are open to the compelling, risky, and adventurous invitation to follow Jesus as a man. The church's role is to give permission to the men to be men regardless of what of kind of men they are. Like never before, the task at hand is for men to rise up and be empowered from the first chair in their relationships and homes. How do we as leaders partner with God to see His power move in the hearts of men today?
Bio: Chris is a graduate of the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He has also received a B.A. degree in pastoral studies from Cedarville College and later earned his Master of Divinity degree from Talbot School of Theology. Currently, he is working on his Doctor of Ministry in leadership. His passion includes helping men, women, and families become committed Christ followers. He has a wide array of experience in multi-generational leadership and other family-focused ministries. In addition, he frequently speaks at men's retreats, father and son retreats, couples and family camps. He is a member of the National Association of Family Ministries, as well as the Association of Marriage and Family Ministries.
(additional information pending)
Description: This session reports the findings of a research study of family ministry as currently implemented in local churches; the authors surveyed 77 family ministry professionals who were functioning in family ministry roles in local churches. The respondents represented 21 different church denominations and several non-denominational churches across the nation. The findings shed light on the personal profiles of practicing family ministers, including programmatic approaches being used, areas of perceived success, salary averages, stress factors, and suggestions for improvement.
Bio: Jack Hardcastle is the Family Minister for Hillcrest Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. Jack received a Masters Degree in Bible and Ministry (Counseling Emphasis) from Lubbock Christian University. His undergraduate degree was in Youth and Family Ministry from Oklahoma Christian College, with a Family Life minor. He is certified in the Prepare/Enrich Marital and Premarital Inventories, as well as a certified instructor in the Dynamic Marriage Seminars. He has also written for the Journal of Family Ministry, Rev Magazine, and several local publications. Jack has partnered in ministry with his wife, Susan, for over 20 years. He has two children: Joshua and Jenae, as well as two dogs, one cat, and a snake.
Description: Learn new ideas for establishing or enriching a marriage ministry. Discover great resources that can used to strengthen relationships and examine current research on the American family as it relates to marriage.
Bio: Gail Hatmaker is the principal of Blue Lake Academy near Orlando, Florida. She recently left Windermere Community Church where she served for 18 years directing the adult and family ministry. Gail also taught children in elementary school in the United States and Brazil. She serves as a consultant and trainer for Active Parenting, Lifeway and the National Association of Family Ministries. She and her husband, David (Marriage and Family Therapist) have two grown children. Together they lead marriage and parenting seminars in churches and in the community.
Description: "Screaming," is everywhere. It's not just loud voices; it's all the knee-jerk emotional reactions that dominate far too many families-and far too many church communities. Unfortunately, "out of control" kids and "acting-out" teenagers get all the blame, and thus all the focus. Or today, it's all the external anxieties of the economy. But calm, connected, and peace-filled communities cannot come from kids or economic recovery-such leadership always begins with us. The ScreamFree philosophy and programs put the focus, and the response-ability, back on us, the adult leaders in our communities, to become the calm we wish to see in the world. And then maybe, just maybe, the world will again ask the church for the reasons behind our hope (1 Peter 3:15), especially in times like these.
Bio: Hal Runkel is the NY Times-bestselling author of ScreamFree Parenting. A Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, international speaker, organizational consultant, and media personality, Hal is co-founder of The ScreamFree Institute, a non-profit training group that partners with organizations to create nonreactive, peace-filled homes and communities worldwide. Hal earned his Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT) in August 2000 from Abilene Christian University. His M.S. in Theological Studies was awarded in 1998. He is a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Currently, Hal is raising his two children with Jenny, his wife of 15 years.
Description: In the seventies there was much talk about the ‘Generation Gap'. Now there is a ‘Digital Gap' between millennials who are native to the digital world and their parent s who are immigrants.
Bio: Timothy Smith, MA, Biola University is a family coach, author, speaker and President of Life Skills for American Families. He has worked with children, youth and families for thirty years. His popular book and seminar, The Danger of Raising Nice Kids (IVP) is presented throughout the country to parents at schools, churches and parent groups. Married to Suzanne; they have two adult daughters.
Friday, June 19, 2009 - 10:30 a.m.
Bio: Michelle Anthony serves as the director of family ministry at ROCKHARBOR church in Costa Mesa, California. She provides leadership and care in the area of children's, youth, and family ministries. Michelle holds her B.A. and M.A. in Christian education with an emphasis in Bible and theology, and her doctorate in educational leadership.
(additional information pending)
Description: The local church is strategically positioned to encourage and equip today's fathers who greatly need this help due to the increase of divorce, poor role modeling received from their fathers, and negative cultural images portrayed by the Media.
Bio: Jamie Bohnett, author of "Like Father, Like Son" has developed this "user friendly" book with 12 session dads group guide as a tool to reach and teach fathers. He has also been developing a 16 session dads group guide specifically designed to address the challenging emotional and spiritual issues encountered by single fathers. Jamie, married for 35 years, a father of four and grandfather of two, has a passion to see dads equipped to successfully lead their families through the ministry of the local church. He directs the Bohnett Memorial Foundation, his family's foundation that is dedicated to strengthening families and supporting community servants.
Description: Stepfamily life is different and marriage in a stepfamily is a significant challenge; perhaps that's why two-thirds divorce. Come learn how to prevent divorce, minister to stepfamilies, and reach out to one-third of your community.
Bio: Ron L. Deal is Founder and President of As For Me And My House Ministries (www.RonDeal.org). He is a family ministry consultant and conducts marriage and family seminars around the country; he specializes in stepfamily ministry and education.
Description: This workshop will explore the current state of romance, marriage, and family life. It will identify social conditions that either support or tear down healthy family functioning. Some traps that we think of as unique to the 21st century are actually modern versions of ancient issues that cause havoc in families.
Bio: Joe and Michelle have been married since 1968. .Joseph L. Hernandez is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Marriage, Family & Child Counselor. He earned his M. A. in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University, and an M. A. and a Ph.D., in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. Joe does forensic psychological evaluations and is called upon as an expert witness in diverse situations, e.g., custody, fitness, and competency. Michelle earned a Master of Arts degree from Santa Clara University in Counseling Psychology. She has been a certified Family Wellness instructor since 1996 and is now a Family Wellness Partner and Trainer. Michelle has a background as a Communications Director and has held leadership positions in Women's, Children's and Family Ministries.
Friday, June 19, 2009 - 1:30 p.m.
Description: This seminar will present a strategy for guiding parents and children towards healthy choices in popular cultural issues such as entertainment, sexuality, substance abuse and technology.
Bios: Scott is HomeWord's Director of Content Development where he partners with Jim Liebelt to create parenting seminars and resources. Scott and Elly have been married for 20 years and continue to enjoy the adventure of raising their three kids in Irvine, CA. After serving three local churches in high school ministries, Scott joined the staff at Mariners Church as Small Groups Pastor. He also served as Spiritual Growth Pastor at Saddleback Church. Scott received his M.Div. and D.Min. degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Jim Liebelt is a 20+ year youth ministry veteran and is the Senior Editor of Publications for HomeWord, which includes oversight of the monthly Good Advice Parent Newsletter and Today's HomeWord daily devotional. Jim, who joined the HomeWord staff in 1998, has been a youth pastor, youth ministry trainer, parenting seminar speaker, served on the council of the New England Network of Youth Ministries, an adjunct youth ministry instructor at Gordon College, and a national presenter for Group Magazine Live. Jim and his wife Jenny live in Olympia, WA.
Description: It's not just what you teach, but how you teach it. Improve your presentation skills and make your current classes and workshops come alive. Learn effective uses of Power Point, video clips, in-class behavioral rehearsal, and group activities in your marriage and family education. Taught by a seasoned "laugh and learn" family minister.
Bio: Ron is author of the bestselling book The Smart Stepfamily: Seven Steps to a Healthy Family and coauthor of the forthcoming The Smart Stepmom and The Remarriage Couple Checkup. He is a member of the Stepfamily Expert Council for the National Stepfamily Resource Center and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years experience in local church ministry.
Bio: John is the pastor of Congregational Life (overseeing children, adults and families) at Yorba Linda Friends Church in Yorba Linda, California. John and Cheryl have been married for 27 years and have two children. John loves to play golf, date his wife, and be at home with his "soon to be empty nest" family. John is a graduate of Biola University with a B.A. in Christian Education and has a Master of Divinity degree from Talbot Theological Seminary in Practical Theology/Diversified. He currently is an Associate with the National Center for Fathering. He is also a former consulting associate with Masterplanning Group International.
Description: This workshop will take the time to discuss Father-closeness, Spiritual formation, and emerging sexuality. It is my hope that Fathers will be encouraged to consider their relationship with their children, their own spirituality, and how they may positively impact their children's sexuality through these means.
Bio: Ryan Hosley, PsyD. Graduate of the George Fox University Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology. Husband and father of five children and expecting a 6th in May. Currently in private practice in the Portland, OR area and working with a physician to provide integrative, personalized health care that treats both mind and body. In addition to general psychological counseling, consultation, and assessment my professional interests include serving individuals, couples and families arround issues of sexual addiction and other addictive disorders. Personal interests include spiritual formation, serving and loving my family, and planning my next whitewater rafting adventure.
Description: This interactive presentation is designed to help church leaders explore practical ways for returning to the Biblical model of the spiritual development of children; a model where parents truly see themselves as partners with the church in the spiritual development of their children. To facilitate this goal we will be looking at Biblical principles, philosophical questions, ministry models, and practical resources all designed to keep the next generation in the Faith.
Bio: Julie Kurz is the Consultant for Family & Children's Ministries for the Rocky Mountain District of the Evangelical Free Church of America, after being a Children's Director for 17 years in Littleton, Colorado. Julie's passion is "Reconnecting Parents to the Spiritual Development of their Children". In the Rocky Mountain District, she is vision casting for family integrated ministries; encouraging, networking and mentoring Children's Directors; equipping and training in Children/Family Ministries, and helping churches find the best resources for their ministry needs. Julie has been married to artist, Dave Kurz, for 35 years. They are empty nesters with 3 adult children, and 2 grandchildren.
Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 8:30 a.m.
Bio: Marvin and Jeanett Charles, founders of Divene Alternatives for Dads Service in Seattle Washington, help men who are disconnected from their children discover the gift of fathering. Marvin speaks to individuals and groups about the need for each father to take responsibility for his actions, to focus on the child's needs, and to use his faith in order to find a path home to the hurting child.
(additional information pending)
Description: This class is designed to encourage church members to mentor seriously dating or engaged couples. Specific topics to cover and useful teaching tips will be given to equip those interested in working with this particular stage of life.
Bio: Susan Giboney is a professor of education at Pepperdine University and a nationally certified family life educator. She is a graduate of Pepperdine College and completed her graduate work at California State University at Long Beach. She taught for the LA City Schools, for missionaries in Japan for three years with her husband, and for Hope International University until coming to Pepperdine University. Susan has two daughters (Carrie Wall and Peggy Grande), one son (Paul Giboney), and ten grandchildren. Sadly Susan`s husband died of cancer, but she continues their ministry to families and speaks to women`s groups throughout the United States. She is currently the visiting professor for International Programs in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Description: The transition in building a family ministry can be one of excitement and danger at the same time! Jack Hardcastle has made that transition, and learned many things about trying to "turn around the Titanic". If you understand that you become a target, and then move forward with the basics, you can set one up in your own church. Whether you're a full time professional or a lay person interested in starting a family ministry, you can learn from someone who has made that journey, and map out your future destinations without getting off the path.
Bio: Jack Hardcastle is the Family Minister for Hillcrest Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. After a twenty year stint in youth and family ministry, he made the transition into full time family ministry. Jack has always utilized a family based youth ministry, so it was a natural transition moving into family ministry. He has spoken in churches all over the country to teenagers and their families, and has a deep passion for helping families build strong bonds with God as well as each other.
Description: This workshop will explore the role young adults play in the family and the church. Young adults have a great need for family connection as they continue their spiritual maturity.
Description: "Screaming," is everywhere. It's not just loud voices; it's all the knee-jerk emotional reactions that dominate far too many families-and far too many church communities. Unfortunately, "out of control" kids and "acting-out" teenagers get all the blame, and thus all the focus. Or today, it's all the external anxieties of the economy. But calm, connected, and peace-filled communities cannot come from kids or economic recovery-such leadership always begins with us. The ScreamFree philosophy and programs put the focus, and the response-ability, back on us, the adult leaders in our communities, to become the calm we wish to see in the world. And then maybe, just maybe, the world will again ask the church for the reasons behind our hope (1 Peter 3:15), especially in times like these.
Bio: Hal Runkel is the NY Times-bestselling author of ScreamFree Parenting. A Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, international speaker, organizational consultant, and media personality, Hal is co-founder of The ScreamFree Institute, a non-profit training group that partners with organizations to create nonreactive, peace-filled homes and communities worldwide. Hal earned his Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT) in August 2000 from Abilene Christian University. His M.S. in Theological Studies was awarded in 1998. He is a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Currently, Hal is raising his two children with Jenny, his wife of 15 years.
Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 10:00 a.m.
In 1976, Larry, his wife, Beccy, and three children made the westward journey to Thousand Oaks, California, with a dream—to create a fresh model of church life in America that was Christ-centered, Bible-based, culturally relevant and outreach oriented.
God honored that dream. Starting with six families, Calvary Community Church became one of the nation’s leading church models for the boomer generation . . . reaching literally thousands of families.
In 2003, Larry resigned as senior pastor and became founding pastor. With a new God-given dream and challenge from the elders to take some of what had been learned at Calvary Community to the Church at large, Cornerstone Network was launched. Today the vision for Cornerstone seems as exciting and challenging as the dream for Calvary Community those many years ago.
Cornerstone Network is based on the premise that the ultimate network is connecting people to Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone of life, and to God’s purpose for their lives. Cornerstone is about connecting people with God and connecting people with people, based on similar dreams and passions to have a significant impact on our world for Christ! Cornerstone’s mission, in collaboration with the Mission America Coalition, is . . .
Every follower of Christ . . . praying ~ caring ~ sharing.
(additional information pending)
Description: This workshop offers the opportunity to learn four meaningful ways to add interest and effectiveness to your presentations. Learn how to use role play, sculpting, group activities and exercises, and personal anecdotes to increase learning through participation.Bio: Joe and Michelle have been married since 1968. .Joseph L. Hernandez is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Marriage, Family & Child Counselor. He earned his M. A. in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University, and an M. A. and a Ph.D., in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. Joe does forensic psychological evaluations and is called upon as an expert witness in diverse situations, e.g., custody, fitness, and competency. Michelle earned a Master of Arts degree from Santa Clara University in Counseling Psychology. She has been a certified Family Wellness instructor since 1996 and is now a Family Wellness Partner and Trainer. Michelle has a background as a Communications Director and has held leadership positions in Women's, Children's and Family Ministries.
Description: This interactive presentation is designed to help church leaders explore practical ways for returning to the Biblical model of the spiritual development of children; a model where parents truly see themselves as partners with the church in the spiritual development of their children. To facilitate this goal we will be looking at Biblical principles, philosophical questions, ministry models, and practical resources all designed to keep the next generation in the Faith.
Bio: Julie Kurz is the Consultant for Family & Children's Ministries for the Rocky Mountain District of the Evangelical Free Church of America, after being a Children's Director for 17 years in Littleton, Colorado. Julie's passion is "Reconnecting Parents to the Spiritual Development of their Children". In the Rocky Mountain District, she is vision casting for family integrated ministries; encouraging, networking and mentoring Children's Directors; equipping and training in Children/Family Ministries, and helping churches find the best resources for their ministry needs. Julie has been married to artist, Dave Kurz, for 35 years. They are empty nesters with 3 adult children, and 2 grandchildren.
