Parent Workshop
April 26th-27th, 2024 at First Southern Baptist Church
Being a parent is one of the most important jobs you can have, but raising kids is arguably more difficult than ever.
Despite the many outside influences in today’s world, you, as a parent, still have the biggest impact on your children’s lives. But how exactly can we train up future generations in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6)?
The Parent Workshop is designed to help parents feel more confident as we raise children in an ever-changing culture according to God’s unchanging truth.
Registration form can be found under the FAQ’s!
Event Speakers & Worship Leaders
Dr. Corey Schliep
Dr. Vanessa Dudley-Miller, LMSW
Danny Payne
Stevie Warren
Annette Norris, LCSW
Alex Sharp, LMSW
Mandy Carlton, LMSW
Karen Manner
Scott Strickland, LCMFT
Kevin Ferstl
Breakout Sessions & Descriptions
-
C. Scott Strickland, LCMFT – We see the Bible as the infallible instructions for life, using it to guide relationships throughout our time on Earth. Considering that marriage is the first institution God created, we certainly seek His instruction on how we conduct ourselves within that creation in sharing life with our spouse. However, the first command to the institution is, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth,…” (Genesis 1:28a), so it follows that God also had a plan for us as parents. What has God revealed to us about His plan for parenting, guiding our children in the way that leads to life? Let’s consider that path together as we open the weekend!
-
Dr. Corey Schliep, PhD., LCMFT - This presentation will focus on practical strategies for parents to instill Christian values and principles in their children, helping them grow into compassionate, responsible, and resilient individuals. The presentation emphasizes the importance of modeling behavior, creating a nurturing environment at home, and fostering open communication with children. It also discusses the role of prayer, scripture, and community involvement in shaping children's spiritual development.
-
Alex Sharp, LMSW- For Christian families- bearing children is the same as receiving the “heritage of the Lord (Psalm 127:3).” Much like us who were once “woven in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139)” now, we actively participate in continuing the Lord’s legacy when we multiply and are therefore gifted with fruits (Genesis 1:8). Yet, how is my child honoring me with its wailing at 2:00 AM for the fifth time (Ephesians 6:1)? Where is the binky? What happened to the diapers? Where did the sun go? What happened to me getting, well, anything? When did my spouse become a zombie? Why do I feel like a zombie? Did my kid just lie to my face? If these thoughts and questions rattle around your mind with unresolved annoyance, fear no more. Come to this class as it will provide you with resources and discussions on how to set up your families to survive and pragmatically thrive while navigating the busy season of ushering in new children to life and the Kingdom of Heaven as it is on Earth (Matthew 6:9).
-
Mandy Carlton, LMSW – As parents, we know we must "train up a child in the way he should go." But the Bible also says, “A soft word turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” What do we do when it feels our children won't listen until we get harsh? How are we supposed to teach them, protect them, and instill lifelong values in them in a way that actually works? In this interactive discussion, Mandy will introduce you to practical ways to address discipline and correction with your kids (no matter their age). You will walk away with a better understanding of the way your child's brain works (and your own!), an easy to apply formula to guide you, and more confidence about being able to care well for your family.
-
Annette Norris, LCMSW – There are many factors that make a conversation difficult. Misunderstandings, misjudgments, power struggles and poor word choices lead communications down a dark path of hurt and rebellion. We are going to talk about setting the best stage possible for a healthy conversation, having a humble heart of curiosity and collaboration (when possible) and consequences that are reasonable, loving but firm. Regardless of your audience, you can learn successful ways to express yourself and hear the needs of others.
-
C. Scott Strickland, LCMFT – Each of us knows someone affected by divorce and the separation of families. Maybe we have even been affected ourselves. Yet the desire and hope are still there for that family that God designed in the beginning. However, the challenges that face blended families are, in many ways, different than traditional families. If you are on this course or know someone on the path of being in a blended family, let’s look at the steps on that path of being blended that can lead to successful unification and side-step the common disasters. We know there will be struggles, yet struggles “produce endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope” (Romans 5:3b-4). So let the step process be filled with hope as we journey!
-
Dr. Vanessa Dudley-Miller, LMSW – This weekend is not only about how to take care of our children in God’s loving ways but also about taking care of ourselves. Parenting can be a fulfilling life experience; however, it can also be overwhelming and stressful. We tell ourselves “just push through it” with the hope that it will go away. In the Parenting Burnout session we will explore the common signs of parenting burn out, how they impact us and our families, and how to address them in order to live a healthier life and to be a more effective and loving parent.
-
Foster and Adoption Parenting Challenges – Danny Payne
Parenting Teens – Danny Payne
Grandparenting and Adult Children – Karen Manner
Parenting Children – Karen Manner
Event FAQ’s
-
The Parent Workshop was created to equip parents with kids of all ages and in many different family situations to disciple the children in their lives. Our mainstage teachings will give parents God’s vision for the biblical role of family, and how to maintain that in an ever changing culture. However, we will host several breakouts to give practical teaching for various family situations and parenting stages such as: expecting parents, foster parents, blended families, empty-nesters, grandparents, and more! Even if your kids are now adults, we're hosting breakouts that will address this unique season of your parenting life. It's a great opportunity to get equipped to care for your family in every stage.
-
Our facilities are not capable of hosting children for the length of time needed for the workshop and our desire is that parents would be able to attend distraction-free. We are asking that no children above the age of 6 months attend the workshop – including the main sessions or breakout rooms. There will be a nursing mothers’ room available for mothers of infants.
If you are looking for childcare, we would recommend you start with family or ask your community for trusted names.
-
Friday
6:00pm Doors Open and Networking
7:00pm Session #1- The Biblical Model of Parenting
8:00pm Parenting Roundtables
10:00pm Dismissal
Saturday
7:30am Doors Open
8:00am Session #2- Raising Amazing Kids
9:00am Breakout #1
10:00am Breakout #2
11:00am Breakout #3
12:00pm Lunch
1:00pm Session #3- Q & A Panel
2:00pm Worship/Send-off
-
No, not at all. All are invited and encouraged to invite friends to this event. We just need a registration because seating is limited.
-
Tickets are FREE and include the conference both days, lunch, and materials. Childcare will be the only expense that you will need to plan for off campus.
-
We know that each child and family is unique, so we’re offering a variety of breakout sessions to address an assortment of family dynamics. Here is a sneak peek of the breakout topics we’re offering:
Biblical Model of Parenting, Raising Christian Amazing Kids, New and Expecting Parents, Correction with Connection, Grandparenting and Adult Children, Difficult Conversations, Foster and Adoption Parenting Challenges, Parenting Teens, Blended Families, Parenting Burnout and Rest