2024 Workshop Speakers

Dads are wired different than Moms and have unique contributions when it comes to discipleship and education of their kids. Phillip will share some stories of his personal adventures over the last 20 years with his children and a few helpful tips he has learned on the journey. Learn how dads can integrate multiple subjects into real-life experience through the things they love to do. 

We are inspired by the stories of Daniel in the lion’s den and his three companions in the fiery furnace, but have we given enough thought to the foundation that must have been laid in their lives to help them thrive in Babylon?  They were not only captive in a pagan culture but their own people had been sent into exile by God on account of their own unfaithfulness and corruption.  What made these young men different along with other great men like Ezra and Nehemiah?  This workshop explores this timely theme and how it applies to our present culture. 

For over 100 years, American culture has had an ever-increasing infatuation with electronic media and entertainment.  A handful of thoughtful skeptics in the past contemplated the long-term effects on family, society, and individuals.  Now we are reaping the consequences as more and more studies confirm what some had rightly predicted. That is, our ability to be attentive is steadily eroding. We are becoming less attentive to our families, study, work, and most importantly, to God. What are the results and what will it take to regain the ground that has been lost? 

You may be surprised to learn that the Bible teaches us seven things about Jesus between the age of 12 and when He began His public ministry. Dads and Sons alike will benefit from the example Jesus gave us. These truths provide a wonderful path for boys and young men to follow.  

Amidst the amazing privilege of schooling at home couples often experience a strain on their marriage. Life with toddler tantrums, and hormonal sways of tweens and teens can consume parents. How can couples balance building a healthy marriage with educating and raising well-adjusted kids?  How can you make time for each other amidst the captivity of activity? Rhonda Stoppe knows––she’s been there and she’s here to help you discover how your marriage can not only survive but thrive amidst the pressures of parenting and homeschooling. In this seminar, Rhonda’s real and engaging insights will help you realize you are not alone––and give you hope. Come learn valuable and practical insights for building a no-regrets marriage, taken from Rhonda’s latest book: The Marriage Mentor-Becoming the Couple You Long to Be (Harvest House). Visit NoRegretsWoman.com to watch FREE marriage mentoring videos with Steve & Rhonda’s and to watch the Stoppe’s interview with Focus on the Family. 

The first time Rhonda taught this message for moms raising boys was at a homeschool convention. The room was filled to capacity with standing room only. As Rhonda spoke moms hung on her every word. Afterward mother after mom came to ask for insights into their own journey as a mom guiding their sons toward manhood. From this experience Rhonda knew she needed to write a book to mentor moms in this incredible ministry of raising sons to men. Upon publication, her book: Moms Raising Sons to Be Men was selling over 1,000 copies per month because moms are desperate for mentors. Rhonda homeschooled so she gets it! She’s raised 2 sons and 2 daughters. Her boys grew up to become: one a fighter pilot and the other a worship leader (her eldest son is adopted). This seminar will encourage and inspire moms who are desperate to help guide their sons toward building a life of no regret. With practical insights, humor and biblical principles this seminar will give you the hope and inspiration you’re looking for as a mom homeschooling her son. (Visit NoRegretsWoman.com to listen to Rhonda & Dr. James Dobson sharing insights into raising godly sons.) 

Regrets? What does she mean “homeschooling without regrets?” I hear ya, friend. And I’m glad you asked. Because in the many years that my husband and I have ministered to homeschooling families, we’ve learned a thing or two. You get one shot at this homeschooling, parenting thing, so you need insights from people who have walked the path ahead of you. There is a way to homeschool your kids so that one day when you look back you won’t be wishing for a do-over. And Rhonda Stoppe is here to show you how. In this session, Rhonda will unpack Seven Ways to Homeschool without Regrets. 

Remember the mom you meant to be? You know, she was kind and patient and super excited to homeschool her kids…Yea, her. You may be wondering what happened to the mom you imagined you would be. And even more importantly, you might be wishing you knew the secret to becoming that mom. You’re not alone. Lots of moms feel this way, but wrestle with mom-guilt so they don’t tell anyone about their struggles. Rhonda Stoppe has been in your shoes. As a young mom, when she knew she wasn’t the mom she dreamed she’d be, she looked to older women whom she wanted to emulate. “I am confident my friendship with these women is what God used to help me become a mom without regrets,” says Stoppe. In this session, like a good friend over coffee, Rhonda will share with you the secrets to becoming the mom you always hoped to be. (And if you’re doing ok as a mom, join us anyway for some laughs and insights––you won’t regret it!) 

Homeschool and housework and meal prep – Oh My! There is just so much work to be done when you educate your kids at home. Can I get a witness? And yet, when you’re doing all the things, it’s easy to fall into survival mode and miss opportunities to savor the moments. In this session, Rhonda will unpack 4 Vital steps to teach you how to rest in a way that guards against burn out and refreshes your spirit. 

 Ever feel like you are trying to explain a concept to your children and their minds are somewhere far away?  Do you feel discouraged when they act like school is a drudge? To help them fulfill their life calling, we must develop a specific plan for training each one. Come and learn how to work “with” the uniqueness of your child. Escape the bondage of expectations and set your child free to pursue his passions and be the whole person God wants him to be.  

Were you ever bored in history class? So was Marilyn Boyer! History is not just a boring list of names and dates. It is the breathtaking panorama of human experience! Real people, real lives, real adventures. For nearly forty years, Marilyn has been learning history with her children in a way that is not only fascinating, but life-changing. Come and learn how to do history as a family. 

Jesus taught that the greatest among us would be those with a heart for service. We are living in a “me-centered” culture in which education, entertainment, advertising and peer pressure all combine to promote a life of selfishness. Marilyn has raised 8 daughters (and 6 sons) who have made service to others a priority in their day-to-day lives. Come to this workshop designed for moms and daughters as Marilyn Boyer shares with you ideas that work in designing a biblical lifestyle of service. You’ll learn how to live above self-centeredness and rise to greatness by putting others first with the added blessing of building forever memories together!

Character is the key that opens the door to successful adult living. It is the first thing wise people examine when evaluating a prospective employee, spouse, or friend. That’s why Christ-like character is the MOST important subject you will ever teach your children! Come hear Marilyn Boyer, mother of 14 home-schooled kids and learn as she shares how to intentionally teach this most important of all subjects. 

What in the world do I do with my preschoolers? Marilyn Boyer has taught all fourteen of her children at home, so she has plenty of experience with any age group you can name. But her very favorite age to teach is those eager, curious, exciting, challenging munchkins we call preschoolers. This, Marilyn says is the time when we lay the foundation for greatness by pouring love and acceptance all over them—instead of treating them like a nuisance. Preschoolers aren’t just little interruptions to be kept “occupied” while older siblings study. This season in a child’s life is the time to tap into his huge potential by maximizing his natural love for learning and helping him to see that God is preparing him for a lifetime of important service. Come and learn from Marilyn how to make your little ones a valuable part of the team!

In this session we define “science”, and illustrate the scientific method of problem solving. In the light of true science, the three main concepts that the theory of evolution is based upon are examined and shown to be faith-based rather than science-based. The purpose of this session is not only to show that science does not support evolutionary theory, but also to give Christians some “tools” with which to combat the theory.

This is one of the most breathtaking and perplexing sites in the world. Standard geological explanations for its formation are wrong, and most creationists have overlooked some major pieces of the puzzle. Amazingly, what carved the canyon also explains most of the fascinating geological features in the entire area (e.g. Monument Valley, The Petrified Forest, Canyonlands & Arches, Canyon de Chelley, etc.). Furthermore, they all formed very quickly! What happened?!

What evidence is there that humans evolved from ape-like creatures? As it turns out, not much! In fact, the “evidence” is stunningly sparse, being limited to a few fossilized bones. However, many of these are either fakes, or greatly misinterpreted and exaggerated. This session uses humor as it exposes much of this. To conclude, we show mathematically and geographically why the apes-to-man scenario is quite impossible!

Using puppets and other visual illustrations, this session shows how life only displays design, order, and beauty – not lucky accident and chance. We cover three aspects of the natural world the evolutionist cannot explain – including amazing design, incredible instinct, and the general relative sizes of creatures compared to each other. This is a fun session designed for all ages.

With fascinating illustrations, this session contrasts the evolution model with the creation model from a historic standpoint through a look at what many ancient cultures were able to accomplish. These accomplishments baffle us even today! How did ancient man do these things? This session contrasts some of these civilizations to our own and has a personal application.

Every parent wants their young adult to become, well, just that – an adult. And in the midst of a generation steeped in extended adolescence, we earnestly hope our young people grow into brave, joyful, self-directed, hard-working, and healthy young adults with great relationships and a great vision for the future. But in an age where those both over and under 18 struggle with purpose, direction, relationships, responsibility, and unique if not unprecedented challenges, “adulting” has become more of a byword for something young people really don’t want to embrace. 
This two-part series suggests a different approach to the adventure of adulthood – one that opens the door to a life of impact, purpose, and thriving. Part I explains why the ability to ask good questions in a culture of assumptions is so powerful, why action is such a powerful catalyst for young people, and why understanding what we were designed for is foundational to everything else we do.

Every parent wants their young adult to become, well, just that – an adult. And in the midst of a generation steeped in extended adolescence, we earnestly hope our young people grow into brave, joyful, self-directed, hard-working, and healthy young adults with great relationships and a great vision for the future. But in an age where those both over and under 18 struggle with purpose, direction, relationships, responsibility, and unique if not unprecedented challenges, “adulting” has become more of a byword for something young people really don’t want to embrace. 
This two-part series suggests a different approach to the adventure of adulthood – one that opens the door to a life of impact, purpose, and thriving. Part II digs deeply into the idea that, while we might study the theoretical as children and adolescents, the whole point is to prepare us for living in the real world. This series concludes with the challenge that even though young adults today face a generation with unprecedented levels of darkness, despair, and hopelessness, there are few more powerful testimonies than a life that demonstrates what it looks like to truly thrive – and offers that same light and hope to others.  

Almost every high school and college graduate has fielded the question, “So what’s next?” But what happens when we’re not sure? When we don’t know which direction to go, where we want to end up, what job we want, or how to even start? With perspective from someone who has walked that very road and helped others to navigate it also, this session explores how to help your young adult get unstuck and start gaining momentum — and have an amazing adventure along the way. Victoria talks about what to do in the absence of a clear direction and how to conquer inertia and anxiety, maximize effectiveness, and lay the foundation for a meaningful, purposeful life. 

What do we do when life looks drastically different than we ever asked for — or perhaps ever wanted? Most people know the story of how Esther became queen and helped save a nation. But the lessons we can learn from her obedience, faithfulness, and courage in a life-shattering situation run so much deeper than a crown. This session looks at practical responses, daily choices, and deeper perspectives that help us see God’s bigger story in all of life’s twists and turns. 

Amidst the rapid popularity rise of personality typing, the differences between individuals have been cause for both conflict and celebration – and this holds true in families as well. Pulling from over twenty years of experience in varied family relationships, this session looks at parent-child and sibling dynamics, how to gracefully navigate the differences between very different personalities, and what true understanding looks like in a family setting. 

Why should anyone believe the Bible? If you think you’re about to hear about a bunch of evidences or arguments for the truth of Scripture, you’re in for quite a surprise….because it’s not about evidences, and it’s not about arguments. Basically, it’s not about you at all. 

Does studying long lists of funny-sounding names so enrapture you that you find yourself studying them deep into the night, or do you keep them on hand as a homeopathic cure for insomnia? 

In this humor-filled presentation, I do the unthinkable–I make “the begats” fun. Learn what the purpose is for each of the five major genealogies in the Bible, and find out if we really can use them to estimate the age of the earth; the answer may surprise you. 

By the end of this presentation, the audience will be able to deliver correct responses to the following challenges: 

1. State what is meant by “hermeneutics”, 

1. List three biblical proofs that the days of creation were actual days (~24 hours long), and 

1. Explain why 24-hour days in Genesis 1 are essential for understanding the gospel. 

When I first got started in apologetics, I thought it was basically about two things: a) proving God exists, and b) providing evidence to prove the truth claims of the Bible. It seemed what every big-name apologist had done before me, and it seemed to be an entirely reasonable, rational, and sensible approach…so for years, that’s the path I followed. I never stopped to ask myself, “But is it biblical?” 

In this presentation, using as many of God’s words and as few of mine as possible, I pass on what God taught me from His Word about what apologetics really is, and how He showed me, “Dan, apologetics is not what you think.” 

Is it possible to disagree with someone on social media without the conversation devolving into a digital fistfight, replete with name-calling and an exchange of mocking memes to make one’s point? In this presentation, I demonstrate, using a real conversation I had on social media, how to leverage Greg Koukl’s Tactics to effectively guide conversations and ask intelligent questions that will cause those who read them to think about why they believe what they believe. 

There are few journeys in life quite like marriage! So what is God’s “roadmap” for young men who look forward to (or are already on the path of) this divine calling? We’ll take a spiritual look at the practical application of Ephesians 5. As we apply “four truths to four levels,” you’ll find both the directions and the destination of marital bliss coming into clearer focus. 

24 years of private piano teaching (nearly 30,000 lessons) will teach a person a thing or two—some lessons learned the hard way, some the easy. The goal of this short workshop is to help point you to “hard work the easy way.” But even the best music business is not truly successful unless it’s based on the Kingdom. We’ll start this class with the importance of clarifying your philosophy of ministry, and then we’ll dive deep into the practical how-to’s of forming a private teaching studio. Many principles will cross over into other types of home-based businesses. 

Consider this dilemma: You have an adequate fixed income, but you find your bank account emptied by non-essentials before the bills are paid. The same occurs with the daily 24 hours God gives us. Too often the non-essentials squeeze out the essentials, and we fail to carry out God’s crucial assignments for us. And as this all too easily happens with homeschooling parents, come discover important ways to avoid this serious pitfall.  

In January of 1956 Ed McCully was one of five missionaries killed in the jungles of Ecuador by a group of people they were trying to reach with the Gospel. We will see how “God’s ways are above our ways” and how He wants to use each of us and all of the details of our circumstances for good. We will have time for questions and answers at the end and a collection of documents related to the story available for folks who want to know more about it. 

Whether or not you are “addicted” to anything, we all have things in life we want to change, or “fix”. We live in a broken world, yes? In this workshop we will talk about how the Bible has the answer to whatever or wherever our “brokenness” is as Steve explains how he let his love of numbers lead him into gambling which became “compulsive” and after seventeen years almost ended his marriage until twenty-seven years ago the truth and understanding and guidance and love found in God’s Word changed his life, one day at a time. 

Do you want to make working with numbers not only non-threatening, but actually enjoyable. MathPro is an instructional tool that provides an engaging, entertaining and efficient way for kids from age four to adulthood to work on just about everything related to numbers. MathPro has it covered from counting and number recognition skills for your little ones, up through all four mathematical processes for your grade school kids and including learning order of operations, working with perfect squares and simple square roots and using algebraic formulas to solve problems for your middle school and high school kids. Your kids can “grow up” on MathPro and enjoy the countless games that are provided which not only develop number sense and mathematical reasoning, but are fun and non-threatening. 

Most students dread music theory classes. In this class, we will explain why theory is critical, how to understand three basics of music theory in a memorable way, and, most importantly, how to apply it to make you a better musician. Learn to properly identify and use the three components of every single song and how to apply them to create your own arrangements and songs. The attendee will learn the proper balance of melody, harmony, and rhythm, as well as how to identify and utilize:  Scales, Intervals,  Chords, and Circle of Fifths.  

Students should be at least late beginner/early intermediate.  There will be lots of useful applications for even most advanced students as well.  A piano keyboard, or whatever instrument the student is comfortable with, would be very helpful for this class.  Some of the principles will apply to all instrumentalists, but it will be primarily demonstrated on the piano. It will be geared toward pianists, but this class will teach valuable techniques for all musicians.

Pre-register since the class size is 20 students. 

Five tricks of the trade that professionals use when sight-reading music. Many musicians never learn to sing, but whether you sing or play an instrument, or both, you will become a better musician by learning to apply these five techniques, which are: 1. Learn to aurally identify intervals!; 2. Look over entire music and identify key, timing, speed, mode, accidentals, etc.; 3. ID melody; 4. ID rhythm; and 5. ID Harmony. 

Suitable for beginners, but probably not any younger than 10 years of age. No instruments are needed for this workshop. Pre-registration is required since class size is 25 students.