Program

This year's program features 70 workshops in 10 different specialty tracks, each taught by qualified instructors with expertise in their fields.

Convention Schedule

Friday, March 9
Registration & Displays Noon
Workshop #1 1:30 — 2:45pm
Workshop #2 3:00 — 4:15pm
Workshop #3 4:30 — 5:45pm
BBQ Supper and Displays 5:45 — 7:30pm
Workshop #4 6:00 — 7:15pm
Plenary Session 7:30 — 8:30pm
Saturday, March 10
Workshop #5 8:30 — 9:45am
Workshop #6 10:00 — 11:15am
Lunch and Displays 11:15am — 1:00pm
Workshop #7 11:30 — 12:45pm
Plenary Session 1:00 — 2:00pm

Certificate Specialty Tracks

To be certified in a track you must attend 5 of the 7 workshops in that track. At the end of the convention you will receive your certificate.

Lay Counseling

Develop and Maintain a Lay Counseling Ministry Dr. Walter Linn
The purpose of this workshop is to identify those who God is raising up to help meet the many needs of those in the Body who are hurting. This workshop will also consider how to establish and maintain an effective lay counseling ministry in the local church.
Put Together the Pieces to Build a Successful Stepfamily Tami Miller
Blending a family can stir up great conflict. Prepared lay counselors can help parents develop strategies for building unity in their new families. In this workshop you will discover how to help parents establish boundaries for all family members, thus helping two families become the one family they have always dreamed of becoming.
When Unresolved Anger Becomes Violent in the Christian Home Brian Holmes
This workshop will address how unresolved issues can result in explosive anger and even violence within the Christian home. The participant will learn ways to create a healthy and safe family environment.
From Hostility to Harmony: Dealing with Couples in Conflict Luda Leinster
Some couples have lost all hope of ever being able to work through difficult issues without hostility. Participants in this workshop will learn how to assist couples in using conflict as a springboard by which to turn angry arguments into intimate conversations.
Parent with Love and Logic to Raise Responsible Kids Dr. Ginger Gabriel
In this workshop you will learn easy techniques that will help parents raise responsible kids who are fun to be around. The workshop is based on the Love and Logic Philosophy, a unique approach that unlocks the secrets of successful parenting.
How to Care for a Man’s Wounded Soul Ted Heaberlin
Lay counselors in this workshop will learn to provide spiritually supportive counseling to men of all ages who have either been neglected or have suffered physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Participants will learn to recognize the presence of problems stemming from a wounded past.
Starting Out Right: Develop a Premarital Counseling Ministry Brad and Tami Miller
At this workshop, you will be introduced to the essentials that every effective premarital counseling session should include. You will learn how to develop a style that fits your own and is beneficial to your couples.

Contemporary Christian Issues

Truth Decay: Defending Christianity in a Postmodern World Randy Rodden
In this workshop you will be given information which will help Christians in generations X and Y answer the question, “What is truth?” This generation of Christians is at a crossroad today. It is imperative for every Christian to understand what is at stake in this struggle for truth.
Giving to Caesar What Is Caesar’s and Rendering to God What Is God’s David Faust
In this workshop you will be provided with information regarding what the government requires of us financially so that we give them what is necessary and no more. This will result in your being able to give more to the church and to God’s work.
Homosexuality: Should the Church React or Respond? Jim Mullennix
This workshop will discuss a topic affecting all churches today.
The Christian and Abortion: Can the Church Make a Difference? Gail Mullennix
Thirty-four years and forty-seven million babies after Roe vs. Wade, abortion is still prevalent. Is there any hope for this to be changed?
How Can Christian Parents Monitor Their Children from Harmful and Promiscuous Internet Use? Dr. Leon Obien
The shocking statistics tell us that a high percentage of our children and youth are influenced daily by the easy access to promiscuous relationships over the internet. In this workshop, information will be given to help parents in monitoring this technical phenomenon.
The Issues of the Muslin Radicals & Their Supposedly Islamic Beliefs Azmat Daniel
In this workshop you will learn how to share the gospel with these seemingly frightening people. You will learn the background of the Islamic belief and be given a proven method of approaching them with the gospel.
God in Our Public Schools: Is It Possible? Should God be in our Public Schools? Bob Caddel
Two questions will be answered in this workshop. What can we do to bring God back to the classroom without being accused of proselytizing and, do teachers have to leave their faith at the school house door?

Children: How to Teach

Won by One – You Can Do It Lisa Mitchell
This hands-on interactive workshop will give you the tools and confidence you need to know how to give an invitation, explain the gospel and counsel with a child. You will be able to show a child how to receive Christ as Savior.
1.. 2.. 3.. Jesus Loves Me Janelle Heiden
In this workshop attendees will learn colorful ways of presenting the gospel and leading children to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Weaving the Gospel Through Any Bible Story Nancy Aposhian
In this workshop you will see how you can share the salvation message through any Bible story you tell. You will be able to skillfully weave gospel concepts into every lesson you teach.
An Ounce of Discernment Janelle Heiden
This workshop is designed to equip those in ministry to insure that their program, Sunday School, AWANA, etc., is a spiritually and emotionally safe place for all who attend.
How to Reach the Public Schools Andy Simpson
This workshop will present a strategy to legally evangelize in public schools through after-school Good News Clubs.
Making God’s Word Stick Like Glue Kathy Vincent
Teaching the Word of God to children is one of the highest callings we have. In this interactive seminar you will learn some new and creative ways to use toe tapping music, colorful hands-on props and super exciting games to get the children you minister to excited about the Bible.
Outreach Ideas for Elementary Children Sue Hanaford
What is it about your children’s program that makes kids want to bring their friends? Ideas for programs that will give children opportunities to invite friends and bring in the unchurched will be shared.

Children: Visual Aids

Gospel Magic 101 Steve Varro
This workshop, for the newcomer to magic, is filled with ideas that will also be helpful to the seasoned gospel worker.
Skits and Stories For Children Wendy Olson
You will be given in this workshop many proven examples you can use in the teaching of children in your church.
Creative Puppetry Wendy Olson
Here you will be led in making a puppet, shown how to use it and see how it can be used with other stories and games as you teach your children.
Gospel Magic…and the Way to Use It Steve Varro
This is a step-by-step workshop for presenting several effects you can make or buy. Lessons on faith, the Great Commission, and more will be presented.
20 Ways to Have Fun With Music Kathy Vincent
In this workshop you will learn some new and fun uses for those children’s CD’s that have been collecting dust on your shelves. You will also be presented with some brand new music resources that can be used in any Sunday School where your children’s workers are a part.
Gospel Magic – Favorite Stories Steve Varro
The leader of this workshop will describe some effects he has used in thousands of settings. Most effects shown in this workshop can be made or purchased.
Clown Ministry 101 Wendy Olson
In this workshop you will learn how to share Jesus through face painting, balloons, games, skits, etc.

Youth

Dealing with the Anger Within Mark Schaufler
Key tools will be given in this workshop to help anyone deal with the anger within themselves or others.
R' n R' (Rhema n Rhyme) vs Hip Hop Bishop Brian Cochran
You will be given ideas on how to reach the urban-flavored youth by changing a culture from the inside out. You will see how music plays a key role in their world.
Teaching for Change Mark Schaufler
How do any of us change? How can we enable teenagers to change and grow into all God has for them? You will get the keys in this workshop.
Making Disciples in a Busy World Mark Schaufler
You will learn to develop a strategy in this workshop that really makes disciples out of the students to whom you are ministering.
Hit the Nine Youth Ministry Targets Mark Schaufler
This pioneer of three youth ministries will show you how to take the limited amount of time you have and make it count as you understand the key youth ministry student types.
Mentoring: The Key to Reaching Our Next Generation Norm Tacklind
Mentoring seems to be a lost art in many youth ministries. In this workshop you will see how it can be the key for reaching our next generation of young people.
Using the Arts to Reach Youth Dr. Bette Bond
Youth pastors and lay leaders alike will learn how to use art to reach their youth. This workshop is high in Octane Youth Attraction and low in budget. Leadership of over 4000 churches have been trained in this creative evangelistic venue.

Middle Adults

Preparing Middle Adults for Second Career Missions/Ministry Service Julie Tilman
Since the late 1990’s there has been a significant increase in the number of middle adults who are taking their work experience and beginning a second career in missions or ministry. You will be shown how we can help our middle adults explore the call God has placed on their lives.
Getting Real About the Ministry Needs of the Middle Adults Julie Tilman
Navigating through the ministry needs of middle adults can be difficult work. Their needs are varied and complex but God’s Word offers real solutions. Join us as we consider ways we can guide them through this phase of their journey.
The Kingdom of God on Monday Morning Dr. John Harbison
For most Christians it is easy to think about the Kingdom of God on Sunday morning, but what about Monday morning? That morning is filled with work to be done, phone calls to be made, meetings to attend and deadlines to be met. You will learn how we can help the middle adult to live as a Kingdom person in the context of our every day secular world.
Reaching the Un-reached Middle Adult Dr. Ronda Boggs
This session will discuss some tried and true as well as innovative ways to reach and minister to middle adults. It will be interactive with answers to questions and real life scenarios presented.
Hope in the Midst of Heartbreak Randy Rodden
Everywhere you look today it seems as though our society is in a downward spiral. Marriages are coming apart, careers are uncertain and the possibility of the next 9/11 happening is a slow drain on our emotional stability. This session will give middle adults a plan on how to face life in an “X” rated society.
Coloring Outside the Lines Bill and Candy Peters
This workshop will show what can be done to create interesting and memorable Bible studies that are true to the Word of God.
Re-engaging Middle Adults Bill and Candy Peters
This workshop will show how to get non-Bible study attending but church going adults in the 35-55 year range back to the classroom.

Senior Adults

Never Say Old Dr. Jack Teachout
The problems, dangers and opportunities that seniors face in their mature years will be discussed. In this workshop a biblical perspective on aging will be given.
How to Establish a Seniors’ Ministry in Your Church Dr. Ron Butler
This workshop will be basic for all ministries to seniors. As our senior population is exploding, every church should be considering a ministry for their seniors and the seniors of their community. What is the first thing you should do? What is the first activity you should have? These and other questions will be answered.
It Doesn’t Get Any Better – The Happiness and Trauma of Grandparenting Wayne Reynolds
In this workshop you will be led in a consideration of proactive and retroactive choices and their consequences for seniors in their role as grand parents.
Senior Financial Strategies Jim Runyan
These subjects will be discussed in this workshop: too many eggs in one basket; the dangers of joint title; bonds; taxes; asset safety; and long term care.
Medication and Traveling David Chai
This workshop leader will be discussing medication for hypertension, diabetes and arthritis, as well as presenting tips on how to manage medication while traveling. He will also answer any questions about medications, drug interaction and insurance.
The Needs of Seniors and How the Church Can Help Dr. Ron Butler
The participants of this workshop will take a look at the real needs of seniors in their churches. No two seniors are alike. They will see how one program cannot fill all needs.
A Senior Christian World View Gary Jefferson
This workshop will consider such topics as: age is not an obstacle with God; at your age there are important things to do; you can always start anew; age does not limit God; as well as other topics.

Parenting

Exploring Your Parenting Style Jeenie Gordon
You will learn the four parenting styles and the good/bad of each, as well as how they affect your children. A survey will be given to help you pinpoint your personal style and help you to be the best parent you can be.
Drug and Alcohol Problems with Teens Jim Powell
A basic understanding of drug and alcohol use/abuse will be presented along with some practical how-to’s for families dealing with adolescent drug/alcohol usage. Resources and referrals will be made available.
Achieving Parenting Goals Using God’s Five Principles of Discipline Ben McCart
The modern methods of childrearing currently available will have their value judged against God’s five principles of parenting found in Genesis. You will see why his example works and gives you the results you desire.
Changing Disobedience to Self-Control in Three Easy Steps Ben McCart
Einstein said, “You cannot solve a problem with the same mind that created it.” Disobedience isn’t inevitable. You will see how it’s the result of a common and completely avoidable habit and how by changing the mind that habit can be eliminated.
Empowering Teens in Their Lives Dr. Bette Bond
You will learn how to explain to your teenager or your youth group how to live an empowering Christian life. The presented materials may be used with families and in churches.
The Turbulent Teen Years Jeenie Gordon
Teen years are a struggle for both teens and parents. This workshop will help you deal with discipline, setting limits and encouraging teens. Information on drugs/alcohol/sex, “rescuing,” modeling godliness, etc. will be shared.
Internet Pornography and MySpace.Com Jim Powell
Critical points will be presented regarding how to handle a family member’s use of internet porn and MySpace.com. Setting up check points for a child’s/adolescent’s browsing of these porn and MySpace sites will be discussed.

Marriage

Turning Arguments into Discussions Ben McCart
At the conclusion of this workshop you will be able to begin using the four communication secrets that can turn any argument into a discussion.
Biblical Roles of Husbands and Wives – Part 1 Art Valadez
The Bible shares much regarding the roles of husbands and wives. This workshop will explore some of these roles.
Biblical Roles of Husbands and Wives – Part 2 Art Valadez
This workshop is a continuation of the discussion of the biblical roles of husbands and wives.
Therapeutic Ideas for Counselors and Pastors Dr. E.N. Chand
Those who work in bringing marriages back together will find this workshop helpful as many ideas will be presented.
Marriage and Blended Families Kenny Purdue
More and more marriages are being formed today which bring two families together. Blending them can often be very difficult. This workshop will help you overcome some of the obstacles.
Marriage and the Role Adoption May Play Keith and Toni Knight
This workshop will present their story of adoption and help others to know what to look for if they desire to adopt.
Marriage and Mental Illness Tonsenitta Green
What do you do when your spouse or loved one comes down with a mental illness? This can become a problem for the entire family. You will be given some thoughts and ideas on how to work with this situation.

Contemporary Christian Ministries

The Nuts and Bolts of Starting a Disability Ministry Rachel Watters
This session will provide its attendees with guidance as to the administrative tasks necessary to begin and maintain a Disability Ministry. Ideas will be discussed for recruiting volunteers, how to advertise to your church body and identifying interested class members in your church and the community.
Developing Mission Driven Sunday Schools Toni Jackson-Williams
Mission driven Sunday Schools are developed when those in leadership positions understand the challenges they face and know how to take the failures of the past and use them to create change in the future.
Kids on Missions! Nancy Tichy
This workshop will present strategies for engaging children in God’s global cause. Practical ways to mobilize kids for a church’s outreach ministries will be offered.
Waking the Sleeping Firemen (Missions) Nancy Tichy
This workshop will present successful strategies for involving people of all ages in your church’s global enterprise. It will offer generational guidelines so that no age group is left behind.
How to Make Positive Church Changes Jay Pankratz
Making changes often meets with resistance and ends with frustration. In this workshop you will be led to examine some specific ways to make changes in your church that will minimize opposition, build unity and stimulate growth in your ministry.
How to Develop a Turnaround Strategy for Your Church Jay Pankratz
If your ministry is going to experience a new growth spurt, you need to develop a turnaround strategy that will enable it to happen. In this workshop you will identify some specific steps you can take to develop a successful strategy for your ministry.
We Teach But Do They Learn? Toni Jackson-Williams
Learning styles is one of the most important areas of our lives. Many people can state, “If I knew then, what I know now about the way I learn, my entire life could have been focused into another direction.” This workshop will help you with your learning style.


Visit our display booths.

  • Association of Christian Alcohol and Drug Counselors - Calimesa
  • Bengali Evangelical Association - San Bernardino
  • California Release Time Christian Education - Ontario
  • Camp Cherith - Sky Meadows
  • Child Evangelism Fellowship of Greater Long Beach
  • Child Evangelism Fellowship of Greater Riverside
  • Christian Veterinary Mission and World Concerns - Highland
  • Compassion International - Colorado Springs, Colorado
  • CSB Ministries - Crestline
  • Equipping Today’s Church - Yorba Linda
  • Finish the Race - Lacy, Washington
  • Genesis Counseling Center - San Bernardino
  • Gospel Magic/Christian Illusionist - Steve Varro
  • Heifer International - Riverside
  • Jews for Jesus - Los Angeles
  • KSGN Radio
  • Nature’s Way - Joyce Skillern
  • Dr. Leon Obien - Highland
  • Redlands Christian Home
  • Southwest Bible College - Moreno Valley
  • Tidings of Love: Angel Pins & Christian Jewelry - Camarillo
  • Timeless Architecture, Inc. - Irvine
  • TLC Teen Moms & Dads: Marsha Wilson - San Bernardino