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Last week, I was in Louisville for the D6 Conference.  On Wednesday, the day is filled with labs and few main stage speakers.  Here are a few take-aways from Wednesday: As churches, we must continue to disciple no matter what culture or statistics say.  How our churches disciple fathers is crucial in the faith development of our kids?  I must continue to seek the best way to empower dads to pass on their faith.  D6 Dads is a good start, but more is needed. Reconciliation is essential both inside and outside the church.  What example am I setting for my children and for the watching world?  God has called us to reconciliation.  Are we letting our emotions get in the way of our ministry of reconciliation? For too long in the church, we have kept behavior in check by warning of dangers of the road.  We need to instead focus on the goodness and greatness of the meadow.  How can I help my children and others understand the blessings a...

My first pre-con lab at the D6 Conference was led by Tommy Sanders and was entitled, "Decision Time: How to Talk to Children About Becoming a Christian" Christian Education Journal Article highlights research. Connect the conversation with parent instead of pastor.      What must a child feel to become a Christian?      What must a child know to become a Christian?      What must a child believe to become a Christian?      What must child act like or do to become a Christian? Training parents to have conversations with their children about salvation. Foundation, Confession, Progression Major Findings    Pastors have a different type of influence    Parents feel inadequate    Everyone has influence    Inclusion and exclusion can be motivational (Lord's Supper, Baptism)    Use of the language of faith does not indicate understanding (save fr...

I wanted to share a few highlights from the D6 Conference this year. Great hotel, great made to order omelets for breakfast, & great meals (In & Out Burger, Cheesecake Factory, & Ted's in OKC) Great conversations with Brad & Brad (my team from Hesston) Excellent hospitality from Jacob Riggs & the Randall House team as I was part of the blogger's circle Excellent labs on Wednesday especially Michelle Anthony & Timothy Paul Jones Hearing David Platt & Voddie Baucham speak A great evening with Steven Curtis Chapman Lots of ideas to pray through and see what God has in store for Hesston MB for the coming year Check back throughout the week for interviews with Rob Rienow & Mark Holmen.  As well, watch for my response to the student ministry panel later in the week.  I will also share one quote from each speaker on Saturday.  Enjoy this week's posts!

I am sitting almost in the front row of my first pre -con lab for D6 Conference. No, I am not the teacher's pet, but it was the only seat available. Michelle Anthony has spent 25 years in children's, youth, and family ministry in the church. But after a family move, started working at David C Cook as a Family Ministry Architect. What does it mean for the church to come alongside families? Good Behavior vs. Faith -It's tempting for us as parents to accept the counterfeit by focusing on good behavior instead of faith. Good behavior does not stand up to the pressures of life. When trials come, behavior won't stand. Faith will last. Our pride creates in us a desire to look like a good a parent whether in public or at home. What Fosters Faith? -Guilt does not transform us, but only produces temporary change. Guilt is counterfeit for conviction. We need to get back to the basics. Conviction-cuts to the heart. We cannot convict our children's life only the Holy Spi...

Here are the pre -conference labs I attended today at D6: A Grace Based Strategy for Family Ministry by Tim Kimmel Devotions Kicked Up A Notch by Tina Houser Our Newest Milestones Developments & Milestones FAQ's by Brian Haynes Mobilizing Families to Go & Be by Thad Harris How to Motivate Dads to Be Spiritual Leaders by Larry Fowler It has been a busy day full of information and great ideas. I will share a few later. Here are a few quotes that spoke to me: Satan knows them (our three inner needs) and provides counterfeits. ( Kimmel ) Parents need to "treat our kids the way God treats His" ( Kimmel ) Leaders who mobilize families to Go & Be must first be moved themselves, prioritize God's Mission in what is communicated, & prioritize God's Mission in what is planned. (Harris) To equip families we need to provide a simple demonstration. (Haynes) Family devotions bring us together in a society that keeps us busy and separate. ( Houser ) Dads need to...