All Workshops
Which workshops are right for you? CLICK HERE to see lists of the sessions by track.
Tracks include: Art, Advocacy and Orphans, Building Church Ministries, Child Welfare Professionals, Engaging Effectively for Foster Youth, Engaging Effectively for Orphans Worldwide, Help for Adoptive and Foster Families, Loving Children with Special Needs, Maximizing the Impact of Your Ministry, Pastors and Church Leaders, Strengthening the Family, and The Global Church
Click on the titles below to see fuller descriptions.
A Place I Didn’t Belong: Hope for Adoptive Moms
This session validates the sometimes devastating experiences of adoptive parenthood while offering hope, practical coping strategies and spiritual renewal for the journey ahead. The trajectory of unmet expectations, our children’s compromised beginnings, and the wounds we carry into our adoptions may conspire to take us to a place we didn’t belong. A compassionate look at [...]
ABC’s of Orphan Advocacy
Come learn how to use your voice and talents to change policies and legislation that impact orphans worldwide. Hear inspiring firsthand accounts of ordinary individuals who through their passion and advocacy are helping to shape orphan and adoption policy at the federal, state and international level. Talk with experts about how to tackle issues you [...]
Adopting a Photojournalistic Strategy to Share Your Message and Build Your Community
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but photos can also help your organization build a well-informed, and committed group of followers. Join humanitarian photographer Gary S. Chapman as he and his wife Vivian help you design a photojournalistic strategy to advocate your cause. This workshop will cover a range of topics from [...]
Adopting and Advocating for the Child with HIV
This informative session addresses pervasive misconceptions about HIV/AIDS, introduces prospective adoptive parents to the realities of parenting positive children, and offers answers to questions about the details of HIV+ adoptions. Participants will learn about the challenges children orphaned by HIV face and discover creative opportunities to advocate for children/families affected by HIV/AIDS. (Carolyn Tweitmeyer, Project Hopeful)
Aging Out: Best Practices in Successful Life Transitions for Older Orphans
As older orphans age out of the system, international trends are heart breaking: hopelessness, substance abuse, prostitution, homelessness, crime and incarceration await many who lack adequate support networks. We will hear from an expert panel on best practices in holistic life transition programs for older orphans including; Christ-centered spiritual care and mentoring, transitional housing, life [...]
Attachment: Parenting With Your Brain in Mind (Part I)
What is it and why does it matter? How does knowing more about your brain assist you in forming more secure attachments? And what does secure or insecure attachment have to do with our relationship with God? And more importantly, how can we create relational environments in which secure attachments are the more likely outcome [...]
Attachment: Parenting With Your Brain in Mind (Part II)
What is it and why does it matter? How does knowing more about your brain assist you in forming more secure attachments? And what does secure or insecure attachment have to do with our relationship with God? And more importantly, how can we create relational environments in which secure attachments are the more likely outcome [...]
Becoming a Multi-Racial Family
Over the years we’ve learned from adult adoptees and adoptive parents alike, that love is not enough when parenting a child of another race. Through learning the latest research on adult adoptee racial identity, viewing interviews with adult adoptees / adoptive parents / professionals, and hearing personal examples of VanderWoude’s lifelong experiences as a racial [...]
Becoming a Trauma-Competent Healing Parent
Are we as parents really ready to parent child with a difficult history? When a child enters a foster or adoptive home following a history of abuse, neglect and trauma, that child will greatly impact the family. This workshop will introduce nine essential skills that are needed by foster caregivers or adoptive parents that will [...]
Biblical Counseling and a Successful Orphan Care Ministry
You’ve begun an orphan care ministry in your church! Orphan Sunday was a smashing success! Children have been adopted. Foster kids have been placed in your church! And now things are falling apart. Moms are in tears as they struggle with loving their new children. Dads are struggling to keep their frustrations in check. Children [...]
Brush to Berries: Creating a Business that Sustains Orphans
Garner key principles and replicable activities that have helped build a successful agricultural business in Zambia that today provides employment and income for caregivers, orphans and ongoing ministry. Learn key lessons learned from past successes & pitfalls on topics including leadership, management, profit structure, and local team building. Discover concepts and tools your church orphan [...]
Building Church Orphan Ministry 101: Launching Your Ministry
Navigating the waters of starting an orphans ministry in your local church can seem daunting. How do I approach leadership? Do I have to do this by myself? Where should we focus? Come learn eight vital steps to launching an orphans ministry in your church and walk away with practical tools and insights you can [...]
Building Church Orphan Ministry 201: Adoption
Building on the more general insights offered in “Church Ministries 101,” this advanced workshop will expand your ministry toolbox with useful nuts-and-bolts for growing effective adoption ministry in your church. This session includes common pitfalls, practical advice and real world models. (Michael and Amy Monroe, Tapestry Adoption & Foster Care Ministry) Additional Resources: Tapestry Adoption & [...]
Building Church Orphan Ministry 201: Foster Care
Building on the more general insights offered in “Church Ministries 101,” this advanced workshop presents keys for expanding and deepening an existing church foster care ministry. This breakout will require participants to think critically about holistic strategies to addressing root causes of the foster care system. Each leader will walk away with a plan to [...]
Building Church Orphan Ministry 201: Global Orphan Care
Building on the more general insights offered in “Church Ministries 101,” this workshop will focus on critical issues to consider when developing orphan care programs—whether in the field or as a U.S. church partner. Topics include administrative structures to address abuse, financial accountability and work with foreign governmental agencies. Key elements of strategic planning and [...]
Building Trauma Competent Healing Caregivers I
Each year, thousands of children around the world enter into the care of someone outside the family. It could be foster parents, adoptive parents, kinship families or orphanages caregiver. These are people with a desire to help children, but who not equipped for their responsibilities. Based on the nine essential skills of trauma informed care [...]
Building Trauma Competent Healing Caregivers II
This workshop is a continuation of Part One and will offer additional essential skills of trauma informed care. Every participant will leave both workshops with new strategies, tools and ideas to better equip those who pour their lives into the needs of wounded, traumatized children. (Jayne and David Schooler, Trainer, ILDC; Ruby Johnston, Lamb International) Additional [...]
Changes, Challenges, and Choices – Dealing with the Impacts on the Home
Transitioning and integrating new individuals into new homes to form new families is a challenge. This interactive workshop is designed to engage participants in dialogue related to the changes and challenges they have already had or will experience as they welcome a new child or children into their home. We will explore the effects of [...]
Child Welfare Pilots as a Model for System Change
In this breakout session we will deal with the critical issues of the orphan – being lost to a system of abuse, neglect and abandonment once they reach the age of graduation. Five programs will be reviewed, discussed and demonstrated. Participants will leave with concrete ideas and action tools for use in orphan ministries and [...]
Creating a Healthy Culture of Adoption in Churches
Gain an understanding of the evolving needs within a church that chooses to create a culture of adoption. Learn how to go beyond the initial step of raising awareness about the global orphan crisis, to effectively equipping adoptive families for the lifelong journey of adoption. Become a church that proactively supports adoptive parents and adoptees [...]
Creating Foster to Adoption Ministry in Anti-Adoption Cultures
We have been offering cradle care ministry to abandoned infants for decades. Once international adoption was no longer an option for our target country, we were faced with a flood of trafficking issues and abandoned infants growing up in institutions. To remedy this issue, we began working to develop foster to adopt initiatives in this [...]
Creative Compassion: Using Artistic Gifts to Make a Difference
We all have a gift we’ve been given. To have an artistic talent whether it be through music, dance, photography or anything in the art world is a unique and priceless quality to posses if you’ve ever thought about going on a mission trip. Being able to reach and impact orphans and other vulnerable children [...]
Creative Fundraising for Your Adoption or Ministry
Families are raising thousands of dollars to fund adoptions and orphan care programs around the world. We’ll take a look at some of the most successful fundraisers and give you practical ways to engage your community. (Julie Gum, Author “Adopt Without Debt”)
Discipling and Orphan Care in the Local Church
How do make orphan care and adoption a focus of your local church and avoid it becoming an “add-on” ministry that for only a select few passionate individuals? How can we seek to integrate care for the fatherless into strategy for helping people to follow Jesus through the local church? Join Discipling Pastor and co-author [...]
Effective Faith-Based Partnerships: Models that Work for Children and Families
Discover successful models of faith-based programs and partnerships from across the country that are improving outcomes for children. An experts panel will showcase some of the cutting edge programs from around the country that are helping child welfare professionals strengthen families, protect children and find permanent homes for kids who need them. (The CALL, Project [...]
Encouragement for Weary Orphan Ministry Leaders
From church lay leader to organization staff, times of discouragement, disappointment and weariness are often intertwined with orphan ministry. Explore key aspects of preserving enthusiasm and strength in the Lord…and recapturing it when it has been lost. (Mary Carol Pederson, The CALL)
Equipping Families to Connect While Correcting
Adopted and foster children have unique histories and needs, and it is critical that their parents are equipped with a unique parenting approach to help their children heal and grow. Based on Dr. Karyn Purvis’ trust-based parenting model, this session will offer insights, strategies, and tools to equip families to connect while correcting. (Michael and [...]
Faith and Art in Music City
Well-made art moves us in ways nothing else can. Hear some of the world’s best songwriters reflect on what it means to work their craft with faithfulness and grace. Nashville greats will share stories and sing songs they’ve written, and also offer personal thoughts on what it means to capture in song both the beauty [...]
Finding Me
For every adoptive parent, there is a sacred story of how a child entered his or her life. There is a sense that you are able to provide a kind of life for your adopted child that otherwise he or she may not have had. But, we must remember, for every adopted child there is [...]
Getting Business Involved in the Cause of the Fatherless
This session will look at the ways that businesses can be engaged to help make a difference for non-profits. We will investigate how business owners can get involved, how employees might engage their companies to help, and how non-profits can reach out to businesses in a way that is win/win. Together with non-profits, businesses can [...]
God is Love: The Nature of the Father and our Identity as His Children
Whatever your involvement with adoption advocacy, orphan care, or foster care may be, it is often helpful to pull the scope back from what we are doing to remember why we are doing it. The aim of this breakout session is not necessarily neat answers or practical steps; rather, the intention is to create space [...]
Growing a Church that Mirror’s God’s Heart for the Orphan
A pastor’s desire should go much deeper than simply seeing more families foster, adopt or support orphan care. Ultimately, we want to see God’s heart for the orphan reflected in the very culture of our church. For this, we need to pair practical ministry opportunities with compelling teaching, stories, and theology that touch every aspect [...]
Growing National Movements
Witness a glimpses of successful orphan care movements from around the globe, understand their challenges, and learn how they are inspiring other countries to start their own national movements. Whether you are an international leader desiring a movement in your own country or represent a US church/nonprofit hoping to encourage efforts overseas, join us to [...]
Harnessing Social Media for Good
In today’s world some of the greatest impact in orphan advocacy is coming from online tools. How can you best use your voice for good while harnessing the technology at your fingertips? How can you get your message out effectively with both confidence and wisdom? Learn how to use your online voice for good [...]
Helping Without Hurting Part 1: The First Step in Poverty Alleviation
Poverty is often both a cause and a consequence of being an orphan, so alleviating poverty is a central component of orphan prevention and care. Unfortunately, good intentions are not enough. In fact, it is possible to do harm in the process of trying to do good. This workshop unpacks the surprising secret of how to play a role in helping people facing poverty to experience an abundant life. [...]
Helping Without Hurting Part 2: Key Principles for Effective Poverty Alleviation
Building on the foundation established in Part 1, this workshop explores three key principles that are essential to effective poverty alleviation at home or abroad: 1) Distinguishing among Relief, Rehabilitation, and Development; 2) Asset-based vs. Needs-Based Development; and 3) Blueprint vs. Participatory Development. Short-Term Missions will be evaluated in light of these key principles. (Brian [...]
Helping Without Hurting Part 3: Effective Strategies for Poverty Alleviation
Building on Parts 1 and 2, this workshop introduces and examines two effective strategies for alleviating poverty in the Majority World of Africa, Asia, and Latin America: 1) Microfinance and Microenterprise Development; and 2) Community Organizing. (Brian Fikkert, Chalmers Center) Additional Resources: “When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor…and Yourself” by Steve [...]
Home Educating our Children from the Inside Out…and Sometimes Upside Down
Home educating older adoptive children can be daunting. Many of our children have some very unique learning styles, GAPS & needs. Public & private schools have funding and resources we homeschooling families sometimes covet. But many families are counting the cost and making the sacrifices to build Strong Christ following individuals, family unity and Godly [...]
How Do We Work Together? Key Principles and Practices for Faith Partnerships
Designed especially for social work professionals, this workshop will delve deep into the specific principles and practices key to effective faith-based partnerships. Learn how to begin a faith-based initiative or grow the one you have. Alongside strategies for partnership, the workshop will address questions on Church-State boundary lines, difficulties of working with churches, and other [...]
How Does It Work: Successful Models of Church Orphan Ministry
Church-based orphan ministry can be challenging work. But there’s little more rewarding, or strategic, than creating and growing a ministry committed to supporting adoption, foster care and/or global initiatives together in the local church. In this workshop, individuals who’ve built thriving orphan ministry in their church will share practical advice, effective approaches, and key lessons [...]
How to Design an Effective & Accountable Orphan-Care Program in a Developing Nation
In this workshop, you’ll explore the top orphan-care models that are effective and accountable, and then create your own draft design. (Matt Storer, VisionTrust)
Human Trafficking Targets – How You can Help Protect Orphans and Children in Foster Care
Unprotected orphans and children in foster care are two populations considered highly at risk and vulnerable to being trafficked. In this session, attendees will learn what happens to a trafficked child in need, from the moment a call is receive to the specifics of providing excellent aftercare leading to wholeness and self-sufficiency. Half of the [...]
Innovative Adoption Funding Solutions & How the Church Can Respond
This workshop will equip churches and families to overcome one of the biggest barriers to adoption: money. Learn creative solutions to the funding hurdles, both big and small. Explore specific examples and “case studies” of how God has provided through churches and individuals to meet the financial needs of adoption. (Rich Metcalfe, Lifesong for Orphans; [...]
Integrating a Vision for Orphan Care with the Life of a Family
You know that God calls you to look after orphans, but how do you pass this vision onto your children? Come learn practical ideas for incorporating a vision for orphans into your family’s daily life. Simple decisions such as the books you read to your children, the way you schedule your day, the things you [...]
International Orphan Sunday
Orphan Sunday was celebrated in 39 countries around the world last year! This event can bring awareness of the plight of the orphan and inspire your local church and families in your town or district to care for orphan. If you are an international attendee, join us to learn how you can help launch Orphan [...]
Keeping Marriage and Family Strong on the Journey of Adoption
Raising children, whether biological or by adoption, can take its toll on your marriage and family. Explore some of the unique challenges that come with adoption and how you can be proactive and intentional about protecting your marriage, your spouse and your entire family. (Dennis and Barbara Rainey, Family Life)
Launch a Sustainable Mentoring Community for Fatherless Youth in Your Neighborhood
The orphan crisis starts in your local neighborhood. Single moms and fatherless youth are America’s most reachable unreached people group. Learn how to effectively recruit and train faith-based mentors at your church, reaching local, fatherless youth. (John Sowers, The Mentoring Project)
Local Families and Churches Caring for Children in International Settings
Come explore the key issues facing ministries who provide safe places for children to sleep. This session will look at an expanded spectrum of care, the reunification of biological families, and the compelling opportunity for responses based in local neighborhoods. (Philip and Jill Aspergen, Casa Viva) Additional Resources Casa Viva’s web site. Read our Statement [...]
Marketing Transformation
The times – they are a changing, is your organization? In a world where seemingly everything has changed, is your marketing strategy or your messaging the one constant, still “so yesterday?” At no other point in time has personalized, one-to-one messaging been so important, yet most nonprofits still have a one-size-fits-all-for-the-masses strategy….Attendees will leave the [...]
Meltdown
Are your child’s behaviors causing stress for the whole family? Does traditional discipline fall short in correcting the behavior or even make it worse? Children from backgrounds of early harm or neglect have frequent and intense behavioral dysregulation due to alterations in brain development, sensory processing, neurochemistry, and/or attachment. Learn how Debra and her husband, [...]
Ministry Is a Family Thing
Mary Beth Chapman and her daughter, Emily, will share what it is like to be involved in orphan care and adoption ministry together. For Mary Beth and Steven, their involvement with adoption advocacy and orphan care efforts has become more than a ministry they are passionate about – it is part of the legacy they [...]
Movie Screening: KING’S FAITH
Brendan King is on his eighteenth foster home and his last stop after wracking up a laundry list of run-ins with the law. When his past begins to threaten his new-found faith and family, Brendan sets off a chain of events that could destroy everything he’s been building his new life upon. Coming to theaters [...]
Movie Screening: STUCK
Every day, communities and governments struggle to care for millions of orphans, trying to replace the most fundamental of human connections: a family. Colliding with cultural identity, human rights, and international politics is the complex yet permanent solution for children: inter-country adoption. Traveling over four continents and into orphanages, living rooms and the halls of Congress, STUCK takes a clear eyed, and sometimes [...]
Navigating Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
This session will offer information about FAS, everything that it encompasses, and how to support those it affects. Whether you are an adoptive parent, a church leader, or an organization working with FAS, this workshop will offer ways to support, affirm, and encourage those struggling or dealing with FAS on a daily basis and how [...]
Navigating School for Special Needs: Homeschooling and in the Public School System
This session will discuss various education related topics for both public and homeschooling your newly adopted child with special needs. Public schools: contacting your school, enrolling your child, receiving therapy services, setting up an IEP, classroom placement, advocating for your child’s needs and addressing attachment at school. Homeschooling: state laws, finding local resources, setting up [...]
Navigating the Path of Foster to Adopt: Understanding the Process, Risks, and Blessings that Come via Foster Care
There are a lot of myths, unknowns, and fears when exploring the foster to adopt process. This session will explore the process of becoming a foster parent with the heart to adopt. We will talk through general processes and practices in becoming a licensed foster parent and we will cover the risks, struggles, and the [...]
Nurturing the Whole Child
This workshop gives an overview of the needs of children from hard places. Tragically, children who have been harmed, neglected and/or abused are at significantly increased risk for attachment challenges, relationship failures and early-onset mental illness. Participants will gain researched-based insights and practical ideas for bringing healing to the body, soul, and spirit of the [...]
Older Child Adoption: Do You Have What It Takes?
This panel of adoptive parents will tackle the joys and challenges of adopting an older child or teen. We will share our mistakes and triumphs and spend most of the session taking your tough questions. Come hear what it is really like to bring home a baby that is in puberty! (Facilitated by Jodi Jackson [...]
Orphan Care Adoption and Abortion – Developing a Whole Life Culture
It is impossible to separate the issue of abortion from adoption and orphan care. We will discuss balancing grace and truth when preaching on abortion and creating an environment that women with unplanned pregnancies feel like they will be able to receive grace and support when choosing life and not abortion. (Johnny Carr, Bethany Christian [...]
Orphan Justice in Local Church – Practical Ideas for Any Orphan Ministry
Johnny is known for his very practical sessions at Summit. This year he takes his book, Orphan Justice, and talks about building ministries that touch on a full range of issues including trafficking, poverty, HIV/AIDS, the foster system, and other issues related to caring for orphans. (Johnny Carr, Bethany Christian Services)
Practical Ways to Love and Serve Birthmothers
The decision to place your child for adoption is life changing. How can you support a women walking through a crisis pregnancy? Encourage her towards life and walk with her during and after her decision. Learn practical ways to love a woman walking through a crisis pregnancy and hear how discipleship happens in some of [...]
Regional Orphan Care Alliances – Growth Beyond the Startup
Churches are finding support by working together in communities through regional alliances all over the country. This session is for anyone who is thinking of starting a regional alliance for orphan care or is already involved in a regional alliance and working to grow its effectiveness in serving fatherless children. The Major Topics for this session [...]
Restoring the Reputation of the Short Term Mission Trip
As an organization that has hosted over 20,000 people in orphan related missions trips over the last 15 years, Back2Back has gained tremendous insight in how to make the short term trip relevant for those serving the orphan year round. This workshop is laced with principles that can guide decision making, and help you decide [...]
Say Yes to Special Needs
Are you wondering if you are prepared to take on the joys and challenges of an older child or special needs adoption? Adoption and Medical professionals will share their expertise on how to help parents determine if they are prepared to adopt a child with special needs or an older child. This will include medical [...]
So You Want to Change the World?
Regardless of where you are in your journey to care for orphans, there is so much we can learn from those who have come before us! From looking at world-changers like William Wilberforce and Abraham Lincoln to studying best-practices in international and child development, together let’s explore practical ways to make sure orphans are served [...]
So You’re Considering Adoption? Five Questions You Need to Ask and Where to Find Answers
Thinking and praying about whether to adopt can be overwhelming. Where do we start? Where can I get good information? How do I know who to trust? Come to this breakout session to learn of the 5 key questions that all couples considering adoption should be asking and, most importantly, where to find answers! The [...]
Special Needs Adoption: Myths vs. Truth
You’ve made the big step to adopt. Someone suggested an orphan with special needs. Did a streak of fear briefly run up your spine? Did you impulsively tell them, “That is not my calling,” before learning anything about it? Well now’s your chance to learn more and have the myths dispelled that paint a picture [...]
Starting and Maintaining a Healthy Adoption/Foster Parent Support Group
This workshop will discuss the basics of starting a support group for foster and adoptive parents. We will explore why this ministry is critical to any church’s orphan care ministry. Discussion will occur around the preparation and education of group members, how to structure and conduct the group, and how to keep the group going [...]
Straight Talk from Adult Adoptees
Whether an adoptive parents or someone who cares deeply for adopted individuals, there may be no imperative more important than first to listen. In this session, hear from individuals who know intimately the unique joys and challenges of growing up as an adopted person. Listen as adult adoptees share their stories, encouragements, warnings and hopes [...]
Straight Talk from Social Workers
Child Welfare Social Workers are on the front lines of the Foster Care system. Come hear directly from social workers ways to work best with them. Find out how your Church can work alongside social workers to help the children and the families on their caseloads and in your church succeed. Bring your questions and [...]
Successful Private/Public Relationships
When working with the foster care specifically, it’s important to work with the state. Many groups know this is important, but this session will outline some of the key principles to doing that well. Unfortunately, many are under the impression that the church and state cannot work together. The session would outline the possibilities and [...]
Teaching, then Engaging, Children in International Orphancare
Using practical examples from her own home and the foreign field where she has served for fifteen years, children’s author, Beth Guckenberger, walks through the steps of how to first create interest in a child’s heart for orphans, then educate them on the issues involved, leading to advocacy at any age. There are ideas for [...]
The Benefits and Challenges of Home-Based Orphan Care
While there certainly is more than one effective model of orphan care, we think it’s safe to say we would all agree that God intended for children to be cared for in a family. Yet we know that due to many devastating factors, there are millions of cases where biological families are not able to [...]
The Biggest Challenges Facing the Orphan Care Movement
The number and energy of Christians to “defend the cause of the fatherless” continues to grow, from adoption and fostering to global orphan care. But alongside this good news also come major challenges that threaten both the long-term viability and the Christian integrity of the movement. If the Christian orphan care movement is to continue [...]
The Church as an Alternative to Foster Care: How Churches Can Change Lives and Systems Across America
Learn how churches nationwide are partnering with local child protection agencies to provide an alternative to state foster care. You can join those replicating the Safe Families model across America. (David Anderson, Lydia Home)
The Forgotten Part of James 1:27
This breakout session will consider how the gospel creates and sustains orphan care ministry. Without the gospel, the danger is that orphan care ministry will be a mere flash in the pan & not a permanent movement. It’s through the gospel that God does his redemptive work. So, the gospel must be central to the [...]
The Future of Inter-Country Adoption
Hear from America’s top adoption policy leaders on both positive trends and significant challenges in international adoption today. Includes time for Q&A. (Kathleen Strottman, Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute; Chuck Johnson, National Council for Adoption; Tom Difilipo, Joint Council on International Children’s Services)
The Light of Life: The Church and Orphan Care from the First Century to the Present
One of the most distinctive aspects of the story of the Church through the ages has been its constant care for those the world has cast aside: the poor and outcast, the despised and rejected, the unloved and unlovely. From its earliest days, it was the Church that established hospitals, founded orphanages, rescued the perishing, [...]
The Multiracial Family: Conversations with Real People, Real Experts
Real families, parents and children share their stories and respond to your questions about being a transracial family from a biblical worldview. Share in the wisdom and collective experiences of both adoptees and adoptive parents in transracial families.
The Power of Orphan Sunday: How You Can Impact Your Church…and the World
Do you desire to grow a heart for orphans in your church, family or community? You may have no better opportunity than Orphan Sunday—this year on November 3, 2013! This workshop will prepare you to harness Orphan Sunday fully along with believers across the globe. Find easy event ideas, ready-to-use resources, practical advice and amazing [...]
The Waiting Game: Developing Peer Support for Families Waiting for Foster and Adoption
This workshop is designed to help you: Recognize the need for peer support throughout the adoption process; Discover areas of needed training when utilizing peer-based support; Identify positive outcomes to providing regular support to waiting licensed families as they await placement; Compare peer-based models and staff-driven models; and Discuss how a continuum of support during [...]
Three Step Strategy to Ministering to Street Children
The increase in the number of orphaned children who live alone on the streets of virtually every major city in the world has reached intolerable levels. These children are vulnerable to trafficking, exploitation, and unimaginable levels of abuse and neglect. Unfortunately, most churches and major NGO’s have been hesitant or ineffective in reaching out to [...]
Time to Man Up for the Fatherless
Men are sometimes the last to arrive when it comes to catching a vision that reflects God’s passion for orphans. But make no mistake: when it comes to orphans, God calls men to bold and sacrificial action. Join men who are seeking to step up to defend the fatherless as they share stories, reflections and [...]
Understanding the Basics of the Global Push Toward Deinstitutionalization
In many countries, governments have begun to “deinstitutionalize” their child care systems, seeking to close orphanages and move to home-based child care models. This panel presentation will offer basic definition and understanding for what this process involves, offering reflections on what orphan care organizations and churches need to know about deinstitutionalization. (Jen Gash, Sweet Sleep)
US Government Action Plan on Children in Adversity
The Action Plan on Children in Adversity is the first-ever whole-of-government strategic guidance for U.S. Government international assistance for children. The goal of the Action Plan on Children in Adversity is to achieve a world in which all children grow up within protective family care and free from deprivation, exploitation, and danger. The Plan is [...]
Vibrant Faith: Winning the Spiritual Battles that Accompany Caring for Orphans
Entering into the painful world of orphans and foster children means entering into spiritual warfare and possibly the wildest faith journey you have ever traveled. It’s critical to understand the battle you are in and the tools God has provided, so that your faith is deep and vibrant while working on the front lines with [...]
Voices of Foster Care
Here’s your chance to hear honest reflections and advice from those who know intimately the challenges of life in foster care…and what a big difference small acts of love can make. Listen and ask questions of former foster youth sharing from person experience as alumni of the U.S. foster care system their ideas about how [...]
We Thought It Couldn’t be Done…What Every Church can Do Watching Rwanda
Empty orphanages. Mobilize Christians. Indigenous Adoption. Work with the local church. Partner with the government. 3,000 orphans no more. It can be done. Come learn the transferable principles you can use. (Elizabeth Styffe, Saddleback Church)
What Happens at 18?: Faith-Based Strategies for Serving Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
After leaving home, most young adults still rely on their parents for advice, living skills, and financial help. But “aged-out” foster care teens often have no one to whom they can turn. This panel will present several faith-based models that are working to change that. Come be inspired and gain insight into how churches and [...]
When Forever Doesn’t Mean Forever: Responding to Adoption Disruption
This session will explore the dynamics and impacts of adoption breakdown and disruption, and provide those supporting families in crisis with applicable resources, strategies, and interventions to help them compassionately and effectively respond. (Amy Curtis, LPC, Tapestry Adoption & Foster Care Ministry; Melanie Chung-Sherman, LCSW)
Working Group: Building a Strategic Plan
Your mind is full to the brim with great ideas from Summit. Now translate it into a workable strategy with the year ahead. Join this workshop to receive guided instruction and assistance to begin building your own strategic plan for church orphan ministry. This workshop will take you from a broad understanding of orphan care [...]
