Saturday, April 13, 2024
8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Prestonwood Baptist Church
6801 W. Park Blvd.
Plano, TX 75093
An Urgent Summit Addressing Foster Care and Adoption Needs
The Lord has CHOSEN you out of all the people on the face of the earth to be his treasured possession. —Deuteronomy 7:6
COST
Event: $25
Lunch: $15 (limited quantity)
Three Pillars of Hope
Empower
Local churches to establish an adoption and foster care ministry within their church and community
Engage
All believers to understand their role in supporting adoption and foster care
Equip
Families who have been called to adopt and foster
What can you expect
• Intentionally designed educational tracks focused on meeting the
needs of the Three Pillars of Hope and providing relevant resources
• Hundreds of adoption/foster partners on-site providing vital,
practical and tactical resources for churches, believers and
families
• Dynamic keynote speakers who have a passion for the sanctity of
life and a heart for children in desperate need of a “forever home”
Partner with us
Main Stage
Jack Graham
Dr. Jack Graham is the Senior Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, one of the nation’s largest, most dynamic congregations with more than 57,000 members. He is the author of numerous books, and his passionate, biblical teaching is seen and heard worldwide on PowerPoint Ministries. The Bible in a Year with Jack Graham podcast, in partnership with Pray.com, has surpassed 45 million downloads.
Sadie Robertson Huff
Sadie Robertson Huff is a New York Times best-selling author, speaker and influencer. Sadie is on a mission to reach her generation with the message of Jesus. Her podcast reaches millions around the world, helping women grow deeper in their faith.
Korie Robertson
Korie Robertson is a New York Times best-selling author and star of A&E’s Duck Dynasty. She works in the family business, Duck Commander, is owner of Tread Lively Productions, and is a writer and speaker who is passionate about motherhood, adoption and empowering families around the world.
Gov. Greg Abbott
Gov. Greg Abbott is the 48th governor of Texas. The Republican governor has led the state since 2015. He previously served as Attorney General and as a justice on the Texas Supreme Court.
Scott Turner
Scott Turner serves as Associate Pastor at Prestonwood. A former NFL player, Texas legislator, and businessman, he served under the Trump Administration to transform distressed communities. Scott and his wife, Robin, help those living in under-resourced neighborhoods through their foundation. Scott and Robin raised their nephew beginning at age 10.
Gregg Matte
Gregg Matte serves as Senior Pastor of Houston’s First Baptist Church, which has grown tremendously under his leadership. He is founder of Breakaway Ministries at Texas A&M University, a weekly gathering of more than 4,000 students.
Shane & Kasi Pruitt
Shane Pruitt serves as the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board. Shane and his wife, Kasi, have six children, two biological and four adopted, including one in heaven.
Herbie Newell
Herbie Newell is the President/Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms. Under Herbie’s leadership, Lifeline has increased its international outreach to 25 countries, grown into 18 states, attained membership with ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability), begun an extensive foster care ministry, achieved accreditation internationally under The Hague Treaty, and started its (un)adopted strategic orphan-care ministries in more than 10 countries.
FAQ
Yes. You can sign up for livestreaming when you register for the conference. Closer to the event time, we will send information directly to you on how to stream.
No, childcare will not be provided.
The lunch break will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. A luncheon with guest speaker Gregg Matte is available with registration for pastors and wives. An on-site lunch is available for purchase ($15, limited to the first 1,500), and attendees are also free to enjoy lunch at nearby restaurants.
Yes! If interested in joining us as a corporate sponsor or a ministry/Expo partner, please e-mail [email protected].
Yes! We welcome and appreciate any volunteers. Please complete this form that provides more information.
Schedule
SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2024
(times may change)
7:30 a.m. – Doors Open
8:30–9:50 a.m. – Keynote Session 1 (Worship, Shane & Kasi Pruitt)
10:00–10:50 a.m. – Breakout Session 1
11:00–11:50 a.m. – Breakout Session 2
Noon–1:30 p.m. – Lunch/Expo*
Noon–1:15 p.m. – Pastors Luncheon with Guest Speaker Greg Matte
1:30–2:45 p.m. – Keynote Session 2 (Jack Graham Interview with Greg Abbott, Scott Turner)
3:00–3:50 p.m. – Breakout Session 3
4:00–4:50 p.m. – Breakout Session 4
5:00–6:30 p.m. – Keynote Session 3 (Worship, Sadie Robertson Huff & Korie Robertson, Jack Graham)
*On-site lunch may be purchased for $15 (limited to first 1,500) or attendees may go off campus to nearby restaurants.
See FAQs for more information.
Breakout Sessions
Empower
TRACK: Empowering local churches to establish adoption ministries
Leanne Jamieson, Prestonwood Baptist Church
There are many agencies available, but with which agencies should your church partner? This session will provide information about agencies and ministries that have been vetted and uphold our Christian faith and beliefs.
Stephanie Baskin, Lakepointe Church
Joy Watkins, Send Relief
In this breakout session, you will hear from some of the leaders of vibrant adoption and foster care ministries, discussing how to begin your own ministry. A Q&A time will be included.
God introduces Himself in Psalm 68:5 as “the Father to the Fatherless.” Throughout Scripture, He called His people consistently to be like Him in this redeeming concern. That means that caring for orphans is for every follower of Jesus! In this session, we will explore from the Bible the ways God calls us as His people to care for orphans and how to apply these lessons to our following of Jesus today.
Solving the foster care crisis requires more than recruiting new families; it relies on learning what it takes to support and care for those families. This workshop will teach how your church can play a pivotal role in creating a Foster Friendly Community for foster and kinship families.
Chris Johnson, Lifeline Children’s Services
The change in the laws surrounding abortion has provided a tremendous opportunity. There is no greater declaration for the sanctity of life than a vibrant adoption and foster care ministry. Discover how being pro-life means standing for life in the womb and serving the vulnerable throughout life. Learn how all of these ministries are connected and find out how God’s people can bring Gospel hope into hard places.
Stephanie Baskin, Lakepointe Church
A great reminder for every ministry is “keep it simple.” Your participation in this session will provide the “simple and essential” elements of adoption and foster care.
Hope begins when we say yes. Explore your vital role in the village – because, as the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. Learn how your participation provides stability, love and a brighter tomorrow for vulnerable children and families navigating the adoption and foster care systems.
TRACK: Engage believers to understand their role in adoption and foster care
Herbie Newell, Lifeline Children’s Services
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for another.” The message of Jesus is seen in action when you foster or adopt a child. Come and be encouraged that every offering in the hands of Jesus is valuable.
Ryan and Kayla North, One Big Happy Home
Churches were once the geographical center of cities. It’s time to put the church back at the cultural center of our communities. Come and learn how our childhood experiences shape how we see the world and others. During this session, you will learn how to make your church a place where children and their families feel safe, welcome and loved.
Jailynn Smiley, CK Family Services
More than 400,000 children are in the foster care system. Consider that staggering number for just a moment. People want to help but are unsure how to start. This breakout session will help you find a starting point for you, your family and your church.
Vickye Schultz, Lifeline Children’s Services
If you find yourself ready and willing to adopt, this session provides a great opportunity to understand the ins and outs of adoption.
Steve and Courtney Cohen, Now Found
“I could never foster – I’d get too attached!” Are we willing to experience discomfort so that we can be a safe place for a child in need? Come discover the heart behind reunification, how to trust God to care for your heart as well as your child’s, and how to stand confidently as your child’s advocate when he or she most desperately needs one.
Being pro-life means living out the belief that every human life is intrinsically valuable. As Christ’s Church, we are the light of the world, a city shining on a hill. Discover how your church can join in support of the birth parents of children in foster care or at risk of going into foster care.
Eric Freeby, Academy of Adoption
Join us for a general overview of laws surrounding foster and adoption.
Herbie Newell, Lifeline Children’s Services
Pure religion is to serve the neediest. While not everyone is called to adopt or foster – all of us have been called to love others and serve them. In this practical breakout, hear about the other ways you can be the hands and feet of Christ.
Jay Watkins, Send Relief
Living like a “son of the Father” sanctions men to lead like “fathers” on earth. Men – your role in the life of at-risk youth changes generations. In this breakout, you will be trained to live like a son – so you can lead like a father. Your “sons” (and “daughters”) are waiting for you.
Equip
TRACK: Families who have called to adopt or foster – currently and those in the future.
Jared DeLong, Both Hands Foundation
Tami Burkett, ABBA FundJustin Myers, Show Hope
Madison Ziegenbein, Pathways for Little Feet
JT Olson, Both Hands Foundation
The financial burdens of adoption can be hurdles that are difficult to overcome. Hear from an experienced panel on practical and viable options to fund an adoption that matches your family’s needs.
Steve and Courtney Cohen, Now Found
Existing children in our homes are often left alone or gain added responsibilities while we acclimate new children to the family. Discover how to navigate wide-ranging emotions, unmet expectations, changes in routine, mismatched perceptions, healthy vulnerability and communication. Steve and Courtney share their latest resource, Equally Treasured, a children’s book and companion guide to help you navigate these challenging yet healing conversations with your child.
Ann Maura Hinton, Lifeline Children’s Services
We know that trauma impacts brain development, and that play is a powerful tool used to strengthen brain development no matter the age. Come prepared for some fun and games and leave equipped with tools that have been proven to strengthen our mind, bodies and souls!
Chris Johnson, Lifeline Children’s Services
Rick Morton, Lifeline Children’s Services
Ryan North, One Big Happy Home
Justin Myers, Show Hope
The role of a father in the life of a child cannot be overemphasized. In this session, receive guidance and encouragement to step up and strive to become a dad who shepherds your children to be all God created them to be.
Courtney Cohen, Now Found
“Are you her REAL mom?” Discover keys to embracing your child’s ethnic background, honoring his or her heritage, caring for his or her unique physical and cultural needs, instilling God-centered identity, and navigating the ignorant or unkind comments of others. Join foster/adoptive mama and author, Courtney Cohen, for this dive into celebrating all the shades God has created and placed in your home.
Denise Kendrick, Embrace
Whether you’re raising foster, adoptive or biological children (or any combination of these), you can create a family culture of inclusion, safety and adventure for children with all levels of developmental, emotional, behavioral and medical needs.
Korie Robertson
Bringing a new person into your family brings many emotions and questions. If you have biological children, this breakout session will help you navigate those questions and emotions.
Genee Francis and Jacqueline Burgess – WinShape Homes
Trauma affects both children and caregivers, and the impact can be profound and complex. Discover effective strategies for creating nurturing environments that support healing, attachment, and one that addresses trauma-related behaviors in children.
Chris and Alicia Johnson
Parenting kids from hard places can take a toll on our marriages. This session will provide practical tips and tools gleaned from Scripture and years of personal experience to help our marriages thrive while serving the vulnerable.
Robin Stephenson, Lifetree
Adoptions today are not “one size fits all.” Learn how to navigate through the world of domestic modern adoption! From starting your journey to making it official, we’ll break down the steps in a straightforward, no-jargon way.
Melissa Cosby, Lifeline Children’s Services
The ups and downs of the adoption process can cause some to question if they are “really supposed to adopt.” This session is a real-life experience of a couple and the uncommon miracles that convinced them the Lord is faithful. (Yes, it is a happy ending.)
Denise Kendrick, Embrace
You’re not alone.… In this breakout, discover the importance of living in community with other families on the foster/adoption journey.
Angela Mains, Lifeline Children’s Services
The call to adoption and/or foster care is a call to parent. Often, it challenges parents in unexpected ways. Discover how knowing more about you and your child’s attachment styles can lead to a healthier parent-child dynamic. This session will provide participants with the opportunity to dive into personal stories and their impact on parenting. Participants will leave with ideas on beginning to be aware and shifting those automatic reactions.
Angela Mains, Lifeline Children’s Services
Discover how parents can respond to trauma-informed behavior in a way that promotes trust and helps to redeem and restore the child’s sense of identity and relationship to the parents.
Sponsors
Share
Contact us
PRESTONWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH
972-820-5000 • 6801 W. Park Blvd. • Plano, TX 75093
[email protected]
