Session One:
“Born on a Blue Day” – If I’m a Christian, Why Do I Get Depressed? – Linda Huffman
Is it my personality or sin that makes me depressed? Those are questions that I hear all the time. Let’s examine some things that lead us to depression and look at ways we can walk well thru that valley and when we have to repent. Let’s talk about the difference between grief and depression and how to distinguish between the two. Find out what God longs to do in a heart that is downcast.
“Crosstalk” - Using ALL of Scripture for ALL of Life - Alane Kovach
Your friend just left his wife. Your child posted something inappropriate on Facebook. Your neighbor is depressed. Your relative was just diagnosed with a life threatening disease. When those you know and love experience trouble, you don’t want hand out pat answers or religious platitudes. Instead you want to offer real hope from God’s Word. This workshop will give you the tools to connect the Bible to your life and to the lives of others. You will learn to understand people and God’s Word in ways the promote gospel-centered, rich conversations to help you and those you know grow in love for God and others. Come and be equipped to live out the worship of God and love for one another by applying all of Scripture to all of life
“When the Sheep Bite” – Overcoming Conflicts with Peacemaking in the Body of Christ – Kristen McLaren
Sheep are typically thought of as cute, docile, cuddly . . . but when they bite – it hurts! The church was designed by God to glorify Him and to build up believers, so what are we to do when disagreements arise? What are our roles and responsibilities to each other and before God? We will look at the wisdom from the Good Shepherd about addressing and resolving conflicts within the flock in a way that honors Christ, promotes unity, and shows love to those around us. It’s a lesson for all of us sheep, whether we’ve been bitten or perhaps have done some biting ourselves
“Who’s the Boss?” Christ, Our Role Model for Exercising & Submitting to Biblical Authority - Rebecca Bruner
Modern Christian women are often deeply puzzled about authority and submission within the family. In this workshop, we will examine the big picture of how and why God has established authorities throughout society and what Jesus taught and displayed for us regarding Biblical authority. We will examine some of God’s reasons for placing mothers in their unique position within the family and learn how mothers can serve as positive role models for our children, just as Christ serves as our role model in relation to God-ordained authority.
*“Is God Against Glamour?” True Beauty in an Image-Obsessed Culture – Janis Shank
A brief walk through any retail center in America, and possibly anywhere in the developed world, reveals that beauty and glamor are a consuming passion of our culture. Closer to home, one peek in to our own morning routines, closets, make-up bags, and bank accounts, reveal that we too, have a defined interest in the pursuit of beauty. Is God against this pursuit? No! God is actually our chief Beauty Consultant! In this workshop we will examine God’s Word and discover His clear guide to true and lasting beauty.
Session Two:
“Women’s Ministries in the Local Church” – Our Mandate, Mission, & Model – Susan Hunt
Is your women’s ministry task-driven or Word-driven? Do you re-invent women’s ministry each time there is a change in leadership or do biblical principles give consistency and continuity? This workshop will discuss foundational principles of women’s ministry and how to apply them in your church. It will include suggestions and resources to develop a Titus 2 discipleship ministry. This will be a discussion format so bring your questions.
“Men Are From Earth, Women Are From Earth – Deal With It!” – Biblical Communication In Marriage – Debbie Woodford
Words…words…words…why are they such a problem? I know we’re both speaking English, yet something is lost in the translation. Whether your marital communication could use a little fine tuning or a major overhaul, this is the class for you. Come learn the importance of God-honoring communication. ”Life and death are in the power of the tongue…” (Prov. 18:21).
“Are You Satisfied with God?” – Discovering a Deep Satisfaction for the Savior – Dora Pearch
Is your life turning out the way you thought it would? Are you happy? Has the Christian life been everything you thought it would be? Or have you been disappointed or disillusioned with life, yourself, and truth be said, with God? There is hope. Many of the answers to these questions are rooted in our dissatisfaction with God whether we realize it or not. Come with me as I guide you through an exercise to help you identify the areas of personal satisfaction with the Most High God. Being content with God, will leave you free to love and praise Him more in every area of your life.
“Ouch, Lord, That Hurts–Accepting Trouble From the Hand of God – Janet Gustafson
Sisters, have you ever felt like life was too difficult to handle? Did you ever think “why me, what did I do to deserve this trial?” Do you secretly consider life’s struggles and wonder who is really in charge? Do you ask yourself, “Just who gets to decide what is necessary and fair for my life?” Do you doubt if anyone, least of all your own husband, will ever understand your struggles? Would you like someone to join you in your misery? Does your heart question if God still loves you? Do you wonder what you should do next? If any of these doubts and fears trouble you or those that you love, this workshop is tailor made for you. Join us as we take a trip back in time to discover the life trials and temptations of Mrs. Job. Together, we will explore Scripture in order to determine how to effectively comfort and counsel Mrs. Job. We will hear Mrs. Job’s anger, desperation and fear. We will witness Mr. Job’s apparently unsupportive and uncaring response to his wife’s emotions (Job 2:9-10). Then we will find and apply the timeless answers of Scripture, for Mrs. Job and for us.
*“Hooking Up Is Harmless” – Straight Talk on Sexual Purity – Kacey Luvy Pearson
“Hooking up is Harmless” is a hard-hitting, straight-shooting look at how serious God is about purity. In a culture that treats sexual activity as a harmless hobby, we must look at Scripture to understand God’s boundaries both physical and emotional in relationships. How serious do you think God is about purity? You may be shocked to know! How far is too far? Let’s discover that together in this workshop by digging into God’s Word and taking an honest look at our lives.
Session Three:
“Trapped in the Mini-Van Together” – Teaching God’s Truths ‘Along the Road’ – Duet. 6 – Kate Fuller
Driving the children to school, soccer practice, birthday parties, Scouts, play dates, McDonald’s, the library, the park, Grandma’s house…How many hours do you spend in your vehicle with your children? When my kids were little, I actually had calluses on my hands from driving! One day I counted up the hours “trapped in the minivan” and was astonished. And maybe a little cranky about it…until I read Deuteronomy 6, which tells us to keep God’s commands on our hearts and talk about them always, even as we “walk along the road.” And here they were, trapped in my van with me! What an opportunity. In this session we will discuss Deuteronomy 6 – keeping God’s word on our hearts, making the most of every opportunity – the teachable moments that occur every day all day long, communicating a Biblical worldview and answering deep questions with Scripture. Deuteronomy 6 also tells us to post God’s Word around our homes and even on our hands. We will have also have a time in which we can make bracelets, magnets and signs (no artistic ability required) – symbols to remind us of God’s Word.
“Will the Real Me Please Stand Up?!” The Christian Woman’s Search for Identity – Janet Gustafson
Will the Real you please stand up? As women, we wear many hats and function in a variety of life roles. We live our life in the midst of relationships which sometimes disappoint us. We struggle to keep a balance between family, work, and Christian ministry. We believe in God’s sovereign love and yet we waver in our confidence when the dark days come upon us. We want to love God. We want to be real salt and light in this troubled world. We want to do and be what is right but some days we just feel tired, overwhelmed, and discouraged. What does all of this say about our identity? Does it mean that we do not belong to God? Are we somehow inferior grade Christians, forever doomed to be tossed about to and fro on the wave of our emotions? Is there one unifying factor tying all of life together or are we merely a bunched up mess, somehow pieced together through the demands and opportunities of life? Just what is YOUR true identity? Is it physical, mental, spiritual, or some combination of all of these elements? Please join us as we consider these possibilities and look for the real life applications that flow out the glorious gospel of Savior, Jesus Christ.
“I Would Be Happy If….” – A Biblical Examination of Wants & Needs – Linda Huffman
In western culture, we have been raised to believe we have many needs, and we have the expectation that others were created to meet those needs. But what does the bible have to say about that? God created us to desire, but where do our desires line up with scripture and when do they lead us to sin? Find out the difference between a want and a need and God’s promises to meet our real needs.
“This Little Light of Mine” – Evangelism for Everyday Life – Lynn Paasch
As believers in Christ, we all want our lives to count for His glory, whether you are in Walmart, the Doctors office, or your children’s band concert. Come learn some practical ways that you can share the truths of Christ in a natural, winsome way, that will allow the light of Jesus to shine in your daily life!
*“Gotta Love Girlfriends!” – What to Look for in a B.F.F. – Kristin McLaren / Gina Sharpe
“It’s so much more friendly with two.” – Piglet
From a very young age, we recognize the importance and value of friends, but what does a true, Biblical friendship entail? We will examine what God’s Word teaches about what to look for in a friend, how to be a good friend, tips for navigating challenges, and how our priorities and choices affect friendships, dating relationships, and even marriages
Speaker Bios:
REBECCA BRUNER:
Bible teacher and author, Rebecca Bruner, has been a leader in women’s ministries for more than twenty years. She has taught Bible studies for at risk women and girls through Hope Women’s Center, has spoken at several women’s retreats, and has published numerous pieces of short fiction including the illustrated gift book, Mary’s Perfume. She is currently active as a mentor and speaker for Faith Church of the Valley’s Mom’s Connect mentoring ministry. Her two teenagers and husband keep her very busy, but she loves every minute of it.
KATE FULLER:
The daughter of a small-town pastor, Kate Fuller was steeped in the Word of God from a young age. The legacy of faith her parents passed on has sustained her through times of blessing and trial, most notably when she was 33, a mother of three small children and diagnosed with cancer. The lessons she learned then about God’s sovereign care and love through suffering spurred her on to share with others, teaching in various venues on God’s purposes in suffering. The three children with whom she had the privilege of being “trapped in the minivan” are Nate, now a junior at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA, Jesse, now a sophomore at Biola University in La Mirada, CA, and Sam, now a junior at Mountain Pointe High School in Ahwatukee. She and her husband, Jon, are members of Foothills Baptist Church where they teach 4th Grade Sunday School, lead a small group Bible study and where Kate leads a small discipleship group of high school girls.
JANET GUSTAFSON:
Janet has been married to her husband, Darrell for 43 years. They have 2 daughters, 1 son, and 9 brilliant grandchildren.
Janet has taught and counseled women for over 30 years. She is a graduate of the Center for Biblical Training and has taken many seminary courses over the years. Janet has received training at the Institute for Biblical Counseling/Discipleship, the Biblical Counseling Foundation, and NANC (The National Association of Nouthetic Counselors.
Janet has served as the co-head (with her husband Pastor Darrell) of the Grace Covenant Church Counseling Center since 1992. Janet has had the privilege of counseling and discipling hundreds of women through the years and continues to actively serve in the counseling ministry. She has enjoyed the opportunity to speak and teach at women’s retreats and conferences and has served as a Bible Study Teacher and director of GCC Women’s Teaching Ministry for 20 years.
In 2001, Janet received the honor of becoming the first woman in the state of Arizona to become NANC certified. She currently serves as a Board Member, Instructor, and Director of Women’s Instruction for BCTCofAZ (the Biblical Counseling Training Center of AZ). BCTC is a NANC nationally certified training center.
LINDA HUFFMAN:
Linda Huffman has been on staff at Summit Community Church in O’Fallon, MO for 12 years, serving as Women’s Minister for 10 years, and currently as Recovery Minister, developing and implementing a biblically based support group/discipleship/counseling ministry for those suffering from the consequences of their sin, that want to learn to live in the freedom of gospel truth. She received her MAC from Covenant Seminary in 1997, and continues to be an avid reader of books on counseling, the gospel, and Jane Austen. She lives in Lake St. Louis, MO with her husband Craig, who has been retired for 8 years; her two dogs Charger & Zoey, (ask her for pictures) and two geriatric cats. She has 3 stepchildren and 7 grandchildren. She loves British movies, and makes jewelry in her spare time.
ALANE KOVACH:
Alane has been a Bible Study Teacher and Precept Leader for 20 years. She is trained in Biblical Counseling through Biblical Counseling Training Center of Arizona (BCTC), and currently serves on the board of W4T. She and her husband Steve have thee adult children and two grandchildren, and Live in Chandler.
KRISTEN MCLAREN:
Kristen McLaren lives in Gilbert with her husband, Mike, a CPA, and their two children, Ryanne and Seth. She has a B.A. in English from from Biola University and an M.Ed. from Northern Arizona University. A “retired” high school teacher, Kristen now works part-time as an adjunct faculty member for NAU and Rio Salado College. In addition, she utilizes her training in education, communication and Biblical studies to teach with women’s ministries at San Tan Bible Church and to women’s groups throughout the Phoenix area. Kristen is passionate about communicating the wisdom from God’s Word and applying it to life’s various challenges with creativity and wit.
LYNNE PAASCH:
Lynne Paasch, and her husband Mike, have been married 25 years, and have two grown daughters. In 1993, Mike became a Pastor in a small Bible Church in Arizona, and in 1996 they were sent out to do mission work in northern Mexico, which started the great adventure of cross cultural work for Jesus! Mike also served for 8 years as the Director for World Ministries at East Valley Bible Church, where he and Lynne led teams of students to work with tribal peoples of Mexico, Muslims in Spain and North Africa, and on the campus of Arizona State University and downtown Tempe. More recently, they spent time in Morocco, North Africa working with street children, and are now based in Mesa, AZ, outreaching in a variety of ways to the Latino population, as well as, international students at ASU. Whether here at home, or overseas, there is one passion that Lynne has, and that is to make Christ known, and by His grace live her life for His name’s sake.
DORA PEARCH:
Dora lives in Mesa, Arizona with her husband, Steve, a musician, and their two children, Brianna and James. She was not raised in a Christian home, but from as long as she could remember she was dragging her parents out of bed on Sunday morning to take her to church. She is a graduate of ASU, a trained Precept leader, and a continual learner. Her heart is to bring women closer to God through His Word. She has authored the book, Back to the Source, that identifies and strengthens the skills needed to do any type of Bible study. Dora has served on several women’s ministry teams as advisor, teacher, keynote speaker, workshop leader, and mentor. Besides how to study the Bible, Dora’s favorite topics are joy, contentment and the God who satisfies.
KACEY LUVI PEARSON:
Kacey Luvi Pearson is a Southern California native, but has now found her new favorite place in Scottsdale, AZ. Her favorite place is at home with her husband, Chance of 3 years, and their newest love interest.. A newborn daughter, Swayze. Kacey came to Arizona to complete her Master of Social Work degree at ASU and founded a ministry for teaching purity to young women called PEARLS. As a free-lance photographer, Kacey has failed to use her degree as intended.. But continues to pay off student loans. Isn’t life funny?
JANIS SHANK:
Janis Shank loves God’s Word and encouraging women! She has been happily married to Steve for 31 years and treasures her four adult children, 3 sons, 1 daughter and a daughter in love! The grandkids now bring loads of joy with their 3 and 1 year old antics! Sovereign Grace Church is the Shank’s spiritual home.
DEBBIE WOODFORD:
Debbie has been married for nearly 20 years to her college sweetheart, Keith. They have five children, ages 1 to 14. Over 16 years ago, God transformed both of their hearts within a week of each other and radically changed the direction of their lives.