The Youth & Family Institute is called upon to lead conferences and training events across the country to equip church leaders and families to pass on faith and live well in Christ. We specialize in partnering home and congregations in the faith-shaping process and seek to expand the number of faith-shapers in the lives of young people.

Passing on Faith Conference

How can a person’s faith grow if it is not being nurtured within the
congregation and at home? Most parents want to pass on their faith but are not sure where to begin.

Based on solid theology and current research, this two-day conference will energize and empower pastors, church staff, lay leaders and parents with the tools and vision necessary to engage entire families in faith-driven conversations, devotions, service, and rituals and traditions that can be passed on for generations to come.

It’s the help parents need to go from “I want to do it” to “I can do it!” Learn more!

Hand in Hand and Four Key Congregational Trainings

The strongest web of faith is woven with threads from both home and congregation. Unite your congregation with a clear vision of how to best work together to pass on faith.

This training informs and educates individual congregations on effective ways to nurture faith, beginning with congregational leadership and moving to congregational households. Trainers will help tailor a ministry to your congregation’s specific culture. Congregations will receive a clear vision and practical application for integrating caring conversations, devotions, service, and rituals and traditions in their everyday lives. These are key elements in evangelism and discipleship.

Hand in Hand Congregational Training is a four-day training event for larger congregations or those looking for a more comprehensive training. Four Key Congregational Training is a two-day program for smaller congregations.

Create a united vision the whole congregation can put into action! Learn more!

Milestone Ministry for Home and Congregation

Faith is not just something you celebrate on Sundays. Milestone Ministry helps congregations and families recognize and lift up the important moments in faith and life.

This three-day training provides pastors, church leaders and volunteers with ideas, strategies and resources to make the most of congregational milestones such as baptism, first communion, Bible presentation and marriage. It also helps households identify and celebrate God’s presence in their everyday lives, recognizing and blessing daily milestones, including gratitude, loss, remembering, mountain highs and
valley lows. Learn more!

Peer Ministry Training

You are not doing youth ministry, until youth are doing ministry! When young people have a problem or personal struggle, to whom do they turn first? Their peers. That’s why it is so important to equip and empower youth with the skills to listen, care, and identify those who need help.

This two-day or four-day training trains adults to train youth who will then minister to peers, children, family, congregation and community with loving words and actions. Watch your congregations and community flourish when you plant faith’s seed in Peer Ministry! Learn more!

Growing Groups Training

Often it is the topic that draws people into small groups, but it’s the energy and caring relationships that keep them coming back. Learn first hand how to infuse the energy your small group needs to become more effective.

This one-day training is perfect for peer and adult leaders of small groups, retreats, Bible Studies, as well as camp counselors, confirmation mentors and Sunday school teachers.

This high energy, hands-on experience will empower group leaders with a multitude
of fresh ideas, skills, teaching techniques and resources that complement every curriculum.

Whether you are looking for new ways to share Bible stories, experience prayer or build group confidence, this is the training for you.

Small group leaders leave saying, “I can’t wait to get started!”

The Caring and Welcoming Church

Open doors are a lot more effective when there are open arms behind them. Make your church a place where people can meet new people and develop significant relationships.

During this one-day interactive training, go beyond the basic greeting and welcoming skills to learn how to develop a culture where all feel truly welcome and every group in the congregation is genuinely welcoming.

Energizing Your Congregation’s Faith

This six-hour conference offers congregational leaders active ways to spread faith into the everyday lives of your congregational households. It is the perfect introduction to The Youth & Family Institute’s model for passing on faith.

Find out more about our Parents of Promise events!