MAIN STAGE SPEAKERS
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SAM LUCE
Sam Luce is the Director of ChildDiscipleship.com, partnering with Awana to equip leaders and families for lifelong discipleship. He served at Redeemer Church in Utica, NY, for over twenty years. Sam holds theology degrees from Portland Bible College and Knox Theological Seminary and is pursuing doctoral studies at Western Theological Seminary. A pastor, author, and speaker, Sam is passionate about gospel-centered child discipleship. He and his wife live in Upstate New York with their four children.
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JULIE LOWE
Julie Lowe is an author, counselor, and speaker with over twenty-five years of experience. She holds an MA in counseling from Biblical Theological Seminary, is a licensed professional counselor, and a registered play therapist supervisor. Julie served on the faculty of CCEF for more than two decades and has taught at Missio Seminary and Westminster Theological Seminary. She regularly trains churches and organizations on issues such as abuse prevention, parenting, and trauma care. Julie has written several books on counseling and family topics. She and her husband, Greg, live in the Philadelphia area and have five children.
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BRIAN DEMBOWCYZK
Brian Dembowczyk is an author, speaker, and publisher dedicated to gospel-centered family and ministry discipleship. He holds a Ph.D. and Th.M. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a D.Min. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and an M.Div. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Brian has served in numerous ministry roles—ranging from youth pastor to managing editor, author of five books, and adjunct instructor. He lives in Tennessee with his wife Tara and their three children.
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HUNTER WILLIAMS
Hunter Williams and his wife, Sammie, are parents to four wonderful children—Margot, Clarke, Opal, and Joy. He earned a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies from Moody Bible Institute and is currently completing a master’s degree at Redemption Seminary. Hunter has served in student ministry, chaplaincy, and missionary work with Awana. He is passionate about teaching kids theology and equipping leaders and parents, reflected in his co-authored book How to Teach Kids Theology. Hunter loves Chattanooga and is grateful to serve his community by helping kids know the gospel.
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CHAMP THORNTON
Champ Thornton serves as the director of children and family resources at Crossway. He and his wife, Robben, have been married since 1996 and live in Newark, Delaware, where they enjoy raising their three children. Champ is the author of several books for kids and families, including The Radical Book for Kids, Why Do We Say Good Night?, and Wonders of His Love. He has also hosted the family devotional podcast In the Word, On the Go. Champ holds a PhD in Theology from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has served in both church and publishing roles throughout South Carolina, Ohio, and Delaware.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Leadership & Administration Track
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Essentials of Children's Ministry Adminstration
Lauren Jackson
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Pre-teen Ministry that Disciples & Connects
Daniel Scott
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Evaluating Ministry Health
Marty Machowski
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Selecting Gospel-Centred Curriculum
Caleb Hall
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Top Priority: A Plan to Protect
Melodie Bissell
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Equipping Volunteers for Service
Jane Cates
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Developing Lifelong Discipleship Pathways
Hunter Williams
Family Discipleship Track
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Bridging the Gap: Partnering with the Church & Home
Brian Dembowcyzk
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Help! My Child Walked Away from the Lord: Guiding Parents through Prodigal Seasons
Julie Lowe
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Shaping the Littlest Hearts at Home
Laura Cipkar
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Using a Biblical Worldview as a Lens of Discernment
Champ Thornton
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Spiritual Disciplines for the Home
Marty & Lois Machowski
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Navigating the Digital World: Protecting against Pornography
John-Michael Bout
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In the World, Not Of It: Parenting in a Secular Culture
Julie Lowe
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Helping Children to Love the Church
Brian Dembowcyzk
The Kids Min Classroom Track
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Thriving Pre-School and Kindergarten Ministry
Josh Zello
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Sharing the Gospel with Confidence and Clarity
Sam Luce
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Classroom Management Essentials
Janice Roy
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How to Teach Kids Theology
Hunter Williams
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Using Catechism: Rooting Kids in Gospel Truth
Trey Kullman
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Teaching Kids with Disabilities
Sarah Chaudhery
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Gospel Foundations in the Nursery
Josh Zello
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Hiding God's Word in Young Hearts
Sam Luce
Discipleship Tools & Training Track
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Midweek Ministry that Matters
Eric Provost
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Resources for Making Disciples at Camp & VBS
Josh Slotegraaf
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Using Canva & AI to Enhance Kids Ministry
Carl Barnhill
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Outreach that Reaches Kids & Families
Kim Beaman
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Helping the Church Love Children
Jenn Gowing
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Celebrating Milestones in the Home and Church
Lauren Jackson
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Using Music in Discipleship
Jason Houser