One only has to listen to discover the heart of a child. Our goal as parents is to reach the heart, rather than simply realign behavior. Too often, we depend on rules as the primary enforcer of behavior. Rules can change behavior, but they can’t change the heart. When parents begin to discern the difference between character flaws and purposeful disobedience, they will implement a gentler approach to reaching and understanding their children. As a result, children will more willingly admit their faults and seek help from those they love. Children need to hear the beating of our hearts rather than the beating of our voices. Join Mark as he relates his experience as a shepherd and the important lesson that you don’t become a shepherd just because you own sheep.

Join Mark as he reveals an unusual passage of Scripture that is rarely preached or talked about. Twice God the Father speaks about His Son—once at His Son’s baptism and then three years later on top of a mountain. The second time He speaks he repeats what he said the first time but adds one significant component that is essential for all parents—“Listen to him.” Once you learn what this means, you will approach your children with a more purposeful plan that will cultivate their identity, confirm your love, be encouraged by your pleasure in them, and possess the confidence and authority that has been bestowed upon them. As always some of the most powerful teaching on parenting is right before our eyes. (Hebrews 5:8; David and javelins; Joseph, Daniel, Abraham, Moses, Peter: a servant and apostle—switched roles)

Parents who have challenging children need specific tools for working with these kids. This session offers hope and encouragement to parents who desperately need it. In this session parents will understand how raising the character threshold can help kids do the right thing. Attendees will learn to use an Action Plan Worksheet to develop a unique plan for their child. Parents gain hope and encourage by learning a biblical plan to work with a challenging child.

Parents who have challenging children need specific tools for working with these kids. This session offers hope and encouragement to parents who desperately need it. In this session parents will understand how raising the character threshold can help kids do the right thing.