In this message, Monica speaks encouragement and perspective into the homeschool journey, blending biblical truth with practical insight. Parents leave renewed in confidence and reminded of the joy found in faithful obedience.

Discover how your role in homeschooling can be used for God’s eternal purposes in your children’s lives. Find encouragement in understanding how the challenges of the homeschool journey comes with rewards!

Every homeschool parent faces seasons of challenge - whether it's a major life crisis or the everyday overwhelm of busy schedules, burnout, or self-doubt. This workshop will equip you with practical strategies and fresh perspective to stay grounded and keep moving forward when homeschooling feels heavy. We'll talk about building a flexible foundation, finding your "must-do" priorities, and creating support systems that help you weather hard days without losing sight of the bigger picture. Come be encouraged that you don't have to do it perfectly - you just have to keep going, rooted in purpose and resilient through it all.

How do we help our children navigate big emotions like fear, worry, and anger in a chaotic world? Join Lori Dooley for a powerful testimony of how God redeemed her own battle with the mental strongholds of perfectionism and anxiety. Moving from a place of striving for control to resting in God's grace, Lori shares how she uses the power of Scripture and song to shepherd her children's hearts. In this session, you will discover practical ways to help your family process their thoughts and feelings through the filter of God's Word, building a foundation of lasting peace in your homeschool.

For parent educators near or at the finish line: Congratulations - you did it! Now what? Come hear our panel of veteran parents discuss what their journey looked like when they stopped shopping for curriculum, issuing assignments and grading their kids' papers. Let our panel give you perspective, motivation and refreshment - God has a great plan for your role as advisor to adult kids and as a blessing doing the next season of work He prepared for you. This panel will be moderated by veteran homeschool dad, Bill Ward.

Discover the tried-and-true strategies that can transform how your exceptional learner engages with education. Say goodbye to frustration and hello to progress! Backed by the latest neuroscience, it’s actually much easier than you think! Taught by a second-generation homeschool mom who struggled with Dyslexia, an Auditory Processing Delay, and ADHD, who is now teaching her neurodivergent kids … these are lessons learned from the trenches!

As joyous and purposeful as homeschooling can be, seasons of burnout are nearly inevitable. Let's talk about mapping out a battle plan for not if, but when, burnout creeps in for you and/or your kids. We will share practical advice for handling both expected and unexpected seasons of burnout. Note: Based on Ephesians 6:8-10 (full armor of God)

It's easy to get caught up in the mentality that we've got to add more: we must do more, we must get more, and our children must study more. More, more, more! But the funny thing is that when we keep adding more, we usually end up with less of what really matters. Discover the richness that simplicity can bring to your schedule, your home, and your children's education.

Exploring the challenges of transitioning from a career to a calling as the full-time educator of one's children. Craig will share his reflections and encouragement for the journey. While his experiences may seem unique as a father and an engineer who homeschools, he's spoken to many homeschool moms who also have had to process the impact on their identity and social interactions when choosing to prioritize their children over a career. Mothers are both welcome and will be encouraged at this workshop.

Making sure students know the right answers is important. But those answers should never come at the cost of a student hating to learn. The key to instilling a lifetime love of learning is harnessing your student's natural curiosity in order to trigger wonder. Whatever it does to cats, curiosity will save a child's mind.

Are you gearing up for the high school years or maybe already in the trenches? Need help in creating a transcript? Have questions on how to calculate the GPA? Join our High School workshop where we will cover graduation requirements for Missouri, transcripts, GPA, dual enrollment, what happens at 16, scholarships, etc. See you there.

Is Education a neutral subject? Does God have a preference for how He wants children to be educated? What does the Bible teach about schooling? Is there one correct path for education? Are public schools a viable option for Christians? These questions and more will be discussed in this engaging presentation.

Every homeschool has a story—and yours is still being written. In this session, Lori Beth shares her own homeschool journey spanning nearly two decades and how the “why” that began it all continues to shape her days. Through laughter, honesty, and reflection, she’ll walk you through identifying the convictions that fuel your homeschool and how to keep them strong when seasons change. Together, we’ll explore the essential elements of your homeschool story through the lens of writing—your plot, your characters, your setting, the wise counselor archetype, and the adventure that keeps unfolding. You’ll be invited to reflect on how your “why” has grown, what your daily rhythms reveal, and whether comparison or perfectionism have quietly crept into your narrative. Most importantly, we’ll pause to ask: Are we making room for God in the story He’s writing through our family?

It's a fact! The only thing tougher than being a homeschooling mom is...being married to a homeschooling mom! Dad, your wife needs your help. Come join me as we discuss how to support and assist our wives in the homeschooling journey. We'll also do a lot of laughing, as I encourage men to be encouragers of their homeschooling wives.

Examine the way you look at your role as a woman, a mom, and a teacher – and what you may unknowingly pass to your children as truths...because of your mindset.

Home Educators are blessed with opportunities to build strong connections with our children. Use everyday moments to point the way to Christ, but remember, connection isn't built through perfection, but rather intentionality that points to Christ.

Disciple means to “teach or train.” But when your child behaves the opposite of what you want or expect, your first thought is often to get that action or activity stopped as quickly as possible. It’s easy to fall into the trap of simply stopping unwanted actions and moving to whatever activity needs to be tackled next. You must be intentional to look behind the behavior for the reason your child is acting a particular way.

If you want your children to: critically analyze information biblically analyze information produce godly discernment over fleshly judgement follow Christ over culture You must train them to think with a mind influenced and directed by the Lord.

When our kids don't fit right in an easy-to-teach box we sometimes think we are not cut out for this job, and I'm here to tell you that you are indeed perfect for it. You'll leave with practical tips on how to set goals for your child, how to prioritize skills, how to stay encouraged, how to choose or modify curriculum, and more. We'll end with a Q&A time, so bring your questions!

Could you use some encouragement and strategies to help reignite your student’s love of learning? If so, this session is for you! There are many factors that impact a child’s motivation level—stress, executive function, nutritional needs, media usage, and more. With a little bit of theory and a whole lot of practical application, Cheri Kay equips parents with the tools they need to tap into their child’s God-given gift of curiosity.

If homeschooling up till now feels more like drudgery than delight, or if the thought of homeschooling makes your knees shake and your palms sweat, this is the workshop for you! Perhaps you've been hearing from "experts" that view homeschooling as just another form of education, like any other. Public schools think that way, but homeschooling is nothing like the school system. It's just the opposite. Learning at home is an adventure, a journey, a new lifestyle. Join veteran homeschool mom of seven (including one homeschool graduate!) Heidi St.John as she talks about the three things you've got to know as a new homeschooler that will set you on a track for success and enjoyment with your children. Because, although you're nervous now, it'll all be okay. Homeschooling is worth it. So sit back, relax. You'll soon discover that homeschooling is a journey like no other. Take it in stride that you will bumble and stumble, stick your foot in it, take wrong turns, backtrack, start again, and again . . . . and your child will be just fine. Come and bring a friend for a dose of information and encouragement. You can do it!

Will shares from the heart about being a homeschool graduate and homeschool dad. In this session, he encourages dads of homeschool students, diving into Scripture, giving practical tips, and sharing what he has learned in his own homeschool journey.

Traditional school methodologies often leave children disengaged and struggling to retain information, with little opportunity to develop critical thinking skills. Notebooking offers an inspiring alternative to the uninspired and wholly ineffective worksheets, seat work, and busywork found in most curricula. Join Jeannie as she explores why notebooking is an essential and transformative approach to education, fostering creativity, engagement, and deeper learning. Discover how to implement this powerful tool seamlessly, regardless of the curriculum you use, and watch your child’s love for learning flourish.

In this message, Mark awakens men to the power of deeper connections and secure attachment in families. He encourages men to embrace practical skills for building emotional security at home, calling them to step into their God-given superpowers. This refreshing and straightforward message inspires men to deepen their relationships with God, their families, and their church.

Heidi’s hunch is that you don’t need to quit… you need to see things new; to have fresh perspective and renewed vision. And maybe you need chocolate. That too. Come join Heidi for an hour of encouragement and chocolate. You’ll be glad you did!

Bummer, isn’t it? Wouldn’t it be nice if homeschooling was the answer? I mean, wouldn’t it be nice if all of the problems in our families could be solved with good family time and top of the line curriculum? Wouldn’t it be great if all we had to do was adopt a certain daily schedule, read aloud certain books, and follow a certain educational philosophy? Wouldn’t it be awesome if there were just a simple checklist of “To-do’s” each day that would guarantee success? Yes, it would, but alas, there’s not. However, there is an answer to all that ails us: the sin and death, the pain and misery. Come be reminded of the Answer and the hope it engenders.

There are 10 Essentials needed for a joyful homeschooling journey. You might be surprised to find out they aren’t using a perfect curriculum, reading a particular book, or following a specific methodology. The 10 Essentials to homeschooling are far more foundational than that (and they are super easy to apply this week)! In this session, Carrie shares the 10 essentials and how to incorporate them into your homeschooling today whether you are new to homeschooling or you have been homeschooling for years.

As you consider how to go forward in your homeschooling journey, where are you standing? Are you on the field, in the stands, or in the blimp? It matters. What is obstructing your view? Who’s on your team? Where is the finish line? How can you best proceed? Why are you where you are? It’s difficult to answer any of these questions in the heat of the battle. It’s important to take inventory, to step back, to step away. Sometimes you have to go backwards to go forwards, to go down to go up, to go left to go right. What if there’s a place to stand so that you can really see?

Most of us know that homeschooling has great academic benefits and is good for families, but did you know that the benefits go beyond reading, writing and arithmetic? In this session you will learn how you can use your homeschool to grow strong, healthy kids: physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

You can do this and you can do it well. If I can do it, you can, too! I will give you some Rock-solid foundational principles and practices that, when put in place, will confidently and successfully usher your teen across the highschool finish line.

Homeschooling provides an education that is beyond comparison with any other method. That said, Idaho code requires that homeschoolers provide instruction, “in subjects commonly and usually taught in the public schools.” This is often summed up as a requirement to provide a “comparable education.” But how are we to meet that requirement without stifling the amazing educational freedom that homeschooling offers? Join Linda Patchin as she unpacks various teaching methods used by homeschoolers and how they can each meet, and exceed, the statutory requirement of a “comparable education.”

There are many existential threats to fundamental liberties and the very fabric of Christian civilization building on the horizon, but homeschool families are uniquely positioned to help hold the line. From rekindling an awareness of the biblical principles at the foundation, to re-imagining education, to getting involved in the cultural, political, and spiritual battles raging all around us, we have an obligation to be a part of the solution. In this talk, Alex will offer concrete ideas for action.

The world has a vision of education and its purpose. Christians must as well. In this talk, Alex Newman will explore what the Bible teaches on education and discipleship, and how this differs radically with what the present education system offers. He also provides an in-depth look at the history of Christian education — the very education that built Western civilization and the United States of America. Finally, he will equip parents to rethink education in light of Scripture, with practical tools to honor God in this critical realm of life.

We’ve all heard the adage, “Nothing is easy,” and it’s true. So why then do we use ‘ease’ as the determining factor in our life choices? As a culture, we want dinner-making to be easy. We want house projects to be easy. We want relationships to be easy. We want our jobs to be easy. Look around, ‘easy’ seems to be a pretty high-value today. But what about the Christian life? What about marriage? What about parenting? Are any of those easy? Could it be that our longing for easy is what keeps us from becoming the people, spouses, and parents that God has intended for us to be? God is calling, He’s inviting us to be a part of His plan to change the world. It won’t be easy, but it will be for His glory and our good. Let’s get to work together.

Every day we are bombarded with messages that try to convince us that we are individually important. The basic theme is that we should seek self. It’s all a big lie, from the king of lies. We must shift our focus away from ourselves and on to our awesome and mighty God. The world is relentlessly pursuing peace and contentment that can only come from a life that is totally surrendered to Christ and His will. Come learn how this realization radically changed Rachael’s life, direction, and purpose. It can change yours too!

Just like mothers, fathers are critical for homeschooling, and not just for paying the bills. In this fun talk, Alex — who homeschools his 5 children alongside his wife — will share insights into the role of dads in the education, upbringing, and discipleship of their children. He will also offer practical tips for fathers and families that can make home education even better!

The Bible teaches more about government than it does about heaven. But for several generations, pastors and churches have remained largely silent on the issue, partly due to concerns about their tax exemption. This is inexcusable. The Bible calls on leaders to teach the full counsel of God. America’s founders understood the biblical view of government, and that is why Americans have been blessed for centuries with security, peace, prosperity, and liberty. In this talk, Alex will go into great detail on what the Scriptures teach.

We all want to raise children to be responsible and diligent individuals. Teaching them to become independent learners is also helpful for our sanity and the efficiency of our homeschool. It’s an important life skill for our kids to develop! Come hear practical tips for how to teach our children these habits, from preschool to high school, through your homeschooling and family life.

So here we are. Most of us would have chosen something different than what we’ve recently had to face. I mean really, who would have signed up for the crazy chaos that has characterized the last few years? Not me. But, if I believe in a sovereign God, and if I believe that He has a plan, and if I believe that He has a role for me to play, and I do, then how do I lean into that and His plan? And what is my role in this cultural moment? Let’s take a look at some other similarly chaotic cultural moments in Scripture and see what we can learn from those who’ve gone before us. This is our moment. Let’s dare to live it for Him.

Jesus declared, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). As followers of Jesus, He has called us to let our light shine! This begins by living for Christ in the context of our family relationships. God wants to use our struggling, ordinary Christian families to impact future generations and shine for Him!

Parents considering homeschooling often worry about whether or not their children will turn out “normal”. They wonder if their children will emerge from homeschool truly prepared for success in life, or if they’ll emerge socially inept and uneducated. In this session, Daniel Craig, a homeschool graduate, will share why he is glad he was homeschooled, and why your children will be too. Based on both his personal experience, and the unchanging truths of God’s word, Daniel will help you understand what homeschool “success” really is, where it comes from, and the real reason it matters.

The way we are parenting today impacts our grandchildren and great-grandchildren yet to be born. In this session, Dr. Rienow will share key Scriptures, from both the Old and New Testament, which will equip you not only to raise your children for the glory of God but to also accelerate faithfulness in the future generations of your family.

This session addresses the goal of education from a Christian perspective and answers the question, “What is the end game in homeschooling?”

Is it possible to have well-educated kids without drowning in a sea of drudgery? All six of Hal & Melanie’s homeschool graduates were offered academic scholarships to great colleges, even though (once Melanie got her feet under her) they’ve been very relaxed homeschoolers. Learn the difference between learning and schooling—hear what’s important that you get done and what’s not! This workshop will lift your burdens and free you up to enjoy these years with your children and prepare them well for their future.

Each of our main speakers will take a few minutes to introduce themselves, share their passions, and what topics they'll be speaking on during the conference. It's a fun opportunity for both speakers & attendees to kick off INCH 2025!! Hear from Ginny Yurich, Israel Wayne, Phylicia Masonheimer, S.D. Smith, Kody Hanner, Karen Ehman, BJ Meurer, Krisa Winn, & Jean Burk!

Start the conference with this inspirational message

It is true that opposites attract–for a while. But often as the years go by in our marriages, opposites may also begin to attack. The habits and characteristics we once found endearing about our significant other are the exact things that drive us crazy years later! Whether you and your spouse disagree about finances, parenting, or how to load the dishwasher, your differences don’t need to divide you. They can actually bring you closer together–and closer to God. Discover how your “incompatibility” can become the strength of your marital team in this real-life guide to both living with and loving your spouse–differences and all.

Are you feeling overwhelmed or are you just trying to make it to the end of each day? Let's refresh your purpose so you can exchange discouragement for fresh vision for your homeschool. Declutter things that are weighing down your days and gain tips for being fully present, prioritizing rest, and delighting in the time spent with your children when the days are long and the years are short! "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

Lab journals play a powerful role in both the academic and spiritual growth of students. They foster curiosity, reflection, and intentionality in young learners. They record experiments, cultivate gratitude, stewardship, and a deeper understanding of God's design. By engaging with their observations and reflections, students can recognize the Creator's purposeful order in nature, seeing that all scientific discovery points to His glory.

talk about how to take up our God-given role as spiritual leaders in the home — not with pressure, but with biblical clarity and confidence. Learn to: - Lead our children into a growing knowledge of who God is - Make the Bible real and relevant in everyday family life - Build a home centered on God’s truth, love, and grace - Model a walk with God that kids actually want to follow Through practical teaching rooted in Scripture, we will discuss how to train up our children in the way they should go — not by perfection, but by faithful, intentional steps.

Karen Ehman-a woman whose words have often landed her in a heap of trouble—-shares from experience the how’s (and how-not-to’s) of dealing with the tongue from her new book -Keep It Shut. Using biblical examples, as well as Karen’s own personal (and sometimes painful!) stories, Keep It Shut will equip you to know what to say, how best to say it, and when you’d better just keep your lips zipped!

Boys have more energy than you can keep up with? Providing an intentional atmosphere of learning for your son will result in successful lessons and joyful days. Hear stories and helpful tips from a veteran homeschooling mom of three boys. “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.” Proverbs 1:8-9

Don't react in ways you regret! Parental anger is a signal. Hear what the Bible really says about anger; listen for it in yourself, recognize its triggers, and redirect it toward meaningful growth. Respond with wisdom instead of reacting in frustration, create a more peaceful home environment for both you and your children. Walk away with biblical insights and practical strategies to help you break free from guilt, foster connection, and become the homeschool parent you aspire to be.

Our culture is obsessed with self. But in the midst of this near-narcissism, people are less content than in decades past. They have forgotten the joy that comes from putting others first. This is both biblical teaching and doable suggested actions. Some are heart-tugging and sentimental. Others are sneaky and hilarious. All are simple and practical. As we scatter kindness, we create a safe space where we can openly share the gospel with others.

Big emotions can easily derail a homeschool day, leaving both you and your child feeling frustrated and exhausted. But what if those emotional moments could become opportunities for growth, connection, and discipleship? In this session, you'll learn how to use a heart-based approach to helping your child/teen process anger, anxiety, sadness, and more—while still making academic progress. Walk away with practical tools to manage emotional challenges, reset negative patterns, and equip your child with lifelong skills for emotional resilience.

You made the hard decision to pull your kids from school, and now you are feeling like you don't have any idea what to do next. Maybe last year didn't go the way you think, and you don't know what to do next. Sometimes the co-op filled your time but left you with gaps in your child's overall education. In this empowering and practical session, Andi Elliott will guide you through the process of homeschooling successfully and confidently without relying on boxed curricula or rigid co-ops. Whether you're new to homeschooling or feel like you're drowning and need some help forward, this class will provide you with the tools and insights needed to create a successful learning environment for your children. Let this year be your best year yet!

Education and discipleship are not the same as mass schooling. They have different traditions and different expectations. Have you ever asked, "How do I know if they are on pace?", "What if they miss something?", "How do I know if they are learning?", or even "I'm not sure I know enough to teach high school!" then this session should settle your mind and help you plan for discipleship with excitement. Explore some of the key differences and save massive amounts of time and stress trying to recreate schooling at home.

Ever find yourself asking: "Can I really do this?" or "What if I'm failing my child?" or "Do I really have what it takes?" Join us for a raw and illuminating discussion on the silent struggle of self-doubt in homeschooling. Delve into the questions that haunt homeschooling moms in the dead of night and uncover strategies to silence your inner critic. In this workshop you will gain valuable insight to navigate the doubts that threaten to overwhelm and emerge with renewed confidence to embrace your homeschooling journey.

Uncover the secrets of seamlessly managing a diverse homeschooling environment, which includes toddlers exploring their world and teens focusing on advanced subjects. Come for ideas and activities to engage those young learners as well as your older students. We will delve into time management techniques, resource organization, and practical tips for orchestrating a harmonious educational experience for all.

Homeschooling through medical trauma; whether it is caring for a parent, caring for a child, or caring for yourself I invite you to walk with me in a journey of learning how to maneuver through unmet expectations, shifting of priorities, and how to accept help. Focusing on what God has shown me through these opportunities and how to seek peace and joy during times of uncontrollable changes.

A life-long student of motivation, Andrew Pudewa has organized fundamental ideas of motivation into categories: four forms of relevancy, three laws of motivation, and two secret weapons. This expansion of Andrew’s previous talk Teaching Boys & Other Children Who Would Rather Be Making Forts All Day includes new and updated stories, tips, and information.

A sinister force is working in the homeschool community. It has hurt countless children, families, and churches. It’s caught the attention of mainstream media, and Satan is having a heyday. This force is not an organization, ideology, or teaching that’s “out there harming people.” It’s closer to home. It’s me, my pride, and my fear of man. It’s my desire for quick fixes and control. It’s my unwillingness to repent, believe the Gospel, and rely on the rescuing grace of Jesus Christ for every need in my life, in my wife’s life, and in my children’s lives. The problem is worse than you think...and only Jesus can save us. Welcome to impossible homeschooling, where our only hope is the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Homeschooling in America is freer from restrictions and more accessible than ever. With so many successes, you’d think that homeschooling would have convinced critics of its place as a proven educational option. However, this year we’ve witnessed yet another wave of persecution aimed at home education. Christian homeschoolers have shown that we are uniquely equipped to serve and lead our culture. As individuals and as a mature institution, we must do what only followers of Christ can do: draw our neighbors to the gospel that offers forgiveness, sustenance, guidance, and reconciliation. We need to champion homeschooling as an enduring institution that continues to shape children’s characters by encouraging and modeling virtue.

As parents, we desire to disciple our kids and help them grow the authentic faith they need to live #NotConsumed by the hard things in life. Join Kim as she shares her journey, as well as ideas and resources for reaching the hearts of our kids as we help them develop a real-life faith that impacts their todays and shapes their tomorrows.

Every family has a culture, a way of living, and every family is defined by it. Are your family’s mission and culture breathing life into your days? Being intentional and purposeful is the best way to make sure your mission aligns with your worldview. You’ll leave this session armed with a list of practical ideas and an encouraged heart!

Kerry Beck Most homeschoolers continue to offer their children the same type of education they received; they just do it at home. There’s a better way! Kerry reveals how she homeschooled her three kids to give them a love of learning, as well as the tools of learning. Her goal was to train her kids to become leaders of tomorrow. Godly leaders who can think critically and biblically! Godly leaders who will change the world!

Do your kids “forget” to do their chores? Is their schoolwork just a box that gets sloppily checked off? Do you feel like they’ll never take initiative? If you’re looking for the magic pill to help your kids get off the couch and work hard, this isn’t the session for you. But if you want practical ways to kick laziness to the curb, be sure to join us as we learn how to encourage and nurture our kids to be disciplined and responsible workers.

Doubt is the number one enemy of all homeschoolers. So it stands to reason that overcoming doubt is the key to homeschool success. Peggy Ployhar, the CEO of SPED Homeschool, has 18 years’ experience battling doubt in her own homeschooling endeavors. But, instead of letting those doubts creep in and destroy her homeschool, she learned with each battle just how much God’s grace and truth provided strategies for conquering her doubts. This talk is filled with biblical fighting strategies to equip every homeschooling parent to do battle head-on with their own doubts so they can overcome them and homeschool victoriously.

You’ve tried all the things that seem to work for other people yet still can’t find the right homeschool schedule for you. Trust me,-you’re not alone. Figuring out how to teach multiple ages, fold the laundry, and keep the toddlers from writing on the walls with markers can feel overwhelming. Join homeschool veteran of over 20 years and work-at-home mom, as she shares practical ways to wrangle your homeschool schedule for good.

You can’t do everything, but did you know that you shouldn’t even try? In this message, you’ll learn how independent learning decreases burn out, helps students excel, and equips them for life. This workshop will give you the tools to guide your child as they gradually transition to learning independently, whether you have preschoolers or high schoolers!

Every parent wants grace to be the biggest part of how they interact with a child who has done wrong. But a parent looking back often sees regretfully that in the heat of the moment, they fell short of the way they wish they had acted toward the child. Anger, fear, and judging are the three main suspects that can overwhelm the deep desire to act graciously. This presentation will lay down a solid Biblical foundation for dealing with those so they can no longer hijack our heart’s desire to transmit grace to a child.

Join Nick as he helps you explore practical ways to integrate AI into your homeschool routine. He will show you how to create a future-ready homeschooling environment with virtual tutors, AI-driven content recommendations, and live examples. You’ll learn how AI works, what tools are available, and how it can enhance your teaching and your child's learning.