There is no plug-and-play formula for a good education. Mystie Winckler explains why systems and shortcuts fail, how to keep the home at the center of your homeschool, and how to practice this art with confidence and enjoyment.

Thinking about homeschooling? This workshop is for moms and dads who are wondering if homeschooling is right for their family. You want to go into this with eyes wide-open and realistic expectations. Real-dad, Todd Wilson, will shoot straight with you, sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly and will help clarify if homeschooling is for you.

With many personal stories and a humorous yet philosophical tone, Mystie tackles the motivations we have to get organized and helps us find satisfaction in realistic expectations and a less-than-perfect home.

The holy grail of parenting is “what to do to have good godly kids.” Unfortunately God didn’t leave a complete guideline for our use. He did leave us some examples of the good, bad, and ugly of parenting, and plenty of principles...but we’re still left...wanting more. Enter the flim-flam man who fills in all the gaps and begins to pile on rules, principles, and things to avoid. The problem is that it sometimes has adverse effects and leaves behind hurt and wayward children. So...some parents swing the other way and claim and proclaim the message of Freedom to equally dire results. While I would never be so bold as to say, “Here’s how to parent and what to do to have successful children.” I will say there seems to a sweet-spot in parenting that avoids the extremes but not the responsibility. Join me as we get down and dirty in the trenches of parenting and discuss a method of parenting that is IRRESISTIBLE.

With humorous personal stories both from being homeschooled as well as homeschooling, Mystie walks through how a homeschool mom’s life and role changes as we raise our children from dependent babies to independent adults, casting a vision for the glory of the mission.

Ever feel like homeschooling is for those ‘blessed enough’ to afford it? Ever feel like you don’t have the financial resources to give your kids all the opportunities everyone else is giving their kids? Ever feel like if you just had a little more, your homeschool would be so much better? Come and learn tips and tricks to homeschool affordably and be reminded of the heart behind the Great Provider that has called us to this gig in the first place!

Are you having trouble finding the time and energy to meet the needs of your husband after a hard day of homeschooling? Maybe you've forgotten what his needs are. Would you like your husband to take a more active role in homeschooling? Maybe your husband refuses to be involved in training your children. Join me as we look at your role, not as a homeschooling mom, but as a homeschooling WIFE. Your husband will thank you for coming! The discussion will be led by a real husband of a homeschooling mom.

Marriage is hard...in fact, it’s real hard! But when it is right and good, it can withstand anything. It doesn’t matter what the economy does, the status of your bank account, the condition of your home or vehicles, or what your children dish out...because when a husband and wife are right, they’re unbeatable. On the flip side, when a husband and wife feel distant or apathetic, it only takes the slightest breeze to ruffle a bunch of feathers. The truth is a mediocre marriage sucks the joy right out of life and your homeschool. The economy can swing up, your checking account can be healthy, your home and vehicles can purr like kittens, and the kids can behave like angels, and life still...stinks. That’s because marriage matters. Join Todd Wilson, The Familyman, for a time of laughter and encouragement as he shares real life stories, problems, and frustrations along with practical, simple solutions to having a marriage that can‘t be beat!

Homemaking is not a side project—it’s kingdom work. In this talk, Mystie Winckler reframes home management as a God-given vocation that forms souls, builds culture, and advances the gospel. From folding laundry to fostering hospitality, she shows that our daily work reflects the work of God and fulfills the Great Commission right where we live.

When our kids are in their upper high school years, we might begin to question whether we’ve prepared them (and ourselves!) for the next steps. Did I teach them everything they need to know? Will the world eat them up? What have I missed? We can be assured that God has a plan for the good of our children, and for His glory. Parenting doesn’t end when our children graduate from our homeschools, and we can be encouraged by trusting in God’s faithfulness in the lives of our young adults. Find hope for a parent’s heart as our kids leave the nest, learn to fly on their own, and soar.

Homeschooling is hard, parenting is hard, and marriage...well, that’s way hard. And that’s OK and even normal. Trouble is we don’t like hard. We want easy, fast, and cheap, and at the same time we want successful results. But the truth is that good things are hard and hard things are good, and they go hand in hand. Sadly, most people don’t ever experience the good because they can’t handle the hard. They put the hard thing off, hoping it will get easier, or they avoid it all together, and all they end up with is a pile of regrets. Here’s the good news: you can handle the hard. In fact, if you’re faced with two choices, pick ‘HARD.’ During this hour, you’ll laugh with Todd as he shares how to embrace the hardness while keeping your eye on the joy and experience God’s best for you.

Andrew Pudewa shares many humorous experiences (and painful lessons) he has learned over thirty years of teaching and homeschooling. You will be challenged, reassured, and sure to leave with an expanded vision of your calling as a home educator.

Would a Renaissance education help bring about a renaissance in education? What sort of training and life did a young Shakespeare or da Vinci have? What elements of that can we recapture and apply in our tech-driven modern world? Andrew Pudewa contemplates craft, attentiveness, stock, imitation, constraint, freedom, and more!

What do you do if you feel you have bitten off more than you can chew in the homeschooling journey? What do you do with fears that you aren’t enough for your children? Come examine mindsets that hinder moms, and learn how faith, gratitude and servanthood can be fleshed out in daily life.

(Young lades ages 5 - 17 and Moms)

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!

Gear up for a powerhouse keynote as Christy-Faith exposes the harsh truth: mainstream schools are failing our kids. In this thought-provoking address, she dissects the outdated education system and champions a revolutionary approach that fosters individual growth, ignites a love for learning, and reclaims childhood while restoring family connection. This keynote is a rallying cry to question the status quo and embrace a radical shift in how we educate our children. Christy-Faith reveals why sending your kids away to the government system could never compare to the transformative possibilities of homeschooling. You’ll leave empowered with fresh insights, emboldened to stand firm in your commitment to homeschooling, and inspired to propel your family toward a more meaningful and fulfilling educational journey.

This workshop is a sanctuary for mothers who feel the weight of effective teaching, while juggling numerous responsibilities and the unrelenting demands of life, all without succumbing to burnout. Join Christy and explore practical strategies to craft an enriching education for your children, foster a peaceful home, and provide rich childhoods without sacrificing academic preparedness. Unveil the secrets of efficient time management and find solutions to streamline your homeschooling path. This session isn’t just guidance; it’s your field-guide in navigating challenges, ensuring your children receive what they need while maintaining your own sense of balance and well-being.

Many homeschoolers struggle with self-doubt and/or criticism for their decision by well-meaning friends and family. In this session, Israel will tackle some of the top objections people raise about home education and will give statistics and fact-based answers to help give you confidence to defend your choice to home educate.

Most Nebraska homeschool parents did not begin homeschooling to make a statement. They began because they refused to surrender their children's formation. This session frames that instinct biblically; parents are not secondary partners in educations, they are the primary disciplers. Education is one of the chief arenas where worldview is shaped, loves are trained, and loyalties are formed. Faithfulness, not perfection, is the goal, and the parents' presence matters more than any curriculum choice.

Homeschool families are often portrayed as retreating from culture. In reality, they are investing in the slow, unseen work that shapes the future. This session encourages Nebraska families to see their faithfulness as long-term cultural engagement. Christian homeschooling does not withdraw from the world; it prepares children to enter it with clarity, courage, and conviction. Revival does not begin with slogans or protests, but with truth taught patiently, lived consistently, and passed to the next generation

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.

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.

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.