Navigating homeschooling with children who have unique learning needs can be challenging, but deeply rewarding. With two of her four children diagnosed with ADHD, one also facing multiple learning challenges, Jeannie discovered invaluable strategies for creating a seamless, creative, joy-filled, and tailored learning environment for the whole family. Her children not only thrived academically—earning scholarships to college, making the Dean’s List, and graduating with honors—they all developed a lifelong love for learning. In this inspiring talk, Jeannie shares scientifically proven techniques for successfully homeschooling all learners, offering insights on nurturing each child's individual gifts, building confidence, and setting the stage for future accomplishment and achievement.

In the past twenty years, we’ve seen a lot of changes in the homeschool community. There is much more pressure being put on homeschoolers to excel academically. We’ve gone from a few brave moms who, without access to mainstream “curriculum”, managed to give their children an excellent education—but we’ve forgotten what made it excellent. It was excellent because these moms had a vision for homeschooling—they weren’t trying to re-create school at home. They were simply being obedient to the One who had called them to be different. They knew that if He had called them, He would equip them. And they were right. If you’re struggling to find joy in your calling as a homeschooling parent, if you’re looking for more LIFE in your homeschool, this is one keynote you won’t want to miss. join Heidi as she talks about her journey away from curriculum-driven, workbook based homeschooling and into delight-directed learning. What she learned will bless and inspire you.

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 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.

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.

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

There has been a fundamental shift in our culture’s view of the role of parents versus government in the past two hundred and fifty years. Contrasting the statements of America’s Founding Fathers with ivy league professors and journalists today, you can better understand the battle over who should control the education and upbringing of children.

Faith, family, and freedoms have faded in Europe and the Americas. But God has given us a tremendous opportunity now — islands of freedom and culture unlike anything we’ve seen. He appears to be using homeschooling as a catalyst for good things. How can your family plant fruitful, beautiful gardens at such a time as this? How does the Gospel of Jesus Christ breakthrough in our homes?

In this talk 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.

Many teachers and parents assume that good readers will naturally become good writers. Others think that writing talent is a natural ability. Some have it. Others don’t. Both are myths. History and modern research demonstrate how good writers develop the two most critical skills needed for a high level of aptitude in writing. With humor and insight, Andrew Pudewa explains these two easy but powerful skills, which build language patterns and nurture competent communicators.

Opening session, primarily Nebraska Christian Home Educators Association Board members. Review of speakers, history of NCHEA, thanking sponsors, Conference Committee members, etc.

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.

This passage is often used as the proof text for the homeschooling mandate. There are other verses that reinforce the importance of the family as the primary context for discipleship, but this one is the standard. Let’s take some time to look at it again, afresh and anew. We’re admonished in this passage to teach our children diligently, that’s the ‘how’. But what are we supposed to teach them? When? And why is it so important? Real cultural change begins in our homes. How about we determine to make a difference one family at a time.

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!

With so much cultural discord and upheaval, it can be easy to give into despair if we lose sight of our true source of HOPE. Like the Men of Issachar, we must understand the times and know what to do. In this promising session, Rick shares strategies for families to understand and navigate the current state of our country with a biblical, constitutional, & historical perspective full of JOY & HOPE! Together, we’ll train up a generation of leaders who are ready to fight for our freedom and spread HOPE throughout their communities.

In this most popular of Rick’s presentations, Rick shares a look at our founding fathers, our courts, and our founding documents to take a historical perspective on the current debate regarding whether or not our nation was founded on biblical principles and how that founding should affect current public policy, and whether our faith should be part of both our private and public lives.

Parents considering homeschooling often worry about whether their children will be “normal.” They wonder if their children will emerge from homeschooling prepared for success in life, or if they’ll emerge socially inept and uneducated. Daniel Craig, a second-generation homeschooler, will share why he’s glad he was homeschooled and why your children will be too. Based on 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.

“Choose this day whom you will serve . . . as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 Are you walking in bondage or freedom? Following faith or fear? Whether you feel like a slave to your curriculum, systems of thought, the pressures people place on your shoulders, or something else . . . it was for freedom that Christ set us free—and it’s time to walk in it.

Are you dealing with broken relationships, heartbreak, depression, or even bone-wearying exhaustion in your family? In this session, you’ll be inspired by stories of real revivals through history and how children, men, and women were forever changed and marked not by striving, but by God’s presence. You don’t need a five-step plan—you need the one who can bring beauty from the ashes, joy in the morning, and rain on a dry and thirsty land. May you walk away full of anticipation for the great plans that God has for you. He’s not finished with you yet.

In this talk I share stories from my own homeschool upbringing and the indelible lessons I unknowingly learned through the experience. In a profound way they informed my own journey as a homeschool parent. I hope these lessons from the perspective of a homeschool graduate will encourage homeschoolers from all backgrounds and remind them that they are uniquely positioned and equipped by God to teach their children in ways that reach deeper than the pages of any textbook, lesson plan, routine, or test.

Recognizing that a healthy marriage is the basis of a healthy home, this Marriage session is a fun and fruitful way to invest in your marriage relationship. Steve and Megan teach from their book The Eight Rules of Communication for Successful Marriages and finish the session with a fun-loving look at marriage and F-R-I-E-N-D-S-H-I-P Practical advice in a guilt-free environment makes the teaching real and applicable to all those in attendance.

As a pilot for American Airlines, Steve was very close to the events of 9/11. Although initially scheduled to be the First Officer on Flight 11, the first flight to be hijacked on September 11, 2001, Steve was bumped from that flight the night before through an extraordinary set of circumstances. In this session, he tells his deeply moving story of God's providence on that terrible day in our history. Discover why God gave Steve a second chance, and how He now uses Steve to teach parents around the world to parent with purpose and urgency, as he introduces you to The Nine Practices of The Proactive Parent. Intensely practical and Bible based, the Nine Practices of The Proactive Parent is designed to give parents the tools they need and the necessary hope, to build a Christ-centered and character-driven home environment. We’ll never be better as homeschoolers than we are as parents! The Nine Practices are a great way to revitalize parents in their all-important task of parenting. This session will take highlights from the 10- week Parenting Matters small group study. Join Steve as he unwraps the Three Pillars of Parenting, The Motivation Model, The Growth Continuum, The Proactive vs. Reactive Parent, and more.

On Thursday evening, each of our featured speakers will be sharing a brief 5 to 10 minute introduction of themselves and the topics they are most passionate about, so that conference attendees will have a better idea of which sessions they might want to attend on Friday & Saturday. You won't want to miss this amazing lineup of INCH 2024 speakers! Meet Brant Hansen, Kevin Swanson, Phylicia Masonheimer, Andrew Pudewa, Kim Sorgius, Ginny Yurich, and more! -- ALL IN ONE FAST-PACED EVENING of "TED-Talk-like" Speaker Spotlights!

In a rapidly changing world, it can be both scary and confusing to shepherd our kids through their years of homeschooling. Learn tried and true methods that will give you confidence and wisdom when you feel stuck or lost.

Taking the conventional school paradigm and pressing it into the homeschool context doesn’t work. Saul’s armor didn’t fit David well. What makes homeschooling so much more powerful than conventional schooling? Kevin Swanson gets to the heart of effective homeschooling here. . .relationships. . . discipleship. . . faith. . . knowing God and rejoicing in His awesomeness!

Dr. Swain tells her story about growing up in abject poverty and going on to earn 5 degrees and teach at Princeton and Vanderbilt universities. She reveals her major life lessons learned and how that all fits together in today's divisive world.

Recognizing that a healthy marriage is the basis of a healthy home, this marriage session is a fun and fruitful way to invest in your marriage relationship. Steve and Megan teach from their book The Eight Rules of Communication for Successful Marriages and finish the session with a fun-loving look at marriage and F-R-I-E-N-D-S-H-I-P Practical advice in a guilt-free environment makes the teaching real and applicable to all those in attendance.

Education is not an object we can possess; it’s a state of the heart, mind and soul. All great leaders share certain attributes in these areas, and Job was one of the greatest! Adam’s unique perspective on Job’s career inspires parents to prepare their own students for leadership. The lecture sends them away with renewed vision for the liberal arts and practical suggestions for applying this vision in the classroom.

CenterForLit director Adam Andrews examines the well-known list of rules for successful teachers and offers fresh insights on each one, suggesting that in some ways, breaking these rules is the best way to succeed! This inspiring talk meets teachers right where they are and offers practical tips for getting the most out of the teacher-student relationship, both inside and outside the classroom.

How do you teach your students to apply a “Christian Worldview” to the books they read, the movies they watch and the culture they live in? The answer to this important question may surprise you, for well-meaning Christians often misunderstand the basic principles of worldview analysis. This misunderstanding often prevents Christian students from thinking clearly about contemporary culture. In this enthusiastic and engaging discussion of a literary classic, Adam Andrews helps you avoid a serious (though common) teaching mistake and presents three steps for understanding a story-teller on his own terms. This presentation will empower you to uncover, identify and evaluate an artist’s worldview for yourself – and to teach your students to do the same.

Throughout the history of Israel and Judah, God raised up several great men to rule over His people. But it was a king who took the throne at the tender age of eight who became the most godly king of all. II Kings 23:25 tells us: "Before him there was no king like him who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might...nor did any like him arise after him." The life of Josiah provides parents with dynamic principles for training up the next generation of godly leaders to turn OUR nation back to God!

It’s quiet, but deadly. It can poison a whole family when no one even knows it’s there. It dampens affection, kills communication and leaves hearts wounded and hurting. It is the number one reason why marriages break up and why parents lose the hearts of their children. The Bible describes it as a “root” that springs up and defiles many. In this talk, Rick Boyer explains how the poison of bitterness damages relationships and how the grace of God can put them back together again. Peace and love in your home are not just a dream.

Rick Boyer and his wife have been home schooling since 1980. Starting out young and green in a time when only a handful of families was home schooling, Rick and Marilyn found few resources to help them in their journey. They had to blaze their own trail, surviving such obstacles as skeptical grandparents, hostile school authorities, unhelpful curriculum publishers, blizzards, Indian attacks…(just kidding). The Boyers are still home schooling today and now share their experiences around the world through their books and their speaking ministry. Rick will share some of the most profound lessons learned along the way.

In Jeremiah 29, God's people have experienced judgment and find themselves living in the midst of a hostile culture. God promises to deliver them in His time and directs them to establish homes, build families, and seek the welfare of the city in which they are living. God has a plan for restoring a godly culture. And your family has a part in it.

Dads and moms, in all the busyness of life and swell of expert advice, we've forgotten the fundamental truths of homeschooling and family. In short, we've forgotten why we do what we do. We have plenty of "how tos" but have forgotten the "why tos," and it evidences itself in our lack of joy of homeschooling, family, and parenting. Listen to funny guy and Familyman Todd Wilson as he sets the stage for the best year ever as he brings us back to the basics of what we believe about family and homeschooling. You're not going to want to miss this for the world.

Like you, when we began our homeschooling journey, we asked ourselves, "Will we be able to teach them all they need to know for success?" There were so many options and subjects to teach them. They were loaned to us knowing almost NOTHING, and we were expected to fill up their noggins and prepare them for adulthood. Little did we know then that homeschooling turned out to be not only what we taught them...but what THEY taught US. Never would we have believed how God would use homeschooling to teach us what He needed us to know as parents, homeschoolers, and as His children. So join Todd for an intimate time of sharing and laughing at the lessons my children taught me. My hope is that you'll start to view your homeschool day less as a time to teach and muscle through but as a gift. During our time together, we will look at the smile stealers and makers in your homeschooling world and get you smiling again. Because you have a lot to smile about!!!

Every parent wants great things for his children. Yet all around, we see young people without purpose or vision, addicted to shallow amusements, and with no passion for worthy goals. Learn how to motivate your children to greatness. They were born for such a time as this.

You may not crack open a book, work through a curriculum, or call it school, but it's your job to train your children. Join me as we look at the trials, triumphs, and tribulations of teaching our children. Now don't worry, I won't make you feel guilty or give you a forty-six-point outline, but I promise to tell it straight and to encourage you in the best job there is—fathering.

Identity – how children define themselves – is extremely important. How they see themselves controls their behavior. Therefore, identity influences their academics, relationships, future, hopes, and so much more. Why is it complex today? Why are so many children confused? Learn how to parent so children will have a healthy identity and believe the most important identities of all.

Homeschooling is hard, parenting is hard, and marriage…well, that’s way hard. And that’s OK and even normal. The 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 altogether, 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.’ Soak in Todd’s humor-filled inspiration as he shares how to embrace the hardness, keep your eyes on the joy, and experience God’s best for you.

As we look around at an almost unrecognizable society, we find ourselves wondering what kind of world we will be leaving our children. We long for the good ole’ days, and dream of better times, as we ask ourselves how we are to raise up children in a world where our freedoms are under attack and where Biblical values are demonized while evil is celebrated. We must hold fast to the truth that this is our place on the world’s timeline; there never was another moment meant for us. Join us as we look to the One that gives us the strength to be Rooted, Abounding, and Enduring while we answer the call He has given us. We are parents in 2023, and this is our Legacy!

From facing COVID to struggling with shutdowns and job loss to being silenced by cancel culture, the Albers have found that God is faithful. They’ve experienced first-hand the strengths that come when you starve the fear and move to faith and watching God work in your family. Sharing God stories they’ve experienced, Connie will guide you to discern God’s voice and find peace in obedience, how to accept God’s invitation to be a part of something bigger than yourself, how to focus on God’s ability rather than your inability, and how to keep your eyes on the Mountain Mover and not the mountains.

Education is not an object we can possess; it’s a state of the heart, mind, and soul. All great leaders share certain attributes in these areas, and Job was one of the greatest! Adam’s unique perspective on Job’s career inspires parents to prepare their own students for leadership. The lecture sends them away with renewed vision for the liberal arts and practical suggestions for applying this vision in the classroom.

Homeschooling is the fastest growing educational model in the country, with millions of students doing at-home learning. Yet, peer bullying, classroom chaos, outdated learning environments, and online opportunities make leadership and families reimagine the possibilities of homeschooling. Veteran homeschool mother of five and trusted leader addresses the long-term benefits of staying the course. Connie Albers offers encouragement wrapped in humor from her 35 years of parenting and uses real-life stories as she paints pictures of possibilities for your homeschool success.

Many of us started this homeschooling journey thinking this was going to be "fun." You envisioned yourself teaching your children and smiling through each day. Then something happened: You stopped smiling. There’s a reason for that and some things you can do to bring back those smiles, not only for yourself but for your children, as well. During our family night time together we’re going to talk about the smile stealers and smile makers in your homeschooling world... and get everyone smiling again. Because you have a lot to smile about!!!

With so much cultural discord and upheaval, it can be easy to give into despair if we lose sight of our true source of HOPE. Like the Men of Issachar, we must understand the times and know what to do. Join Rick for this promising session as he shares strategies for families to understand and navigate the current state of our country with a Biblical, Constitutional, & Historical perspective full of JOY & HOPE! Together, we’ll train up a generation of leaders who are ready to fight for our freedom and spread HOPE throughout their communities.

In this most popular of Rick’s presentations, Rick shares a look at our founding fathers, our courts, and our founding documents to take a historical perspective on the current debate regarding whether or not our nation was founded on Biblical principles and how that founding should affect current public policy, and whether our faith should be part of both our private and public lives.

Every family has a struggle with sin, hurt, and conflict. A mission to home disciple your children can be derailed by conflict and unforgiveness, so Christian families must be experts in giving and receiving forgiveness. Learn to separate truth from lies and you will come away with a gameplan to pursue greater peace in your home.

When America has more Christian resources and ministries than ever before, a brief look at our culture reveals it is becoming less “Christian” every day.?Why is this happening? And as Christians, how do we respond? What is the relevance of the book of Genesis in today’s world?

A distinctively Christian vision for sibling relationships in your family needs a game plan to build spiritual relationships with one another. Do you have a plan? A walk with real-life siblings in the Bible can help you discover a fresh vision for how siblings can grow together in Christ. Press On: Grow in Family Worship

“How did Noah get all those animals onto the ark? Where did the flood water come from and go to? Did the waters really cover the entire earth? Is there evidence?”—these are popular questions used today to attack the history in the Bible and thus its authority. But, if we start with God’s Word, they are easily answered and can provide a great opportunity to share the Gospel!

Family worship is of ultimate importance for Christian families. We know God wants us to pray and read His Word together at home, but that is not easy! Do you deal with crazy schedules and bad attitudes? Come and find practical steps to help your family grow in faith together with the support of biblical principles and encouragement.

God’s Word is living and relevant for every generation—even for our digital world. What does God have to say about texting? Facebook? Pinterest? Snapchat? Is God’s inspired Word up-to-date enough to tackle the technology of our plugged-in world?

From a Biblical perspective, this session explains when God instituted Government, the proper role of civil Government, and the Christian's role in the context of civil government. Hear about transforming biblical principles as they pertain to you and the governing authority that God has ordained.

Note: This is Part 1 of 2, the original session (Traditions, Transitions & Transparency: Lasting Success for the Family) slated for this time slot was replaced with this 2-part session. Recognizing that a healthy marriage is the basis of a healthy home, this session is a fun and fruitful way to invest in your marriage and family. Steve and Megan teach from their book, “The Eight Rules Of Communication For Successful Marriages” and take a fun-loving look at marriage and friendship. They offer practical advice in a guilt free environment making the teaching real and applicable to all in attendance.

Recognizing that a healthy marriage is the basis of a healthy home, this session is a fun and fruitful way to invest in your marriage and family. Steve and Megan teach from their book, “The Eight Rules Of Communication For Successful Marriages” and take a fun-loving look at marriage and friendship. They offer practical advice in a guilt free environment making the teaching real and applicable to all in attendance.

Dads and moms, in all the busyness of life and swell of expert advice, we've forgotten the fundamental truths of homeschooling and family. In short, we’ve forgotten why we do what we do. We have plenty of “how tos” but have forgotten the “why tos” and it evidences itself in our lack of joy of homeschooling, family, and parenting. Join funny guy and familyman, Todd Wilson, as he sets the stage for a great homeschool convention and the best year ever as he brings us back to the basics of what we believe about family and homeschooling. You're not going to want to miss this for the world.

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.

Homeschooling is the fastest growing educational model in the country, with millions of students doing at-home learning. Yet, peer bullying, classroom chaos, outdated learning environments, and online opportunities make leadership and families reimagine the possibilities of homeschooling. Veteran homeschool mother of five and trusted leader addresses the long-term benefits of staying the course. Connie Albers offers encouragement wrapped in humor from her 35 years of parenting and uses real-life stories as she paints pictures of possibilities for your homeschool success.

It's about getting our eyes off of our own circumstances and seeing the bigger matters of a lost and dying world. This particular message addresses the Christian homeschool family. How can a homeschooled family live boldly for Christ? How can they change the world in which they live? How can they say “no” to the bait of self-focus and snatch up the call of God to audaciously serve in the Name of Jesus Christ? How can they dare to do as Stanley Dale?

Parenting is difficult. The difficulty increases when we go after more than just “good enough” for our children. The flack that comes from aiming our children for “great and godly” is almost too much for most parents, so, “good enough” often seems like a reasonable place to settle. This message is about aiming our children toward “ready and raring to change the world”! It’s difficult, but it comes with power, because it’s parenting in agreement with the Holy Spirit. “Changing the world for Jesus Christ” is precisely what God is desiring to do in and through our children.

The Bible teaches us that trials are our friends and sufferings are our bosom companions. In this hour with Eric, he'll unpack the strange but amazing concept that pure joy is not found in the absence of trials but BECAUSE of trials.