Parents, church leaders, and youth workers from around the globe kicked off the International Conference of Youth and Family Ministry Thursday night. More than 700 people are in Chicago for the seminar with parents making up nearly half of those in attendance.
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Dave Pocta (Chicago) delivered the opening message on the topic of "God's Generational Covenant" emphasizing that we must choose principles over programs when building youth and family ministries in our churches.
Opening night also featured a lineup of church leaders sharing the family ministry principles they are using in their churches. A.T. Arneson, Joseph Roberson, Tracy Larr, and John and Karen Louis all inspired the brothers and sisters with how their churches are sharing a legacy of faith with the next generation.
To close out the first night of the conference, Chicago elders Jeff Balsom and Todd Fink candidly discussed what it was like "doing family ministry in the church when family wasn't cool". Jeff and Todd shared the ups and downs of raising their children in the Lord and sharing a legacy of faith with their family.
The ICYFM continues tomorrow with a full slate of keynote messages, workshops, and fellowship. At the conclusion of the conference, all classes and semons will be made available on the youth and family ministry website, www.liveit2giveit.org.