2024 Parenting Conference

Healthy Minds & Godly Hearts
2024 Parenting Conference

In light of the mental health statistics, stories, and struggles all around us, we as parents may find ourselves asking—How can we be proactive about our children’s mental health? And as Christian parents, how can we spiritually disciple our kids in today’s mental health crisis? To help answer those questions and more, we focused our 2024 Parenting Conference around the theme of Healthy Minds & Godly Hearts.

In February, we welcomed experts in the fields of mental health, faith, and family life to share practical wisdom for parents. Now, all of the conference sessions are available for you to view on-demand!

Whether you’re in the middle of helping your teen navigate emotional struggles or anticipating what your young child might face in the future, we hope these sessions encourage and prepare you to help your family thrive.

Watch Conference Sessions

Parenting Conference Keynote

Opening Keynote

Counselor, professor, and family physician Dr. Ekpedeme Wade presents the morning keynote address for Healthy Minds & Godly Hearts.

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The Sex Talk

The Sex Talk

Explore the when, how, what, and where of having conversations with your kids about sex, integrating a biblical perspective of sexuality with researched methods for approaching today’s generation of children and youth.

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Family Discipleship

Family Discipleship

Uncover a simple and approachable model of discipleship that’ll help you evaluate where your family is spiritually and decide what steps you can take to grow.

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Speakers

Keynote Speaker

photo: Dr. Ekpedeme Wade, MD and LPC
Dr. Ekpedeme Wade, MD and LPC
Board Certified Family Physician,
Licensed Professional Counselor,
Assistant Professor of Counseling Ministries at DTS Houston

Breakout and Guest Speakers

photo: Dr. Kelly Cagle
Dr. Kelly Cagle
Researcher & Educator

photo: Dr. Shelly Melia
Dr. Shelly Melia
Associate Dean/Program Director for MA in Children’s & Family Ministry at DBU

photo: Michelle Nietert, LPC-S
Michelle Nietert, LPC-S
Author, Counselor & Mental Health Coach

photo: Drew Anderson
Drew Anderson
Program Director for GAP (the gap year discipleship program for high school graduates) at Denton Bible Church

photo: Ashley Or, LPC
Ashley Or, LPC
Biblical Counselor

photo: David & Jamie Ake
David & Jamie Ake
Leaders of Marriage Ministries at Stonebriar Community Church

photo: Dave Carl
Dave Carl
Lead Pastor of Family Ministries at Stonebriar Community Church

photo: Joey Dean
Joey Dean
Associate Pastor of Young Adults Ministry at Stonebriar Community Church

photo: Nathan Kocurek
Nathan Kocurek
Lead Pastor of Student Ministries at Stonebriar Community Church

photo: Meaghan Wall
Meaghan Wall
Pastoral Leader of the GIFT Ministry (Special Needs) & Senior Adult Ministry at Stonebriar Community Church

photo: Kelley Wilkinson
Kelley Wilkinson
Director of Stonebriar Preschool Pals

More About Mental Health

The number of families impacted by mental health challenges in our country today is significant. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health and Mental Health America:

  • 1 in 6 U.S. youths aged 6–17 experience a mental health disorder each year
  • At least 1 in 10 youths in the U.S. are experiencing depression that is severely impairing their ability to function at school or work, at home, with family, or in their social life
  • 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
  • 59.8% of youth with major depression do not receive any mental health treatment

Our hearts are broken for the many individuals and families struggling with mental health. If you or anyone in your family is experiencing mental health challenges, please know that you are not alone, and we are here to offer support and prayer.

In addition to this conference, our Family Ministries and Care Ministries offer groups and resources for a variety of struggles, so if you have questions or prayer requests, please reach out any time to family@stonebriar.org or care@stonebriar.org. And if you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, remember that you can reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at any time by calling 988.

Questions? Contact Us!

If you have any questions about the conference, please reach out to Christine Clark at christinec@stonebriar.org. We look forward to seeing you there!