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MILLIGAN COLLEGE, Tenn. (August 26, 2010) — Dr. Chap Clark, a nationally known adolescent and family scholar, will present a pair of seminars on effective parenting and adolescent culture on Friday, Sept. 10, and Saturday, Sept. 11, at Grace Fellowship Church in Johnson City. He will also speak at Milligan College’s Seeger Memorial Chapel on Thursday, Sept. 9, at 11 a.m.
The seminars are hosted by Grace Fellowship, Milligan and 88.3 WCQR. Registration for the Sept. 10 and 11 events is now available and can be paid online in advance at www.milligan.edu/chapclark or at the door on the day of the event. The Sept. 9 lecture at Milligan is free and open to the public.
“Family ministry happens when a church partners with parents to guide kids toward a heart for God,” said Matt Agnew, family life pastor at Grace Fellowship. “For years, children and student ministries were looked to as the primary resource for the spiritual growth of its children. We have come to realize that true success can only be measured by our ability to empower parents by providing resources, encouragement, training and ongoing growth opportunities.”
Clark’s seminars offer just the type of training many parents and youth leaders seek as they grapple with the important issues affecting today’s youth.
The Friday ParenTeen seminar will be held from 7-9 p.m. Designed for parents and youth leaders, this session will provide participants with insight into their child’s journey and help them develop a more authentic and effective parenting strategy. Clark will also discuss what biblical discipleship looks like during the teen years in the home and church.
The Saturday HURT seminar is structured for educators, mental health professionals, chaplains, social workers, youth workers and parents. It will be held from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., and will feature dynamic and thought-provoking information designed to draw all participants into the changing landscape of today’s adolescent culture. The content is based on the latest research in adolescent development, family and social systems, and the rapidly changing environment that every student faces. Participants at this session are eligible for continuing education credit from the American Psychological Association.
“The goal for the ParenTeen and HURT seminars is to provide resources for parents, the church and the community to guide teens through the challenging years of adolescence,” said Phyllis Fox, director of church relations and Youth in Ministry at Milligan. “We want those who lead, teach and serve students to encourage them to be focused, committed and responsible influencers for their churches and communities.
“Dr. Clark is a gifted speaker with the expertise and passion to equip his audiences for this important responsibility.”
Clark is vice provost and professor of youth, family and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. He is the senior editor of YouthWorker Journal and has been a leader in organizations such as Young Life and Youth Specialties for more than 25 years.
The fee for each seminar is $10 per person for those who register online. Discounted rates for couples and groups are also available online. Online registration closes Wednesday, Sept. 8, at 5 p.m. On-site registration is $20 per person for the ParenTeen seminar and $25 per person for the HURT seminar. For more information or to register, visitwww.milligan.edu/chapclark.