A dear Jesus-guy recently asked if I had ever been called to seminary. My honest response? “Nope. The Lord never called me to seminary—but He absolutely called me to be a professional Christian educator.” And with that call came a promise: that my training would come through the people, books, and spaces He would provide. And He’s been so faithful!

One of the greatest gifts in this journey has been my recent experience with RenewaNation’s Family Ministry Academy—and friends, it couldn’t have come at a better time. As our church was stepping into a new season of intentionally focusing on Family Ministry, the Academy became a tailor-made answer to prayer.

The structure was simple and powerful:
* One live webinar a month with amazing guest speakers (real-life leaders, not just big names)
* A thoughtful reading assignment I still use regularly
* Peer-reviewed assignments that brought fresh ideas from others walking the same road
* A Facebook group full of encouragement, wisdom, and practical resources

Month by month, topic by topic—from babies to grandparenting, from marriage to ministry models—it was all relevant, biblical, and so very usable. My books are dog-eared. My team is resourced. My vision is clearer. I walked away with a shared language, a deeper understanding of family discipleship, and a toolkit to equip our church and families of all ages and stages.

I’m still reflecting on what I’ve learned. Every piece of it—every speaker, every conversation, every assignment—helped me stay focused on what really matters. I finally feel like I have navigational beacons to keep our Family Ministry grounded in truth and aimed at real-life transformation.

And now – BIG NEWS – the next cohort starts in October, and I want you to know about it because….
1. Scholarships are available, thanks to a generous donor so that the cost is only $250 per person which is a $1250 savings!
2. The Family Ministry Academy is now accredited through the University of Northwestern – St. Paul.
3. If you are considering pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree, the Family Ministry Academy counts toward it – plus you get 20% off tuition at Northwestern.

Whether you’re new to Family Ministry or ready to take it deeper, this is an incredible investment in you, your calling, and your church. I’ll be framing my certificate and hanging it proudly—it represents months of growth, joy, and real equipping. I’ve been in the trenches for a hot bunch of decades and the Family Ministry Academy was the clarifying answer to ‘what’s next’ for me and the local church I serve.

If you’re even a little bit curious, reach out to the fabulous Beth Blair at bblair@renewanation.org and tell her I sent you. I get no greater benefit than the joy of sharing something that truly made a difference in me.

Let’s keep growing – together!

“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” Proverbs 1:5