Family Ministries
Generation Next is a strategy Hillside has adopted to guide parents in the often complex task of raising godly children. While there are many milestones that we anticipate our children reaching in life – sleeping through the night, first steps, kindergarten, graduations to name a few – we often don’t have a clear a path for their spiritual growth. Generation Next identifies six key milestones in the life of a child and prepares parents to guide him or her toward those milestones.
 | Milestone 1: Parent Dedication |
 | Milestone 2: Salvation and Baptism Recommended for parents of 3-7 year olds. What can you be doing now to prepare your children to receive the saving message of the gospel? At what age can a child authentically respond to that message? How do you lead a child to faith and how do you prepare them for baptism? These are all questions that will be discussed in this workshop. |
 | Milestone 3: Preparing for Adolescence Recommended for parents of 8-11 year olds. The teen years can be scary for parents and kids alike. We’ll discuss helping your child establish a solid identity in Christ and how this can help them negotiate the common adolescent struggles. We’ll also look at your changing relationship with your teen, issues of discipline and the importance of continued parental guidance. |
 | Milestone 4: Purity for Life Recommended for parents of 10-13 year olds. This workshop will continue a focus on Godly identity and move into issues that older teens face such as how to have healthy friendships, dating, sexuality and Biblical purity. |
 | Milestone 5: Rite of Passage Recommended for parents of 12-15 year olds. Suddenly your baby is thinking about driving! Everything is about to change. In this workshop you’ll be prepared to help your child make the transition to adulthood by looking at Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, the importance of knowing what you believe and understanding spiritual gifts. |
 | Milestone 6: Preparing to Leave Home |
Additional Workshops
Beyond Timeout: The Importance of Boundaries and Follow-Through – Leader: Sandy Owsley, Room 205, 9:50 & 11:00
Discipline, it's a challenge at any age. No one plans to end up yelling. No one wants to nag or threaten. Yet that is exactly what we find ourselves doing so often. Is there a better way? Can we ask for certain behavior and expect to get it? Find out at this workshop.
To Infinity and Beyond! Being a Mission-minded Family – Leader: Rick and Carrie Maples, Room 206, 9:50
God placed us in families not only for nurture and growth, but also to learn how to share His love and care with others. This workshop will help you discover how you can participate in God’s work locally and throughout the world.
Staying Connected With Your Teen - Leader: John Hannigan, Room 220, 9:50 & 11:00
Just about the time you want to know more about what they are doing and thinking, your teens don’t seem interested in communicating. But this is not the time to disengage! Learn how you can keep the conversation alive.
Who is Teaching Them? - Leader: Doug and Laural Pannabecker, David and Deanna Rosa, Room 222, 9:50 & 11:00
It’s that awkward subject that mostly goes un-talked about. How do you talk to your kids about sex? This workshop will give you ideas and resources including a planned weekend retreat called Passport to Purity.
For Students
Got Questions? - Panel: Joe Brown, A.J. Hart, Terri Hannigan, Room 206, 11:00
For College age and younger. Something in the Bible you don’t understand? A life situation that doesn’t make sense? Just wondering how to live a better Christian life? This is your opportunity to ask the questions that are on your mind.
Girl Talk - Leader: Diana Fairchild, Room 106, 9:50
Girls only, college age and younger. As a godly young woman you face a tough world of gossip, drama, fashion and guys. We’ll talk honestly about what it means to pursue God above all of this . . . and still have fun!
Guys Only - Leader: Bill Martinez, Room 105, 9:50
Boys only, college age and younger. You’re on track to a college degree, a decent job and a great family. Are you following cultural and parental expectations or are you following God’s desire for your life? Don’t wait to pursue God when you “grow up”, let’s talk about giving it all to Him right now!
For Everyone
Standing in the Gap - Leader: Jeff and Ann Addington, Room 219 Kitchen Side, 9:50
Scripture tells us that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers. Yet, so often we rely only on human wisdom and ideas to strengthen our families. We’ll discuss the importance of praying for your family and have many practical ideas to help you get started.
Thinking About Adoption?: Michael and Marny Dyer, Keith and Beth Christensen, Room 105, 11:00
Has God been prompting your heart to consider adopting a child either locally or internationally? Wondering what it really takes and how it will impact your family? Are you interested in how the church body can be supportive to families who are adopting? Join us for insight and discussion.
Pass It On – Leader: Marilyn Reid, Room 219 Kitchen Side, 11:00
No matter how long you’ve been a believer, if you are walking with God you have something to share. God intends that more mature believers nurture those younger in the faith. How do you do that? Come to this workshop to find out.
Sharing Your Faith – Leader: Ron Kellner, Worship Center, 9:50 & 11:00
We all know we’re supposed to. We feel guilty when we don’t. But we can’t seem to work up the courage to talk about Jesus to that friend, family member or co-worker. This guilt-free workshop will get you excited about the opportunities God brings your way and give you practical ideas to successfully share what God has done for you.
Money: Treasure or Trouble? – Leader: Bruce Gordon, Room 219 Platform Side 9:50 & 11:00
Money is a big part of our life. Do you manage your money or does your money manage you? As believers how should we view money and how should we handle it? We’ll review two important Biblical principles that guide our relationship to our finances, and discuss several practical tips to ensure our money works for us.