What are you most afraid people will ask you about your faith? I used to have a long list and often it kept me from sharing my faith. But I’ve learned to embrace those tough questions. Whatever question keeps you from sharing your faith or fully believing in God yourself, I’d love to share how to approach those question so they unlock great conversations about God and faith.

DENA DAVIDSON, M.A.

Dena has a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Nevada, Reno and a Master’s degree in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. She is married to her favorite person, Cheyne and they have two amazing kiddos. Officially, she is Thrive College’s Discipleship Director. Unofficially her office is a place of laughter, crying and the peculiar mess of making disciples.

How can you ground your students in grace and truth before they leave for college? Students today are exposed to ideas that challenge the Biblical Worldview. This talk will help you build roots into your children to withstand the teaching and culture kids receive today by understanding the history and validity of God’s Word.

Click HERE to view and download this session’s handout.

DAN BIDDLE

Genesis Apologetics

Genesis Apologetics is a 501C3 ministry that provides free creation-evolution training materials for students. Students in today’s public schools receive over 250 pages of evolution teaching before graduating high school. Our resources help students stand strong in the truth of God’s Word, beginning on page 1.

With an estimated 95% of people having sex outside of marriage today, (including Christians), the sexual revolution that promised freedom, fun and pleasure has delivered pain, shame and wounding instead. The result is people whose lives, relationships and marriages are haunted by the past keeping them from all God created them to be. In other words, you’ve had sex…but now sex has you. By combining scientific research on sexual bonding with God’s design for sex, this workshop will offer striking new insights about what sexual bonding is, why it is harmful, and how to move freely into your future.

Click HERE to view and download this session’s handout. 

BARBARA WILSON

Licensed Clinical Psychologist
& Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Dr. Barbara Wilson is a licensed clinical psychologist and Doctor of clinical psychology, an author, speaker and the founder of Freedom Bound Communications, an organization that brings healing and hope to those with a sexual past. She speaks internationally to youth and adults with her message of sexual bonding and healing. Released from a past of her own, Barbara combines neuroscience and Scripture, with her own story of healing to explain what sexual bonding is and how to move freely into your future in her books, The Invisible Bond: How to Break Free From Your Sexual Past and Kiss Me Again; Restoring Lost Intimacy In Marriage.

Dr. Wilson’s study guide, Free, Finding Freedom and Healing from your Past, available in women’s, men’s and young women versions, is being used locally and nationally to walk men and women through an empirically-based, trauma-focused approach for healing from past abuse, sexual trauma and destructive relationships. Barbara and her husband have been married over 30 years.

Discover ways to build resilience and protect your yourself, your family and your staff against burnout, and compassion fatigue. In this session, we will discuss the pathway to Burnout, warning signs, recovery, and prevention. Participants will have an opportunity to discuss their theology of self-care, ask questions about burnout, and be provided with resources to equip themselves and their staffs.

Click HERE to view and download this session’s handout.

CASEY SHORTT

Therapist & Adjunct Professor

Casey Shortt, M.A. is a therapist, adjunct professor, and emerging researcher who is passionate about the intersection of psychology and theology. She completed her M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary and will graduate with an additional M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in spring of 2021. Her primary research interests and clinical experiences focus on trauma, youth development and caring adult relationships, resilience, and the integration of psychology and theology. As a researcher at the Thrive Center for Human Development, she has had the opportunity to study thriving and the importance of relationships as developmental assets. Inspired by the catalytic potential of relationships in promoting human thriving, Casey’s current research aligns with her clinical experiences working youth and families affected by trauma. She aims to use her growing knowledge to work within her community and provide resources for pastors and those in ministry facing burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious traumatization.

Are you paralyzed to share your faith? Do you avoid it because you’re afraid someone will bring up that tough question? I can relate. It used to keep me from sharing what I believe about God. But over time, I’ve learned to embrace tough questions. When I did, I discovered they unlock the very conversations with people about God and faith that I long to have. If you’re longing to share your faith with humble confidence and to create conversations our culture is dying to have, then join me in learning to embrace tough questions.

DENA DAVIDSON

Campus Life Director
Thrive School

I love Jesus. I have the best husband in the world. I’m mom to the cutest little Rylee Grace. I love my big family more than anything. I have my dream job. I love learning, reading, the British flag, philosophy, and running charades. I can’t multitask. My favorite TV show is The West Wing. My husband takes me on adventures. Officially I’m the Campus Life Director of Thrive School. Every 2 years I run the Thrive Apologetics Conference at Bayside Church. Unofficially my office is a place of laughter, crying and the peculiar mess of making disciples.

Sometimes things don’t turn out the way we want them to: Careers. Relationships. Hopes and dreams. We all want to live full lives of meaning and impact, yet sometimes we hold back. We feel like it’s too hard or too late to find our purpose or start again, too painful to fix what’s broken, or too scary to step out and face our giants. But the truth is, in order to build (in your life and in the lives of others), you might need to do a little rebuilding first. Maybe you feel like you need a complete overhaul right now, or maybe just some light renovations. Either way, this breakout– which is inspired by three key things Nehemiah did in his journey of rebuilding–will encourage you with new motivation, a fresh perspective and action steps to REBUILD in your own life, right where you’re at. So you can truly become the woman God is calling you to be.

GENNY HEIKKA

Author, Speaker, &
Personal Branding Coach

Genny Heikka, MBA, is an author, speaker, and personal branding coach and consultant. She’s served in a variety of leadership roles within corporate, non-profit, community and ministry organizations. Genny began her career at Hewlett-Packard then stepped into her dream of becoming an author, writing several books. She’s appeared on radio and TV and has been published in multiple publications. She’s also the founder of HerTeamSuccess, where she uses her expertise in business, branding and leadership to help women and companies succeed. You can find out more about Genny here: herteamsuccess.com, gennyheikka.com.

Explore creative ways to express how Scripture inspires you while recording your conversations with God, sometimes without words. It’s not about perfect art. The process, rather than the outcome, becomes a form of worship where observing, meditating on, and interpreting the Word of God reflects the posture of your heart towards Him.

KAREN CAMPBELL

Inspired by her Bible, a blank journal, and set of colored pencils, Karen transitioned from corporate spreadsheets and PowerPoints to watercolor artist. She enjoys gathering women for fellowship over a paint brush and pallet. Karen loves serving as a Shepherd Coordinator for one of Bayside’s Women’s Bible Study programs.

TAJ SMITH

Born and raised in Canada, Taj spent most of her teen and young adult life traveling as a dance instructor and choreographer before re-locating to California, where she works as Director of Classes for Bayside’s Granite Bay Campus. Her favorite part of Bible journaling is that it’s for anybody and everybody, whether they think they’re “artistic” or not! Taj is married to a firefighter and together they have two very spoiled cats.

Eve, from the Genesis creation account, has been the topic of many discussions. But what does she have to do with you and me today? Understanding Eve is a key to unlocking who God called us, as women, to be. Join me in this significant discussion.

KATHERINE SCHOEN

Ministry Leader & Pastor
The Evangelical Covenant Church

Katherine is a ministry leader and an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church. Her fifteen years of ministry experience has developed her passionate for leadership development and discipleship. She earned a Masters of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary. She just celebrated 25 years of marriage to the love of her life and is a proud mother of three wonderful kids.

With all the hurt in the world, no wonder Jesus calls us to forgive. Most of us want to forgive but we never learned how to do it well. From family, close friends, and strangers who cut us off on freeway, our habits in dealing with hurts and offenses (big and small) will determine our quality of life. In this workshop, we’ll talk about common blocks to forgiveness and how to create a sacred practice of releasing others, so we can enjoy the emotional freedom God created for us. Ending in a time of reflection and prayer. 

LORI LARA

Self-Defense Teacher

Lori Lara is on a mission to share hope, healing, and real world self-defense instruction. As a third degree black-belt in mixed martial arts and creator of The Strong Girl Self-Defense Program, Lori teaches unique blend of effective fighting skills while also building the mental, emotional, and spiritual foundations of self-protection.

Everyone wants to change the world, but few ever do because they don’t understand how easy it is. World-renowned drummer Zoro unveils a power within all of us to shape destinies with positive stories and illustrations—the power of our words. Words can help us overcome the past, impact the present, and change the future, but we must train ourselves to think differently, which will teach us to speak differently. And then, we will live differently. Take charge of your future and empower those you love by taking control of your speech.

ZORO

World-Renowned Drummer
& Young Marrieds Pastor

Zoro is a world-renowned drummer who has toured and recorded with Lenny Kravitz, Michael Jackson, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, New Edition, Bobby Brown, and Earth, Wind & Fire and many more. As an award-winning author, dynamic storyteller, and Christian motivational speaker, he provides articulate, hard-won biblical wisdom that educates, motivates and inspires. A kinetic bundle of human energy and enthusiasm, Zoro captures audiences with his engagingly winsome spirit, practical wisdom, sense of humor, and unbridled passion.

www.zorothedrummer.com
www.zoroministries.org

Have you noticed that life is so incredibly “daily”? The truth is, the realities of pain, personal pursuits, and relationships that never truly satisfy, keeps dragging us down. Come and discover the truths in the ancient book of Ecclesiastes that will liberate you from the modern woman’s expectations of life. This workshop will inspire you to adjust your mindset and recover true meaning that honors God and inspires contentment in the midst of the rhythm of our ordinary lives. 

Click HERE to view and download this session’s handout.

BONNIE CHRISTENSEN

Certified Youth, Family, &
Special Needs Parent Coach

Bonnie teaches young families, women’s conferences, and support groups. She worked in full-time youth ministry, and presently serves as a pre-marital coach and Bible teacher. Bonnie contributes to regional programs that help differently-abled adults, through staff training and creating meaningful community connections. Bonnie holds degrees in Biblical Studies and Christian Education, and an M.A. in Marriage and Family Ministries from Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology. She is a Colson Fellow, trained in worldview and cultural apologetics. Bonnie passionately addresses these quickly changing culture.

Caleb Kaltenbach is a pastor and founded The Messy Grace Group (messygracegroup. org) to help churches and organizations honor their beliefs while becoming safe places for LGBTQ individuals to attend. He authored God of Tomorrow, Messy Grace (his story of being raised by 3 activist gay parents, accepting Jesus, and seeing his parents trust Jesus), and Messy Truth (releasing Fall 2020). Caleb graduated from Ozark Christian College, Talbot School of Theology (Biola University), and he received his DMin from Dallas Theological Seminary. He and his family reside in southern California. 

CALEB KALTENBACH

Pastor & Founder
The Messy Grace Group

Caleb Kaltenbach is a pastor and founded The Messy Grace Group (messygracegroup.org) to help churches and organizations honor their beliefs while becoming safe places for LGBTQ individuals to attend. He authored God of Tomorrow, Messy Grace (his story of being raised by 3 activist gay parents, accepting Jesus, and seeing his parents trust Jesus), and Messy Truth (releasing Fall 2020). Caleb graduated from Ozark Christian College, Talbot School of Theology (Biola University), and he received his DMin from Dallas Theological Seminary. He and his family reside in southern California.

Are you paralyzed to share your faith? Do you avoid it because you’re afraid someone will bring up that tough question? I can relate. It used to keep me from sharing what I believe about God. But over time, I’ve learned to embrace tough questions. When I did, I discovered they unlock the very conversations with people about God and faith that I long to have. If you’re longing to share your faith with humble confidence and to create conversations our culture is dying to have, then join me in learning to embrace tough questions.

DENA DAVIDSON

Campus Life Director
Thrive School

I love Jesus. I have the best husband in the world. I’m mom to the cutest little Rylee Grace. I love my big family more than anything. I have my dream job. I love learning, reading, the British flag, philosophy, and running charades. I can’t multitask. My favorite TV show is The West Wing. My husband takes me on adventures. Officially I’m the Campus Life Director of Thrive School. Every 2 years I run the Thrive Apologetics Conference at Bayside Church. Unofficially my office is a place of laughter, crying and the peculiar mess of making disciples.

Identifying what you believe and how True Beliefs increase your confidence and False Beliefs tear them down. 

Click HERE to view and download this session’s handout.

HEATHER PENNY

Professional Coach
& Trusted Advisor

Dr. Heather Penny is a professional coach, trusted advisor, and engaging speaker. She encourages individuals to step into their best life as they recognize the unique strengths they have to offer. Heather draws out fresh ideas and actionable goals to focus on forward momentum. She holds a Ph.D. in Human Services, with extensive global experience in consulting as well as an M.A. in Educational Leadership. As a professional coach, Heather serves her clients by drawing out their natural strengths and motivated direction. She guides her clients into clarity, confidence and courage through the professional coaching process and believes the world needs the gifts each person has to offer. The highlight for her, is a life well lived. Heather enjoys living in Northern California with her husband and two children.

Do you hunger for a prayer life that is personal, strategic and intentional? Prayer is humbling work, but also life-changing work. Learn to deepen your conversations with God and ignite His power through your prayers. Gain confidence to pray and ask boldly in His name, while understanding how your perception of God impacts your prayer life. 

Click HERE to view and download this session’s handout.

IRMA SORBER

Bible Study Leader

Wife, mom and bible study teacher, with a passion to teach the Word of God and encourage others to gain Him, know Him and Become like Him. Through her own journey with prayer, has gained the faith to pray for the ridiculous and expect the impossible because our God is able and willing!

Hearing from God is just as relevant today as it was in biblical times. In fact, it can be a common occurrence for those that desire it. Learn some easy and practical ways to hear from God in your everyday life. 

Click HERE to view and download this session’s handout.

JODIE STEVENS

Christian Radio Personality

Jodie Stevens has been a radio host, producer, and commercial copywriter for 23 years. She currently hosts a fun content filled morning drive program 103.9 The Fish in Sacramento. Jodie holds a B/A in Journalism/Broadcasting and as about to graduate with an M/A in Christian Leadership.

Her Genuine Life radio feature can be heard weekdays at 7:50 and features stories and devotionals about overcoming emotional and spiritual difficulties like: addiction, codependency, self-pity, anger, fear, anxiety, low self-esteem and more. It also offer hope through stories about: Forgiveness, Happiness, Hope, Love, Patience and Thankfulness. These stories are also published on her blog: GenuineLifeBlog.com

Jodie is the Commercial Production Manager for all four stations in the Salem Sacramento cluster. In addition, she hosts mid-days on Sacramento’s 710AM THE WORD. Jodie grew up in Anchorage, Alaska and now lives in Roseville with her husband Aaron

Discover a new way of seeing life and using what you have right where you are to walk more fully in your purpose and to do what God has called you to do. In this session, Kennesha will use the power of story combined with practicals to help you strategize and develop your own unique way of using your story to empower and encourage others to live fully and on purpose. If you have ever felt like you’ve got nothing to give or wondered if there is more to where you are now or have been, this session is for you!

KENNESHA BUYCKS

Creator
Restoration House

Kennesha Buycks is the creator of Restoration House–a home and lifestyle brand + blog focusing on creating spaces that fulfill beyond the aesthetic and that speak to the restorative aspects of home.

A Southern transplant to the Pacific Northwest, she has a passion for connecting others, gathering, and inspirational styling and design. When Kennesha is not busy being a wife to her amazing husband or a mama to her four kids, she spends her time writing, blogging, and encouraging others to live life uniquely and with passion. Find her online at RestorationHouseBlog.com and on Instagram @restorationhouse.

You don’t have to be a black belt to protect yourself. Learn how to recognize and avoid dangerous situations and what to do if you find yourself in one. In this empowering and positive workshop, Lori shares the 5 foundations of keeping yourself safe from dangerous predators and boundary crashing loved ones. You’ll also learn the 4-step process every predator goes through to choose a victim and commit a crime (and how to NOT be a target). You’ll leave this workshop with confidence, peace of mind, and practical tools you can begin practicing immediately to keep yourself safe. 

LORI LARA

Self-Defense Teacher

Lori Lara is on a mission to share hope, healing, and real world self-defense instruction. As a third degree black-belt in mixed martial arts and creator of The Strong Girl Self-Defense Program, Lori teaches unique blend of effective fighting skills while also building the mental, emotional, and spiritual foundations of self-protection.

Sometimes life feels like you are trapped in an InstaPot. Learn how women in the Bible deal with the pressure of high expectations while having little time, energy, and hope. 

STEPHANIE CAINE

Psychology Professor
William Jessup University

Stephanie has 15 years of experience in education and counseling. She has multiple graduate degrees in counseling including a doctorate degree from The University of Georgia. Additionally, she has several years of ministry experience with youth, pastors, and outreach along with teaching graduate level christian counseling. Currently, she is a professor at William Jessup University where she teaches in the undergraduate psychology and graduate counseling programs. A recent transplant from Atlanta, Ga, Stephanie enjoys her time with her loving husband, Jason and twin 9 year olds, Jason II and Joelle.

This session will touch the heart of every parent, caretaker, and mentor, equipping them with practical tools to help those they love reach their potential and impact the world the way God intended. The most influential person in Zoro’s life was his single mother, Maria, a woman who instilled within him character attributes that enabled him to become a devoted husband, father and mentor. Now a world-renowned drummer, author, and speaker Zoro shares unforgettably touching stories that will inspire and encourage, leaving listeners with 5 life lessons his mother taught him that lifted him from the depths of homelessness and poverty to living out his dreams behind the drums. 

ZORO

World-renowned Drummer
& Young Marrieds Pastor

Zoro is a world-renowned drummer who has toured and recorded with Lenny Kravitz, Michael Jackson, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, New Edition, Bobby Brown, and Earth, Wind & Fire and many more. As an award-winning author, dynamic storyteller, and Christian motivational speaker, he provides articulate, hard-won biblical wisdom that educates, motivates and inspires. A kinetic bundle of human energy and enthusiasm, Zoro captures audiences with his engagingly winsome spirit, practical wisdom, sense of humor, and unbridled passion. www.zorothedrummer.com, www.zoroministries.org

Speaking “teenager” feels like a whole different language sometimes. Be a part of conversations with other moms and discover some insight and encouragement you can bring home with you. Led by a few of Bayside Church’s High School Team, you will get to hear some of the most honest and realistic ways to develop your relationship with your teen(s) and help it flourish! 

Maybe you’ve tried all the tricks to dating in the 21st century – the apps, hanging at local coffee shops, even allowing friends to set you up on blind dates. Too often you may find yourself deleting their number in your phone after you had THAT conversation about faith and values… What does Christian dating look like in a world filled with temptation, discouragement, and tension? Join the (very raw) conversations about dating in today’s digital and secular world while trying to uphold your Christian values and finding someone to match your beliefs and standards.

Whether you’re in a business, run a business, or dream of a business, this is the place to kickstart some of the best networking conversations. Share your passion project, meet other women working toward similar goals, be brave enough to share your dream and see who might catch on – the sky is the limit! This isn’t to sell products; this is the place for inspiration of what others are doing in their own marketplace, for idea-sharing, for brainstorming, and for seeing what opportunities God might have for you and your business/organization. 

No one said it would be easy, but they never said it would be this hard. Come to a place with other moms who face similar trials and joys over the work you’re doing in raising your children. This will be a safe space to share experiences, hear encouragement, and be refreshed in knowing that God chose you because He knew you would be the best mom for your child. You are AMAZING, and sometimes connecting with moms in similar spaces allows you to really see the beauty of what you are doing in your own homes.  

You may be tired of hearing about Cross Fit, Gym Memberships, and Juice Cleanses, but understanding how we should be taking care of ourselves is crucial to our faith journey. How do we steward the blessings God gave us and what are some practical tips for focusing on holistic health? Join the conversation of healthy minds, bodies, and spirits by hearing what others do, some professional encouragement, and how our faith is at the center of our healthy living.  

Whether you draw, knit, paint, write, create digital media, style hair, make jewelry, play an instrument or whatever creative niche you can think of – this place is for you! Find other creative women you can connect with, share your projects/Etsy shops with, and be inspired by the creativity God put in all of us. Connect about how you discovered your gifts and maybe even find an activity you want to try next! Reach for the stars, as we’re sure you already do, and let this be a space for new creative growth and seeing how creative our God is.