Good morning Readers – I just looked through the agenda for this conference. It looks quite good! I’m posting the info. If you’re thinking about going, take a look. If you do attend, please come say hello!
Thanks, Esther
To register, click on this link: A Conference for Survivors, Churches, and Helpers
October 26-27, 2018
- Biblical sessions are aimed primarily at those struggling to maintain or strengthen their Christian faith. These sessions are heavier on theology and lighter on psychology.
- Recovery sessions are aimed at those trying to cope with the effects of a spiritual abuse experience. These sessions are heavier on psychology and lighter on theology.
- Helper sessions are aimed at those trying to better understand the needs of the spiritually abused and how to effectively communicate with them.
- Personal accounts are designed to present the variety of ways in which different individuals respond to spiritual abuse
| Time | Title (Speakers) | Room (Session) |
| Friday, October 26, 2018 | ||
| 9:00 – 10:30 | Welcome. (Bob Pardon; Michael Langone)
The Varieties of Psychological and Spiritual Abuse (Michael Langone) Aberrational and Healthy Churches: What Distinguishes Them (Robert Pardon) |
|
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Break | |
| 11:00 – 12:30 | Personal Accounts: Returning From Unhealthy Christian Groups to Healthy Christianity (Maureen Griffo, Ray Connolly, David Clark) | Personal Account |
| Personal Accounts: Returning From Unhealthy Christianity to a Nonreligious Personal Alternative (Carrie Buddington; Samie Brosseau) | Personal Account | |
| Personal Accounts: Returning From Non-Christian Groups to a Personal Spirituality (Esther Friedman; Joseph Kelly) | Personal Account | |
| 12:30 – 2:00 | Lunch | |
| 2:00 – 3:30 | The Bible and Spiritual Formation Following Spiritual Abuse (Ken Garrett; Pat Knapp)
Discussion (Facilitator: Lois Svoboda) |
Biblical Session |
| Postcult Recovery: Overview (Ron Burks; William Goldberg)
Discussion (Facilitator: Lorna Goldberg) |
Recovery Session | |
| What Can You Do When a Loved One is Involved in an Abusive Situation? (David Clark; Joseph Kelly; Patrick Ryan;)
Discussion (Facilitator: Mike Kropveld) |
Helper Session | |
| 3:30 – 4:00 | Break | |
| 4:00 – 5:30 | Does the Bible Really Say That? (Neil Damgaard; Ken Garrett)
Discussion (Facilitator: Doug Duncan) |
Biblical Session |
| Getting Help for Depression, Anxiety, and Other Problems (Lorna Goldberg; Lois Svoboda)
Discussion (Facilitator: Ron Burks) |
Recovery Session | |
| Marriage Issues for the Spiritually Abused (Pat & Heidi Knapp)
Discussion (Facilitator: William Goldberg) |
Recovery Session | |
| 7:30 – 9:00 | How Distorted Views of Heaven, Hell, and Salvation Contribute to Spiritual Abuse (Robert Pardon)
Discussion (Facilitator: Wendy Duncan) The Impact of Cults on Creativity, and of Creativity on Recovery (Diana Pletts) Discussion (Facilitator: Heidi Knapp) |
Biblical Session |
| Spiritual Abuse: A Family’s Journey (Sally and Dennis Meyer)
Discussion (Facilitator: Judy Pardon) |
Helper Session | |
| Saturday, October 27, 2018 | ||
| 9:00 – 10:30 | Shame and Guilt (Wendy Duncan)
Forgiveness (Doug Duncan) Discussion (Facilitator: William Goldberg) |
Recovery Session |
| Reconnecting with God: Reconnecting with One’s Self (Robert Pardon; Eric Sweitzer)
Discussion (Facilitator: Ken Garrett) |
Biblical Session | |
| Post Cult Parenting: What to do if the World Does not end on Schedule (Ray Connolly)
Discussion (Facilitator: Lorna Goldberg) |
Recovery Session | |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Break | |
| 11:00 – 12:30 | Dealing with Loss: Loss of Identity (William Goldberg; Eric Sweitzer)
Discussion (Facilitator: TBD) |
Recovery Session |
| Making Your Church a Safe Haven (Neil Damgaard; Pat Knapp)
Discussion (Facilitator: Robert Pardon) |
Biblical Session | |
| How to Trust Again (Ron Burks; Lorna Goldberg)
Discussion (Facilitator: Wendy Duncan) |
Recovery Session | |
| 12:30 – 2:00 | Lunch | |
| 2:00 – 3:30 | Reconnecting with Loved Ones (Doug Duncan; William Goldberg)
Discussion (Facilitator: Eric Sweitzer) |
Recovery and Helper Session |
| Finding and Making the Most of a Healthy Church (David Clark; Robert Pardon)
Discussion (Facilitator: Wendy Duncan) |
Biblical Session | |
| Women’s Issues (Judy Pardon) | Recovery and Helper Session | |
| 3:30 – 4:00 | Break | |
| 4:00 – 5:30 | Open Discussion (Co-Facilitators: Michael Langone; Lois Svoboda) | |