Short Programs

Our full programs allow for key relational issues from God's Word to be discussed in detail in the context of real-life scenarios facing families today. They also allow for a type of initial bonding among attendees as they realize their common joys and challenges. Greater depths are mined with such a devoted block of time.

For many reasons, however, we offer short programs that provide an introduction to Son Shine Ministries and its teachings on marriage, parenting, and relational skills. These short programs can be motivational and often the catalyst that leads to a booked full program. They are helpful and provide excellent syntheses of key teachings on marriage, parenting, communication, and conflict resolution.

If this is the first time Son Shine Ministries has spoken to your group, a general introduction of the ministry will be included by the speaker. Here are the short programs being offered:

Son Shine Time (60 minutes)
We are honored to serve Jesus!

This is an ideal introduction not just to our ministry's background and current program offerings, but it provides the prominent features of our marriage and parenting teachings with helpful suggestions. The talk is concluded with a hilarious yet powerful motivational story that puts it all in perspective and is highly encouraging.

Marriage in 3-D (60 minutes)
We love and believe in the covenant of marriage!

This talk includes a brief introduction to Son Shine Ministries and its parenting program, but the majority of time (~45 min.) is spent on the concept of marriage in 3-D—three relational dimensions that dramatically impact marriage. The three dimensions—direction, distinctiveness, and display—are discussed from God's Word and can be applied immediately. As with all one-hour short programs, a personal story is included as a part of the sharing, providing a hopeful testimony to encourage those in attendance.

Parenting: A Biblical Model (60 minutes)
We are deeply blessed to be parents!

This talk includes a brief introduction to Son Shine Ministries and its marriage programs, but the majority of time (~45 min.) is spent on the topic of parenting. Beginning with Deuteronomy 6, a biblical model for parenting is built that encourages parents to take the responsibility of mentoring their children in an affirming, loving relationship that naturally uses everyday life experiences to teach about God's Word and demonstrate our love for him and others. As with all one-hour short programs, a personal, hopeful story is included to help illustrate the main point of the sharing.

Effective Communication (60 minutes)
We are listening!

This talk includes a brief introduction to Son Shine Ministries and its programs, but the majority of time (~45 min.) is spent on the topic of communication. Topics include the importance of non-verbal communication, emotional communication, intentional communication, assertiveness, active listening, re-chunking, the 100%/100% model, and the honor of communicating the Gospel. Often funny, yet significantly helpful, this one-hour session is usually paired with our W.A.R. & P.E.A.C.E. (conflict resolution) short program. As with all one-hour short programs, personal stories are included in this talk that help relate the main points.

W.A.R. & P.E.A.C.E. (conflict resolution, 60 minutes)
We'll face this together!

This talk includes a brief introduction to Son Shine Ministries and its programs, but the majority of time (~50 min.) is spent on the topic of conflict resolution. To narrow the scope, this conflict resolution model assumes both participants in the conflict are Christians. After helpful discussion of the perspective we have as believers in Christ, the first model of conflict is brought forth—W.A.R. This is what we do not want to experience! It is, simply put, what not to do when faced with conflict. As the helpful, biblically based P.E.A.C.E. plan is proposed, each step is expanded with practical ideas and suggestions. The talk concludes with a discussion of what forgiveness is and is not. This short program is an excellent complement to the Effective Communication short program.

ADD THE +

While we always will be interactive—whether in our short or full programs, one of the best add-on's to our short programs is a 20-30 minute period for discussion. This is where questions can be asked and facilitated, involving the group in suggested answers. To request this within the "Next Steps" menu, just choose the "Add the +" option to include the 20-30 minute discussion time.

COMBINATIONS

We are always open to a combination of short programs—two, three, even four. As has been mentioned, the communication and conflict resolution talks are a natural pairing. Here is an example of how one might schedule a Saturday morning customized program with us:

8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Meet & Greet (continental breakfast provided)

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Son Shine Time

10:00 - 10:15 a.m. Break

10:15 - 11:15 a.m. Effective Communication

11:15 - 11:30 a.m. Break

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. W.A.R. & P.E.A.C.E.

WE MAY BE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

Although our ministry base is in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, we often travel to present programs and may be planning to be in your area in the coming months. We will be in all regions of the United States' mainland in the next 12 months. If you are interested in hosting us, please contact us (see "Next Steps"). We would love to get together!

COSTS FOR SHORT PROGRAMS

Unlike our full programs, we do not have preset costs for our short programs or combinations. We leave this up to the host of the program. Our hope is that you and your group will want to invest in the mission fulfillment of Son Shine Ministries. We do ask for financial coverage of our minimal travel costs. This is especially low if we are in your region. If not, it may still be reasonable. Let's discuss it. For those in our area, we are also happy to present a Short Program (including combinations) at our retreat center. The normal retreat center fees apply (see "Retreat Center").

PARTNERSHIP

Our current financial partners may find having a Son Shine Time short program a great way to introduce the ministry to their friends, small group, church, etc. It is also an effective way our partners can help us increase our support—by having us add a clear invitation to support Son Shine Ministries to the end of the talk. Ideally, this would be presented early on by the host as a fundraising effort so that no one would be surprised. As with all our communication about finances, you can expect it to be clear and delivered joyfully without any pressure—ever!