Rooted in Love Conference | 2026

Creating a beautiful picture of the body of Christ, volunteers and experts spent a full day pouring into those who pour into others: our members who foster, adopt, or provide kinship care. Around 65 parents from almost every campus attended the Rooted in Love conference, where they received valuable training, encouragement, practical tips, and more.

Beginning with a session on hope-filled expectations colliding with reality, parents learned how the gospel meets us not in perfection, but in presence. Other expert-led topics included practical tools for calming storms and building lasting connection, exploring fears around bonding, and starting with yourself. Parents were also encouraged through opportunities for fellowship with one another and a time of worship. A panel of seven members wrapped things up by sharing their personal experiences around fostering and adoption.

In addition to members receiving love and care, this was a great opportunity for others to pour out. Volunteers stepped in—including folks from Inspire, a group of Forge high school boys, and women from our Widow Support Group—writing notes of encouragement, potting flowers for parents to take home, organizing supplies, and serving lunch. Their message to parents was clear: “We see you.”

We are so grateful for everyone who helped make this conference a blessing for these families. Please join us in prayer that these parents would lean on the hope of the gospel as they confront brokenness, and that they would feel encouraged, loved, and known. To learn more about resources available to foster and adoptive families, click below.