Pastors' Conference

Our Homeschool Iowa Pastors' Conference is designed to equip men who are pastors and church leaders with the resources and information they need to shepherd families in their congregations to reclaim education as a vital part of their discipleship efforts.

We've invited an impressive lineup of experienced homeschool pastors who will share their practical knowledge and wisdom with you!

• Learn about the laws governing homeschooling in Iowa.
• Hear the reasonings that support home education.
• Discover how to provide biblical guidance for educational choices.
• Interact with experienced homeschooling pastors.

You will be encouraged, equipped, and connected, and you'll leave with the knowledge, tools, and friendships to help you provide guidance for this vital area in your church and community.

TUESDAY,
MAY 27, 2025
9:00am-4:30pm

CHRIST THE REDEEMER CHURCH
2485 IA HWY 163
PELLA

Register Now!

We invite you to share this flyer with others!

Homeschool Iowa Local Connect in Sioux City on 6-24-23

PASTORS' CONFERENCE Details

Event details are coming soon.
Continue to monitor this page for speaker announcements and schedule posting.

2025 Homeschool Iowa Pastors' Conference Speakers

Pastor David Watkins trusted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior in his junior of college in 1969. He has served churches in Missouri, Virginia, Minnesota, and now pastors First Baptist Church in River Falls, Wisconsin. David earned a B.A. degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and a Master of Divinity from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.

David and his wife Linda began their home educating journey in 1986. He was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of MÂCHÉ (Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators). In addition to their state responsibilities, David and Linda were board members the National Alliance of Christian Home Education Leadership. They retired from MACHE in 2020, and from the Alliance Board in 2024.

David and Linda see the eternal benefits of Christian home education and the importance of encouraging and equipping younger home educating families. Each of the Watkins’ children graduated from homeschool and have chosen to home educate their thirty-three grandchildren. Because of their love for Christian homeschooling and its value in discipling children for Christ, David is on the board of The Pastor Plan Initiative (www.pastorplan.org), an organization to help equip churches to reclaim education as a vital part of discipleship.

Michael Shover is pastor of Christ the Redeemer Church in Pella, Iowa. He served in the United States Navy from 2000-2004. Rev. Shover holds a bachelor of science degree in biblical studies from Cairn University (formerly Philadelphia Biblical University), and a Master of Divinity degree from Reformed Episcopal Seminary in Blue Bell, PA. Before becoming pastor of Christ the Redeemer Church, Reverend Shover served as the Pastor of a mission church in Fairbanks, Alaska. He and his wife, Ivette, are homeschooling parents.

Jeremy and his wife, Jodi, have been married for over three decades and have homeschooled all four of their children. After serving actively in their local homeschool group, Jeremy and Jodi became Homeschool Iowa board members. They are now overseeing our Homeschool Iowa Capitol Day as coordinators. Beginning with the 2023 Iowa Legislative Session, Jeremy also began serving as our Homeschool Iowa Lobbyist.

Pastor's Conference Agenda

(schedule agenda is subject to change)

8:30am - Doors Open & Continental Breakfast Served

9:15am - The State of Public Education

10:00am - Homeschooling 101

10:45am - Break

11:00am - The Historical and Philosophical Background to Secular, Public Schooling...
and the Biblical Case for Homeschooling

11:45am - Meet Our Facility Host: Faith Baptist Bible College

Noon–12:45pm - Lunch Break

12:45pm - Legal & Legislative Issues

1:30pm - Homeschooling as an Evangelism Entry Point

2:15pm - Homeschool Cooperative Organization and Management

3:00pm - Break

3:15pm - Homeschooling in the Fulfillment of the Great Commission

4:00 p.m. Panel Session with Speakers:
• Topic: “Homeschooling for Passing on the Faith”
• Transition to Open Q&A

PASTORS' CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Coming Soon

The event will address the following topics:

The State of Public Education
Homeschooling 101
Homeschool Co-operative Organization and Management.
The Historical and Philosophical Background to Secular Public Schooling
The Biblical Case for Homeschooling.
Homeschool Support as an Evangelism Entry Point
How to Get Dads Involved
Homeschooling High School
Homeschooling in the Fulfillment of the Great Commission
Networking & Q&A Sessions with Experienced Homeschool Pastors