BERRIEN SPRINGS, Mich.—Andrews University will host the sixth annual Adventist Conference on Family Research & Practice (ACFRP) from July 18–20, 2019. The theme, “Families Then and Now: 100 Years of Family Research and Practice,” exposes students, professionals, family ministry leaders and others with interest in family ministry to best practice strategies in the areas of family therapy, family studies, family ministry, social work and psychology. This year’s keynote speakers are Willie and Elaine Oliver and Trevor and Edith Fraser. Research and practice workshops will also be offered.
Willie and Elaine Oliver are directors of the Department of Family Ministries for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and have served in this capacity since June 2010. Willie holds a PhD in family sociology, an MA in sociology, an MA in pastoral counseling and a BA in theology. He is a certified family life educator from the National Council on Family Relations and an adjunct professor of family ministries at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University and at the Adventist University of Africa in Nairobi, Kenya.
Elaine Oliver holds an MA in clinical mental health counseling, an MA in counseling psychology, an MA in higher and adult education and a BS in business management and accounting. She is a certified family life educator from the National Council on Family Relations and a licensed graduate professional counselor, is completing a PhD in educational psychology, and is an adjunct professor of family ministries at the Adventist University of Africa in Nairobi, Kenya.
Trevor and Edith Fraser have been family life facilitators, leaders and presenters for much of their ministry. They have published a book on “Saving Marriages by Applying Biblical Wisdom.” Trevor is a graduate of Atlantic Union College, Andrews University and Emory University, where he received a Doctor of Ministry. Presently, he is the coordinator of the Master of Pastoral Studies program at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama.
Edith Fraser is a graduate of the University of Louisville, Boston University and the Smith School for Social Work, where she received a PhD. She has been a Fulbright Scholar and, prior to retirement, was a professor in the graduate social work program at Alabama A & M University in Huntsville, Alabama.
“This premier family ministry event draws participants from all over the world and is designed to enhance ministry to families in the Seventh-day Adventist Church,” says David Sedlacek, ACFRP faculty coordinator.
For details and to register, visit andrews.edu/familyconference. Earlybird registration rates are $65 for professionals, $40 for students and their spouses (non-credit), and $55 for faculty/staff—these rates are available until June 1, 2019. After June 1, registration rates are $75 for professionals and $45 for students and their spouses (non-credit). Group discounts are also available.
For additional information, please contact acfrp@andrews.edu.
The ACFRP is a program of the North American Division Department of Family Ministries with financial support from the General Conference Department of Family Ministries and in collaboration with AdventSource and the Andrews University Departments of Behavioral Sciences, Discipleship & Religious Education, and Social Work.
Founded in 1874, Andrews University is the flagship institution of higher education for the Seventh-day Adventist Church and offers more than 200 areas of study, including advanced degrees. Its main campus is in Berrien Springs, Michigan, but the University also provides instruction at colleges and universities in more than 19 countries around the world.
