The Family Foundation’s 2nd-annual Kentucky Family Forum was a great success! Around 270 Kentuckians gathered on October 12 to be inspired, encouraged, and challenged as state and national leaders discussed important policy issues from a biblical worldview.
We are thankful to the Lord for his hand over the event and to our 15+ speakers, numerous Kentucky legislators, and great crowd of friends and supporters who joined us at the Embassy Suites Coldstream for the day. We are incredibly grateful for everyone that was able to join us for this very special event and for the opportunity to celebrate our 35th anniversary and honor our founder, Kent Ostrander.
Below is a short recap and videos of the Forum’s panel discussions and other highlights from throughout the day:
Waking Up to the New Frontier of Parenting: Protecting Kids Online
As technology continues to advance, it has become a greater threat to the wellbeing of children. All of the sudden, your homes are no longer safe havens from unsafe content. As parents adapt to this new technological world we live in, policymakers must do their best to ensure families are protected.
Les Bernal (Stop Predatory Gambling) spoke about the increasing threat of government-sponsored online gambling, Joseph Kohm (Family Policy Alliance) spoke on additional steps that the state and federal government can take to protect minors from online harm, and Sen. Gex Williams spoke about his efforts to protect kids from online pornography and his hopes to expand those protections to other aspects of the internet.
The Threat of the LGBTQ Revolution on Religious Liberty in America
Jay Richards (The Heritage Foundation) shared some of his research on the progression of the LGBTQ revolution and its societal harms, Greg Chafuen (Alliance Defending Freedom) spoke about the ongoing efforts to protect Christian businesses, doctors, counselors, and other professionals from government efforts to suppress their religious practices and free speech, and Joseph Kohm (Family Policy Alliance) spoke on the importance of legislation to protect the conscience of individuals faced with these unbiblical forms of sexual expression.
One issue the panelists discussed was Governor Beshear’s unlawful executive order banning so-called “conversion therapy.” This order threatens counselors who use Christian teachings in their practices. Reversing this order will be a top priority for The Family Foundation next legislative session, and we will also work with allies to support a legal challenge that seeks to invalidate the governor’s actions.
Inaugural Founder’s Award Recipient Announced
The 2024 Founder’s Award is The Family Foundation’s inaugural award in honor of our founder and former executive director, Kent Ostrander. The award is given to a leader in Kentucky who has exhibited God-honoring leadership for Kentucky families and the biblical values that make them strong.
Pastor Kenny Davis served as the Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Berea for 24 years. He has been a strong advocate and voice for the unborn, has preached in crusades in Botswana, ministered during hurricane relief efforts, and taken numerous mission trips to Panama. Pastor Davis has been a strong ally of The Family Foundation in our effort to ensure that Kentucky’s institutions and public policy reflect the Christian values that our country was founded on and that make our country strong.
Lunch Keynote Address
Dr. George Barna (Professor at Arizona Christian University & senior fellow at Family Research Council) shared his research on the importance of discipling individuals in the church to develop a strong, biblical worldview. This is especially important when raising young children, and Barna encouraged attendees to be unwavering in their commitment to not just evangelize, but to intentionally disciple those that they know.
The Church Engaged and the State of the Pro-Life Movement
Addia Wuchner (KY Right to Life) and Sue Swayze Liebel (Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America) spoke about the current state of the pro-life movement after the Dobbs decision and gave an overview of states that have abortion on the ballot this November. Bunni Pounds (Christians Engaged) spoke about the need to get the Church involved in our electoral system.
Panelist shared that they are optimistic about the future, but that there is still much to be done. From getting a larger share of Christians to the polls, to remaining steadfast in the face of pro-abortion attacks, the church is under great pressure. However, with the power of the Spirit, and the Word of Christ, we can be confident that God is in control and that His will is ultimately going to come to pass.
Amendment 2 and the Future of Educational Freedom in Kentucky
Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, Jim Waters (Bluegrass Institute), and Jesse Green (The Family Foundation) spoke about why Christians need to support Amendment 2, Kentucky’s school choice amendment on the November ballot. Sen. Tichenor spoke about the school her church recently started. Jim Waters spoke about the data from surrounding states that supports school choice policies. And Jesse Green spoke about his own experience with private schooling and why all Kentucky families deserve those same opportunities.
David Walls (The Family Foundation) facilitated the discussion with questions about the attacks on Christian values in some public schools, including a personal example from when his son’s public school tried to bring Planned Parenthood’s sex education curriculum into elementary school education.
If Kentucky voters ratify Amendment 2 this November, the General Assembly would have the power to establish school choice policies that empower parents to seek the best educational opportunities for their children. For more information, check out our Facts on Amendment 2 handout and other resources.
Attendees Left the Gathering Knowing They Aren’t Alone
Attendees of the Kentucky Family Forum left the gathering of likeminded Kentuckians knowing they aren’t alone, that there is a pro-family movement alive and growing throughout the Commonwealth. They returned to their communities having been reminded of the common goal that unites them, inspired and challenged to stand for Kentucky’s families and the biblical values that make them strong.
The Kentucky Family Forum Event Team & Board Members
The Family Foundation is grateful for the tremendous feedback they have received since the event and, Lord willing, looks forward to growing and expanding the Kentucky Family Forum next year. If you aren’t connected with The Family Foundation, click here to sign up for important updates about the Commonwealth’s pro-family movement.
