Conference Speakers
Michael Smith
Legacy Trade College
Michael Smith graduated from Bob Jones University’s School of Applied Studies in 1993. There, Mike was burdened to use his newly-acquired skills for ministry. He has served the Lord as a missionary builder for over 30 years, both in the U.S. and internationally. Presently, he is starting Legacy Trade College, a college dedicated to equipping students to serve God with the gifts and talents that He has given them. The Smiths homeschooled their five children for 17 years while also traveling full-time in ministry. He is a frequent speaker at homeschool conferences, youth meetings, and churches around the country.
Speaker Session
Trades Training in a Healthy Biblical Environment
(Life Launch)
In today’s culture, education in the industrial arts — such as construction, welding, automotive work, agriculture, cosmetology, and other skilled trades — is often shaped by secular philosophies that conflict with biblical values. Blue-collar work is frequently misrepresented as crude, immoral, or “less important” than white-collar professions. Yet Scripture makes it clear that faith in God transcends titles, income, and workplaces. Every vocation is an opportunity to honor the Lord and reflect Christ with excellence and integrity. In this workshop, Mike will challenge families to rethink how we view the trades and those who serve in them. He will emphasize the importance of Christian environments for educating our children, the vital role of believers in skilled trades, and the growing need for Christian colleges that faithfully integrate industrial arts training with solid biblical instruction.
Mapping the Mission: A Parent's Workshop for Purposeful Parenting
(Family Discipleship)
Join Michael Smith as he explores the purpose and mission of biblical parenting, including practical ways to reach your goal of training Christ-like young people. Michael will explain how discipline and instruction (from Ephesians 6:4) are starting points on the journey of this vital mission. Follow the path of Scripture by living a life guided by the Holy Spirit, rather than one of self-fulfillment. Then, along the way, learn to know and love your child’s personality, spiritual gifts, and unique talents to enable them to reach their full potential in the Christian life.
Hybrid College Degrees
(Life Launch)
From his experience as a missionary builder, Michael will explain how hands-on service gifts are vital to the ministry that God has mandated to His Church. First Peter 4:10-11 helps us understand that all Christians are valuable in accomplishing God’s purpose. Many Christian colleges are training young people to serve God with music, teaching, preaching, or evangelism, but few are teaching industrial arts as a means to serve and please God. We will look at a few examples of what these dual majors look like, as well as some “outside-the-box” ideas based on individual skills, abilities, or disabilities
Join thousands of homeschoolers this June 11-13th at the Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference in Denver, Colorado!
Expect to have a lot of fun and fellowship, find great deals on curriculum, and get practical encouragement for your homeschooling journey!
A BIG THANK YOU to our 2026 Conference Sponsors
