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About

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Welcome! We Can't Wait to Meet You...

We are Dr. John Trent and Kari Trent Stageberg - a father-daughter team on a mission to help end loneliness and build strong families.

We are committed to walking with you and helping you strengthen your most important relationships and your faith. Because we truly believe that strong families can change the world

Our family isn't perfect, but we have seen firsthand how God can redeem and restore broken relationships, heal past hurts, and give us an incredible future full of connection. We can't wait to hear your story and connect with you.

Build A Deeper Connection with Your Loved Ones

Loving others starts with experiencing the love of Christ. From there, we are able to learn to love ourselves for who we were created to be. That understanding gives us the freedom to go love others.

And that can change the world!

Meet The Team

Dr. John Trent
President & Founder

Without a doubt, I have the BEST job in the world.

I get to wake up in the morning and use my training as a counselor… Read More

Kari Trent Stageberg, MBA
CEO

For me, getting to work at StrongFamilies, and alongside my dad, is immensely personal. At 20, I found… Read More

Brooke Brown
Coordinator + Speaker

Psalms 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” I have never believed that verse more than I do today … Read More

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It All Started...

with a book called "The Blessing". Co-authors, Dr. John Trent and his good friend Gary Smalley, saw the book first published in 1986. The Blessing has been updated many times over the years, with the most recent re-release including Kari's writings and perspective. Truly making this book one that works for all ages and generations.

In 1998, Dr. John Trent founded this ministry Encouraging Words (dba StrongFamilies). It has existed to encourage, strengthen, and help couples and families build great relationships.

For more than 20 years, the mission and vision have remained the same. Help others love the Lord, themselves, and others fully. Creating a culture of AUTHENTIC connection, leading to healing, restoration, and abundant living.

Today, the Blessing is still at the core of everything we do. In fact, every book and resource we have created since is designed to help you live out the elements of The Blessing.

Learn more below, or at TheBlessing.com.

 

 

What does that Mean for You?

It’s been said (by our good friends Kenny Sandafer and Sue Johnson) that we are all “created for connection.” That’s so true.

Here at StrongFamilies, we share biblical, relational tools to help you build strong, caring committed relationships.

You’ll find ways to “get moving” towards God’s best and away from past hurts. How to communicate in more effective, honoring ways, and learn how to bless and build up your most important relationships.

There is (as God’s word says) a “choice” set before us. To move towards the Lord and others – or to step away. To add to others' lives – not subtract.

Learn more by clicking on one of the buttons below.

What does that Mean for You?

We all want and crave love and loving relationships. It's who we are. And we want that for you and we will do whatever we can to help you achieve this. 

Using model biblical, relational tools can help you build strong, caring, committed relationships. 

You can learn how to choose to “get moving” away from past hurts and towards freedom and better communication with loved ones.

You will see that you have a “choice” and can change – that you really ARE loved by Jesus – and really CAN love others like Him, changing your own and other’s lives in the process.

Click on an option below to learn more.

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Build a Strong Marriage
Give The Blessing, Be a Great Parent or Grandparent
Understand Your God-Given Strengths
Help Others Move Towards God's Best
StrongFamilies is a 501(c)3 organization and the operating budget relies heavily on (tax-deductible) donations. These donations go to work immediately to create and provide resources and tools to share with those who need it most.

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Questions? Need Prayer? Ready to book us to come speak at your church or event?
We are here for you. We can't wait to meet you.