Program Description
In today's postmodern world, many people are open to discussing religious beliefs and spiritual life. As is true in every age, those who wish to reach others for Jesus Christ must clearly understand and be able to winsomely present the gospel of Jesus Christ when given the opportunity. The Apologetic Evangelism Program provides a clear understanding of the conversion process, the message of the gospel and how to share it in a postmodern culture. Particular attention is given to offering reasons for our faith in response to the common questions and objections people have today. Participants will gain the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to effectively share the gospel with friends and colleagues.
This program is offered in partnership with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and The Francis Schaeffer Institute and is taught by practicing apologists noted for their expertise in apologetics and effectiveness in engaging with people in today's world.
Program Design
Level One is open to the general public and involves attending four major teaching modules during the year. Recommended readings are encouraged but not required. A bibliography is provided for further, in-depth study.
Level Two involves attending the four major teaching modules between September and May, plus the following:
- Five additional Saturday morning classes in the months when the four major teaching modules do not meet.
- Assigned reading (about 300 pages) and small group discussion for all modules and additional Saturday morning meetings.
Everyone who completes Level Two is awarded a Certificate in Apologetic Evangelism.
Thematic Overview
- The biblical basis for apologetic engagement
- The character and spiritual life of the apologist
- Apologetics in a postmodern world
- The major questions, issues and objections of non-believers today
- Skills and strategies for apologetic engagement
Schedule
The four modules are scheduled on Friday nights from 7.30-9.30 and Saturday mornings 9.00-12.00. The five additional Saturday classes meet on Saturday mornings from 8.30 to 1.00.
- A Message of Hope in A Cynical Age; Stuart McAllister, Vice-President of Training, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. September 12-13, 2008
- Answering the Hard Questions; Michael Ramsden, European Director, Zacharias Trust, Oxford, England. March 6-7, 2009
- Apologetic Evangelism with Postmodern People; Jerram Barrs, Resident Scholar, Francis Schaeffer Institute. April 3-4, 2009
- Tactics in Defending the Faith; Greg Koukl, President, Stand to Reason. May 15-16, 2009
Cost
Our approach to funding this program is to let you know our expenses and ask you to contribute as much as you can toward the cost of participation. Most people will find that the program makes a substantial impact in their lives and will wish to support it because they have benefited and because it is a good investment in God's kingdom.
Admission
Level One is open to the general public, has no admission requirements and does not require an application.
For Level Two, an application is required and several factors are considered for acceptance into the program:
- Mature Christian experience and devotional life.
- A good working knowledge of the Bible, evidenced by acceptable performance on an English Bible exam.
- A strong desire on the part of the applicant to understand, articulate and defend and live faith in Christ in daily life.
- A strong desire to engage in apologetic evangelism upon completion of the program, evidenced by a commitment and tentitive plan of action.
- A reasonable expectation that the applicant will benefit from the program and become a stronger, more credible and effective disciple of Jesus Christ in his or her sphere of influence.
- The applicant's commitment to engage with the program in terms of attendance, reading, group participation.
- Completion of an application, an interview with Institute staff, and three recommendations, one of which must be the applicant's pastor and the other two from someone who knows you well.
- Support of applicant's spouse, if married. (Applicant is also expected to negotiate an equitable arrangement with his or her spouse to prevent the spouse from being excessively burdened from applicant's participation in the program.)
- Availability of space in the group; compatibility with the group is also taken into consideration.
- Upon acceptance, completion of a Spiritual Autobiography, Personal Spiritual Inventory, Inventory of Spiritual and Emotional Health and a "Texture of My World" paper.
TO APPLY: Download the PDF application. Deadline for applications is June 15, and decisions are announced by June 25.
C.S. Lewis Institute
8001 Braddock Road, Suite 300
Springfield, VA 22151
703.914.5602
