Powerful Christian Education

Powerful-Christian-Education3

This is a typical comment from Christians who attend our 5-day Creation Apologetics Teachers College. Some other comments:

IMG_6734“Since I was very young I have been a Christian, but until I got to the CTI course I did not realize how much false teaching had crept into my worldview. With the help of CTI I now feel that I can trust and defend the Bible.”
– Nathaniel, Ohio

“This has been the best week of Bible lectures I have experienced and I want to thank you for all the preparation and work.”
– Tim, Alabama

What makes this course different from most other Christian courses? Let’s start with what this course is not.

  • It is not a course on learning how to entertain.
  • It is not a course based on emotionalism and making you feel good.
  • It is not a course with a lot of time to socialize and chat in small groups.
  • It is not a course that starts at 9 am and finishes at 4:30 pm each day.
  • It is not a course based on men’s opinions.

This course is designed to equip Christians to carry out the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20.

The Great CommissionGo therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

 

What makes this course different from most other Christian courses?

The course is designed to educate students for success. We concentrate on well-tested education methods that allow students to retain the information learned and to be able to apply the information in conversations, classrooms, and in discussions with non-believers.

A typical day consists of:

  • 8:00 am: 15 minutes of music
  • 8:15 am: 15 minutes of devotion and prayer
  •  8:30 am – 9:00 pm: classroom time with breaks and meals
  • 9:00 pm and after: study time, preparation time and sleep

Speaker AbstractStudents are told in advance that this is not a course where you come and only listen to instructors give information. Each student is expected to demonstrate they have mastered the information on each topic. Each student is expected to:

  • Give two 3-5 minute presentations on selected topics
  • Give one defense presentation on a selected topic
  • Pass a final written exam

The presentations are graded on the students’ knowledge of the subject and their communication skills.

Who attends this training?
We have had students from many professions attend ranging in age from 18 – 80. These include: parents, scientists, youth pastors, pastors, teachers, college students and medical doctors. They all have one thing in common and that is a desire to learn how to defend their faith in God’s Word and become better evangelists.

Christian school teachers receive 5 Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) through ACSI.

Why does CTI offer this course?

  • Because there are Christians who have a strong desire to carry out the Great Commission and not just read or hear about it.
  • Because there are Christians who want to combat the teaching of evolution and moral relativism.
  • Because most, if not all, of our Christian universities do not have courses designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to defend against the teaching of evolution and moral relativism.

How successful has the class been?
In the two offerings (one each year) over 100 have attended and successfully completed the requirements. Students who had never previously spoken in front of an audience gained the knowledge and confidence to successfully present their topics.

What topics are covered in the class?

  •  Introduction to biblical creation and apologetics
  • The days of creation, sin and death
  • Handling objections to a literal 6-day creation
  • Basic apologetics
  • Introduction to presuppositional apologetics
  • Communication and teaching skills
  • Why the Bible is the true Word of God
  • The Genesis Flood
  • Advanced apologetics: moral argument for God and human rights
  • Life-long learning tools (critical thinking skills)
  • Discernment and the emergent church movement
  • The origin of life
  • Defense of biblical marriage
  • Dinosaurs and the Bible
  • A critique of evolution (mutations and natural selection)
  • Defending the sanctity of human life
  • Dating methods: carbon-14 and assumptions

When will the next course be held?
The next offering of our Creation Apologetics Teachers College will be held August 1-6, 2016 at the Lifeway Ridgecrest Conference Center in Ridgecrest, NC near Asheville, NC. (Ridgecrestconferencecenter.org)

Do you have information you send out?
We use three methods to advertise the course.

  1. The CTI web site CreationTraining.org.
  2. Word of mouth from former students.
  3. Social media such as Facebook.

For more information Contact CTI.

How much does it cost to attend?
The cost to attend is $540 per student. This fee includes the 5-day conference, 5 nights of lodging and all meals. Each additional family member is $490.

How can CTI keep the cost so low?
CTI is subsidizing the cost for lodging, meals and conference fees by over $400 for each student. We need over $26,000 from CTI’s ministry to keep the cost low so that money will not be an issue for people attending. We understand that even though we don’t charge the true cost, this price may be prohibitive for some. If you feel a desire to attend, but don’t have the funds, consider asking your church to sponsor you. If you cannot raise the funds let us know and we will work with you. Our desire is to equip others no matter the cost.

A solution
A number of people over the years have asked me the question, “How can I become a creation speaker?” or, “I want to help my children against the teaching of evolution in school.”

Consider this course as a solution. You will be equipped to stand firm for truth with the knowledge, skills and confidence to begin speaking in churches, Christian schools, Bible studies and at home. You not only learn the 7 steps to become an effective creation speaker/teacher, but you get the opportunity to practice each step and become more confident.

  1. Knowledge of biblical Creation
  2. Knowledge of origins science
  3. Knowledge of Apologetics
  4. Communication skills
  5. Organization skills
  6. Answering questions
  7. Critical thinking skills

Here are some comments we have received from our 2015 students:

IMG_6871“There is so much I can say about what I have learned – the ability to be able to contend for the faith because I have resources that are based on research and truth.   I will be able to use these with confidence, knowing that I have material that is solid.”
– Crissy, Illinois

“The training was the best I have ever had!”
– Debbie, California

“I learned so much and had such a relaxing fun time.  God has truly led you to put together a quality program.  Thank you so much for everything.”
– Duane, Nebraska

“I would like to thank you for the wonderful time I spent in North Carolina at the CTI college conference. I learned so much and I am already using some of the information here at home. I can’t wait to see how the Lord will use me, I’m so excited! Again, thanks so much and may God bless your ministry.”
– Eric, Ohio

What do students take away when they complete the course?

  1. They get a 300 page manual full of information.
  2. They each get a copy of all the PowerPoint slides.
  3. They get a certificate – we have two types of certificates
    • Certificate of successful completion – this is for students who successfully complete all required assignments
    • Certificate of attendance – this is for people who attend all the sessions but choose not to do the assignments or just want to audit the course.
  4. Christian school teachers earn 5 CEUs (Continuing Education Units).
  5. They take the knowledge and skills to begin teaching creation in their church, school or home.
  6. They take the knowledge and confidence to be better evangelists.

How to register and pay
Call Ridgecrest Conference Center: (800) 588-7222 and mention the CTI conference Aug 1-6, 2016. For more information Contact CTI or go to Creation Apologetics Teachers College 2016

Pastors and school principals this is a great opportunity to get someone in your church or school trained to teach biblical creation and apologetics.

Who is CTI?
CTI is a non-profit 501c3 ministry. Our mission and vision is based upon the biblical model of discipleship.

CTI Mission
Train other Christians to speak and teach about biblical creation and apologetics
so that
They can, in turn, equip the next generation to be able to defend their faith and be better evangelists for the Gospel.

CTI Vision
A teacher in every Christian school and church who can teach biblical creation and apologetics

We need a few who would like to partner with us and financially support the Creation Apologetics Teachers College. We need to raise $26,000 each year to train 60 people who will make a difference in their churches and schools. If you would like to make this your mission to help support this type of Christian education we would love to hear from you (Contact CTI).

IMG_6425“The Creation Apologetics Teachers College was what I hoped for and more. After studying the creation/evolution subject for the past 15 years, it is only now, after this week, that I can really discuss the issues from a solid Biblical foundation.”
– Rick, New Mexico

“It was, by far, the most intense and thorough learning experience in which I have ever been involved. Even though the schedule showed long days, the sessions seemed to fly by quickly, which is a testimony to the great teaching. Everything was presented in an easy to understand, practical manner and left me wanting to hear more.”
– David, Tennessee

Two things you can do

  1. Get equipped and Register for the Creation Apologetics Teachers College
  2. Help someone else get equipped by partnering with CTI to help fund the Creation Apologetics Teachers College

“Christians are not powerless…. What is needed is a plan that can be translated into action on the part of Christian educators, Christian parents, pastors, and youth leaders.”
– E. Ray Moore (BA political science, M.Div., Th.M.), “IndoctriNation, 2012, pp. 250-251.

We have a plan!

Contact us

Mike Riddle

Permanent link to this article: https://www.creationtraining.org/powerful-christian-education/