Apologists

Volunteer Apologists

Volunteer apologists are lay-people and professionals who have been trained by Reasons To Believe to use the ever-increasing evidence coming out of the world of science that continues to prove the existence of the God of the Bible as the only credible candidate for the creator of the universe. These people represent a vital part of spreading the RTB message on a grass roots level. Part of RTB’s philosophy is that God has provided us with two revelations of His truth through the words of the Bible and the facts of nature. Volunteer apologists help others effectively use the ongoing discoveries made in science providing evidence for faith in the God of the Bible and to effectively communicate these discoveries to both skeptics and believers. They represent an essential part of forwarding the mission of the ministry of Reasons To Believe.

Volunteer apologists are involved in a number of activities such as:

• chapter leadership,
• a hotline phone that receives questions each evening from inquirers,
• answering questions via email and U.S. mail,
• sponsoring area outreaches,
• staffing book tables when any of our scholars come to various communities,
• writing book reviews,
• writing,
• speaking on behalf of RTB
• and most importantly starting grassroots efforts in local church, school, and/or college environments.

The work of our apologists' team has been an irreplaceable asset to the ministry of Reasons To Believe especially at the local level. Volunteer apologists provide competent science and historical apologetics tools to help others realize that their intellect and their faith need not be in conflict. The ministry owes them a debt of gratitude and their number has increased as the message of RTB continues to spread.

Becoming a Volunteer Apologist

The following steps must be completed in order to become an official RTB Volunteer Apologist:

1. Training to become a volunteer apologist can be accomplished from the convenience of your home through our online education opportunity at Reasons Institute (RI).  In order to obtain the apologists’ training with the goal of becoming a volunteer apologist with Reasons To Believe people take two of the following courses through RI:

• Creation and the Bible (required)
• Creation vs. Evolution or Astronomy and Design (your choice)

These courses can either be audited or taken for undergraduate or graduate college credit. Registration is accomplished online at the Reasons Institute website.

2. Once both courses have been satisfactorily completed, a special outreach project that uses the science apologetics tools learned must also be completed. For example: candidates deliver a lecture that includes a Q&A session before a live audience, lead a small group Bible study in science apologetics, create a specialized resource (such as a web site or educational presentation).    

3. Also volunteer apologist candidates must maintain personal beliefs consistent with the Reasons To Believe's Statement of Faith (SOF), including the ICBI statements on biblical inerrancy. These documents must be signed. RTB recognizes there are several Christian denominations so the SOF was written cognizant of the many differences while still emphasizing the fundamentals.   

4. The final step toward becoming a volunteer apologist is a phone interview with RTB scholar, Dr. Dave Rogstad.                                    

Becoming an RTB volunteer apologist not only makes you well equipped for opportunities for involvement in ministry to others, but there are several perks as well. Here are some of the great benefits that go with being a part of the volunteer apologists team.

• An official certificate,
• Discounts on RTB resources,
• Participation in regular apologists' meetings with RTB scholars,
• Participation on a secure web-based discussion forum and news group that is exclusively for RTB volunteer apologists.

For any inquiries regarding the volunteer apologists’ program please contact Apologetics Training Coordinator Bob Stuart.