apologetics canada conference 2020
apologetics canada conference
2020
March 6 & 7
Abbotsford, BC
Join a community of like-minded people to think about some of life's most important questions.
PANEL DISCUSSION
Back to the Future
Key Ethical Issues Confronting Christians in the Next Ten Years
![[Speaker] F. Jotterand](https://apologeticscanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Speaker-F.-Jotterand.jpg "[Speaker] F. Jotterand")
Dr. Fabrice Jotterand
Associate Professor of Bioethics and Medical Humanities
Medical College of Wisconsin
Dr. Fabrice Jotterand joined MCW in 2016 where he is associate professor of Bioethics and Medical Humanities and serves as Director of the Graduate Program in Bioethics. He holds a second appointment as Senior Researcher at the Institute for Biomedical Ethics at the University of Basel, Switzerland. He is originally from Switzerland but moved to the United States in 1995 for his education and subsequent academic career.
Dr. Jotterand’s scholarship and research interests focus on issues including neuroethics, ethical issues in psychiatry and mental health, the use of neurotechnologies in psychiatry, medical professionalism, neurotechnologies and human identity, and bioethics and moral/political philosophy. He has published more than 50 articles and book chapters as well as reviews in leading academic journals and has published four books. He serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, on the Editorial Board of Nanoethics, and on the Editorial Board of Archives of Public Health. He is the founding co-editor of the book series Advances in Neuroethics (Springer).
Dr. Jotterand is married and is the proud father of four children. He is an accomplished triathlete and runner, completing two Ironmans and six marathons. He completed his PhD at Rice University and a Master in Bioethics at McGill University.
![[Speaker] E. Sung](https://apologeticscanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Speaker-E.-Sung.jpg "[Speaker] E. Sung")
Dr. Elizabeth Y. Sung
Systematic Theologian, Scholar-in-Residence
Regent College
Dr. Sung is a systematic theologian, a spiritual director, and the first Protestant scholar to have held the Chester and Mary Paluch Chair of Theology at University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, the largest Catholic seminary in the United States. She was appointed to this research professorship in 2017 to help the seminary community engage the 500th anniversary of the Reformation through her public lectures, teaching, and publications. Previously, she was Associate Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, where she taught for nine years, was honored with the “Faculty of the Year” award, and pioneered and led student covenant groups singularly focused on spiritual formation.
Dr. Sung’s research area is theological anthropology. Soteriology—specifically, the doctrine of sanctification, spiritual theology, and spiritual formation—comprises a closely-related area of study, teaching, and practice.
Dr. Sung is currently writing the volume on theological anthropology for the systematic theology series “Foundations of Evangelical Theology.” She will focus on this project while at Regent.
![[Speaker] J. Zimmermann](https://apologeticscanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Speaker-J.-Zimmermann-1.jpg "[Speaker] J. Zimmermann")
Dr. Jens Zimmermann
J.I. Packer Chair of Theology
Director of the Human Flourishing research project
Regent College
Dr. Jens Zimmermann was born and raised in Germany. He studied at the University of British Columbia, earning his first PhD in Comparative Literature in 1997. He taught at UBC briefly before moving on to Trinity Western University, where he held the Canada Research Chair of Interpretation, Religion and Culture from 2006–2016. In 2010, Jens earned a second PhD in Philosophy from the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. While continuing at TWU, he also served as Visiting Professor of Philosophy, Literature & Theology at Regent College from 2016–19. He was also a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge (Trinity Hall, 2017–2018), and a British Academy Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford (Christ Church College, 2018–2019). He is currently Visiting Fellow at the Center for Theology and Modern European Thought at The University of Oxford.
In addition to many scholarly articles, Zimmermann has authored and edited numerous books, including Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Christian Humanism (Oxford UP, 2019), and Re-Envisioning Christian Humanism: Education and the Restoration of Humanity (Oxford UP, 2017). Recent editing work includes Acts of Interpretation: Scripture, Theology, and Culture (co-edited with S. A. Cummins, Eerdmans, 2018), and Sources of the Christian Self: A Cultural History of Christian Identity (co-edited with James Houston, Eerdmans, 2018). Zimmermann’s current major research project examines the impact of technology on human identity with particular focus on the concept of personhood. View the project webpage here. For a full list of publications see Zimmermann's website.
Dr. Fabrice Jotterand joined MCW in 2016 where he is associate professor of Bioethics and Medical Humanities and serves as Director of the Graduate Program in Bioethics. He holds a second appointment as Senior Researcher at the Institute for Biomedical Ethics at the University of Basel, Switzerland. He is originally from Switzerland but moved to the United States in 1995 for his education and subsequent academic career.
Dr. Jotterand’s scholarship and research interests focus on issues including neuroethics, ethical issues in psychiatry and mental health, the use of neurotechnologies in psychiatry, medical professionalism, neurotechnologies and human identity, and bioethics and moral/political philosophy. He has published more than 50 articles and book chapters as well as reviews in leading academic journals and has published four books. He serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, on the Editorial Board of Nanoethics, and on the Editorial Board of Archives of Public Health. He is the founding co-editor of the book series Advances in Neuroethics (Springer).
Dr. Jotterand is married and is the proud father of four children. He is an accomplished triathlete and runner, completing two Ironmans and six marathons. He completed his PhD at Rice University and a Master in Bioethics at McGill University.
Dr. Sung is a systematic theologian, a spiritual director, and the first Protestant scholar to have held the Chester and Mary Paluch Chair of Theology at University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, the largest Catholic seminary in the United States. She was appointed to this research professorship in 2017 to help the seminary community engage the 500th anniversary of the Reformation through her public lectures, teaching, and publications. Previously, she was Associate Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, where she taught for nine years, was honored with the “Faculty of the Year” award, and pioneered and led student covenant groups singularly focused on spiritual formation.
Dr. Sung’s research area is theological anthropology. Soteriology—specifically, the doctrine of sanctification, spiritual theology, and spiritual formation—comprises a closely-related area of study, teaching, and practice.
Dr. Sung is currently writing the volume on theological anthropology for the systematic theology series Foundations of Evangelical Theology. She will focus on this project while at Regent.
Dr. Jens Zimmermann was born and raised in Germany. He studied at the University of British Columbia, earning his first PhD in Comparative Literature in 1997. He taught at UBC briefly before moving on to Trinity Western University, where he held the Canada Research Chair of Interpretation, Religion and Culture from 2006–2016. In 2010, Jens earned a second PhD in Philosophy from the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. While continuing at TWU, he also served as Visiting Professor of Philosophy, Literature & Theology at Regent College from 2016–19. He was also a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge (Trinity Hall, 2017–2018), and a British Academy Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford (Christ Church College, 2018–2019). He is currently Visiting Fellow at the Center for Theology and Modern European Thought at The University of Oxford.
In addition to many scholarly articles, Zimmermann has authored and edited numerous books, including Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Christian Humanism (Oxford UP, 2019), and Re-Envisioning Christian Humanism: Education and the Restoration of Humanity (Oxford UP, 2017). Recent editing work includes Acts of Interpretation: Scripture, Theology, and Culture (co-edited with S. A. Cummins, Eerdmans, 2018), and Sources of the Christian Self: A Cultural History of Christian Identity (co-edited with James Houston, Eerdmans, 2018). Zimmermann’s current major research project examines the impact of technology on human identity with particular focus on the concept of personhood. View the project webpage here. For a full list of publications see Zimmermann's website.
MAIN SESSIONS
![[Speaker] S. Allberry](https://apologeticscanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Speaker-S.-Allberry-1.jpg "[Speaker] S. Allberry")
Sam Allberry
Pastor, Author, Speaker
Ravi Zacharias International Ministries
Discussing Sexuality, Singleness, and Loneliness
Human sexuality is at the centre of our cultural attention these days. How does our understanding of singleness and loneliness impact the way we view our sexuality? Is God anti-gay? Sam Allberry will be in discussion with Andy Steiger on these questions and more.
Sam Allberry is a pastor, regular conference speaker, global speaker for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, editor for the Gospel Coalition, and visiting professor at Cedarville University. He is the author of a number of books, including Is God Anti-Gay?; Why Bother with Church?; and 7 Myths about Singleness.
He has written extensively for numerous organizations, including The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, and Living Out.
Learn more about Sam’s books.
![[Speaker] D. Bock](https://apologeticscanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Speaker-D.-Bock.jpg "[Speaker] D. Bock")
Dr. Darrell Bock
Professor of New Testament Studies
Dallas Theological Seminary
Discussing Future Opposition to the Bible
People issue all kinds of challenges against Scripture. They make claims against the text, its authors, the Jesus tradition itself, and even the unity of the New Testament. Dr. Bock will present a couple of ways in which we can engage with people who question the authority of Scripture. The first approach defends the points tied to the issues and the other takes on a general approach to the Bible when someone does not even have a concept of inspiration.
Dr. Bock has earned recognition as a Humboldt Scholar (Tübingen University in Germany), is the author of over 40 books, including well-regarded commentaries on Luke and Acts and studies of the historical Jesus, and work in cultural engagement as host of the seminary’s Table Podcasts. He was president of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) for 2000–2001, is a consulting editor for Christianity Today, and serves on the boards of Wheaton College and Chosen People Ministries. His articles appear in leading publications. He is often an expert for the media on NT issues. Dr. Bock has been a New York Times best-selling author in nonfiction and is elder emeritus at Trinity Fellowship Church in Dallas. When traveling overseas, he will tune into the current game involving his favorite teams from Houston—live—even in the wee hours of the morning. Married for over 40 years to Sally, he is a proud father of two daughters and a son and is also a grandfather.
![[Speaker] Scribe](https://apologeticscanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Speaker-Scribe.jpg "[Speaker] Scribe")
Scribe
Recording Artist
Scribe Music
Discussing the Art of Communicating Truth
For today’s artists, more than ever the voice of the God-fearing men and women has gained considerable authority. We’re seeing an influx of recording artists openly sharing their beliefs on international platforms. But how do we maintain our faithfulness to Jesus and our convictions in the entertainment world? In this session, we will discuss the value of communicating truth despite the potential of pushback in the world of musical entertainment.
“SCRIBE” is one of Canada’s most exciting young artists. Father of one and a husband; Self-proclaimed as “Hip-Hop’s Orphan”, Scribe's music transcends genres and styles. Using his combined singing and rapping he paints pictures and tells stories throughout his music in a format that is breaking down walls and barriers within the genre. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Scribe is no stranger to having the odds against him. Adopted at a young age; the fuel to seize each and every moment God gives us, is at the forefront of Scribe's motives. From speaking in Church's to performing at festivals, conferences and more... Scribe seeks to spare no expense in bringing his entire skillset of singing, rapping and comedy to the stage.
![[Speaker] A. Steiger](https://apologeticscanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Speaker-A.-Steiger-1.jpg "[Speaker] A. Steiger")
Andy Steiger, PhD(c)
President
Apologetics Canada
The Future of Apologetics
In 2010 Andy heard Lee Strobel present on the concerning trend towards young people leaving the faith. This became the catalyst that God used in him to start Apologetics Canada. After 10 years of incredible ministry, Andy met up with Lee to discuss what they see the church needs to focus on in the next 10 years. In this session Andy will be addressing the future of apologetics from what he has seen and heard both in Canada and the USA. This session will include a video of his discussion with Lee.
Andy is the founder and president of Apologetics Canada, an organization dedicated to helping churches better engage with today’s culture.
Andy created and hosted the award winning video series The Human Project in partnership with Power to Change. In 2018 The Human Project debuted at film festivals around the globe and won a number of awards including People’s Choice and Best Short Film. Andy also created and hosted the Thinking Series and is the author of Thinking? Answering Life’s Five Biggest Questions. Andy speaks internationally at universities, conferences, churches, prisons and coffee shops. He is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Andy lives in Abbotsford, BC with his wife, Nancy, and their two boys.
Discussing Sexuality, Singleness, and Loneliness
Human sexuality is at the centre of our cultural attention these days. How does our understanding of singleness and loneliness impact the way we view our sexuality? Is God anti-gay? Sam Allberry will be in discussion with Andy Steiger on these questions and more.
Sam Allberry is a pastor, regular conference speaker, global speaker for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, editor for the Gospel Coalition, and visiting professor at Cedarville University. He is the author of a number of books, including Is God Anti-Gay?; Why Bother with Church?; and 7 Myths about Singleness.
He has written extensively for numerous organizations, including The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, and Living Out.
Learn more about Sam’s books.
Discussing Future Opposition to the Bible
People issue all kinds of challenges against Scripture. They make claims against the text, its authors, the Jesus tradition itself, and even the unity of the New Testament. Dr. Bock will present a couple of ways in which we can engage with people who question the authority of Scripture. The first approach defends the points tied to the issues and the other takes on a general approach to the Bible when someone does not even have a concept of inspiration.
Dr. Bock has earned recognition as a Humboldt Scholar (Tübingen University in Germany), is the author of over 40 books, including well-regarded commentaries on Luke and Acts and studies of the historical Jesus, and work in cultural engagement as host of the seminary’s Table Podcasts. He was president of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) for 2000–2001, is a consulting editor for Christianity Today, and serves on the boards of Wheaton College and Chosen People Ministries. His articles appear in leading publications. He is often an expert for the media on NT issues. Dr. Bock has been a New York Times best-selling author in nonfiction and is elder emeritus at Trinity Fellowship Church in Dallas. When traveling overseas, he will tune into the current game involving his favorite teams from Houston—live—even in the wee hours of the morning. Married for over 40 years to Sally, he is a proud father of two daughters and a son and is also a grandfather.
Discussing the Art of Communicating Truth
For today’s artists, more than ever the voice of the God-fearing men and women has gained considerable authority. We’re seeing an influx of recording artists openly sharing their beliefs on international platforms. But how do we maintain our faithfulness to Jesus and our convictions in the entertainment world? In this session, we will discuss the value of communicating truth despite the potential of pushback in the world of musical entertainment.
“SCRIBE” is one of Canada’s most exciting young artists. Father of one and a husband; Self-proclaimed as “Hip-Hop’s Orphan”, Scribe's music transcends genres and styles. Using his combined singing and rapping he paints pictures and tells stories throughout his music in a format that is breaking down walls and barriers within the genre. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Scribe is no stranger to having the odds against him. Adopted at a young age; the fuel to seize each and every moment God gives us, is at the forefront of Scribe's motives. From speaking in Church's to performing at festivals, conferences and more... Scribe seeks to spare no expense in bringing his entire skillset of singing, rapping and comedy to the stage.
The Future of Apologetics
In 2010 Andy heard Lee Strobel present on the concerning trend towards young people leaving the faith. This became the catalyst that God used in him to start Apologetics Canada. After 10 years of incredible ministry, Andy met up with Lee to discuss what they see the church needs to focus on in the next 10 years. In this session Andy will be addressing the future of apologetics from what he has seen and heard both in Canada and the USA. This session will include a video of his discussion with Lee.
Andy is the founder and president of Apologetics Canada, an organization dedicated to helping churches better engage with today’s culture.
Andy created and hosted the award winning video series The Human Project in partnership with Power to Change. In 2018 The Human Project debuted at film festivals around the globe and won a number of awards including People’s Choice and Best Short Film. Andy also created and hosted the Thinking Series and is the author of Thinking? Answering Life’s Five Biggest Questions. Andy speaks internationally at universities, conferences, churches, prisons and coffee shops. He is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Andy lives in Abbotsford, BC with his wife, Nancy, and their two boys.
RETHINKING THE FUTURE
![[Speaker] C. Parton](https://apologeticscanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Speaker-C.-Parton-2.jpg "[Speaker] C. Parton")
Craig Parton
Attorney
Price, Postel & Parma LLP
Not About You
The What, Why and How of Defending the Faith in the 21st Century
What is apologetics? Why should we engage in it? What are some unique 21st century challenges facing Christians today? Craig Parton will examine these questions from the perspective of a lawyer.
Craig Parton is a trial lawyer and partner with the oldest law firm in the Western United States located in Santa Barbara, California, where he serves as Chairman of the Litigation Department. He is former Chairman of the Litigation Section of the Santa Barbara County Bar Association. Upon graduation from college, he spent seven years on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ (now Cru), the last four of which were spent as national lecturer for Crusade. Mr. Parton traveled to over 100 universities and colleges across the country defending the Christian faith through lectures and debates. He received his Master’s degree in Christian Apologetics under Dr. John Warwick Montgomery at the Simon Greenleaf School of Law, an institution devoted to the integration of Christian faith and legal reasoning. Mr. Parton then took his Juris Doctorate at the University of California, Hastings Law School in San Francisco, where he served as Executive Editor of the Law Journal, COMM/ENT. Craig Parton is also the United States Director of the International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism and Human Rights in Strasbourg, France (www.apologeticsacademy.eu). The Academy meets for two weeks each summer in Strasbourg to provide advanced studies in apologetics to laymen and pastors. He is the author of 3 books, including “The Defense Never Rests: A Lawyer Among the Theologians” and “Religion on Trial.” He has published numerous articles in legal, theological and cultural journals, including Modern Reformation, Logia–A Journal of Lutheran Theology, and the Global Journal of Classical Theology. Mr. Parton has contributed articles to numerous published volumes, including Festschrifts for both Prof. Dr. John Warwick Montgomery and Prof. Dr. Rod Rosenbladt.
Stephanie Gray
Pro-Life Advocate
Love Unleashes Life
Having Civil Discussions on Bio-Ethical Challenges at the Beginning and End of Life
How do Christians winsomely dialogue with others on abortion and assisted suicide? This talk equips the audience to speak about "the tough cases" in a way that reaches the heart as well as the mind. It teaches the power of question-asking and storytelling as powerful means to deliver the truth in a persuasive manner.
Stephanie Gray is a seasoned and international speaker who began presenting at the age of 18. She has given over 900 pro-life presentations across North America as well as in Scotland, England, Ireland, Austria, Latvia, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. She has spoken at many post-secondary institutions such as Yale University, George Washington University, and the University of California, Berkeley. In 2017, Stephanie was a presenter for the series "Talks at Google," speaking on abortion at Google headquarters in Mountain View, California.
Stephanie has debated abortion advocates such as physicians who do abortions, which includes debating late-term abortionist Dr. Fraser Fellows in front of medical students at the University of Western Ontario’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. She has also debated Ron Fitzsimmons, executive director of the National Coalition of Abortion Providers, Dr. Jan Narveson, Philosophy professor and recipient of the Order of Canada, Elizabeth Cavendish, legal director for NARAL Pro-Choice America, and Dr. Malcolm Potts, the first medical director for International Planned Parenthood Federation.
Stephanie is author of Love Unleashes Life: Abortion & the Art of Communicating Truth as well as A Physician’s Guide to Discussing Abortion. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UBC in Vancouver, and a Certification, with Distinction, in Health Care Ethics, from the NCBC in Philadelphia. She resides in Vancouver, Canada.
![[Speaker] J. Neufeld](https://apologeticscanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Speaker-J.-Neufeld.jpg "[Speaker] J. Neufeld")
Dr. John Neufeld
Bible Teacher
Back to the Bible Canada
Remaining Orthodox in a Culture of Theological Relativism
Jude 3 encourages believers to contend for the faith that was once and for all delivered to the saints. Central to that text is the assumption that there is a foundational corpus of Christian belief that must be both taught and defended. Paul says the same in Acts 20, where he declares he is innocent of the blood of all men, for he has not hesitated to declare the full counsel of God. (Acts 20:27-28) Again we have a foundational corpus that must not only be taught, but to fail to teach it is to incur the guilt of the damned on the day of judgement. In this session, we will discuss the nature of this foundation, why it cannot be altered and how it can be defended in a day of theological relativism.
As the son of refugee parents who fled from the former Soviet Union, Dr. John Neufeld was born in Canada and came to Christ at the age of 18. Dr. Neufeld describes his coming to Christ in the following way: “The vast cultural difference between my home and church on the one hand, and the wider Canadian culture created a sense of dissonance in me. I was not sure which culture to identify with. After a long struggle, Christ met me and claimed me as His own.”
Dr. Neufeld is a graduate of Columbia Bible College (Biblical Studies), the University of Saskatchewan (B.A.), Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (D.Min.).
Dr. John Neufeld joined Back to the Bible Canada after 30 years of serving in pastoral ministry, both as church planter and senior pastor. He is known both nationally and internationally for excellence in expositional Bible teaching. Prior to joining Back to the Bible Canada, Dr. Neufeld lead one of the largest churches in Canada as Senior Pastor for 15 years. He has spoken widely at churches, conferences and seminars throughout North America, and internationally.
He and his wife Kathy reside in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. They have been married for 36 years and have three adult children and five grandchildren.
Not About You
The What, Why and How of Defending the Faith in the 21st Century
What is apologetics? Why should we engage in it? What are some unique 21st century challenges facing Christians today? Craig Parton will examine these questions from the perspective of a lawyer.
Mr. Parton is the United States director of the International Academy of Apologetics and Human Rights which is based in Strasbourg, France. He teaches in the areas of theology, law, and human rights for two weeks each summer in Strasbourg at the annual session of this seminar.
Mr. Parton’s practice as an attorney involves a variety of complex corporate, business, and other litigation matters. He has handled jury trials and appeals in state and federal courts in numerous jurisdictions.
After a state-wide search in California, Mr. Parton was selected in 2017 by the Antelope Valley Watermaster to be its first General Counsel. The Antelope Valley Groundwater Adjudication involved thousands of parties and over 15 years of litigation before being resolved in 2015.
Having Civil Discussions on Bio-Ethical Challenges at the Beginning and End of Life
How do Christians winsomely dialogue with others on abortion and assisted suicide? This talk equips the audience to speak about "the tough cases" in a way that reaches the heart as well as the mind. It teaches the power of question-asking and storytelling as powerful means to deliver the truth in a persuasive manner.
Stephanie Gray is a seasoned and international speaker who began presenting at the age of 18. She has given over 900 pro-life presentations across North America as well as in Scotland, England, Ireland, Austria, Latvia, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. She has spoken at many post-secondary institutions such as Yale University, George Washington University, and the University of California, Berkeley. In 2017, Stephanie was a presenter for the series "Talks at Google," speaking on abortion at Google headquarters in Mountain View, California.
Stephanie has debated abortion advocates such as physicians who do abortions, which includes debating late-term abortionist Dr. Fraser Fellows in front of medical students at the University of Western Ontario’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. She has also debated Ron Fitzsimmons, executive director of the National Coalition of Abortion Providers, Dr. Jan Narveson, Philosophy professor and recipient of the Order of Canada, Elizabeth Cavendish, legal director for NARAL Pro-Choice America, and Dr. Malcolm Potts, the first medical director for International Planned Parenthood Federation.
Stephanie is author of Love Unleashes Life: Abortion & the Art of Communicating Truth as well as A Physician’s Guide to Discussing Abortion. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UBC in Vancouver, and a Certification, with Distinction, in Health Care Ethics, from the NCBC in Philadelphia. She resides in Vancouver, Canada.
Remaining Orthodox in a Culture of Theological Relativism
Jude 3 encourages believers to contend for the faith that was once and for all delivered to the saints. Central to that text is the assumption that there is a foundational corpus of Christian belief that must be both taught and defended. Paul says the same in Acts 20, where he declares he is innocent of the blood of all men, for he has not hesitated to declare the full counsel of God. (Acts 20:27-28) Again we have a foundational corpus that must not only be taught, but to fail to teach it is to incur the guilt of the damned on the day of judgement. In this session, we will discuss the nature of this foundation, why it cannot be altered and how it can be defended in a day of theological relativism.
As the son of refugee parents who fled from the former Soviet Union, Dr. John Neufeld was born in Canada and came to Christ at the age of 18. Dr. Neufeld describes his coming to Christ in the following way: “The vast cultural difference between my home and church on the one hand, and the wider Canadian culture created a sense of dissonance in me. I was not sure which culture to identify with. After a long struggle, Christ met me and claimed me as His own.”
Dr. Neufeld is a graduate of Columbia Bible College (Biblical Studies), the University of Saskatchewan (B.A.), Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (D.Min.).
Dr. John Neufeld joined Back to the Bible Canada after 30 years of serving in pastoral ministry, both as church planter and senior pastor. He is known both nationally and internationally for excellence in expositional Bible teaching. Prior to joining Back to the Bible Canada, Dr. Neufeld lead one of the largest churches in Canada as Senior Pastor for 15 years. He has spoken widely at churches, conferences and seminars throughout North America, and internationally.
He and his wife Kathy reside in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. They have been married for 36 years and have three adult children and five grandchildren.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Sam Allberry
Pastor, Author, Speaker
Ravi Zacharias International Ministries
Understanding and Reaching Out to Your Gay Neighbour
Often, knowing the what of something is different from knowing how to articulate it. With a topic that is as emotionally charged as sexuality, reaching out to our gay neighbour can feel a bit like walking on a minefield. Join Sam in this session to learn what might be a helpful way of approaching this sensitive topic in a way that honours your gay neighbour.
Sam Allberry is a pastor, regular conference speaker, global speaker for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, editor for the Gospel Coalition, and visiting professor at Cedarville University. He is the author of a number of books, including Is God Anti-Gay?; Why Bother with Church?; and 7 Myths about Singleness.
He has written extensively for numerous organizations, including The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, and Living Out.
Learn more about Sam’s books.
Dr. Darrell Bock
Professor of New Testament Studies
Dallas Theological Seminary
Can We Trust the Gospels' Portrait of Jesus?
In this session, Dr. Darrell Bock shows that a coherent portrait of Jesus emerges from the four Gospels when they are taken seriously as historical documents. When read together, the Gospels provide a clear picture of Jesus and his unique claims to authority. Dr. Bock surveys major Gospel units and relates them to their parallel passages, showing how the literary and canonical relationships work.
Dr. Bock has earned recognition as a Humboldt Scholar (Tübingen University in Germany), is the author of over 40 books, including well-regarded commentaries on Luke and Acts and studies of the historical Jesus, and work in cultural engagement as host of the seminary’s Table Podcasts. He was president of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) for 2000–2001, is a consulting editor for Christianity Today, and serves on the boards of Wheaton College and Chosen People Ministries. His articles appear in leading publications. He is often an expert for the media on NT issues. Dr. Bock has been a New York Times best-selling author in nonfiction and is elder emeritus at Trinity Fellowship Church in Dallas. When traveling overseas, he will tune into the current game involving his favorite teams from Houston—live—even in the wee hours of the morning. Married for over 40 years to Sally, he is a proud father of two daughters and a son and is also a grandfather.
![[Speaker] P. Chamberlain](https://apologeticscanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Speaker-P.-Chamberlain-1.jpg "[Speaker] P. Chamberlain")
Dr. Paul Chamberlain
Associate Professor of Apologetics
ACTS Seminaries
Christianity & Social Change
Learning from the Life of William Wilberforce
Can Christians apply their faith to their social and cultural situations and actually make a difference? Can we actually demonstrate God’s heart of compassion to hurting people? William Wilberforce was a British parliamentarian who lived from 1759 – 1833. His conversion to Christianity marked a significant turning point in his life. He became deeply troubled by terrible social ills in his beloved country, including slavery, child labour, and harsh debtor laws. After serious soul-searching, he and a group of others began to work for social change and, unlike many others who have tried, he was successful. How did he do it? What lessons can we learn from his life and struggles? Wilberforce’s story has been a source of both information and inspiration to many who seek to express and live out their Christian faith wisely.
Paul works actively with Apologetics Canada, and teaches in the areas of Christian Apologetics, Ethics, and Philosophy of Religion. He is currently completing his fifth book, which will address a number of pointed critiques of Christianity being made by the recent wave of former Christian academics and church leaders promoting atheism. In his spare time Paul loves to swim outdoors and ride his motorcycle. He is an active member of the Evangelical Theological Society and Evangelical Philosophical Society.
![[Speaker] T. Crosby](https://apologeticscanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Speaker-T.-Crosby-1.jpg "[Speaker] T. Crosby")
Terry Crosby
Teaching Associate
Apologetics Canada
Consciousness and the Question of God
In asking questions about the world and God, more questions arise with regards to the faculties that allow us to pursue the questions themselves. We will look at the fundamental question on which all of these ultimately depend: what is the mind, per se, and what is its relation to the body or to the physical in general? In relation to the mind, can physicalism or evolution account for perceptions, intentionality, and mental causations between ideas?
Terry was born to a First Nations Cree mother from Quebec and a Scottish/English father from Nova Scotia. As a pastor’s kid, he never had serious doubts about his faith, but his youth was characterized by the frequent highs and lows of a faith grounded in emotion and experience. He first studied apologetics in the last year of his Bachelor’s degree at Trinity Western University. The course opened his eyes to how reasonable his faith was and how much evidence exists to support Christianity’s claims. He wants to help others understand the truth and relevance of Christianity, to address their doubts and help them find answers that solidify their confidence in their faith. Terry has completed an M.A. in Contemporary Apologetics at ACTS Seminaries.
![[Speaker] M. Drury](https://apologeticscanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Speaker-M.-Drury.jpg "[Speaker] M. Drury")
Marj Drury
Freelance Academic Editor
LinkedIn Profile
Parenting Adult Children
How Your Spiritual Formation Impacts Your Relationships
Spiritual formation is a lifelong journey of walking with God. What we believe about God and how His kingdom functions in our lives is critical to how we live in harmony within our families and communities. In this session, Marj invites you to examine some principles and practices of spiritual formation and how they can be influential in the relationships we have with our grown children and others close to us.
Marj is wife, mother, retired nursing professor, and freelance editor, but most importantly—Christ follower. Now into the eighth decade of life, and seventh career change, she continues to love marriage and motherhood and her work as a freelance editor. Recent studies with the Renovaré Institute have convinced her that spiritual transformation is a necessary ongoing process of applying spiritual discipline to every aspect of life. She is happy to be part of the Immanuel Church community in Abbotsford.
Understanding and Reaching Out to Your Gay Neighbour
Often, knowing the what of something is different from knowing how to articulate it. With a topic that is as emotionally charged as sexuality, reaching out to our gay neighbour can feel a bit like walking on a minefield. Join Sam in this session to learn what might be a helpful way of approaching this sensitive topic in a way that honours your gay neighbour.
Sam Allberry is a pastor, regular conference speaker, global speaker for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, editor for the Gospel Coalition, and visiting professor at Cedarville University. He is the author of a number of books, including Is God Anti-Gay?; Why Bother with Church?; and 7 Myths about Singleness.
He has written extensively for numerous organizations, including The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, and Living Out.
Learn more about Sam’s books.
Can We Trust the Gospels' Portrait of Jesus?
In this session, Dr. Darrell Bock shows that a coherent portrait of Jesus emerges from the four Gospels when they are taken seriously as historical documents. When read together, the Gospels provide a clear picture of Jesus and his unique claims to authority. Dr. Bock surveys major Gospel units and relates them to their parallel passages, showing how the literary and canonical relationships work.
Dr. Bock has earned recognition as a Humboldt Scholar (Tübingen University in Germany), is the author of over 40 books, including well-regarded commentaries on Luke and Acts and studies of the historical Jesus, and work in cultural engagement as host of the seminary’s Table Podcasts. He was president of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) for 2000–2001, is a consulting editor for Christianity Today, and serves on the boards of Wheaton College and Chosen People Ministries. His articles appear in leading publications. He is often an expert for the media on NT issues. Dr. Bock has been a New York Times best-selling author in nonfiction and is elder emeritus at Trinity Fellowship Church in Dallas. When traveling overseas, he will tune into the current game involving his favorite teams from Houston—live—even in the wee hours of the morning. Married for over 40 years to Sally, he is a proud father of two daughters and a son and is also a grandfather.
Christianity & Social Change
Learning from the Life of William Wilberforce
Can Christians apply their faith to their social and cultural situations and actually make a difference? Can we actually demonstrate God’s heart of compassion to hurting people? William Wilberforce was a British parliamentarian who lived from 1759 – 1833. His conversion to Christianity marked a significant turning point in his life. He became deeply troubled by terrible social ills in his beloved country, including slavery, child labour, and harsh debtor laws. After serious soul-searching, he and a group of others began to work for social change and, unlike many others who have tried, he was successful. How did he do it? What lessons can we learn from his life and struggles? Wilberforce’s story has been a source of both information and inspiration to many who seek to express and live out their Christian faith wisely.
Paul works actively with Apologetics Canada, and teaches in the areas of Christian Apologetics, Ethics, and Philosophy of Religion. He is currently completing his fifth book, which will address a number of pointed critiques of Christianity being made by the recent wave of former Christian academics and church leaders promoting atheism. In his spare time Paul loves to swim outdoors and ride his motorcycle. He is an active member of the Evangelical Theological Society and Evangelical Philosophical Society.
Consciousness and the Question of God
In asking questions about the world and God, more questions arise with regards to the faculties that allow us to pursue the questions themselves. We will look at the fundamental question on which all of these ultimately depend: what is the mind, per se, and what is its relation to the body or to the physical in general? In relation to the mind, can physicalism or evolution account for perceptions, intentionality, and mental causations between ideas?
Terry was born to a First Nations Cree mother from Quebec and a Scottish/English father from Nova Scotia. As a pastor’s kid, he never had serious doubts about his faith, but his youth was characterized by the frequent highs and lows of a faith grounded in emotion and experience. He first studied apologetics in the last year of his Bachelor’s degree at Trinity Western University. The course opened his eyes to how reasonable his faith was and how much evidence exists to support Christianity’s claims. He wants to help others understand the truth and relevance of Christianity, to address their doubts and help them find answers that solidify their confidence in their faith. Terry has completed an M.A. in Contemporary Apologetics at ACTS Seminaries.
Parenting Adult Children: How Your Spiritual Formation Impacts Your Relationships
Spiritual formation is a lifelong journey of walking with God. What we believe about God and how His kingdom functions in our lives is critical to how we live in harmony within our families and communities. In this session, Marj invites you to examine some principles and practices of spiritual formation and how they can be influential in the relationships we have with our grown children and others close to us.
Marj is wife, mother, retired nursing professor, and freelance editor, but most importantly—Christ follower. Now into the eighth decade of life, and seventh career change, she continues to love marriage and motherhood and her work as a freelance editor. Recent studies with the Renovaré Institute have convinced her that spiritual transformation is a necessary ongoing process of applying spiritual discipline to every aspect of life. She is happy to be part of the Immanuel Church community here in Abbotsford.
![[Speaker] H. Edwards](https://apologeticscanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Speaker-H.-Edwards.jpg "[Speaker] H. Edwards")
Harry Edwards
Founder, CEO
Apologetics.com
Unfulfilled Desires and the Existence of God
The U.S. for the first time in history has been called a truly post-Christian nation. We have seen the rise of the "nones," doubling in number in the last five years. Recent polls have indicated that only 4% of those born since 1996 posses a Christian worldview. Are the current models of evangelization, discipleship, and church programs failing? Can apologetics make a difference in this new generation? In this session, we'll look afresh at methods of apologetics that appeal and connect deeply with those we engage in defense of the truth claims of Christianity.
Harry is married to Minerva and has the privilege of raising two young men. He is the founder and director of Apologetics.com, Inc., an organization dedicated to defending the truth claims of Christianity on the internet, radio and other related activities. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Education and a Masters of Arts degree in Christian Apologetics from Biola University where he currently works full time as the Associate Director of the graduate programs in Christian Apologetics and Science & Religion. Harry is currently pursuing his doctorate (DMin in Leadership & Global Perspectives) at George Fox University. He is an active member at Ocean View Baptist Church where he leads an adult Bible study and plays the drums for the praise and worship band. In his spare time, Harry enjoys doing things with his family, i.e., tennis, camping/backpacking, flying RC planes and mentoring others to realize their full potential in the service of our Lord.
![[Speaker] R. Friesen_rev](https://apologeticscanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Speaker-R.-Friesen_rev.jpg "[Speaker] R. Friesen_rev")
Reece Friesen
Pastor, Comic Book Author
EbenEzer Mennonite Church
Speaking "Little"
How to Talk with Your Kids about Tough Questions
While kids asking questions is nothing new, it’s becoming increasingly rare for parents to feel naturally equipped to provide answers (or even really engage the questions themselves). If your response to your kid’s questions always starts with “a lot of people disagree on this”, then you might want to drop by for a frank discussion about what kids are really asking when they have questions.
Reece is a children's pastor, comic book artist, and public speaker. He co-hosts The Human Project for Kids podcast with Rachel MacKenzie. Reece grew up in a Christian home and joined Venture Teams International’s traveling music and drama groups after high school, witnessing firsthand how God uses stories to communicate His absolute truth and love to people. He returned to North America to earn his master’s degree while pastoring and working on his graphic novel series, Pax Avalon, which features an ethical heroine. Reece continues to pastor families and mentor young people through art. He lives with his wife Rachel and their five daughters in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
Stephanie Gray
Pro-Life Advocate
Love Unleashes Life
The Ethics of In-Vitro Fertilization
Infertility is a very real suffering for some. Since children are a gift from God, is it ethical for couples to pursue IVF when they have difficulty conceiving naturally? What moral principles should guide our thinking on this topic? Come to this session to learn more.
Stephanie Gray is a seasoned and international speaker who began presenting at the age of 18. She has given over 900 pro-life presentations across North America as well as in Scotland, England, Ireland, Austria, Latvia, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. She has spoken at many post-secondary institutions such as Yale University, George Washington University, and the University of California, Berkeley. In 2017, Stephanie was a presenter for the series "Talks at Google," speaking on abortion at Google headquarters in Mountain View, California.
Stephanie has debated abortion advocates such as physicians who do abortions, which includes debating late-term abortionist Dr. Fraser Fellows in front of medical students at the University of Western Ontario’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. She has also debated Ron Fitzsimmons, executive director of the National Coalition of Abortion Providers, Dr. Jan Narveson, Philosophy professor and recipient of the Order of Canada, Elizabeth Cavendish, legal director for NARAL Pro-Choice America, and Dr. Malcolm Potts, the first medical director for International Planned Parenthood Federation.
Stephanie is author of Love Unleashes Life: Abortion & the Art of Communicating Truth as well as A Physician’s Guide to Discussing Abortion. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UBC in Vancouver, and a Certification, with Distinction, in Health Care Ethics, from the NCBC in Philadelphia. She resides in Vancouver, Canada.
![[Speaker] M. Horner](https://apologeticscanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Speaker-M.-Horner.jpg "[Speaker] M. Horner")
Michael Horner
Apologist, Evangelist
Power to Change Ministries
Am I a Narrow-Minded, Arrogant, Hateful Bigot?
Isn’t it the ultimate in arrogance to think that your religion is the only true religion and that there is only one way to God? Don’t all religions just see God from different perspectives? Aren’t there many paths to the top of the mountain? Most people are happy to agree that God exists, but in our pluralistic society, it has become politically incorrect to claim that God has revealed Himself decisively in Jesus. In this workshop, you will learn how you can believe that Jesus is the only way to God without being a narrow-minded, arrogant, hateful bigot.
After coming to Christ through Josh McDowell and Power to Change at the University of Calgary, Michael Horner subsequently joined P2C staff. Michael has invested over 40 years passionately presenting the case for the Christian faith and helping people understand why authentic Christianity is such “good news”. During this time he has participated in more than 80 public dialogues and hundreds of lectures on Canadian and American university campuses and beyond. His research interests are philosophy of religion, philosophy of science, philosophy of history, ethics, and the Bible. Michael is also passionate about basketball, having played the game for 53 straight years, including five years for the University of Calgary Dinosaurs! Even though his knees will no longer allow him to perform on the hardwood, he has continued to coach young men in high schools, Trinity Western University, and currently Columbia Bible College. Michael has been married to the love of his life, Phyllis, for 40 years. They have 3 grown children and 6 very cute grandchildren.
![[Speaker] W. Huff](https://apologeticscanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Speaker-W.-Huff.jpg "[Speaker] W. Huff")
Wesley Huff, PhD(c)
Associate
Apologetics Canada
Lost in Translation?
Is what we have in our modern translation accurate to what the original authors wrote?
It's not an invalid question to wonder whether a book that's most recent inclusion was written nearly 2000 years ago can accurately reflect what was originally written. Not to mention that with the Bible in particular, the vast majority of people today are reading translations, not the original languages that these ancient documents were composed in. So how can we trust that what we have now is what the original authors wrote all those centuries ago? How can we then know that those stories are true? And how do we go from ancient hand-written manuscripts to modern printed translations of the Old and New Testaments? Where does our confidence for these types of questions come from?
Wesley Huff was born in Multan, Pakistan and spent a portion of his childhood in the Middle East. After being diagnosed with a rare neurological condition at the age of 11 that left him paralyzed from the waist down he experienced a miraculous recovery that the doctors themselves said they had no medical explanation for. This experience, along with a great deal of study and soul searching in his later teens helped his interest in the subjects of faith, and engaging the beliefs and worldview perspectives of others. Wesley holds a BA in sociology from York University, a Masters of Theological Studies from Tyndale Seminary, and is currently a PhD student in New Testament at the University of Toronto's Wycliffe College. He has participated in numerous talks and interfaith dialogue events at universities across Canada and has been participating in public dialogues on issues of faith, belief, and religion for the last ten years. He enjoys canoeing, archery, and cats (although not all three at the same time). Wes lives in Toronto with his wife Melissa and their son, Eli.
Unfulfilled Desires and the Existence of God
The U.S. for the first time in history has been called a truly post-Christian nation. We have seen the rise of the "nones," doubling in number in the last five years. Recent polls have indicated that only 4% of those born since 1996 posses a Christian worldview. Are the current models of evangelization, discipleship, and church programs failing? Can apologetics make a difference in this new generation? In this session, we'll look afresh at methods of apologetics that appeal and connect deeply with those we engage in defense of the truth claims of Christianity.
Harry is married to Minerva and has the privilege of raising two young men. He is the founder and director of Apologetics.com, Inc., an organization dedicated to defending the truth claims of Christianity on the internet, radio and other related activities. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Education and a Masters of Arts degree in Christian Apologetics from Biola University where he currently works full time as the Associate Director of the graduate programs in Christian Apologetics and Science & Religion. Harry is currently pursuing his doctorate (DMin in Leadership & Global Perspectives) at George Fox University. He is an active member at Ocean View Baptist Church where he leads an adult Bible study and plays the drums for the praise and worship band. In his spare time, Harry enjoys doing things with his family, i.e., tennis, camping/backpacking, flying RC planes and mentoring others to realize their full potential in the service of our Lord.
Speaking "Little"
How to Talk with Your Kids about Tough Questions
While kids asking questions is nothing new, it’s becoming increasingly rare for parents to feel naturally equipped to provide answers (or even really engage the questions themselves). If your response to your kid’s questions always starts with “a lot of people disagree on this”, then you might want to drop by for a frank discussion about what kids are really asking when they have questions.
Reece is a children's pastor, comic book artist, and public speaker. He co-hosts The Human Project for Kids podcast with Rachel MacKenzie. Reece grew up in a Christian home and joined Venture Teams International’s traveling music and drama groups after high school, witnessing firsthand how God uses stories to communicate His absolute truth and love to people. He returned to North America to earn his master’s degree while pastoring and working on his graphic novel series, Pax Avalon, which features an ethical heroine. Reece continues to pastor families and mentor young people through art. He lives with his wife Rachel and their five daughters in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
The Ethics of In-Vitro Fertilization
Infertility is a very real suffering for some. Since children are a gift from God, is it ethical for couples to pursue IVF when they have difficulty conceiving naturally? What moral principles should guide our thinking on this topic? Come to this session to learn more.
Stephanie Gray is a seasoned and international speaker who began presenting at the age of 18. She has given over 900 pro-life presentations across North America as well as in Scotland, England, Ireland, Austria, Latvia, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. She has spoken at many post-secondary institutions such as Yale University, George Washington University, and the University of California, Berkeley. In 2017, Stephanie was a presenter for the series "Talks at Google," speaking on abortion at Google headquarters in Mountain View, California.
Stephanie has debated abortion advocates such as physicians who do abortions, which includes debating late-term abortionist Dr. Fraser Fellows in front of medical students at the University of Western Ontario’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. She has also debated Ron Fitzsimmons, executive director of the National Coalition of Abortion Providers, Dr. Jan Narveson, Philosophy professor and recipient of the Order of Canada, Elizabeth Cavendish, legal director for NARAL Pro-Choice America, and Dr. Malcolm Potts, the first medical director for International Planned Parenthood Federation.
Stephanie is author of Love Unleashes Life: Abortion & the Art of Communicating Truth as well as A Physician’s Guide to Discussing Abortion. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UBC in Vancouver, and a Certification, with Distinction, in Health Care Ethics, from the NCBC in Philadelphia. She resides in Vancouver, Canada.
Am I a Narrow-Minded, Arrogant, Hateful Bigot?
Isn’t it the ultimate in arrogance to think that your religion is the only true religion and that there is only one way to God? Don’t all religions just see God from different perspectives? Aren’t there many paths to the top of the mountain? Most people are happy to agree that God exists, but in our pluralistic society, it has become politically incorrect to claim that God has revealed Himself decisively in Jesus. In this workshop, you will learn how you can believe that Jesus is the only way to God without being a narrow-minded, arrogant, hateful bigot.
After coming to Christ through Josh McDowell and Power to Change at the University of Calgary, Michael Horner subsequently joined P2C staff. Michael has invested over 40 years passionately presenting the case for the Christian faith and helping people understand why authentic Christianity is such “good news”. During this time he has participated in more than 80 public dialogues and hundreds of lectures on Canadian and American university campuses and beyond. His research interests are philosophy of religion, philosophy of science, philosophy of history, ethics, and the Bible. Michael is also passionate about basketball, having played the game for 53 straight years, including five years for the University of Calgary Dinosaurs! Even though his knees will no longer allow him to perform on the hardwood, he has continued to coach young men in high schools, Trinity Western University, and currently Columbia Bible College. Michael has been married to the love of his life, Phyllis, for 40 years. They have 3 grown children and 6 very cute grandchildren.
Lost in Translation?
Is what we have in our modern translation accurate to what the original authors wrote?
It's not an invalid question to wonder whether a book that's most recent inclusion was written nearly 2000 years ago can accurately reflect what was originally written. Not to mention that with the Bible in particular, the vast majority of people today are reading translations, not the original languages that these ancient documents were composed in. So how can we trust that what we have now is what the original authors wrote all those centuries ago? How can we then know that those stories are true? And how do we go from ancient hand-written manuscripts to modern printed translations of the Old and New Testaments? Where does our confidence for these types of questions come from?
Wesley Huff was born in Multan, Pakistan and spent a portion of his childhood in the Middle East. After being diagnosed with a rare neurological condition at the age of 11 that left him paralyzed from the waist down he experienced a miraculous recovery that the doctors themselves said they had no medical explanation for. This experience, along with a great deal of study and soul searching in his later teens helped his interest in the subjects of faith, and engaging the beliefs and worldview perspectives of others. Wesley holds a BA in sociology from York University, a Masters of Theological Studies from Tyndale Seminary, and is currently a PhD student in New Testament at the University of Toronto's Wycliffe College. He has participated in numerous talks and interfaith dialogue events at universities across Canada and has been participating in public dialogues on issues of faith, belief, and religion for the last ten years. He enjoys canoeing, archery, and cats (although not all three at the same time). Wes lives in Toronto with his wife Melissa and their son, Eli.
Dr. Fabrice Jotterand
Associate Professor of Bioethics and Medical Humanities
Medical College of Wisconsin
Is the Singularity Near?
Transhumanism and the Human Future
Transhumanism is an intellectual, cultural and scientific movement that promotes the use of emerging technologies aiming at transcending the human biological limitations of our bodies and brains. In light of the technological and scientific progress and the changes observed in Western culture in recent decades, it is difficult to stop this march toward a future defined and constructed around technology. This technological imperative is part of our propensity to discover, invent, and improve the human condition but raises important questions about the identity and future of the human species. Therefore, it would be a mistake to blindly accept transhumanism without understanding its implications. The goals of this presentation is first to explain the anthropological and ethical implications of transhumanism and, second, to promote a social debate that is informed, pertinent, and critical.
Dr. Fabrice Jotterand joined MCW in 2016 where he is associate professor of Bioethics and Medical Humanities and serves as Director of the Graduate Program in Bioethics. He holds a second appointment as Senior Researcher at the Institute for Biomedical Ethics at the University of Basel, Switzerland. He is originally from Switzerland but moved to the United States in 1995 for his education and subsequent academic career.
Dr. Jotterand’s scholarship and research interests focus on issues including neuroethics, ethical issues in psychiatry and mental health, the use of neurotechnologies in psychiatry, medical professionalism, neurotechnologies and human identity, and bioethics and moral/political philosophy. He has published more than 50 articles and book chapters as well as reviews in leading academic journals and has published four books. He serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, on the Editorial Board of Nanoethics, and on the Editorial Board of Archives of Public Health. He is the founding co-editor of the book series Advances in Neuroethics (Springer).
Dr. Jotterand is married and is the proud father of four children. He is an accomplished triathlete and runner, completing two Ironmans and six marathons. He completed his PhD at Rice University and a Master in Bioethics at McGill University.
![[Speaker] S. Kim](https://apologeticscanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Speaker-S.-Kim-1.jpg "[Speaker] S. Kim")
Steve Kim
Alberta Director
Apologetics Canada
In Search of the Sacred Bedrock
Christianity, Naturalism, and the Foundation for Human Rights
Women's rights, right to life, prisoner's rights, LGBTQ rights... If we are to name the one non-negotiable cultural value in our society, many would quickly name human rights. Yet, insofar as human rights is invoked as an objective reality in our world, we must make sense of it through our worldview. Is every worldview adequate to the task of providing the sacred bedrock for this most cherished value of our time?
In his early 20s, Steve experienced a faith crisis due to intellectual undernourishment. Through this experience, he has come to see apologetics as the “intellectual care of the soul” and now feels a personal burden to walk with others who may be struggling with doubt and/or seeking sincerely. Steve holds a diploma in Worship Arts and a BA in Biblical Studies from Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, BC. He has completed a master’s degree in Christian Apologetics through Biola University in La Mirada, CA.
![[Speaker] G. Monette](https://apologeticscanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Speaker-G.-Monette.jpg "[Speaker] G. Monette")
Greg Monette, PhD(c)
Canadian Marketing Representative
Logos Bible Software
Greg is a Ph.D. candidate in biblical studies at the University of Bristol. He is the Canadian Marketing Representative for Logos Bible Software and the author of The Wrong Jesus. He is also a speaker who specializes in New Testament history and the origins of Christianity.
He is also an adjunct lecturer at Acadia Divinity College where he teaches graduate level courses relating to the study of the New Testament.
His upcoming book, The Wrong Jesus, aims to put right some of the misguided portraits of Jesus floating around in contemporary culture. The purpose of the book is to outline a basic foundation by which high school and college students, as well as laypeople, can understand how historians come to conclusions about the historical Jesus. The Wrong Jesus also shows how the basic Christian beliefs concerning Jesus can be defended when Jesus is studied in his historical context.
Greg is currently writing his doctoral dissertation in New Testament through the University of Bristol (Trinity College) in the United Kingdom. His dissertation is on the burial of Jesus and ancient Jewish burial practices. He is a student member of the Society of Biblical Literature.
Greg is a deeply passionate Canadian hockey fan who loves to read, travel, and spend time with his best friend and wife, Julie.
He resides in Halifax, Nova Scotia and would love to connect with you on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
Dr. John Neufeld
Bible Teacher
Back to the Bible Canada
How to Exegete and Teach a Passage
One of the principles on which the reformation stood is the principle of “sensus plenor”, or the plain sense of the text. We will examine reasons to reject a spiritualized interpretation of the Bible, and explain some of the tools required to be able to understand the original meaning of a text. As well, we will consider some of the basic foundations of good understanding, including, context, grammar, history, word usage. As well, we will consider why a robust view of Biblical inerrancy is foundational to understanding meaning.
As the son of refugee parents who fled from the former Soviet Union, Dr. John Neufeld was born in Canada and came to Christ at the age of 18. Dr. Neufeld describes his coming to Christ in the following way: “The vast cultural difference between my home and church on the one hand, and the wider Canadian culture created a sense of dissonance in me. I was not sure which culture to identify with. After a long struggle, Christ met me and claimed me as His own.”
Dr. Neufeld is a graduate of Columbia Bible College (Biblical Studies), the University of Saskatchewan (B.A.), Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (D.Min.).
Dr. John Neufeld joined Back to the Bible Canada after 30 years of serving in pastoral ministry, both as church planter and senior pastor. He is known both nationally and internationally for excellence in expositional Bible teaching. Prior to joining Back to the Bible Canada, Dr. Neufeld lead one of the largest churches in Canada as Senior Pastor for 15 years. He has spoken widely at churches, conferences and seminars throughout North America, and internationally.
He and his wife Kathy reside in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. They have been married for 36 years and have three adult children and five grandchildren.
Craig Parton
Attorney
Price, Postel & Parma LLP
Communication Truth to the Tough and Tender-Minded
In this session, we will explore the critical error contemporary Christians are making in apologetics and see how we can establish the truth of Christianity to a legal standard of “beyond a reasonable doubt” to both the tough-minded (those for whom facts and evidence are central) and to the tender-minded (those who think with their feelings and for whom art, literature and music are of a more primary concern).
Craig Parton is a trial lawyer and partner with the oldest law firm in the Western United States located in Santa Barbara, California, where he serves as Chairman of the Litigation Department. He is former Chairman of the Litigation Section of the Santa Barbara County Bar Association. Upon graduation from college, he spent seven years on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ (now Cru), the last four of which were spent as national lecturer for Crusade. Mr. Parton traveled to over 100 universities and colleges across the country defending the Christian faith through lectures and debates. He received his Master’s degree in Christian Apologetics under Dr. John Warwick Montgomery at the Simon Greenleaf School of Law, an institution devoted to the integration of Christian faith and legal reasoning. Mr. Parton then took his Juris Doctorate at the University of California, Hastings Law School in San Francisco, where he served as Executive Editor of the Law Journal, COMM/ENT. Craig Parton is also the United States Director of the International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism and Human Rights in Strasbourg, France (www.apologeticsacademy.eu). The Academy meets for two weeks each summer in Strasbourg to provide advanced studies in apologetics to laymen and pastors. He is the author of 3 books, including “The Defense Never Rests: A Lawyer Among the Theologians” and “Religion on Trial.” He has published numerous articles in legal, theological and cultural journals, including Modern Reformation, Logia–A Journal of Lutheran Theology, and the Global Journal of Classical Theology. Mr. Parton has contributed articles to numerous published volumes, including Festschrifts for both Prof. Dr. John Warwick Montgomery and Prof. Dr. Rod Rosenbladt.
Is the Singularity Near?
Transhumanism and the Human Future
Transhumanism is an intellectual, cultural and scientific movement that promotes the use of emerging technologies aiming at transcending the human biological limitations of our bodies and brains. In light of the technological and scientific progress and the changes observed in Western culture in recent decades, it is difficult to stop this march toward a future defined and constructed around technology. This technological imperative is part of our propensity to discover, invent, and improve the human condition but raises important questions about the identity and future of the human species. Therefore, it would be a mistake to blindly accept transhumanism without understanding its implications. The goals of this presentation is first to explain the anthropological and ethical implications of transhumanism and, second, to promote a social debate that is informed, pertinent, and critical.
Dr. Fabrice Jotterand joined MCW in 2016 where he is associate professor of Bioethics and Medical Humanities and serves as Director of the Graduate Program in Bioethics. He holds a second appointment as Senior Researcher at the Institute for Biomedical Ethics at the University of Basel, Switzerland. He is originally from Switzerland but moved to the United States in 1995 for his education and subsequent academic career.
Dr. Jotterand’s scholarship and research interests focus on issues including neuroethics, ethical issues in psychiatry and mental health, the use of neurotechnologies in psychiatry, medical professionalism, neurotechnologies and human identity, and bioethics and moral/political philosophy. He has published more than 50 articles and book chapters as well as reviews in leading academic journals and has published four books. He serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, on the Editorial Board of Nanoethics, and on the Editorial Board of Archives of Public Health. He is the founding co-editor of the book series Advances in Neuroethics (Springer).
Dr. Jotterand is married and is the proud father of four children. He is an accomplished triathlete and runner, completing two Ironmans and six marathons. He completed his PhD at Rice University and a Master in Bioethics at McGill University.
In Search of the Sacred Bedrock
Christianity, Naturalism, and the Foundation for Human Rights
Women's rights, right to life, prisoner's rights, LGBTQ rights... If we are to name the one non-negotiable cultural value in our society, many would quickly name human rights. Yet, insofar as human rights is invoked as an objective reality in our world, we must make sense of it through our worldview. Is every worldview adequate to the task of providing the sacred bedrock for this most cherished value of our time?
In his early 20s, Steve experienced a faith crisis due to intellectual undernourishment. Through this experience, he has come to see apologetics as the “intellectual care of the soul” and now feels a personal burden to walk with others who may be struggling with doubt and/or seeking sincerely. Steve holds a diploma in Worship Arts and a BA in Biblical Studies from Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, BC. He has completed a master’s degree in Christian Apologetics through Biola University in La Mirada, CA.
Greg is a Ph.D. candidate in biblical studies at the University of Bristol. He is the Canadian Marketing Representative for Logos Bible Software and the author of The Wrong Jesus. He is also a speaker who specializes in New Testament history and the origins of Christianity.
He is also an adjunct lecturer at Acadia Divinity College where he teaches graduate level courses relating to the study of the New Testament.
His upcoming book, The Wrong Jesus, aims to put right some of the misguided portraits of Jesus floating around in contemporary culture. The purpose of the book is to outline a basic foundation by which high school and college students, as well as laypeople, can understand how historians come to conclusions about the historical Jesus. The Wrong Jesus also shows how the basic Christian beliefs concerning Jesus can be defended when Jesus is studied in his historical context.
Greg is currently writing his doctoral dissertation in New Testament through the University of Bristol (Trinity College) in the United Kingdom. His dissertation is on the burial of Jesus and ancient Jewish burial practices. He is a student member of the Society of Biblical Literature.
Greg is a deeply passionate Canadian hockey fan who loves to read, travel, and spend time with his best friend and wife, Julie.
He resides in Halifax, Nova Scotia and would love to connect with you on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
How to Exegete and Teach a Passage
One of the principles on which the reformation stood is the principle of “sensus plenor”, or the plain sense of the text. We will examine reasons to reject a spiritualized interpretation of the Bible, and explain some of the tools required to be able to understand the original meaning of a text. As well, we will consider some of the basic foundations of good understanding, including, context, grammar, history, word usage. As well, we will consider why a robust view of Biblical inerrancy is foundational to understanding meaning.
As the son of refugee parents who fled from the former Soviet Union, Dr. John Neufeld was born in Canada and came to Christ at the age of 18. Dr. Neufeld describes his coming to Christ in the following way: “The vast cultural difference between my home and church on the one hand, and the wider Canadian culture created a sense of dissonance in me. I was not sure which culture to identify with. After a long struggle, Christ met me and claimed me as His own.”
Dr. Neufeld is a graduate of Columbia Bible College (Biblical Studies), the University of Saskatchewan (B.A.), Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (D.Min.).
Dr. John Neufeld joined Back to the Bible Canada after 30 years of serving in pastoral ministry, both as church planter and senior pastor. He is known both nationally and internationally for excellence in expositional Bible teaching. Prior to joining Back to the Bible Canada, Dr. Neufeld lead one of the largest churches in Canada as Senior Pastor for 15 years. He has spoken widely at churches, conferences and seminars throughout North America, and internationally.
He and his wife Kathy reside in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. They have been married for 36 years and have three adult children and five grandchildren.
Communicating Truth to the Tough and Tender-Minded
In this session, we will explore the critical error contemporary Christians are making in apologetics and see how we can establish the truth of Christianity to a legal standard of “beyond a reasonable doubt” to both the tough-minded (those for whom facts and evidence are central) and to the tender-minded (those who think with their feelings and for whom art, literature and music are of a more primary concern).
Craig Parton is a trial lawyer and partner with the oldest law firm in the Western United States located in Santa Barbara, California, where he serves as Chairman of the Litigation Department. He is former Chairman of the Litigation Section of the Santa Barbara County Bar Association. Upon graduation from college, he spent seven years on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ (now Cru), the last four of which were spent as national lecturer for Crusade. Mr. Parton traveled to over 100 universities and colleges across the country defending the Christian faith through lectures and debates. He received his Master’s degree in Christian Apologetics under Dr. John Warwick Montgomery at the Simon Greenleaf School of Law, an institution devoted to the integration of Christian faith and legal reasoning. Mr. Parton then took his Juris Doctorate at the University of California, Hastings Law School in San Francisco, where he served as Executive Editor of the Law Journal, COMM/ENT. Craig Parton is also the United States Director of the International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism and Human Rights in Strasbourg, France (www.apologeticsacademy.eu). The Academy meets for two weeks each summer in Strasbourg to provide advanced studies in apologetics to laymen and pastors. He is the author of 3 books, including “The Defense Never Rests: A Lawyer Among the Theologians” and “Religion on Trial.” He has published numerous articles in legal, theological and cultural journals, including Modern Reformation, Logia–A Journal of Lutheran Theology, and the Global Journal of Classical Theology. Mr. Parton has contributed articles to numerous published volumes, including Festschrifts for both Prof. Dr. John Warwick Montgomery and Prof. Dr. Rod Rosenbladt.
Scribe
Recording Artist
Scribe Music
Covering over Clout
The Importance of Accountability for the Modern-day Minstrel
Like never before have we seen the opinions and voice of believers in the musical entertainment industry carry so much weight. Though their existence is often seen as taboo or second rate by the world's standards, there is a growing influence that can't be ignored. Artists like Lecrae and Lauren Daigle have amassed millions of followers between them and a growing portion of that attention coming from the world. As such, the Church at times has shown their disdain towards what some would call "a watered-down" disposition towards the truth of the gospel. What many onlookers don't understand, however, is that most of these artists are under constant scrutiny and pressure to "fit the mould," "to represent the church," all while grow in their faith and steward a successful music career. In this session, we will talk about the importance of artists seeking Godly accountability, as well as the Church, creating an environment conducive to their spiritual growth.
“SCRIBE” is one of Canada’s most exciting young artists. Father of one and a husband; Self-proclaimed as “Hip-Hop’s Orphan”, Scribe's music transcends genres and styles. Using his combined singing and rapping he paints pictures and tells stories throughout his music in a format that is breaking down walls and barriers within the genre. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Scribe is no stranger to having the odds against him. Adopted at a young age; the fuel to seize each and every moment God gives us, is at the forefront of Scribe's motives. From speaking in Church's to performing at festivals, conferences and more... Scribe seeks to spare no expense in bringing his entire skillset of singing, rapping and comedy to the stage.
Andy Steiger, PhD(c)
President
Apologetics Canada
Unethical Machines
We can build it, but should we? We have built it, but should we use it? These are becoming all too familiar questions in a world of rapid technological advancements. In this session, Andy will be discussing both potential and current technologies that Christians need to think ethically about and even advocate for laws surrounding them.
Andy is the founder and president of Apologetics Canada, an organization dedicated to helping churches better engage with today’s culture.
Andy created and hosted the award winning video series The Human Project in partnership with Power to Change. In 2018 The Human Project debuted at film festivals around the globe and won a number of awards including People’s Choice and Best Short Film. Andy also created and hosted the Thinking Series and is the author of Thinking? Answering Life’s Five Biggest Questions. Andy speaks internationally at universities, conferences, churches, prisons and coffee shops. He is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Andy lives in Abbotsford, BC with his wife, Nancy, and their two boys.
Dr. Elizabeth Y. Sung
Systematic Theologian, Scholar-in-Residence
Regent College
What Do Race and Ethnicity Have to Do with Being a Christian?
Dr. Sung is a systematic theologian, a spiritual director, and the first Protestant scholar to have held the Chester and Mary Paluch Chair of Theology at University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, the largest Catholic seminary in the United States. She was appointed to this research professorship in 2017 to help the seminary community engage the 500th anniversary of the Reformation through her public lectures, teaching, and publications. Previously, she was Associate Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, where she taught for nine years, was honored with the “Faculty of the Year” award, and pioneered and led student covenant groups singularly focused on spiritual formation.
Dr. Sung’s research area is theological anthropology. Soteriology—specifically, the doctrine of sanctification, spiritual theology, and spiritual formation—comprises a closely-related area of study, teaching, and practice.
Dr. Sung is currently writing the volume on theological anthropology for the systematic theology series “Foundations of Evangelical Theology.” She will focus on this project while at Regent.
![[Speaker] P. Townsend](https://apologeticscanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Speaker-P.-Townsend-1.jpg "[Speaker] P. Townsend")
Paul F. Townsend
Certified Public Accountant
Townsend Risk Advisory
Creating Impact in a Secular Culture Through Effective Christian Leadership
Many Christians falsely think that they have to pull themselves out of the secular business world and move into Christian ministry positions to have an impact for God. But God wants us to be salt and light right where we are. We can be missionaries and apologists in work or school or home environments. One of the best ways to have an impact for God is to demonstrate strong Christian Leadership: a strong work ethic, combined with a true love for God and people, and demonstrating the highest integrity. Paul will also draw from the lessons learned from the book of Daniel, where he was a light, despite being in a very pagan and hostile culture to God.
Paul is an accomplished senior executive and risk advisor providing corporate executives and Boards with expert insights and guidance in critical risk areas. He has extensive global experience as a Chief Risk & Compliance Officer of NSYE-listed companies leading value-added compliance, audit and risk management teams. His is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CA, CPA), Certified Internal Auditor and has earned designations as a Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional as well as a Certified Information Systems Auditor. He has an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Western Ontario, and has a Masters in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Paul has spoken on a wide range of topics including: Collective Action, Anti-Corruption, Business Ethics, Whistleblower Hotlines, Management Auditing, Developing High-Impact Risk & Audit Departments, Effective Leadership, and Christian Apologetics. He is currently leading an Alpha program at his house along with his wife Katrina, have gone together on many mission trips, and several times a year he preaches at the Downtown East Side. Paul and Katrina live in Greater Vancouver and have four adult children.
Dr. Jens Zimmermann
J.I. Packer Chair of Theology
Director of the Human Flourishing research project
Regent College
Christian Humanism
What is a Person and Why Should We Care?
When we want to justify or defend our Christian faith, we often think we need to do so in terms of biblical doctrines, or moral norms. We want to defend the existence of God, for example, or the validity of the Ten Commandments for a healthy society. We overlook, however, less obvious assumptions that nonetheless are essential for critiquing dehumanizing tendencies or structures. The concept of the Person is one such assumption whose origins, universal importance, and Christian warrant we will explore in our time together.
Dr. Jens Zimmermann was born and raised in Germany. He studied at the University of British Columbia, earning his first PhD in Comparative Literature in 1997. He taught at UBC briefly before moving on to Trinity Western University, where he held the Canada Research Chair of Interpretation, Religion and Culture from 2006–2016. In 2010, Jens earned a second PhD in Philosophy from the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. While continuing at TWU, he also served as Visiting Professor of Philosophy, Literature & Theology at Regent College from 2016–19. He was also a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge (Trinity Hall, 2017–2018), and a British Academy Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford (Christ Church College, 2018–2019). He is currently Visiting Fellow at the Center for Theology and Modern European Thought at The University of Oxford.
In addition to many scholarly articles, Zimmermann has authored and edited numerous books, including Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Christian Humanism (Oxford UP, 2019), and Re-Envisioning Christian Humanism: Education and the Restoration of Humanity (Oxford UP, 2017). Recent editing work includes Acts of Interpretation: Scripture, Theology, and Culture (co-edited with S. A. Cummins, Eerdmans, 2018), and Sources of the Christian Self: A Cultural History of Christian Identity (co-edited with James Houston, Eerdmans, 2018). Zimmermann’s current major research project examines the impact of technology on human identity with particular focus on the concept of personhood. View the project webpage here. For a full list of publications see Zimmermann's website.
Covering over Clout
The Importance of Accountability for the Modern-day Minstrel
Like never before have we seen the opinions and voice of believers in the musical entertainment industry carry so much weight. Though their existence is often seen as taboo or second rate by the world's standards, there is a growing influence that can't be ignored. Artists like Lecrae and Lauren Daigle have amassed millions of followers between them and a growing portion of that attention coming from the world. As such, the Church at times has shown their disdain towards what some would call "a watered-down" disposition towards the truth of the gospel. What many onlookers don't understand, however, is that most of these artists are under constant scrutiny and pressure to "fit the mould," "to represent the church," all while grow in their faith and steward a successful music career. In this session, we will talk about the importance of artists seeking Godly accountability, as well as the Church, creating an environment conducive to their spiritual growth.
“SCRIBE” is one of Canada’s most exciting young artists. Father of one and a husband; Self-proclaimed as “Hip-Hop’s Orphan”, Scribe's music transcends genres and styles. Using his combined singing and rapping he paints pictures and tells stories throughout his music in a format that is breaking down walls and barriers within the genre. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Scribe is no stranger to having the odds against him. Adopted at a young age; the fuel to seize each and every moment God gives us, is at the forefront of Scribe's motives. From speaking in Church's to performing at festivals, conferences and more... Scribe seeks to spare no expense in bringing his entire skillset of singing, rapping and comedy to the stage.
Unethical Machines
We can build it, but should we? We have built it, but should we use it? These are becoming all too familiar questions in a world of rapid technological advancements. In this session, Andy will discuss both potential and current technologies that Christians need to think ethically about and even advocate for laws surrounding them.
Andy is the founder and president of Apologetics Canada, an organization dedicated to helping churches better engage with today’s culture.
Andy created and hosted the award winning video series The Human Project in partnership with Power to Change. In 2018 The Human Project debuted at film festivals around the globe and won a number of awards including People’s Choice and Best Short Film. Andy also created and hosted the Thinking Series and is the author of Thinking? Answering Life’s Five Biggest Questions. Andy speaks internationally at universities, conferences, churches, prisons and coffee shops. He is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Andy lives in Abbotsford, BC with his wife, Nancy, and their two boys.
What Do Race and Ethnicity Have to Do with Being a Christian?
Dr. Sung is a systematic theologian, a spiritual director, and the first Protestant scholar to have held the Chester and Mary Paluch Chair of Theology at University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, the largest Catholic seminary in the United States. She was appointed to this research professorship in 2017 to help the seminary community engage the 500th anniversary of the Reformation through her public lectures, teaching, and publications. Previously, she was Associate Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, where she taught for nine years, was honored with the “Faculty of the Year” award, and pioneered and led student covenant groups singularly focused on spiritual formation.
Dr. Sung’s research area is theological anthropology. Soteriology—specifically, the doctrine of sanctification, spiritual theology, and spiritual formation—comprises a closely-related area of study, teaching, and practice.
Dr. Sung is currently writing the volume on theological anthropology for the systematic theology series “Foundations of Evangelical Theology.” She will focus on this project while at Regent.
Creating Impact in a Secular Culture Through Effective Christian Leadership
Many Christians falsely think that they have to pull themselves out of the secular business world and move into Christian ministry positions to have an impact for God. But God wants us to be salt and light right where we are. We can be missionaries and apologists in work or school or home environments. One of the best ways to have an impact for God is to demonstrate strong Christian Leadership: a strong work ethic, combined with a true love for God and people, and demonstrating the highest integrity. Paul will also draw from the lessons learned from the book of Daniel, where he was a light, despite being in a very pagan and hostile culture to God.
Paul is an accomplished senior executive and risk advisor providing corporate executives and Boards with expert insights and guidance in critical risk areas. He has extensive global experience as a Chief Risk & Compliance Officer of NSYE-listed companies leading value-added compliance, audit and risk management teams. His is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CA, CPA), Certified Internal Auditor and has earned designations as a Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional as well as a Certified Information Systems Auditor. He has an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Western Ontario, and has a Masters in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Paul has spoken on a wide range of topics including: Collective Action, Anti-Corruption, Business Ethics, Whistleblower Hotlines, Management Auditing, Developing High-Impact Risk & Audit Departments, Effective Leadership, and Christian Apologetics. He is currently leading an Alpha program at his house along with his wife Katrina, have gone together on many mission trips, and several times a year he preaches at the Downtown East Side. Paul and Katrina live in Greater Vancouver and have four adult children.
Christian Humanism
What is a Person and Why Should We Care?
When we want to justify or defend our Christian faith, we often think we need to do so in terms of biblical doctrines, or moral norms. We want to defend the existence of God, for example, or the validity of the Ten Commandments for a healthy society. We overlook, however, less obvious assumptions that nonetheless are essential for critiquing dehumanizing tendencies or structures. The concept of the Person is one such assumption whose origins, universal importance, and Christian warrant we will explore in our time together.
Dr. Jens Zimmermann was born and raised in Germany. He studied at the University of British Columbia, earning his first PhD in Comparative Literature in 1997. He taught at UBC briefly before moving on to Trinity Western University, where he held the Canada Research Chair of Interpretation, Religion and Culture from 2006–2016. In 2010, Jens earned a second PhD in Philosophy from the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. While continuing at TWU, he also served as Visiting Professor of Philosophy, Literature & Theology at Regent College from 2016–19. He was also a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge (Trinity Hall, 2017–2018), and a British Academy Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford (Christ Church College, 2018–2019). He is currently Visiting Fellow at the Center for Theology and Modern European Thought at The University of Oxford.
In addition to many scholarly articles, Zimmermann has authored and edited numerous books, including Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Christian Humanism (Oxford UP, 2019), and Re-Envisioning Christian Humanism: Education and the Restoration of Humanity (Oxford UP, 2017). Recent editing work includes Acts of Interpretation: Scripture, Theology, and Culture (co-edited with S. A. Cummins, Eerdmans, 2018), and Sources of the Christian Self: A Cultural History of Christian Identity (co-edited with James Houston, Eerdmans, 2018). Zimmermann’s current major research project examines the impact of technology on human identity with particular focus on the concept of personhood. View the project webpage here. For a full list of publications see Zimmermann's website.
CONFERENCE DIGITAL RECORDING
The conference has now concluded.
If you missed it or would like to listen in on the sessions, click the button below to purchase the ACC 2020 Digital Recording package.
SCHEDULE
Friday, March 6
| 5:30 PM | Registration begins. Any remaining tickets available for purchase. |
| 6:30 PM | Doors open. |
| 7:00 PM | Andy Steiger - The Future of Apologetics Panel Discussion - Back to the Future: Key Ethical Issues Confronting Christians in the Next Ten Years Dr. Fabrice Jotterand, Dr. Elizabeth Y. Sung, Dr. Jens Zimmermann moderated by Steve Kim |
| 9:00 PM | Break |
| 9:15 PM | Q&A with panelists |
| 10:00 PM | Conference ends for the night. |
Saturday, March 7
| 7:30 AM | Doors open. |
| 8:00 AM | Dr. Darrell Bock - Discussing the Future Opposition to the Bible with Wesley Huff Sam Allberry - Discussing Sexuality, Singleness, and Loneliness with Andy Steiger |
| 9:30 AM | Break |
| 9:50 AM | Rethinking the Future Craig Parton - [Rethinking Apologetics] Not About You: The What, Why and How of Defending the Faith in the 21st Century Stephanie Gray - [Rethinking Bioethics] Having Civil Discussions on Bioethical Challenges at the Beginning and End of Life Dr. John Neufeld - [Rethinking Theology] Remaining Orthodox in a Culture of Theological Relativism |
| 11:05 AM | Lunch |
| 12:35 PM | Breakout Session #1 (Choose a topic of interest) |
| 1:20 PM | Break |
| 1:40 PM | Breakout Session #2 (Choose a topic of interest) |
| 2:25 PM | Break |
| 2:45 PM | Scribe - Discussing the Art of Communicating Truth with Terry Crosby |
| 3:30 PM | Conference ends. |
VENUE
Nothview Community Church
32040 Downes Rd., Abbotsford, BC
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