Apologetics Canada
Conference 2023 BC
BRANDED:
Rethinking Identity
March 3 & 4
Abbotsford, BC
Fear. Anxiety. Frustration. We all feel it. There are some topics that feel off-limits unless you want to get labelled or cancelled. Controversial cultural issues are affecting the dynamics of family, school, work, and church. We'd rather avoid talking about them, but not talking isn't helping. Christians are called to be the light of truth and show the love of God. This is no easy task, and, to do it well, we need to talk.
Apologetics Canada Conference is back this year to do just that. We will discuss the most pressing cultural issue of the day—identity. Register today and join the conversation.
brought to you by
Main Sessions
Farr Curlin
Josiah C. Trent Professor of Medical Humanities
Duke Divinity School
Dr. Curlin is no stranger to the ethical challenges in medicine, having spent 20 years in hospice and palliative care. He joined Duke University in January 2014 where he holds joint appointments in the School of Medicine, including its Trent Center for Bioethics, Humanities & History of Medicine, and in Duke Divinity School, including its Initiative on Theology, Medicine and Culture. He works with Duke colleagues to foster scholarship, study, and training regarding the intersections of medicine, ethics, and religion. After graduating from medical school, he completed internal medicine residency training and fellowships in both health services research and clinical ethics at the University of Chicago before joining its faculty in 2003. Dr. Curlin’s empirical research charts the influence of physicians' moral traditions and commitments, both religious and secular, on physicians' clinical practices. As an ethicist, he addresses questions regarding whether and in what ways physicians' religious commitments ought to shape their clinical practices in a plural democracy. Dr. Curlin and colleagues have authored numerous manuscripts published in medicine and bioethics literature, including a New England Journal of Medicine paper titled, “Religion, Conscience and Controversial Clinical Practices.” He is particularly concerned with the moral and spiritual dimensions of medical practice and the doctor-patient relationship, and with the moral and professional formation of physicians. His areas of expertise are medicine, medical ethics, doctor-patient relationship, religion and medicine, and conscience. At the University of Chicago, Dr. Curlin founded and was co-director of the Program on Medicine and Religion.
Josiah C. Trent Professor
of Medical Humanities
Duke Divinity School
The Way of Medicine
Grounding Our Professional Identity in Our Spiritual Identity
What is medicine and what is it for? What does it mean to be a good doctor? What does it mean to be a good patient?
Answers to these questions are essential both to the practice of medicine and to understanding the moral norms that shape that practice. In the current reigning provider-of-services model, clinicians eschew any claim to know what is good for a patient and instead offer an array of “health care services” for the sake of the patient’s subjective well-being.
Against this trend, Farr Curlin calls for practitioners to recover what they call the Way of Medicine, which offers physicians both a path out of the provider of services model and also the moral resources necessary to resist the various political, institutional, and cultural forces that constantly push practitioners and patients into thinking of their relationship in terms of economic exchange.
Navigating Ethical Challenges from Gender Affirmation Surgery to Doctor-Assisted Death
Andy Steiger
President
Apologetics Canada
Author, Speaker, President
Apologetics Canada
We Need to Talk
The Church's Place in the Midst of a Culture of Controversy
Fear. Anxiety. Frustration. We all feel it. There are some topics that feel off-limits unless you want to get labeled or canceled. With all that’s going on these days it’s easy to not talk but it’s not helping. These issues are affecting the dynamics of family, school, and jobs, and people are struggling with how to navigate them all. We can’t avoid controversies. Christians are called to be the light of truth and show the love of God. This is no easy task, and, to do it well, we need to talk.
The Church's Place in the Midst of a Culture of Controversy
Neil Shenvi
Author, Speaker
shenviapologetics.com
Neil grew up in Delaware and attended Princeton University as an undergraduate where he worked on high-dimensional function approximation with Professor Herschel Rabitz. Neil became a Christian in Berkeley, CA where he did his PhD in Theoretical Chemistry at UC – Berkeley with Professor Birgitta Whaley. The subject of his PhD dissertation was quantum computation, including topics in quantum random walks, cavity quantum electrodynamics, spin physics, and the N-representability problem.
From 2005-2010, Neil worked as a postdoctoral associate with Prof. John Tully at Yale where he did research into nonadiabatic dynamics, electron transfer, and surface science. I moved down to Durham in 2010 to do research into nonadiabatic dynamics and electronic structure theory with professor Weitao Yang at Duke University.
In 2015, Neil quit his job at Duke to homeschool his four children, although he still fiddles with quantum mechanics now and then for fun. In addition to his duties as the principal of the South Durham Academy for Math and Science (also known as Daddy Academy), he tutors the Master’s class at the local Classical Conversations homeschool co-op. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, weight-lifting, and video games.
Author, Speaker
shenviapologetics.com
Woke Roots: Understanding Contemporary Critical Theory
Most of us have heard terms like "intersectionality," "white privilege," "cisgender," "white fragility," "heteronormativity," and "systemic racism." But where do these terms come from? And what are the ideas on which these concepts are based? In this talk, Dr. Neil Shenvi will explain how the ideology of contemporary critical theory provides a unifying framework for viewing all of social reality and how it lies at the heart of progressive discourse surrounding race, class, gender, and sexuality. Thus, understanding it is crucial for Christians seeking to navigate our culture.
Understanding Contemporary Critical Theory
Monique Duson
Author, Speaker
Center for Biblical Unity
Monique Duson is a racial unity advocate and co-founder of the Center for Biblical Unity. She has a background in social service and children’s ministry.
She has worked with a diverse array of under-served communities. She worked as a Missionary to South Africa for over four years, serving children and teachers impacted by drugs, violence, and trauma. She spent two decades advocating for Critical Race Theory (CRT), but through a series of events, began to clearly see the contradictions of CRT with the historic Christian worldview. Monique is now convinced that CRT is not the best way to achieve racial unity and actively speaks out against the use of CRT within the church.
Monique has appeared on shows such as Relatable (with Allie Beth Stuckey), the Alisa Childers podcast, and Breakpoint (with John Stonestreet). Monique has a BA in Sociology from Biola University. She is working on a MA in Theology.
Author, Co-Founder
Center for Biblical Unity
Woke Fruits
Critical Theory has exploded across our cultural landscape, touching every area from education to beauty pageants. In this talk, Monique Duson will explore the ways that we engage daily with ideas flowing from Critical Theory and how Christianity and our Christian unity can come to bear on the cultural conversation.
Examining the Manifestations of Critical Theory in Our Current Culture
Samuel Perez
YouTuber, Podcast Host
SamuelAbrahamPerez.com
Samuel Abraham Perez is a former gay stripper turned whole hearted follower of Jesus. After being involved In the homosexual lifestyle and experiencing severe depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts; Samuel turned to God.
With open and extended arms, God's saving and transformational grace allowed for a complete change in his identity and purpose.
Samuel's mission is to preach his testimony and experiences of his life in the LGBTQ community, to believers and non-believers. Hoping to inspire others that the love of God is transformational and correcting.
His vision includes educating the church on those who struggle with same-sex attraction, and proper biblical interpretation and helping those whom struggle with SSA find comfort and encouragement towards an all encompassing and consuming love in Jesus Christ.
YouTuber, Podcast Host
SamuelAbrahamPerez.com
reBRANDED Life: How Jesus Gives us a New Identity in Him
In Jesus Christ, we are considered by God to be righteous and set apart. Yet, all of us are very aware of the reality of living in our earthly bodies with all its disordered appetites. We are to be mini-christs, but we are still very much "in progress" as we haven’t yet reached perfection and glorification. Against that backdrop, what does the daily process of living out our faith look like? Join Samuel, a former gay go-go dancer, as he discusses the reality of progressing through our imperfections with the very real Holy Spirit who lives in us and directs us to a better way of living.
Breakout Sessions
Melanie Beerda
Writer, Speaker
melaniebeerda.ca
Melanie Beerda is a public speaker and aspiring author, currently writing a Christian non-fiction book with the intention of empowering burnt out Christians to rekindle their faith.
Melanie grew up in a Christian home but struggled with her identity around being adopted and experiencing childhood sexual trauma. As a teenager, she walked away from faith while blaming God for her wounds and the hypocrisy she saw in fellow believers. She dove head first into the party scene with a spiteful heart, attempting to numb the pain and “prove them wrong.”
At twenty-one she fell to her knees in desperation calling out to God for help. She immediately felt the peace of Christ wash over her as she wept in safety of his embrace. Melanie is now twelve years sober, married with two little ones. Like a light shining in the darkness, her story of redemption illuminates that nothing is impossible for the God who created us on purpose, for a purpose.
Melanie has worked as an Addictions Support Worker and a Youth Worker with at-risk-youth. She is passionate about empowering others to bust through old concepts on who God is and dive into authentic relationships with Christ.
MELANIE BEERDA
Writer, Speaker
melaniebeerda.ca
Addiction & Identity
Every substance dependent person has not only had to fight their own addiction but also the glamorization and dehumanization that comes with a disease they could not control. There is a stigma that comes with every conversation around addiction that doesn’t go away when the addict recovers.
We have all seen the damage that addiction can cause, from destroyed families to homelessness, and overdose. Melanie will share how God used her addiction as the vessel that led her to understanding identity is not something we get from the world; it comes from the God that created us. As our culture is frantically trying to fix the problem of addiction, we are causing more harm by enforcing the lie that the addict will always suffer, a lost cause. The solution is simple but it requires work; something none of us, addict or not, have been taught to embrace. The rigorous process of taking ownership for our lives, healing from our past and doing the next right thing. With Christ at the center, attendees can expect to learn about the progressive nature of the disease of substance addiction, why people relapse, the process of recovery and how to support someone with a history of drug and alcohol dependency.
Jonathan Bryden
Documentary Filmmaker
Independent
Jonathan Bryden works in Vancouver Canada as a documentary filmmaker in the independent film industry. A Christian from a young age, Jonathan also has struggled with reconciling his same-sex attraction with his faith and is currently living a celibate life in pursuit of Jesus. Passionate to share the Gospel through film, Jonathan is producing a documentary series that aims to ask the question, “How does the church in light of the Gospel face homosexuality?”
Watch the first episode of his documentary and consider partnering with him through prayer and financial support to see this project come to light and minister to those in the church who are personally facing this struggle. Will you partner with him as he aims to raise the funds needed to finish this documentary series?
Are you walking with a loved one who is facing same-sex attraction and want to partner with Jonathan in his ministry? He can be reached at [email protected] for more details on this project and where it is going.
JONATHAN BRYDEN
Documentary Filmmaker
Independent
Discussing Same-Sex Attraction: Fidelity to Christ or Culture
(in Dialogue with Samuel Perez)
In a culture where feelings shape one’s identity, what does it mean to be a Christian? Should our feelings conform to our beliefs or should our beliefs conform to our feelings? In a culture that places such a high emphasis on individualism these have become difficult questions to wrestle with. Join us for a conversation between Jonathan Bryden and Samuel Perez, two young men who live with same-sex attraction. In this dialogue, moderated by Andy Steiger, you will hear from them what discipleship looks like on the ground in an everyday context.
(in Dialogue with Samuel Perez)
Paul Chamberlain
Professor of Ethics and Philosophy
Trinity Western University
Dr. Paul Chamberlain is a professor of ethics, philosophy of religion, leadership and Christian Apologetics at TWU. He is an effective communicator both in and out of the classroom. His humorous, down-to-earth manner appeals to a wide variety of people. Drawing from the media and using a professional power point presentation, his seminars are both interesting and relevant. Dr. Chamberlain has appeared on numerous radio and television talk shows, debated on university campuses, and is a frequent guest speaker at public functions. He is the author of five books: Can We be Good Without God, Final Wishes, How To Talk About Good and Bad Without Getting Ugly: A Guide to Moral Persuasion, Why People Don’t Believe: Confronting Seven Challenges to Christian Faith, and Why People Stop Believing, as well as a number of articles addressing current social and moral issues. He is also the coeditor of Everyday Apologetics. He enjoys outdoor activities such as riding motorcycle, swimming, camping, and doing most anything outside with his family.
PAUL CHAMBERLAIN
Professor of Ethics and Philosophy
Trinity Western University
If God is So Good, Why Does He Allow Covid and Other Hard Things?
As terrible as COVID is, it just happens to be the latest example of human suffering. Life is full of suffering, from accidents and natural disasters to murder and sexual assault, the list of examples is seemingly endless. For many, this is enough for them to deny that God exists. Even for those who believe in the existence of God, it at least raises questions about God's character. Can we believe in a good God in light of all the suffering? What can suffering reveal to us about who God is?
Ben Clifton
President
Apologetics on Mission
Ben has always been on adventure. As soon as he could walk, his parents carted him all over Europe in a VW bus. He spent his youth on the atolls of Micronesia, returning to Washington State to pursue a degree in electrical engineering and computer science. This set Ben off on a 30-year career of electronic display innovation.
Ben wasn’t always a Christian. Far from it. His engineering- and scientifically-oriented mind convinced him that any notion of “god” or the supernatural was the backward thinking of an obsolete age. Thankfully, he married Joey, who encouraged him to come to church with her. Four years later, at 33, Ben gave his heart to Christ.
It took a while for his mind to catch up with his heart. Seeking to reconcile his new-found faith with science, Ben discovered a little book titled “The Fingerprint of God” by Hugh Ross. He discovered apologetics and was hooked! Ben’s academic pursuit of apologetics culminated in a master’s program from Biola, and he now teaches and speaks in the Pacific Northwest.
Ben’s first trip to Uganda was in 2017, where he discovered that the people of Uganda are just as hungry for answers as he was. Returning in 2018 and 2019, he partnered with several East African ministries and universities for intensive apologetics seminars. The vision for taking apologetics on-mission was birthed during these trips.
Off-ramping a career in technology, Ben joined the staff of Eternal Impact where he served as director of ministry and innovation for 5 years. Always cultivating the vision for taking the Why Behind the What on mission, he launched Adventurous Apologetics (now "Apologetics on Mission") with Kristen Davis in 2021.
BEN CLIFTON
President
Apologetics on Mission
Missional Apologetics
The need and opportunity to take apologetics on mission globally
Outside the West, there is a dangerous lack of awareness and training in defending the Christian faith, leaving global leaders unprepared to resist the cultural tide of anti-biblical worldviews that threaten the church. Missional apologetics meets this crisis by empowering leaders in these regions with apologetics training and awareness through short term missions. These missions provide exciting and rewarding opportunities for people equipped with apologetics to disciple global leaders in contextualizing biblical answers for the questions their communities are being challenged with. Through the growth of video collaboration tools like Zoom, relationships and training can continue long after a mission trip. This talk will outline the essentials of missional apologetics and practical ways to engage in taking apologetics on mission.
Monique Duson
Author, Speaker
Center for Biblical Unity
Monique Duson is a racial unity advocate and co-founder of the Center for Biblical Unity. She has a background in social service and children’s ministry.
She has worked with a diverse array of under-served communities. She worked as a Missionary to South Africa for over four years, serving children and teachers impacted by drugs, violence, and trauma. She spent two decades advocating for Critical Race Theory (CRT), but through a series of events, began to clearly see the contradictions of CRT with the historic Christian worldview. Monique is now convinced that CRT is not the best way to achieve racial unity and actively speaks out against the use of CRT within the church.
Monique has appeared on shows such as Relatable (with Allie Beth Stuckey), the Alisa Childers podcast, and Breakpoint (with John Stonestreet). Monique has a BA in Sociology from Biola University. She is working on a MA in Theology.
MONIQUE DUSON
Author, Co-Founder
Center for Biblical Unity
Avoiding Identity Theft
Monique will lead Christians into a deeper understanding of their identity in Christ and how this framework is the foundation for biblical unity.
Kiri Erb
Author, Speaker, Theologian
Soul Edge Ministries
Having been Co-Leader of Soul Edge Ministries (Canada) for over a decade, Kiri has had the privilege of investing into hundreds of young Christian leaders, equipping them for resilient church leadership. With a multidisciplinary approach to apologetics, she is passionate about the clarity, beauty and relevance of the Gospel message gaining traction in human hearts-not in spite of, but in relation to the lived human experience. Her upcoming novel, Love, War and the Mess In Between, carries this same heartbeat, nestled in historical fiction. She is currently completing her MA Systematic and Philosophical Theology at the University of Nottingham.
KIRI ERB
Author, Speaker, Theologian
Soul Edge Ministries
Faith, Reason and Art as Clues to Our Identity
Faith, reason, and art—these are universal features of human life. By investigating their relationship (philosophical theology made slightly less difficult), Kiri leads us to consider our relationship to reality, life and what this means for us as human beings.
Wesley Huff
Central Canada Director
Apologetics Canada
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, their son Eli, and their daughter Everly.
WESLEY HUFF
Central Canada Director
Apologetics Canada
The Identity of Jesus and Why It Matters To Us: Man, Myth, or More?
How do we give good evidence that Jesus was an actual historical figure? What is the historical case for the death of Jesus in the way that the Gospels describe? How do we prove, and not simply assume, that Jesus actually claimed to be God?
Steve Kim
Alberta Director
Apologetics Canada
Steve is a follower of Christ with a heart for apologetics which he views as the "intellectual care of the soul." He serves from the Edmonton area.
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.
STEVE KIM
Alberta Director
Apologetics Canada
Are You Good Enough for the Future?
Faster. Stronger. Smarter.
From clothes to vitamin pills, we have always enhanced ourselves through various technologies. With advanced technology, however, the stakes are getting much higher. When those around you are enhancing themselves through genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, and cybernetics, what will be your choice? Will you keep up, or will you be left behind? What might be the unforeseen trade-offs?
Join Steve to explore these questions and more.
Scott Lindsey
Executive Director
Logos
Scott Lindsey is the Executive Director and Ministry Relations Director for Faithlife, the creators of Logos Bible Software. His passion is to equip Christian communicators with the best tools available for the life-long pursuit of God through His word. The world has gone digital and Scott's ministry is to bring people's Bible study and research into the 21st century. Scott teaches at over 20+ conferences per year. He has personally trained and worked with the ministries of Tim Keller, David Jeremiah, Josh McDowell, Carol Kent, John MacArthur, Kay Arthur, and many more.
Scott Lindsey
Executive Director
Logos
The All-New Logos 10 for Personal Bible Study, Apologetics, and Ministry
This interactive workshop will demonstrate the use of all-new Logos 10 for personal Bible study, apologetics, counseling, and teaching. What normally takes five to 10 hours of flipping through paper books or randomly searching the Internet for theological answers and Bible study can be done in seconds – and the depth of study is unparalleled! Stop gambling with Google for theological answers!
"You have never heard a more powerful presentation, of a more powerful tool, in studying the most powerful Book in the world!"
- Dr. Norm Geisler - Christian apologist and philosopher
Troy Lydiate
Creative Director
Apologetics Canada
Troy Lydiate is a Jamaican-born recording artist, speaker and mentor living in the Greater Vancouver area of Canada. With a BA in Social Sciences from Providence University, his professional background is Youth Support Working and thus, naturally finds himself working with youth, young adults and college ages in ministry. Troy is working as the Creative Director and oversees Youth Engagement with Apologetics Canada. He can also be heard weekly as one of the hosts of the AC Podcast. Troy has a background of speaking at conferences, concerts and schools as well as preaching or teaching at ministerial events.
Under the moniker of "Scribe Music," he has released 3 studio albums and a variety of songs which he uses as a bridge to minister the gospel. His music production has found him awarded and nominated for several GMA (Covenant Awards), numerous blog features and placements on Canadian Christian radio. This has lead to a variety of concerts, and speaking engagements ranging from talks on the music industry, artist accountability and identity. When not creating and performing music, Troy’s first passion is soccer which he still plays and in the height of his pursuit brought him to a Real Madrid summer academy and University in both Canada and the US. Adopted as a toddler by Pastors Bob and Gwen Lydiate, Troy’s early years would be spent on the prairies of Canada in Regina, Saskatchewan. His experience in Western Canada would have him spending a lot of his ministry experience within the Indigenous community. He is a father of two and husband to Jasmine of 7 years. Troy is passionate about building and serving in the local church. He is member of his church leadership and serves on the worship team. He seeks to live a lifestyle of influencing cultural and global transformation, rooted in love, releasing hope while loving God and loving people.
TROY LYDIATE
Creative Director
Apologetics Canada
Adopting an Identity
It is often said that we are products of our environment; for better or for worse. Our perception can either set us on a path towards sonship in Christ, or one that adopts the cultural norms of the day. With things like deconstruction and personal identifiers becoming mainstream across Christian and secular borders, it's important for the church to get to the root. Join Troy Lydiate as he discusses the importance of reorienting our attentions to Christ through the removal of cultural place holders.
Arun Passi
Global Worker
Multiply Network
Arun serves with Multiply as a long-term global worker, called to Canada to serve alongside churches in partnership with church planting among the South Asian community. In Punjab, India, he was a church planter as well as an overseer of regions serving in 2 church planting networks. Arun is a 3rd generation Christian from a Sikh background. He understands the religious teachings of both Sikh and Hindu religions and has a passion to share the gospel.
Arun is married to Anjana and they have 2 boys, Daniel and Joel. They now reside in Abbotsford, BC.
Arun Passi
Global Worker
Multiply Network
Arun serves with Multiply as a long-term global worker, called to Canada to serve alongside churches in partnership with church planting among the South Asian community. In Punjab, India, he was a church planter as well as an overseer of regions serving in 2 church planting networks. Arun is a 3rd generation Christian from a Sikh background. He understands the religious teachings of both Sikh and Hindu religions and has a passion to share the gospel.
Arun is married to Anjana and they have 2 boys, Daniel and Joel. They now reside in Abbotsford, BC.
Global Worker
Multiply Network
Understanding and Loving Your Sikh Neighbor
In BC we have a growing South Asian population who are our neighbours. We will examine the basics of Sikhism, its origin, beliefs and practices. What are some challenges and opportunities that we have? What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself? We will look at these questions and talk about practical ways forward.
Samuel Perez
YouTuber, Podcast Host
SamuelAbrahamPerez.com
Samuel Abraham Perez is a former gay stripper turned whole hearted follower of Jesus. After being involved In the homosexual lifestyle and experiencing severe depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts; Samuel turned to God.
With open and extended arms, God's saving and transformational grace allowed for a complete change in his identity and purpose.
Samuel's mission is to preach his testimony and experiences of his life in the LGBTQ community, to believers and non-believers. Hoping to inspire others that the love of God is transformational and correcting.
His vision includes educating the church on those who struggle with same-sex attraction, and proper biblical interpretation and helping those whom struggle with SSA find comfort and encouragement towards an all encompassing and consuming love in Jesus Christ.
Samuel Perez
YouTuber, Podcast Host
SamuelAbrahamPerez.com
Samuel Abraham Perez is a former gay stripper turned whole hearted follower of Jesus. After being involved In the homosexual lifestyle and experiencing severe depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts; Samuel turned to God.
With open and extended arms, God's saving and transformational grace allowed for a complete change in his identity and purpose.
Samuel's mission is to preach his testimony and experiences of his life in the LGBTQ community, to believers and non-believers. Hoping to inspire others that the love of God is transformational and correcting.
His vision includes educating the church on those who struggle with same-sex attraction, and proper biblical interpretation and helping those whom struggle with SSA find comfort and encouragement towards an all encompassing and consuming love in Jesus Christ.
YouTuber, Podcast Host
SamuelAbrahamPerez.com
Discussing Same-Sex Attraction: Fidelity to Christ or Culture
(in Dialogue with Samuel Perez)
In a culture where feelings shape one’s identity, what does it mean to be a Christian? Should our feelings conform to our beliefs or should our beliefs conform to our feelings? In a culture that places such a high emphasis on individualism these have become difficult questions to wrestle with. Join us for a conversation between Jonathan Bryden and Samuel Perez, two young men who live with same-sex attraction. In this dialogue, moderated by Andy Steiger, you will hear from them what discipleship looks like on the ground in an everyday context.
(in Dialogue with Jonathan Bryden)
Raphael Samuel
Anesthesiologist, Christian Apologist
Apologetics Canada
Raphael Samuel is a Christian speaker, apologist and anesthesiologist. Born in Durban, South Africa, he obtained his medical degree and a Master’s degree in Medicine there. He further obtained Fellowships in Anesthesiology from the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He is currently completing his Master’s degree in Christian Apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, Southern California.
Having lived, worked and ministered in three different countries on three respective continents, he testifies to the transformative power of, and universal need for the Gospel of Jesus. By presenting evidence for the moral, logical, historical, and scientific coherence of the Christian worldview, he aims to help the fellow believer to love the Lord God with all his mind (Mk 12:30), as well as address barriers to belief faced by the skeptic.
Raphael lives in Hamilton, Canada with his wife, Reshmi, and two sons.
RAPHAEL SAMUEL
Anesthesiologist,
Christian Apologist
Apologetics Canada
The Human Body - Error or Evidence?
The starting point of any question of identity, of who I really am, is the question of origin. Am I a created being, fearfully and wonderfully made, designed for a purpose? Or am I an error of nature, a random byproduct of time, chance and matter? Join me, as we investigate the human body for evidence of a Grand Designer.
Neil Shenvi
Author, Speaker
shenviapologetics.com
Neil grew up in Delaware and attended Princeton University as an undergraduate where he worked on high-dimensional function approximation with Professor Herschel Rabitz. Neil became a Christian in Berkeley, CA where he did his PhD in Theoretical Chemistry at UC – Berkeley with Professor Birgitta Whaley. The subject of his PhD dissertation was quantum computation, including topics in quantum random walks, cavity quantum electrodynamics, spin physics, and the N-representability problem.
From 2005-2010, Neil worked as a postdoctoral associate with Prof. John Tully at Yale where he did research into nonadiabatic dynamics, electron transfer, and surface science. I moved down to Durham in 2010 to do research into nonadiabatic dynamics and electronic structure theory with professor Weitao Yang at Duke University.
In 2015, Neil quit his job at Duke to homeschool his four children, although he still fiddles with quantum mechanics now and then for fun. In addition to his duties as the principal of the South Durham Academy for Math and Science (also known as Daddy Academy), he tutors the Master’s class at the local Classical Conversations homeschool co-op. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, weight-lifting, and video games.
NEIL SHENVI
Author, Speaker
shenviapologetics.com
A Better Story: Wokeness vs. the Gospel
Critical theory functions as a metanarrative, explaining everything from how we can know truth, to our purpose in life, to our fundamental problem as human beings, to its solution. In this talk, Dr. Neil Shenvi will explain why traditional apologetics methods are challenged by critical theory and how we can connect to listeners who are steeped in the ideology of social justice. The gospel tells a truer, better story than the one offered by critical theory.
Larry Worthen
Executive Director
Christian Medical & Dental Association
Larry Worthen has been the Executive Director of the Christian Medical and Dental Society of Canada since 2012. He holds a law degree from Dalhousie University, a Diploma in Adult Education and a Masters of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies. His Master’s Thesis was on the topic of the New Evangelization in the teaching of Pope John Paul II. He has been following the legalization of MAID in Canada and its impacts on the medical system since legalization in 2016. He is also an ordained permanent deacon in the Roman Catholic Church. He preaches regularly at his parish and has been involved in pastoral care where he has supported the sick and the dying. He is married to Dr Linda Gagnon has two children and eight grandchildren.
LARRY WORTHEN
Executive Director
Christian Medical &
Dental Association
What's Wrong with MAiD?
Too often we look at apologetics from a theoretical perspective and don’t look at the practical repercussions of ignoring God’s word. In this workshop Larry Worthen uses the pandora’s box of euthanasia in Canada to show how a failure to respect God and his commandments has resulted in far reaching negative effects on the medical system, the legal system, patient care and patient dignity. The laws of God are designed to protect the vulnerable and the needy and it is often the strong who endeavour to erode them to protect their own power and autonomy.
Breakout Sessions
Melanie Beerda
Writer, Speaker
melaniebeerda.ca
Melanie Beerda is a public speaker and aspiring author, currently writing a Christian non-fiction book with the intention of empowering burnt out Christians to rekindle their faith.
Melanie grew up in a Christian home but struggled with her identity around being adopted and experiencing childhood sexual trauma. As a teenager, she walked away from faith while blaming God for her wounds and the hypocrisy she saw in fellow believers. She dove head first into the party scene with a spiteful heart, attempting to numb the pain and “prove them wrong.”
At twenty-one she fell to her knees in desperation calling out to God for help. She immediately felt the peace of Christ wash over her as she wept in safety of his embrace. Melanie is now twelve years sober, married with two little ones. Like a light shining in the darkness, her story of redemption illuminates that nothing is impossible for the God who created us on purpose, for a purpose.
Melanie has worked as an Addictions Support Worker and a Youth Worker with at-risk-youth. She is passionate about empowering others
MELANIE BEERDA
Writer, Speaker
melaniebeerda.ca
Addiction & Identity
Every substance dependent person has not only had to fight their own addiction but also the glamorization and dehumanization that comes with a disease they could not control. There is a stigma that comes with every conversation around addiction that doesn’t go away when the addict recovers.
We have all seen the damage that addiction can cause, from destroyed families to homelessness, and overdose. Melanie will share how God used her addiction as the vessel that led her to understanding identity is not something we get from the world; it comes from the God that created us. As our culture is frantically trying to fix the problem of addiction, we are causing more harm by enforcing the lie that the addict will always suffer, a lost cause. The solution is simple but it requires work; something none of us, addict or not, have been taught to embrace. The rigorous process of taking ownership for our lives, healing from our past and doing the next right thing. With Christ at the center, attendees can expect to learn about the progressive nature of the disease of substance addiction, why people relapse, the process of recovery and how to support someone with a history of drug and alcohol dependency.
Jonathan Bryden
Documentary Filmmaker
Independent
Jonathan Bryden works in Vancouver Canada as a documentary filmmaker in the independent film industry. A Christian from a young age, Jonathan also has struggled with reconciling his same-sex attraction with his faith and is currently living a celibate life in pursuit of Jesus. Passionate to share the Gospel through film, Jonathan is producing a documentary series that aims to ask the question, “How does the church in light of the Gospel face homosexuality?”
Watch the first episode of his documentary and consider partnering with him through prayer and financial support to see this project come to light and minister to those in the church who are personally facing this struggle. Will you partner with him as he aims to raise the funds needed to finish this documentary series?
Are you walking with a loved one who is facing same-sex attraction and want to partner with Jonathan in his ministry? He can be reached at [email protected] for more details on this project and where it is going.
JONATHAN BRYDEN
Documentary Filmmaker
Independent
Discussing Same-Sex Attraction: Fidelity to Christ or Culture
(in Dialogue with Samuel Perez)
In a culture where feelings shape one’s identity, what does it mean to be a Christian? Should our feelings conform to our beliefs or should our beliefs conform to our feelings? In a culture that places such a high emphasis on individualism these have become difficult questions to wrestle with. Join us for a conversation between Jonathan Bryden and Samuel Perez, two young men who live with same-sex attraction. In this dialogue, moderated by Andy Steiger, you will hear from them what discipleship looks like on the ground in an everyday context.
(in Dialogue with Samuel Perez)
Paul Chamberlain
Professor of Ethics and Philosophy
Trinity Western University
Dr. Paul Chamberlain is a professor of ethics, philosophy of religion, leadership and Christian Apologetics at TWU. He is an effective communicator both in and out of the classroom. His humorous, down-to-earth manner appeals to a wide variety of people. Drawing from the media and using a professional power point presentation, his seminars are both interesting and relevant. Dr. Chamberlain has appeared on numerous radio and television talk shows, debated on university campuses, and is a frequent guest speaker at public functions. He is the author of five books: Can We be Good Without God, Final Wishes, How To Talk About Good and Bad Without Getting Ugly: A Guide to Moral Persuasion, Why People Don’t Believe: Confronting Seven Challenges to Christian Faith, and Why People Stop Believing, as well as a number of articles addressing current social and moral issues. He is also the coeditor of Everyday Apologetics. He enjoys outdoor activities such as riding motorcycle, swimming, camping, and doing most anything outside with his family.
PAUL CHAMBERLAIN
Professor of Ethics and Philosophy
Trinity Western University
If God is So Good, Why Does He Allow Covid and Other Hard Things?
As terrible as COVID is, it just happens to be the latest example of human suffering. Life is full of suffering, from accidents and natural disasters to murder and sexual assault, the list of examples is seemingly endless. For many, this is enough for them to deny that God exists. Even for those who believe in the existence of God, it at least raises questions about God's character. Can we believe in a good God in light of all the suffering? What can suffering reveal to us about who God is?
Ben Clifton
President
Apologetics on Mission
Ben has always been on adventure. As soon as he could walk, his parents carted him all over Europe in a VW bus. He spent his youth on the atolls of Micronesia, returning to Washington State to pursue a degree in electrical engineering and computer science. This set Ben off on a 30-year career of electronic display innovation.
Ben wasn’t always a Christian. Far from it. His engineering- and scientifically-oriented mind convinced him that any notion of “god” or the supernatural was the backward thinking of an obsolete age. Thankfully, he married Joey, who encouraged him to come to church with her. Four years later, at 33, Ben gave his heart to Christ.
It took a while for his mind to catch up with his heart. Seeking to reconcile his new-found faith with science, Ben discovered a little book titled “The Fingerprint of God” by Hugh Ross. He discovered apologetics and was hooked! Ben’s academic pursuit of apologetics culminated in a master’s program from Biola, and he now teaches and speaks in the Pacific Northwest.
Ben’s first trip to Uganda was in 2017, where he discovered that the people of Uganda are just as hungry for answers as he was. Returning in 2018 and 2019, he partnered with several East African ministries and universities for intensive apologetics seminars. The vision for taking apologetics on-mission was birthed during these trips.
Off-ramping a career in technology, Ben joined the staff of Eternal Impact where he served as director of ministry and innovation for 5 years. Always cultivating the vision for taking the Why Behind the What on mission, he launched Adventurous Apologetics (now "Apologetics on Mission") with Kristen Davis in 2021.
President
Apologetics on Mission
Missional Apologetics
The need and opportunity to take apologetics on mission globally
Outside the West, there is a dangerous lack of awareness and training in defending the Christian faith, leaving global leaders unprepared to resist the cultural tide of anti-biblical worldviews that threaten the church. Missional apologetics meets this crisis by empowering leaders in these regions with apologetics training and awareness through short term missions. These missions provide exciting and rewarding opportunities for people equipped with apologetics to disciple global leaders in contextualizing biblical answers for the questions their communities are being challenged with. Through the growth of video collaboration tools like Zoom, relationships and training can continue long after a mission trip. This talk will outline the essentials of missional apologetics and practical ways to engage in taking apologetics on mission.
Monique Duson
Author, Speaker
Center for Biblical Unity
Monique Duson is a racial unity advocate and co-founder of the Center for Biblical Unity. She has a background in social service and children’s ministry.
She has worked with a diverse array of under-served communities. She worked as a Missionary to South Africa for over four years, serving children and teachers impacted by drugs, violence, and trauma. She spent two decades advocating for Critical Race Theory (CRT), but through a series of events, began to clearly see the contradictions of CRT with the historic Christian worldview. Monique is now convinced that CRT is not the best way to achieve racial unity and actively speaks out against the use of CRT within the church.
Monique has appeared on shows such as Relatable (with Allie Beth Stuckey), the Alisa Childers podcast, and Breakpoint (with John Stonestreet). Monique has a BA in Sociology from Biola University. She is working on a MA in Theology.
Author, Co-Founder
Center for Biblical Unity
Avoiding Identity Theft
Monique will lead Christians into a deeper understanding of their identity in Christ and how this framework is the foundation for biblical unity.
Kiri Erb
Author, Speaker, Theologian
Soul Edge Ministries
Author, Speaker, Theologian
Soul Edge Ministries
Faith, Reason and Art as Clues to Our Identity
Faith, reason, and art—these are universal features of human life. By investigating their relationship (philosophical theology made slightly less difficult), Kiri leads us to consider our relationship to reality, life and what this means for us as human beings.
Wesley Huff
Central Canada Director
Apologetics Canada
Central Canada Director
Apologetics Canada
The Identity of Jesus and Why It Matters To Us: Man, Myth, or More?
How do we give good evidence that Jesus was an actual historical figure? What is the historical case for the death of Jesus in the way that the Gospels describe? How do we prove, and not simply assume, that Jesus actually claimed to be God?
Steve Kim
Alberta Director
Apologetics Canada
Steve is a follower of Christ with a heart for apologetics which he views as the "intellectual care of the soul." He serves from the Edmonton area.
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.
Alberta Director
Apologetics Canada
Are You Good Enough for the Future?
Faster. Stronger. Smarter.
From clothes to vitamin pills, we have always enhanced ourselves through various technologies. With advanced technology, however, the stakes are getting much higher. When those around you are enhancing themselves through genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, and cybernetics, what will be your choice? Will you keep up, or will you be left behind? What might be the unforeseen trade-offs?
Join Steve to explore these questions and more.
Scott Lindsey
Executive Director
Logos Bible Software
Scott Lindsey is the Executive Director and Ministry Relations Director Logos Bible Software. His passion is to equip Christian communicators with the best tools available for the life-long pursuit of God through His word. The world has gone digital and Scott's ministry is to bring people's Bible study and research into the 21st century. Scott teaches at over 20+ conferences per year. He has personally trained and worked with the ministries of Tim Keller, David Jeremiah, Josh McDowell, Carol Kent, John MacArthur, Kay Arthur, and many more.
Scott Lindsey
Executive Director
Logos Bible Software
The All-New Logos 10 for Personal Bible Study, Apologetics, and Ministry
This interactive workshop will demonstrate the use of all-new Logos 10 for personal Bible study, apologetics, counseling, and teaching. What normally takes five to 10 hours of flipping through paper books or randomly searching the Internet for theological answers and Bible study can be done in seconds – and the depth of study is unparalleled! Stop gambling with Google for theological answers!
"You have never heard a more powerful presentation, of a more powerful tool, in studying the most powerful Book in the world!"
- Dr. Norm Geisler - Christian apologist and philosopher
Troy Lydiate
Creative Director
Apologetics Canada
Troy Lydiate is a Jamaican-born recording artist, speaker and mentor living in the Greater Vancouver area of Canada. With a BA in Social Sciences from Providence University, his professional background is Youth Support Working and thus, naturally finds himself working with youth, young adults and college ages in ministry. Troy is working as the Creative Director and oversees Youth Engagement with Apologetics Canada. He can also be heard weekly as one of the hosts of the AC Podcast. Troy has a background of speaking at conferences, concerts and schools as well as preaching or teaching at ministerial events.
Under the moniker of "Scribe Music," he has released 3 studio albums and a variety of songs which he uses as a bridge to minister the gospel. His music production has found him awarded and nominated for several GMA (Covenant Awards), numerous blog features and placements on Canadian Christian radio. This has lead to a variety of concerts, and speaking engagements ranging from talks on the music industry, artist accountability and identity. When not creating and performing music, Troy’s first passion is soccer which he still plays and in the height of his pursuit brought him to a Real Madrid summer academy and University in both Canada and the US. Adopted as a toddler by Pastors Bob and Gwen Lydiate, Troy’s early years would be spent on the prairies of Canada in Regina, Saskatchewan. His experience in Western Canada would have him spending a lot of his ministry experience within the Indigenous community. He is a father of two and husband to Jasmine of 7 years. Troy is passionate about building and serving in the local church. He is member of his church leadership and serves on the worship team. He seeks to live a lifestyle of influencing cultural and global transformation, rooted in love, releasing hope while loving God and loving people.
Creative Director
Apologetics Canada
Adopting an Identity
It is often said that we are products of our environment; for better or for worse. Our perception can either set us on a path towards sonship in Christ, or one that adopts the cultural norms of the day. With things like deconstruction and personal identifiers becoming mainstream across Christian and secular borders, it's important for the church to get to the root. Join Troy Lydiate as he discusses the importance of reorienting our attentions to Christ through the removal of cultural place holders.
Arun Passi
Global Worker
Multiply Network
Arun serves with Multiply as a long-term global worker, called to Canada to serve alongside churches in partnership with church planting among the South Asian community. In Punjab, India, he was a church planter as well as an overseer of regions serving in 2 church planting networks. Arun is a 3rd generation Christian from a Sikh background. He understands the religious teachings of both Sikh and Hindu religions and has a passion to share the gospel.
Arun is married to Anjana and they have 2 boys, Daniel and Joel. They now reside in Abbotsford, BC.
Global Worker
Multiply Network
Understanding and Loving Your Sikh Neighbor
In BC we have a growing South Asian population who are our neighbours. We will examine the basics of Sikhism, its origin, beliefs and practices. What are some challenges and opportunities that we have? What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself? We will look at these questions and talk about practical ways forward.
Samuel Perez
President
Apologetics Canada
Samuel Abraham Perez is a former gay stripper turned whole hearted follower of Jesus. After being involved In the homosexual lifestyle and experiencing severe depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts; Samuel turned to God.
With open and extended arms, God's saving and transformational grace allowed for a complete change in his identity and purpose.
Samuel's mission is to preach his testimony and experiences of his life in the LGBTQ community, to believers and non-believers. Hoping to inspire others that the love of God is transformational and correcting.
His vision includes educating the church on those who struggle with same-sex attraction, and proper biblical interpretation and helping those whom struggle with SSA find comfort and encouragement towards an all encompassing and consuming love in Jesus Christ.
YouTuber, Podcast Host
SamuelAbrahamPerez.com
Discussing Same-Sex Attraction: Fidelity to Christ or Culture
(in Dialogue with Samuel Perez)
In a culture where feelings shape one’s identity, what does it mean to be a Christian? Should our feelings conform to our beliefs or should our beliefs conform to our feelings? In a culture that places such a high emphasis on individualism these have become difficult questions to wrestle with. Join us for a conversation between Jonathan Bryden and Samuel Perez, two young men who live with same-sex attraction. In this dialogue, moderated by Andy Steiger, you will hear from them what discipleship looks like on the ground in an everyday context.
(in Dialogue with Jonathan Bryden)
Raphael Samuel
Anesthesiologist, Christian Apologist
Apologetics Canada
Raphael Samuel is a Christian speaker, apologist and anesthesiologist. Born in Durban, South Africa, he obtained his medical degree and a Master’s degree in Medicine there. He further obtained Fellowships in Anesthesiology from the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He is currently completing his Master’s degree in Christian Apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, Southern California.
Having lived, worked and ministered in three different countries on three respective continents, he testifies to the transformative power of, and universal need for the Gospel of Jesus. By presenting evidence for the moral, logical, historical, and scientific coherence of the Christian worldview, he aims to help the fellow believer to love the Lord God with all his mind (Mk 12:30), as well as address barriers to belief faced by the skeptic.
Raphael lives in Hamilton, Canada with his wife, Reshmi, and two sons.
Anesthesiologist,
Christian Apologist
Apologetics Canada
The Human Body - Error or Evidence?
The starting point of any question of identity, of who I really am, is the question of origin. Am I a created being, fearfully and wonderfully made, designed for a purpose? Or am I an error of nature, a random byproduct of time, chance and matter? Join me, as we investigate the human body for evidence of a Grand Designer.
Neil Shenvi
Author, Speaker
shenviapologetics.com
Neil grew up in Delaware and attended Princeton University as an undergraduate where he worked on high-dimensional function approximation with Professor Herschel Rabitz. Neil became a Christian in Berkeley, CA where he did his PhD in Theoretical Chemistry at UC – Berkeley with Professor Birgitta Whaley. The subject of his PhD dissertation was quantum computation, including topics in quantum random walks, cavity quantum electrodynamics, spin physics, and the N-representability problem.
From 2005-2010, Neil worked as a postdoctoral associate with Prof. John Tully at Yale where he did research into nonadiabatic dynamics, electron transfer, and surface science. I moved down to Durham in 2010 to do research into nonadiabatic dynamics and electronic structure theory with professor Weitao Yang at Duke University.
In 2015, Neil quit his job at Duke to homeschool his four children, although he still fiddles with quantum mechanics now and then for fun. In addition to his duties as the principal of the South Durham Academy for Math and Science (also known as Daddy Academy), he tutors the Master’s class at the local Classical Conversations homeschool co-op. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, weight-lifting, and video games.
Author, Speaker
shenviapologetics.com
A Better Story: Wokeness vs. the Gospel
Critical theory functions as a metanarrative, explaining everything from how we can know truth, to our purpose in life, to our fundamental problem as human beings, to its solution. In this talk, Dr. Neil Shenvi will explain why traditional apologetics methods are challenged by critical theory and how we can connect to listeners who are steeped in the ideology of social justice. The gospel tells a truer, better story than the one offered by critical theory.
Larry Worthen
Executive Director
Christian Medical & Dental Association
Larry Worthen has been the Executive Director of the Christian Medical and Dental Society of Canada since 2012. He holds a law degree from Dalhousie University, a Diploma in Adult Education and a Masters of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies. His Master’s Thesis was on the topic of the New Evangelization in the teaching of Pope John Paul II. He has been following the legalization of MAID in Canada and its impacts on the medical system since legalization in 2016. He is also an ordained permanent deacon in the Roman Catholic Church. He preaches regularly at his parish and has been involved in pastoral care where he has supported the sick and the dying. He is married to Dr Linda Gagnon has two children and eight grandchildren.
Executive Director
Christian Medical &
Dental Association
What's Wrong with MAiD?
Too often we look at apologetics from a theoretical perspective and don’t look at the practical repercussions of ignoring God’s word. In this workshop Larry Worthen uses the pandora’s box of euthanasia in Canada to show how a failure to respect God and his commandments has resulted in far reaching negative effects on the medical system, the legal system, patient care and patient dignity. The laws of God are designed to protect the vulnerable and the needy and it is often the strong who endeavour to erode them to protect their own power and autonomy.
Schedule
Friday, March 3
5:30 PM
Registration begins. Any remaining tickets available for purchase.
6:30 PM
Doors open.
7:00 PM
Andy Steiger - We Need to Talk
Farr Curlin
The Way of Medicine for Christians:
Navigating Ethical Challenges from Gender Affirmation Surgery to Doctor-Assisted Death
8:40 PM
Break
8:55 PM
Dialogue - Farr Curlin and Andy Steiger
Q&A with Farr Curlin
Moderated by Andy Steiger
10:00 PM
Conference ends for the night.
Saturday, March 4
7:30 AM
Doors Open
8:00 AM
Neil Shenvi
Woke Roots:
Understanding Contemporary Critical Theory
Monique Duson
Woke Fruits:
Examining the Manifestations of Critical Theory in Our Current Culture
10:00 AM
Break
10:20 AM
Q&A with Neil and Monique
10:50 AM
Lunch
Pre-ordered lunch can be picked on-site.
Food trucks will be available outside.
12:20 PM
Breakout Session #1
(Choose a topic of interest)
1:05 PM
Break
1:20 PM
Breakout Session #2
(Choose a topic of interest)
2:05 PM
Break
2:20 PM
Samuel Perez
reBRANDED Life: How Jesus Gives us a New Identity in Him
3:00 PM
Conference ends
Venue
NORTHVIEW COMMUNITY CHURCH
32040 Downes Rd., Abbotsford, BC
Register
Join a community of like-minded people to explore
the big questions our culture is asking.
The Event is Now Over
Thank you for your interest. Apologetics Canada Conference 2023 in BC is now over. To order the recordings from the conference, click the button below.