Apologetics Canada Conference
THEOLOGY OF TECHNOLOGY
March 7 & 8, 2025
From eyeglasses to smartphones, technology is all around us. It always has been. In fact, it’s difficult to imagine humanity without it. However, recent advancements—especially in Artificial Intelligence (AI)—have connected us to technology in profound ways. With technology that can even mimic humanity, we as followers of Christ must consider what technology is and what role it ought to play in our increasingly digital lives.
Join us this March 7 & 8 for our next Apologetics Canada Conference as we explore a biblical theology of technology.
SPEAKERS
MAIN SESSIONS
Andy Steiger, PhD
President
Apologetics Canada
Dr. Andy Steiger is the founder and president of Apologetics Canada Ministries (AC). He passionately engages pressing issues related to our humanity from a Christian perspective. He has presented at various venues such as Cambridge University on philosophical issues related to Artificial Intelligence, provided ethical guidelines on robotics for the United Nations, and addressed legal concerns over rights of conscience at the World Congress in Philosophy of Law.
Andy has published widely from children’s books to the Supreme Court Law Review.
Between his 20 years of pastoral experience and a PhD from the University of Aberdeen, Andy brings both experience and research to his work.
Andy currently lives in Abbotsford, British Columbia, with his wife, Nancy, and their two sons. Most weekends you’ll find the Steigers in the mountains or lakes of BC.
Andy Steiger, PhD
President
Apologetics Canada
Dr. Andy Steiger is the founder and president of Apologetics Canada Ministries (AC). He passionately engages pressing issues related to our humanity from a Christian perspective. He has presented at various venues such as Cambridge University on philosophical issues related to Artificial Intelligence, provided ethical guidelines on robotics for the United Nations, and addressed legal concerns over rights of conscience at the World Congress in Philosophy of Law.
Andy has published widely from children’s books to the Supreme Court Law Review.
Between his 20 years of pastoral experience and a PhD from the University of Aberdeen, Andy brings both experience and research to his work.
Andy currently lives in Abbotsford, British Columbia, with his wife, Nancy, and their two sons. Most weekends you’ll find the Steigers in the mountains or lakes of BC.
STEIGER
President
Apologetics Canada
From Eden to Silicon Valley
Will AI Destroy Us?
AI technologies have been around for decades but within the last few years they have taken significant leaps forward. We are currently living in a time of rapid technological advancements and it can be a little disorientating. In this session, Andy will help bring you up to speed on how AI works and where it's currently at. Although technology is being used for great good, there are growing concerns even in the tech industry. This session will cut through the sci-fi fears and propose a theology of technology that will help us navigate our present moment and the future that’s quickly advancing.
From Code to Consciousness
Can Artificial Intelligence Be Human?
Gretchen Huizinga, PhD
Research Fellow
AI and Faith
Dr. Gretchen Huizinga is a research fellow and board member of AI and Faith, an organization that brings the wisdom of the world’s great religions to the moral and ethical challenges of artificial intelligence. She recently completed a visiting fellowship with the Lanier Theological Library at Yarnton Manor in Oxford, UK, where she continued her research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, ethics, and Christian theology under Prof. John Lennox. In addition to her academic work, Gretchen is a podcast host for Microsoft Research where she has interviewed more than a hundred scientists and leaders on the latest technological innovations, including recent advances in machine learning and generative AI. Gretchen is an English major at heart (always reading a good book or silently correcting someone’s grammar) but holds master’s degrees in both Mass Communication and Learning Sciences & Human Development, as well as a PhD from the University of Washington with a dissertation titled Righteous AI: The Christian voice in the ethical AI conversation. She lives in the Seattle area with her husband and wears better shoes than academia demands, or a podcast warrants.
Gretchen Huizinga, PhD
Research Fellow
AI and Faith
Dr. Gretchen Huizinga is a research fellow and board member of AI and Faith, an organization that brings the wisdom of the world’s great religions to the moral and ethical challenges of artificial intelligence. She recently completed a visiting fellowship with the Lanier Theological Library at Yarnton Manor in Oxford, UK, where she continued her research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, ethics, and Christian theology under Prof. John Lennox. In addition to her academic work, Gretchen is a podcast host for Microsoft Research where she has interviewed more than a hundred scientists and leaders on the latest technological innovations, including recent advances in machine learning and generative AI. Gretchen is an English major at heart (always reading a good book or silently correcting someone’s grammar) but holds master’s degrees in both Mass Communication and Learning Sciences & Human Development, as well as a PhD from the University of Washington with a dissertation titled Righteous AI: The Christian voice in the ethical AI conversation. She lives in the Seattle area with her husband and wears better shoes than academia demands, or a podcast warrants.
HUIZINGA
Research Fellow
AI and Faith
From Ethical AI to Righteous AI
Can Artificial Intelligence Be Good?
In response to fears around the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence, we’ve seen an increase in efforts to ensure that AI is made and used ethically. Most of these efforts, however, are based on a secular humanist worldview that seeks to compel people to behave ethically without transcendent reason or power. The Christian faith, by contrast, maintains that God is the originator, motivator, and sustainer of moral behaviour, and points to a creative notion of goodness that cannot be achieved by human will or effort. In a secularized, AI-centric world, is it wise to de-platform Christianity? In this talk, Gretchen contrasts secular ethics with biblical righteousness and challenges the assumption that humanistic efforts alone will result in safe, ethical, or “good” AI.
Can Artificial Intelligence Be Good?
Sebstian Vaduva, PhD
Serial Entrepreneur
sebastianvaduva.com
Dr. Sebastian Vaduva is a professor, consultant and entrepreneur. He teaches, and writes about ethics, entrepreneurship, and technology.
His main goal is to help people and organizations be their best. He believes that a company's most important assets are its people and ideas. Sebastian is committed to developing them through training, coaching, mentoring, and networking.
He values ethics because he thinks they create long-term success. He envisions a connected global business world based on creativity, communication, collaboration, and character.
Sebstian Vaduva, PhD
Serial Entrepreneur
sebastianvaduva.com
Dr. Sebastian Vaduva is a professor, consultant and entrepreneur. He teaches, and writes about ethics, entrepreneurship, and technology.
His main goal is to help people and organizations be their best. He believes that a company's most important assets are its people and ideas. Sebastian is committed to developing them through training, coaching, mentoring, and networking.
He values ethics because he thinks they create long-term success. He envisions a connected global business world based on creativity, communication, collaboration, and character.
VADUVA
Serial Entrepreneur
sebastianvaduva.com
Surviving the Culture Wars
What the Church Must Learn From Europe’s Failures
There once was a time that Canada looked to Europe to see the secular future. Those times have changed. Europe still has its secular holdouts but for the most part, Canada and the United States have now become Europe’s cautionary tale, not of the future but of their past. The culture wars that now grip North America are nothing new to Europe. In many ways, Europe is rebuilding from the ashes of multiple culture wars that have taken their toll on the church. Growing up in Romania during the fall of the communist party, Sebastian knows first-hand Europe’s failures and the difficulty in rebuilding a family, church, and society. In this session, Sebastian will bring a much needed perspective to our current cultural moment.
What the Church Must Learn From Europe’s Failures
Johan Erasmus
Co-Founder
Betereinders
Johan holds degrees in history, philosophy and theology and is currently pursuing a PhD, focussing on race and reconciliation. He is the co-founder of Dialogue Community Church, a multi-cultural church in Pretoria and Betereinders, an NGO focusing on social development and reconciliation in South Africa. The activities of Betereinders have been covered by national and international media and they recently won the Andrew Murray-Desmond Tutu Prize for Unity, Reconciliation and Justice. Johan is married to Loraine, a film lecturer, and they have two small boys, Louw and Eben.
Johan Erasmus
Co-Founder
Betereinders
Johan holds degrees in history, philosophy and theology and is currently pursuing a PhD, focussing on race and reconciliation. He is the co-founder of Dialogue Community Church, a multi-cultural church in Pretoria and Betereinders, an NGO focusing on social development and reconciliation in South Africa. The activities of Betereinders have been covered by national and international media and they recently won the Andrew Murray-Desmond Tutu Prize for Unity, Reconciliation and Justice. Johan is married to Loraine, a film lecturer, and they have two small boys, Louw and Eben.
ERASMUS
Co-Founder
Betereinders
Race or Grace?
Why North America Should Stop Exporting Activism and Start Importing Reconciliation
Historically the fight against racism, in many parts of the world, was driven by the church. William Wilberforce struggled against slavery and many years later Martin Luther King Jr. picked up the mantle in the civil rights era. Over in South Africa people like Desmond Tutu and Albert Luthuli led the fight against Apartheid and stressed the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. Although these men are separated by centuries and nationalities they held one thing in common, a deeply committed Christian faith.
In the last decade the fight against racism has been taken up by different manifestations of the Black Lives Matter movement. Thinkers of this movement like Ibram X. Kendi and Robin DiAngelo are providing the language for a new generation of activists and for the first time racism is not being framed in theological language, but rather in secular terms.
In South Africa we are still reeling from our racist past and in many places the racial tension is not far from the surface. It is in this climate that these different racial ideologies are playing out and the stakes couldn't be higher.
Why North America Should Stop Exporting Activism and Start Importing Reconciliation
Moses Chirusha
CEO
Ufanuzi
Moses Chirusha is a visionary entrepreneur and technologist with a deep commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to address challenges faced by communities in Africa, particularly in education, agriculture, and the financial sector. Born into a family of 12 Children, Moses’ parents worked as church planters and subsistence farmers in the Congo. From an early age Moses loved God and technology. He founded his tech company Ufanuzi at the remarkable age of 15, with a mission to make technology accessible and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has the tools and opportunity to succeed.
After observing the severe food shortages subsistence farmers face in Malawi, Moses founded Fruitful Mart, a distribution company that supports subsistence farmers by helping them access high-end markets via an e-commerce platform, and providing essential training, technology, and microloans for farmers. His work extends beyond just creating a marketplace; he also envisions using artificial intelligence to equip farmers with the knowledge they need to improve their yields and livelihoods.
Moses’s work is rooted in a deep love for Africa. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Moses has been involved in discussions and collaborations with other young leaders across the continent like the Young African Leadership Initiative, Intercontinental Youth Connect, Faith Driven Entrepreneurs in Africa, etc focusing on projects that aim to inspire young people in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Moses Chirusha
CEO
Ufanuzi
Moses Chirusha is a visionary entrepreneur and technologist with a deep commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to address challenges faced by communities in Africa, particularly in education, agriculture, and the financial sector. Born into a family of 12 Children, Moses’ parents worked as church planters and subsistence farmers in the Congo. From an early age Moses loved God and technology. He founded his tech company Ufanuzi at the remarkable age of 15, with a mission to make technology accessible and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has the tools and opportunity to succeed.
After observing the severe food shortages subsistence farmers face in Malawi, Moses founded Fruitful Mart, a distribution company that supports subsistence farmers by helping them access high-end markets via an e-commerce platform, and providing essential training, technology, and microloans for farmers. His work extends beyond just creating a marketplace; he also envisions using artificial intelligence to equip farmers with the knowledge they need to improve their yields and livelihoods.
Moses’s work is rooted in a deep love for Africa. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Moses has been involved in discussions and collaborations with other young leaders across the continent like the Young African Leadership Initiative, Intercontinental Youth Connect, Faith Driven Entrepreneurs in Africa, etc focusing on projects that aim to inspire young people in Sub-Saharan Africa.
CHIRUSHA
CEO
Ufanuzi
Out of Poverty
My Journey of Faith, Technology, and Transformation in Africa
Growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Moses Chirusha experienced firsthand the struggles of poverty and the lack of opportunities. Yet, through his Christian faith, unwavering determination, and belief in the power of technology, he embarked on a journey that would not only transform his life but also the lives of countless others in his community.
In this inspiring talk, Moses shares his personal story of rising from humble beginnings to becoming a Christian leader leveraging technology for social good. He will explore how his faith has been the cornerstone of his journey, guiding him through adversity and shaping a vision for transformation across Africa.
Moses will discuss how initiatives like Fruitful Mart and Ufanuzi are not just about providing market access or technological tools but about creating pathways to survival and purpose. By aligning his work with biblical principles of stewardship, justice, and compassion, Moses demonstrates how technology can be a force for transformation in the hands of those driven by a love for God and their community.
My Journey of Faith, Technology, and Transformation in Africa
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Mike Butler, PhD
Quantum Physicist
Dr. Michael Butler is passionate about learning and teaching. He has always had a strong interest in discovering how the world around him works. Michael holds degrees in physics and computer science. He has completed his PhD at the University of Saskatchewan, investigating an area of physics known as quantum gravity.
The intersection between faith and science is what drew Michael to apologetics. He hopes that through apologetics the Church will have thought provoking conversations about science and how we view the world.
When Michael is not studying he enjoys working on computers and electronics, getting out into the backcountry for hiking and camping, and photographing the night sky.
Mike Butler, PhD
Quantum Physicist
Dr. Michael Butler is passionate about learning and teaching. He has always had a strong interest in discovering how the world around him works. Michael holds degrees in physics and computer science. He has completed his PhD at the University of Saskatchewan, investigating an area of physics known as quantum gravity.
The intersection between faith and science is what drew Michael to apologetics. He hopes that through apologetics the Church will have thought provoking conversations about science and how we view the world.
When Michael is not studying he enjoys working on computers and electronics, getting out into the backcountry for hiking and camping, and photographing the night sky.
BUTLER
Quantum Physicist
Apologetics Canada
Understanding AI through Christian Ethics
As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly affects various aspects of modern life, it is essential for Christians to join the conversation regarding the roles that these technologies should have in the future. This presentation explores the intersection of AI and Christian ethics, examining the fundamental concepts of AI technology with the goal of providing the context required to discuss its moral implications. How do AI technologies work? What is required to create an AI model? How capable or reliable are they? By answering these questions and through examination of recent ethical concerns surrounding AI; we can begin to frame the Christian response for the ethical use of AI and the wider impact it will have on society.
Gord Carkner, PhD
Meta-Educator
Outreach Canada
Dr. Gordon E. Carkner is a meta-educator with postgraduate students and faculty at the University of British Columbia, promoting faith-and-culture dialogue and offering thought-provoking YouTube webinars. He is chairperson of the scholarly lecture series "The UBC Graduate and Faculty Christian Forum." He holds a BSc. in Human Physiology from Queen's University; an MDiv from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; and a PhD in philosophical theology on the late modern self from University of Wales. He is the author of The Great Escape from Nihilism (2016); and Towards an Incarnational Spiritual Culture: Grounding Our Identity in Christ (2024).
Gord Carkner, PhD
Meta-Educator
Outreach Canada
Dr. Gordon E. Carkner is a meta-educator with postgraduate students and faculty at the University of British Columbia, promoting faith-and-culture dialogue and offering thought-provoking YouTube webinars. He is chairperson of the scholarly lecture series "The UBC Graduate and Faculty Christian Forum." He holds a BSc. in Human Physiology from Queen's University; an MDiv from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; and a PhD in philosophical theology on the late modern self from University of Wales. He is the author of The Great Escape from Nihilism (2016); and Towards an Incarnational Spiritual Culture: Grounding Our Identity in Christ (2024).
CARKNER
Meta-Educator
Outreach Canada
Rethinking Identity Through the Lens of Incarnation
Meta-Educator and Author Dr. Gordon E. Carkner helps us rethink our current identity crisis through the lens of Incarnation. Despite our amazing technology, many people today are experiencing identity angst and confusion. Some are in real crisis, going through 'disintegration' or 'alienation'. We have a strong sense that all is not well in late modern, individualistic, self-construction. Dr. Carkner suggests an alternative route to a more robust identity via the Christian narrative of the Incarnation of Jesus the Christ. This quest for identity involves our response to a call into dialogue from our Creator. It results in a more communal self-concept, where the particularity of each person is valued and protected. Join him in this exciting adventure of unpacking the plausibility of this fresh approach. See also his new book, Towards an Incarnational Spiritual Culture: Grounding Our Identity in Christ.
Paul Chamberlain, PhD
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, PhD
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.
CHAMBERLAIN
Professor of Ethics and Philosophy
Trinity Western University
Can Christians Make a Difference?
Learning from William Wilberforce
Can Christians actually make a difference in our world? In this lecture, we will learn from William Wilberforce (1759-1833), a British parliamentarian whose life has inspired many. After becoming a Christian, he began to fight slavery and other destructive practices in his culture. Unlike many others who have tried, he was successful, and slavery was abolished. How did he do it? We will track his strategies and see how they apply today. A heads-up: some of them may surprise and inspire you too.
Learning from William Wilberforce
Johan Erasmus
Co-Founder
Betereinders
Johan holds degrees in history, philosophy and theology and is currently pursuing a PhD, focussing on race and reconciliation. He is the co-founder of Dialogue Community Church, a multi-cultural church in Pretoria and Betereinders, an NGO focusing on social development and reconciliation in South Africa. The activities of Betereinders have been covered by national and international media and they recently won the Andrew Murray-Desmond Tutu Prize for Unity, Reconciliation and Justice. Johan is married to Loraine, a film lecturer, and they have two small boys, Louw and Eben.
Johan Erasmus
Co-Founder
Betereinders
Johan holds degrees in history, philosophy and theology and is currently pursuing a PhD, focussing on race and reconciliation. He is the co-founder of Dialogue Community Church, a multi-cultural church in Pretoria and Betereinders, an NGO focusing on social development and reconciliation in South Africa. The activities of Betereinders have been covered by national and international media and they recently won the Andrew Murray-Desmond Tutu Prize for Unity, Reconciliation and Justice. Johan is married to Loraine, a film lecturer, and they have two small boys, Louw and Eben.
ERASMUS
Co-Founder
Betereinders
Age of Rage
Resentment Engineering and the Breakdown of Race Relations
In these last days we are seeing blacks against whites, republicans against democrats, feminists against masculists and many other groups equally convinced of the reality of their oppression and the righteousness of their anger. Despite the irreligiousness of the West we are seeing congregants going on collective witch-hunts and publicly hanging sinners for all to see. On a daily basis something is going viral and someone is being cancelled. All of this is happening in a time when we are more connected than we've ever been and yet we are strangely very divided. How did the world get this mad this quickly and how do we escape this vortex of rage?
Resentment Engineering and the Breakdown of Race Relations
Quentin Genuis, MD
Emergency Care Physician
Dr. Quentin Genuis is an Emergency Physician and Bioethicist in Vancouver. He holds a Master of Letters from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, with a research focus in bioethics. His research and writing interests include the autonomy debates, end-of-life care, compassion, human dignity, and theological anthropology. He also likes smokey Scottish whiskey, Russian literature, poetry, hot sauce, and slack-lining. He loves his wife, Kalyn, and their three children: Lila, Rowan, and Elias.
Quentin Genuis, MD
Emergency Care Physician
Dr. Quentin Genuis is an Emergency Physician and Bioethicist in Vancouver. He holds a Master of Letters from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, with a research focus in bioethics. His research and writing interests include the autonomy debates, end-of-life care, compassion, human dignity, and theological anthropology. He also likes smokey Scottish whiskey, Russian literature, poetry, hot sauce, and slack-lining. He loves his wife, Kalyn, and their three children: Lila, Rowan, and Elias.
GENUIS
Emergency Care Physician
Apologetics Canada
Addiction, Freedom, and the Life of the Church
Addiction is a crisis of our time, with devastating consequences to our society and within our churches. This talk engages the question of what addiction is, when considered from a Christian worldview. We will also discuss ways that Christian communities can be places where addiction is healed through a cooperative effort of the affected person, communities of friendship, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Ewan Goligher, MD, PhD
Critical Care Physician
Dr. Ewan Goligher is a physician-scientist practicing intensive care medicine. He writes and speaks on faith, science, suffering, ethics, and conscience.
Ewan is Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. He earned his MD at the University of British Columbia and a PhD in Physiology at the University of Toronto. He trained in internal medicine and critical care medicine.
His research program studies lung function and respiratory muscle function in patients with acute respiratory failure, and he is heavily involved in clinical trials testing new treatments for respiratory failure. He is author or co-author of more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. His research has been published in a leading scientific journals in medicine and in his subspecialty of intensive care medicine.
He is involved in efforts to advocate against the practice of euthanasia (also known as medical aid-in-dying) and for the protection of conscience in healthcare. He writes and speaks on these issues for both academic and lay audiences.
When not writing, analyzing data, or looking after patients, Ewan is likely to be found sailing on Georgian Bay, Ontario. He and his wife Rachel have four children and one dog and live in Toronto. He attends Christ Church Toronto.
Ewan Goligher, MD, PhD
Critical Care Physician
Dr. Ewan Goligher is a physician-scientist practicing intensive care medicine. He writes and speaks on faith, science, suffering, ethics, and conscience.
Ewan is Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. He earned his MD at the University of British Columbia and a PhD in Physiology at the University of Toronto. He trained in internal medicine and critical care medicine.
His research program studies lung function and respiratory muscle function in patients with acute respiratory failure, and he is heavily involved in clinical trials testing new treatments for respiratory failure. He is author or co-author of more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. His research has been published in a leading scientific journals in medicine and in his subspecialty of intensive care medicine.
He is involved in efforts to advocate against the practice of euthanasia (also known as medical aid-in-dying) and for the protection of conscience in healthcare. He writes and speaks on these issues for both academic and lay audiences.
When not writing, analyzing data, or looking after patients, Ewan is likely to be found sailing on Georgian Bay, Ontario. He and his wife Rachel have four children and one dog and live in Toronto. He attends Christ Church Toronto.
GOLIGHER
Intensive Care Physician
Apologetics Canada
How Should We Then Die?
A Christian Response to Physician-Assisted Death
"My times are in thy hands."
As more people accept the practice of physician-assisted death, Christians must decide whether to embrace or oppose it. Is it ethical for physicians to assist patients in hastening their own death? Should Christians who are facing death accept the offer of an assisted death?
In this session, physician Ewan Goligher draws from general revelation and Scripture to persuade and equip Christians to oppose physician-assisted death. Euthanasia presumes what it is like to be dead. But for Christians, death is not the end. Christ Jesus has destroyed death and brought life and immortality through the gospel.
A Christian Response to Physician-Assisted Death
Rick Goossen, JD, PhD
Chairman
ELO Group
Dr. Rick Goossen is a meaning-driven entrepreneurial leader who serves an extensive network of entrepreneurs and family/business owners built over decades of client contributions, collaboration, research, public speaking, and volunteering, impacting over 100,000 leaders annually. He has edited five books and authored seven books on the topics of entrepreneurship, leadership and meaning/calling. Two of the books he authored are available in six translations. He has also written over 1,000 blog posts and articles. Much of his writing is on work and meaning. In terms of credentials, Rick earned a Ph.D. from Middlesex University, London, UK; a Masters of Law (LL.M.) from Columbia University, New York City; a Juris Doctor (JD) from McGill University, Montreal; and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) (Hons.) (First Class) from Simon Fraser University, Vancouver. Rick was admitted as Barrister and Solicitor of the Province of British Columbia, Canada and voluntarily withdrew his membership to focus entirely on business pursuits. Rick has been a Visiting Scholar at Regent's Park College, University of Oxford and St. Stephen's House, University of Oxford. He has worked with prominent University of Oxford professors and business leaders since 2018 to deliver the ELO Oxford Leadership Program.
Rick Goossen, JD, PhD
Chairman
ELO Group
Dr. Rick Goossen is a meaning-driven entrepreneurial leader who serves an extensive network of entrepreneurs and family/business owners built over decades of client contributions, collaboration, research, public speaking, and volunteering, impacting over 100,000 leaders annually. He has edited five books and authored seven books on the topics of entrepreneurship, leadership and meaning/calling. Two of the books he authored are available in six translations. He has also written over 1,000 blog posts and articles. Much of his writing is on work and meaning. In terms of credentials, Rick earned a Ph.D. from Middlesex University, London, UK; a Masters of Law (LL.M.) from Columbia University, New York City; a Juris Doctor (JD) from McGill University, Montreal; and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) (Hons.) (First Class) from Simon Fraser University, Vancouver. Rick was admitted as Barrister and Solicitor of the Province of British Columbia, Canada and voluntarily withdrew his membership to focus entirely on business pursuits. Rick has been a Visiting Scholar at Regent's Park College, University of Oxford and St. Stephen's House, University of Oxford. He has worked with prominent University of Oxford professors and business leaders since 2018 to deliver the ELO Oxford Leadership Program.
GOOSSEN
Chairman
ELO Group
Woke Antidote
10 Practical Suggestions to Lead in Today's Post-Truth Culture
Thinking. It’s a useful process. Yet, rigorous thinking, indeed critical thinking, is increasingly under assault today. In light of the power of woke media, inconvenient facts get steamrolled. Western institutions, particularly the Christian church, are targeted. Even in halls of higher learning, facts are trounced by emotivism. Those who disagree are then marginalized as “denialists.” Trial is by social media and public ostracization is swift. I will provide 10 practical suggestions on how to lead in today’s post-truth culture.
10 Practical Suggestions to Lead in Today's Post-Truth Culture
Phil Hills
Regional Director
ACSI Western Canada
Phil has served ACSI Western Canada as Regional Director for 19 years. During the early years of his career in education, he worked as a teacher in the public system of BC. Later served as a principal of a Christian school in Chilliwack, BC. Phil believed passionately in the transforming power of Christ-saturated education and has devoted his life to equipping people to prepare the World for the return of Jesus.
Phil Hills
Regional Director
ACSI Western Canada
Phil has served ACSI Western Canada as Regional Director for 19 years. During the early years of his career in education, he worked as a teacher in the public system of BC. Later served as a principal of a Christian school in Chilliwack, BC. Phil believed passionately in the transforming power of Christ-saturated education and has devoted his life to equipping people to prepare the World for the return of Jesus.
HILLS
Regional Director
ACSI Western Canada
The Multiverse and the Theory That Explains it All
Reaching the Minds and Hearts of our Students Through Meta Modernism
When Phil began his career there was a lot of talk about our students being a product of the post-modern age. That is not longer true. Today’s students live in a virtual multiverse. Because of this they believe many ideas are true, but what distinguishes them from their relativistic elders is that they also believe some things are true for everyone at all times. Come to this session to understand how they can hold to these contradictions. Discover their deepest desires in this world. More than this, learn how to use this emerging worldview as a powerful springboard to gospel centred thinking and living.
Reaching the Minds and Hearts of our Students Through Meta Modernism
Gretchen Huizinga, PhD
Research Fellow
AI and Faith
Dr. Gretchen Huizinga is a research fellow and board member of AI and Faith, an organization that brings the wisdom of the world’s great religions to the moral and ethical challenges of artificial intelligence. She recently completed a visiting fellowship with the Lanier Theological Library at Yarnton Manor in Oxford, UK, where she continued her research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, ethics, and Christian theology under Prof. John Lennox. In addition to her academic work, Gretchen is a podcast host for Microsoft Research where she has interviewed more than a hundred scientists and leaders on the latest technological innovations, including recent advances in machine learning and generative AI. Gretchen is an English major at heart (always reading a good book or silently correcting someone’s grammar) but holds master’s degrees in both Mass Communication and Learning Sciences & Human Development, as well as a PhD from the University of Washington with a dissertation titled Righteous AI: The Christian voice in the ethical AI conversation. She lives in the Seattle area with her husband and wears better shoes than academia demands, or a podcast warrants.
Gretchen Huizinga, PhD
Research Fellow
AI and Faith
Dr. Gretchen Huizinga is a research fellow and board member of AI and Faith, an organization that brings the wisdom of the world’s great religions to the moral and ethical challenges of artificial intelligence. She recently completed a visiting fellowship with the Lanier Theological Library at Yarnton Manor in Oxford, UK, where she continued her research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, ethics, and Christian theology under Prof. John Lennox. In addition to her academic work, Gretchen is a podcast host for Microsoft Research where she has interviewed more than a hundred scientists and leaders on the latest technological innovations, including recent advances in machine learning and generative AI. Gretchen is an English major at heart (always reading a good book or silently correcting someone’s grammar) but holds master’s degrees in both Mass Communication and Learning Sciences & Human Development, as well as a PhD from the University of Washington with a dissertation titled Righteous AI: The Christian voice in the ethical AI conversation. She lives in the Seattle area with her husband and wears better shoes than academia demands, or a podcast warrants.
HUIZINGA
Research Fellow
AI and Faith
To GPT or Not to GPT
In this session Gretchen will address common ethical concerns about generative AI chatbots and offer a theological framework on if, when, and where to use it in real life applications.
Troy Lydiate
Creative Director
Apologetics Canada
Troy Lydiate is a multifaceted artist, speaker, and Creative Director at Apologetics Canada, where he also serves as host of "The AC Podcast." As a graduate of Providence University with a Bachelor's Degree focused on Social Sciences, much of Troy's professional career has been spent working with youth and young adults. Operating under the artistic moniker Scribe Music, Troy has unveiled four studio albums, skillfully utilizing his music as a conduit to convey the gospel message. His music production has garnered him nominations at the GMA (Covenant Awards), further complemented by widespread recognition through blog features and regular airplay on Canadian Christian radio.
Beyond his artistic endeavours, Troy is a devoted husband to Jasmine and a doting father to two young children. He has dedicated himself to the growth and vitality of the local church, actively engaging in discipleship, worship team, and church leadership. Embracing a mission to catalyze both cultural and global transformation, Troy's approach is firmly anchored in love, releasing hope by loving God and loving people.
Troy Lydiate
Creative Director
Apologetics Canada
Troy Lydiate is a multifaceted artist, speaker, and Creative Director at Apologetics Canada, where he also serves as host of "The AC Podcast." As a graduate of Providence University with a Bachelor's Degree focused on Social Sciences, much of Troy's professional career has been spent working with youth and young adults. Operating under the artistic moniker Scribe Music, Troy has unveiled four studio albums, skillfully utilizing his music as a conduit to convey the gospel message. His music production has garnered him nominations at the GMA (Covenant Awards), further complemented by widespread recognition through blog features and regular airplay on Canadian Christian radio.
Beyond his artistic endeavours, Troy is a devoted husband to Jasmine and a doting father to two young children. He has dedicated himself to the growth and vitality of the local church, actively engaging in discipleship, worship team, and church leadership. Embracing a mission to catalyze both cultural and global transformation, Troy's approach is firmly anchored in love, releasing hope by loving God and loving people.
LYDIATE
Creative Director
Apologetics Canada
Bursting the Bible Bubble
A Bible College Survival Kit
Often nicknamed “the bubble,” Bible College has shaped countless Christian leaders who serve faithfully in churches and faith-based organizations. For many, it’s a season to deepen their faith, pursue a theological degree or certificate, and build lifelong relationships (or perhaps secure a “ring by spring”). Yet, not everyone leaves Bible College with their faith intact. Some graduate disillusioned, hurt, or disengaged from the Church altogether—stepping into the unsettling territory of doubt and deconstruction.
While enrollment and welcome week bring plenty to celebrate, the real story often unfolds in the quieter moments between the campus buzz and the cap-and-gown finale. What happens when faith becomes more about earning credits than living a life of worship?
In this breakout session, Bible College alumnus Troy—graduate of Providence University and Nipawin Bible College—challenges students and faculty alike to reflect on the purpose of their journey. Rediscover a Christ-centered life that transcends coursework and campus life, reigniting a faith fuelled by more than just caffeine. Whether you’re navigating the daily grind or questioning your path, this session offers inspiration to keep Christ at the centre of your story, both inside and beyond the Bible College bubble.
A Bible College Survival Kit
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." In his early 20s, he 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. He began his PhD studies through the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland, exploring any proper limits of human enhancement through a dialogue between Friedrich Nietzsche and G. K. Chesterton.
A native of Korea, Steve now lives in the Edmonton area with his wife, Sharina, and two children, Maya and Tavin. His guilty pleasure includes eating instant ramen noodles late at night and watching YouTube videos on North Korea. (What is Kim Jong-Un up to this time?)
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." In his early 20s, he 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. He began his PhD studies through the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland, exploring any proper limits of human enhancement through a dialogue between Friedrich Nietzsche and G. K. Chesterton.
A native of Korea, Steve now lives in the Edmonton area with his wife, Sharina, and two children, Maya and Tavin. His guilty pleasure includes eating instant ramen noodles late at night and watching YouTube videos on North Korea. (What is Kim Jong-Un up to this time?)
KIM
Alberta Director
Apologetics Canada
Are People Just Language Models?
From Siri to ChatGPT, conversational AI tools are on the rise. This ability for software to mimic human behaviour is casting doubts on our own humanity. If the rise of macroevolutionary view of living things resulted in a view of humans as "just" another species of animals, the rise of AI is making us wonder whether humans are "just" language models. What is a language model? What are the ethical implications if we are no more than algorithm working through meat machine?
Join Steve and explore this critical question of our humanity.
More coming soon...
SCHEDULE
Friday, March 7
5:30 PM
Registration begins. Any remaining tickets available for purchase.
6:30 PM
Doors open.
7:00 PM
Main Session 1
From Eden to Silicon Valley
Will AI Destroy Us?
AI technologies have been around for decades but within the last few years they have taken significant leaps forward. We are currently living in a time of rapid technological advancements and it can be a little disorientating. In this session, Andy will help bring you up to speed on how AI works and where it's currently at. Although technology is being used for great good, there are growing concerns even in the tech industry. This session will cut through the sci-fi fears and propose a theology of technology that will help us navigate our present moment and the future that’s quickly advancing.
From Ethical AI to Righteous AI
Can Artificial Intelligence Be Good?
In response to fears around the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence, we’ve seen an increase in efforts to ensure that AI is made and used ethically. Most of these efforts, however, are based on a secular humanist worldview that seeks to compel people to behave ethically without transcendent reason or power. The Christian faith, by contrast, maintains that God is the originator, motivator, and sustainer of moral behaviour, and points to a creative notion of goodness that cannot be achieved by human will or effort. In a secularized, AI-centric world, is it wise to de-platform Christianity? In this talk, Gretchen contrasts secular ethics with biblical righteousness and challenges the assumption that humanistic efforts alone will result in safe, ethical, or “good” AI.
9:00 PM
Break
9:20 PM
Panel Q&A with Andy & Gretchen
(Moderated by Steve Kim)
10:00 PM
Conference ends for the night.
Saturday, March 8
7:30 AM
Doors open.
8:00 AM
Main Session 2
Surviving the Culture Wars
What the Church Must Learn From Europe’s Failures
There once was a time that Canada looked to Europe to see the secular future. Those times have changed. Europe still has its secular holdouts but for the most part, Canada and the United States have now become Europe’s cautionary tale, not of the future but of their past. The culture wars that now grip North America are nothing new to Europe. In many ways, Europe is rebuilding from the ashes of multiple culture wars that have taken their toll on the church. Growing up in Romania during the fall of the communist party, Sebastian knows first-hand Europe’s failures and the difficulty in rebuilding a family, church, and society. In this session, Sebastian will bring a much needed perspective to our current cultural moment.
Race or Grace?
Why North America Should Stop Exporting Activism and Start Importing Reconciliation
Historically the fight against racism, in many parts of the world, was driven by the church. William Wilberforce struggled against slavery and many years later Martin Luther King Jr. picked up the mantle in the civil rights era. Over in South Africa people like Desmond Tutu and Albert Luthuli led the fight against Apartheid and stressed the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. Although these men are separated by centuries and nationalities they held one thing in common, a deeply committed Christian faith.
In the last decade the fight against racism has been taken up by different manifestations of the Black Lives Matter movement. Thinkers of this movement like Ibram X. Kendi and Robin DiAngelo are providing the language for a new generation of activists and for the first time racism is not being framed in theological language, but rather in secular terms.
In South Africa we are still reeling from our racist past and in many places the racial tension is not far from the surface. It is in this climate that these different racial ideologies are playing out and the stakes couldn't be higher.
10:15 AM
Break
10:40 AM
Choose from one of the following sessions:
Interview with a Quantum Physicist: Cutting Edge Christianity in a World of Science
Mike Butler, PhD in conversation with Andy Steiger, PhD
Rethinking Identity Through the Lens of Incarnation
Gordon Carkner, PhD
Age of Rage: Resentment Engineering and the Breakdown of Race Relations
Johan Erasmus
Addiction, Freedom, and the Life of the Church
Quentin Genuis, MD
How Should We Then Die?: A Christian Response to Physician-Assisted Death
Ewan Goligher, MD, PhD
Woke Antidote: 10 Practical Suggestions to Lead in Today's Post-Truth Culture
Rick Goossen, JD, PhD
The Multiverse and the Theory That Explains It All: Reaching the Minds and hearts of Our Students Through Meta Modernism
Phil Hills
To GPT or Not to GPT
Gretchen Huizinga, PhD
How to do Real Church in an Artificial Age
Jay Y. Kim
Are People Just Language Models?
Steve Kim
More coming soon...
(Choose a topic of interest)
11:20 AM
Lunch
(Food truck will be available on-site)
12:25 PM
Choose from one of the following sessions:
Interview with a Quantum Physicist: Cutting Edge Christianity in a World of Science
Mike Butler, PhD in conversation with Andy Steiger, PhD
Rethinking Identity Through the Lens of Incarnation
Gordon Carkner, PhD
Age of Rage: Resentment Engineering and the Breakdown of Race Relations
Johan Erasmus
Addiction, Freedom, and the Life of the Church
Quentin Genuis, MD
How Should We Then Die?: A Christian Response to Physician-Assisted Death
Ewan Goligher, MD, PhD
Woke Antidote: 10 Practical Suggestions to Lead in Today's Post-Truth Culture
Rick Goossen, JD, PhD
The Multiverse and the Theory That Explains It All: Reaching the Minds and hearts of Our Students Through Meta Modernism
Phil Hills
To GPT or Not to GPT
Gretchen Huizinga, PhD
How to do Real Church in an Artificial Age
Jay Y. Kim
Are People Just Language Models?
Steve Kim
More coming soon...
(Choose a topic of interest)
1:05 PM
Break
1:20 PM
Main Session 3
Out of Poverty
My Journey of Faith, Technology, and Transformation in Africa
Growing up in a challenging environment in Africa, Moses Chirusha experienced firsthand the struggles of poverty and the lack of opportunities. Yet, through faith, determination, and an unwavering belief in the power of technology, he embarked on a journey that would not only transform his own life but also the lives of countless others in his community.
In this inspiring talk, Moses shares his personal story of rising from humble beginnings to becoming a leader in leveraging technology for social good. He will explore how his faith has been the cornerstone of his journey, guiding him through adversity and shaping his vision for empowering subsistence farmers and young people across Africa.
Moses will discuss how initiatives like Fruitful Mart and Ufanuzi are not just about providing market access or technological tools but about creating pathways to significance and purpose for those who have been marginalized. By aligning his work with biblical principles of stewardship, justice, and compassion, Moses demonstrates how technology can be a force for transformation in the hands of those driven by faith and love for their community.Growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Moses Chirusha experienced firsthand the struggles of poverty and the lack of opportunities. Yet, through his Christian faith, unwavering determination, and belief in the power of technology, he embarked on a journey that would not only transform his life but also the lives of countless others in his community.
In this inspiring talk, Moses shares his personal story of rising from humble beginnings to becoming a Christian leader leveraging technology for social good. He will explore how his faith has been the cornerstone of his journey, guiding him through adversity and shaping a vision for transformation across Africa.
Moses will discuss how initiatives like Fruitful Mart and Ufanuzi are not just about providing market access or technological tools but about creating pathways to survival and purpose. By aligning his work with biblical principles of stewardship, justice, and compassion, Moses demonstrates how technology can be a force for transformation in the hands of those driven by a love for God and their community.
2:00 PM
Conference ends.
VENUE
Northview Community Church
32040 DOWNES RD, ABBOTSFORD, BC
REGISTER
Super Early Bird
Adult $45
Student $40
- Expires Nov. 30
REGULAR
Adult $55
Student $50
- Expires Mar. 5
REFUND POLICY: Your registration is fully refundable until February 28. After that date, your registration can be transferred to someone else (find your registration confirmation email to make the transfer) or exchanged for a copy of the conference recordings.
†A group rate is available for groups of 10+. Contact Nancy at [email protected] for details.
Livestream
Can't attend in person? Join us virtually from home! You will be able to watch all the main sessions and select breakout sessions. Signing up for livestream also entitles you to a free copy of the conference recordings.
Recordings
You can pre-order the conference recordings here. You will get video of the main sessions and audio of the breakout sessions. Pre-order now and receive the recordings after the conference when they are ready!
