ANCHORED CONFERENCE: “The Everyday Apologist”

 This year’s theme focuses on the calling of every believer, as found in 1 Peter 3:15: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

This is the heart of apologetics. It’s the call to be prepared—to give thoughtful, Christ-centered answers for the hope we profess. These answers often address tough questions of faith, cultural challenges, and matters of logic and reason. Within your spheres of influence—family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers—there will inevitably be moments when someone turns to you with honest questions and real doubts. You don’t need to be a scholar to respond well. With a little preparation and the right tools, you can gain the confidence needed to share Christ clearly, graciously, and effectively.

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS

Session 1 | John Soulliere | “You: The Everyday Apologist”  Description: What is an everyday apologist? Simply put, it’s a Christian who is prepared to give thoughtful answers for the hope within them. This opening session sets the tone for the entire conference by reminding believers that apologetics is not reserved for scholars—it’s for ordinary Christians living in an extraordinary moment. Questions are everywhere. Skeptics are curious. Believers are confused. And the Holy Spirit is actively stirring hearts on both sides.  This session will inspire you to see apologetics not as intimidating, but as an essential and exciting part of everyday Christian living.

 Session 2 | La Nej Garrison | “When They Ask: ‘What Happens When You Die?’”

Description:  Every day, people around you are forming beliefs about what happens after death—from multiple world religions, secular ideas, and distorted versions of Christianity. These views cannot all be true, and the stakes are high. As an Everyday Apologist, you are called not only to understand the truth about eternity, but to clearly and confidently defend it. In this session, you’ll be equipped to recognize and respond to competing claims about the afterlife, grounded in Scripture and truth. Ultimately, an accurate and robust understanding of eternity will not only shape how you live now, but how you engage others with eternal truth.

Session 3 | Phoenix Hayes | “Ai: What Every Christian Should Know”     

Description:   Artificial Intelligence isn’t just science fiction anymore, it’s in your pocket, your social media feed, and even your church. In this talk, we’ll break down what AI really is, how it’s already shaping culture, and why Christians can’t afford to stay uninformed. You’ll learn how AI can serve the mission of the Church, how it can be misused for harm, and most importantly, how to engage it with wisdom, discernment, and a biblical worldview. 

Session 4 | J. Warner Wallace | “Person of Interest”Description: In a world increasingly skeptical of the Bible, can the truth about Jesus still be uncovered? Former cold-case homicide detective J. Warner Wallace applies the same investigative methods he used to solve real “no-body” murder cases to examine the historical impact and identity of Jesus—without relying on the New Testament manuscripts. Through compelling evidence, cultural influence, and the far-reaching effects of Christianity throughout history, Wallace demonstrates why Jesus remains the most significant person in human history. This eye-opening session will equip believers to confidently defend the historicity and deity of Christ while engaging skeptics with thoughtful, evidence-based apologetics.

LUNCH-OFF CAMPUS  

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Session 5 | BREAKOUT SESSIONS

MAIN SANCTUARY: Doug Axe | TBD
YOUTH ROOM: Erik Thoennes |  “The Case for God in a Skeptical World”Description:  In a culture shaped by growing skepticism, how can we engage those who doubt God with both confidence and grace? In this session, you’ll learn how to present clear, compelling arguments for God’s existence while asking thoughtful questions that challenge atheistic assumptions and invite deeper reflection. Rather than aiming to win debates, you’ll be equipped to have meaningful conversations that encourage others to seriously consider the truth of Scripture, the nature of God, and the life-changing hope of the gospel.

Session 6 | Mike Winger | TBDDescription:  Topic to Be Determined  

Session 7 | Joe Adams | "What's in Your Church?"   

Description: In a culture that increasingly blends beliefs and borrows freely from multiple spiritual traditions, many Christians unknowingly absorb ideas that are not rooted in Biblical truth. In this session, Joe will expose the subtle yet dangerous influence of syncretism—the merging of Christianity with incompatible worldviews such as New Age spirituality, Eastern mysticism, and secular ideologies. Attendees will learn how to identify these hidden influences, discern truth from error, and lovingly yet confidently uphold a pure, Biblical faith within their spheres of influence.

2026 SEPT 12th Schedule

*While we do not anticipate any changes with speakers and/or topics, the days events are subject to changes. 

8:00 AM     Registration Open | Sponsor Tables Open

9:00 AM     Worship & Welcome  |  Erik Thoennes & Allie Black (30)

9:30 AM       Session 1 |  John Soulliere | “You: The Everyday Apologist”  (45)

10:15 AM       Session 2 | La Nej Garrison | “When They Ask: ‘What Happens When You Die?’” (45)

11:00 AM      BREAK

11:20 AM      Session 3 | Phoenix Hayes | “Ai: What Every Christian Should Know”  +Q&A (50)

 12:10 pm     Student Short Presentations (20)

12:30 PM      LUNCH (50)

1:20 pm        WORSHIP & ANNOUNCEMENTS  (10) 

1:30 PM        Session 4 | J. Warner Wallace  |  “Jesus: Person of Interest” +Q&A  (75) 

2:45 PM       Session 5 | BREAKOUTS|  DOUG A., ERIK T., MIKE W. W/ PHOENIX & LA NEJ  (60) 

3:45 PM       BREAK (20)

4:05 PM       GIVE AWAY & Meet DESERT APOLOGETICS (10)

4:15 PM        Session 6 | Mike Winger | “The Goodness of Christianity”  +Q&A  (75)

5:30 PM       Session 7 | Joe Adams | “Call to Action:   “What’s in Your Church?”  (30)

6:00  PM     Dismissal:  Allie Black