As I sit waiting for my plane to board at LAX, I can’t help but wonder how many of those among me are Christians. Having spent the entire weekend listening to all the great evidences for the Christians faith at the Women in Apologetics (WIA) 2ndAnnual Conference, with its theme of “engaging the culture,” how can I not think about the impact the truth would have on the sea of people who currently surround me? I picture myself standing up on one of these chairs and preaching the gospel to those who have yet to hear the truth or embrace it… but I’d probably be quickly escorted out of the terminal and possibly labeled some kind of terrorist or something.
The Gospel is terrifying to those who are perishing. But it is SO much more than a “get out of hell card” free! It is life, it is hope, it is the only love that will ever satisfy, and it is the gift of forgiveness—the debt is paid—freedom is possible. And that is the cry of those who spoke this weekend…
As is now becoming tradition, WIA opened in worship, with Alisa Childers leading everyone. She was accompanied by some Biola students who played stringed instruments. It was a beautiful sound that ushered in the sweet presence of the Lord.
The first opening night, keynote speaker Michelle Tepper, RZIM itinerant speaker a chaplain of the Zacharias Institute, spoke about how the Bible is good news for women, despite those who think differently. She specifically pointed to scriptures in the Old Testament that show how God sees womenwho are often overlooked (i.e. Hagar in Gen. 16:13 who first said that God was “the God who sees”). Michelle’s whole message spoke of the freedoms Christianity gives women, especially in ancient cultures that often oppressed them.
Tricia Scribnerof Life Givers Apologetics spoke next and gave an overview of a wide range of apologetics topics, from showing there is truth in a post-truth culture to why the Bible is a reliable historical document.
Referred to by an attendee as a “female Indiana Jones,” Kristen Davisopened the conference on following day by showing how archaeological finds confirm the historicity of the Old Testament. She specifically focused on many details of finds that may not make the headlines but could not have been faked. It’s all the little things that add up to show that the Bible IS history!
Those in attendance with children sent their kids off to WIA Kids to learn a bit about apologetics called, “What Should I Worship?” Throughout the day, children explored worldviews and contrasting modern objects of worship.
For the adults, there were sessions to educate women on the new spirituality, relativism, Islam, Jehovah’s Witnesses, science and faith issues, the Trinity concept, worldviews, the evidence for the Resurrection, purity, the problem of evil, and debunking cultural objections to Christian truth. Whew! That was even a lot to type, let alone attend! Suffice it to say, there was something for everyone. (I spoke on evangelism techniques, and I will blog on that next time.)
Various ministries were also represented. Logos Bible Software company was present and demonstrated fabulous Bible study helps, and the company gave away an iPad to a lucky conference attendee! Harvest House publishers was also there and gave away a bunch of books!
Last but certainly not least, Krista Bontragercapped off the event by addressing “Christian Values in Changing Times.” She focused on what it means to be made in the “Imago Dei,” or the image of God. She challenged all us to love others well, no matter where they’re at, lead them to the cross to repent and to find freedom in the loving forgiveness of God.
I serve as the Vice Chair of Communications for WIA, and will bring you new information on next year’s event when it’s available. Women in Apologetics exists to “equip, encourage, and educate” women in Christian apologetics.
This sounds like an encouraging and educational conference! What a gift to spend time with other believing women, united in purpose of knowing God better.
Sounds like a great conference which provide some wonderful information. Thanks for sharing the information with us.
It sounds like it was a rich and filling conference, with lots of good and soul satisfying teaching. I imagine after leaving something so positive you must have wanted to share it with others and sing out your excitement! Yet, here you are in a place where people are so busy and their heads are down as they rush to get to their gate and onto their destination. Feels strange that one can feel so uplifted, so impacted by new knowledge or awareness, and yet most of the world seems to just trudge along.
Sounds like an amazing conference! I would have loved attending! 🙂 So excited you had the opportunity to speak! 🙂
What an incredible experience it must have been! It would have been a joy to hear all of these speakers, to worship together, and to separate and take the encouragement and the message out to others! Thank you for sharing about the conference, Lisa! I prayed for you as you went. May the fruit of this conference continue to bless others!
You prayers were most definitely felt! Thank you SO much for that. Knowing you is a blessing, Melinda. You are the “real deal,” my friend.
Sounds like a fabulous time. I love conferences. And I’d love to hear you teach at one! God bless!
I’d love to see you sometime, too, Nancy! Bless you
That’s awesome, Lisa! Good job putting this all together. I’m excited there is a move to empower women within ministry to a lost and broken world. It sounds like an incredible conference.
Dear Lisa, what an honor for you to be one of the speakers at this event! I’m so happy for you and excited to see where God leads you next! I have been deeply blessed by your ministry in the area of apologetics. Just hearing about this conference is a boost to my soul. What a powerful resource for women who love the Lord and desire to share about Jesus with faith-based reason and gentleness. God bless you and your ministry!
Ahhh, shucks! Now you got me blushing. LOL You are very kind and I feel blessed by your writing/ministry, too! Let’s be each other’s cheerleader!
This sounds like a great conference full of valuable resources and encouragement.
This is wonderful. I remember learning that one Christian organization had to stop having their conferences at BIOLA because they taught about the traditional family. I don’t recall the exact conference or organization, but I am glad that WIA can be there and teach these great topics. Thank you for your ministry.
Biola is theologically conservative, but I am not sure why anyone teaching about “traditional family” would be unable to be at a conference. That sounds weird. Anyway, yes, Biola is where I received my Master’s degree. I highly recommend it!
Hi Lisa. The issue with the traditional family topic is something with a new law. They want to teach, but the law will not allow them. Sad.
Oh! Yeah… sad but not surprising in today’s cultural climate. Thanks for clarifying!
Sounds like the conference was informative and a blessing, Lisa. Love your picture and sure your workshop was wonderful.
Was Kathleen Kerr from Harvest House there? I took her workshop at a Christian writers conference and loved her.
Hi Karen! No, Kathleen Kerr was not there. Instead, there was a man there representing the publisher and giving away a TON of books. Everyone was pretty happy about that!
This sounds like my dream conference. I wish I could have attended!
Thanks, Stephanie. It is our desire, as a ministry organization, to take WIA (Women in Apologetics) conferences on the road eventually. If your church ever wanted to host a “mini-conference,” let me know! We just might make your dream come true. 😉