Category: Apologetics

Why Study Apologetics? (Online Workshop TONIGHT with Joseph Knapp)

Posted on by Heather Neumann

If you’ve never participated in Apologetics before, you may be wondering, What is it? More importantly, Why should I spend my time studying it? Tonight, you have the opportunity to join our Online Workshop on Apol – TONIGHT at 7pm CT https://lastingimpact.info/product/camp25407/

One of my favorite answers to that question comes from Coach Joseph Knapp:

“You should do Apologetics for the sole reason that it will build your confidence and knowledge in the Bible, Christianity, and the God who is there and is not silent.”
— Coach Joseph Knapp

That statement captures the heart of this event.

We live in a world where truth is often viewed as personal preference. Our culture tells us that everyone has their own truth and that all beliefs are equally valid. Yet as Christians, we know that truth is not something we invent… it is something God has revealed. He has spoken through His Word, and because of that, we can know Him, trust Him, and confidently stand on what He has said.

That is where Apologetics comes in. For some people, they may only think of it as a speech event… but it is so much more that that! It’s an opportunity to learn, understand, and grow in your Faith!!

The word apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, meaning “to give a defense.” In 1 Peter 3:15, believers are instructed:

“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.”

Notice that Peter doesn’t say we should be argumentative or combative. Instead, he calls us to be prepared. Apologetics is not about winning a theological debate… it’s about knowing the truth well enough to explain it clearly, thoughtfully, and graciously.

One of the greatest benefits of studying apologetics is the confidence it builds. As you study Scripture, examine difficult questions, and learn how to think critically about your faith, you begin to realize that Christianity is not built on blind faith. God invites us to love Him with our hearts, souls, and our minds.

Joseph goes on to say, “Looking back, I can honestly say that Apologetics has been one of the most influential tools in my own walk with Christ. It challenged me to study the Bible more deeply, wrestle with difficult questions, and understand not only what I believe, but why I believe it. That confidence doesn’t just help in competition—it changes the way you approach conversations, serve others, and live out your faith every day.”

The goal of this workshop isn’t simply to prepare for tournaments. It’s to equip you for life. My prayer is that you’ll leave this class with a stronger understanding of God’s Word, a greater love for His truth, and the confidence to engage our culture with both conviction and compassion.

Tonight, we’ll begin at the very beginning. We’ll explore what Apologetics is, walk through the structure of an Apologetics round, review the current rules, and spend some time getting to know one another. Every expert starts as a beginner, and every strong foundation is built one stone at a time.

Welcome to Apologetics Club. I’m excited to begin this journey with you. Sign up NOW to join us tonight or to receive the recording.. https://lastingimpact.info/product/camp25407/

When: July 24

Time: 7-9 pm CST

Cost: $25 members/$50 non-members

Sign Up for FREE Fall Apologetics Club – Starts TONIGHT!

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Although most our clubs have started we are still happy to welcome a few more! Why not start with FREE Apologetics TONIGHT! That’s right we decided that we’re going to do something completely different for apol club this year.

We’re dropping discussion of the specific Speech and Debate Apol topics in favor of a broader, more holistic approach. In short: seminary crash course. This is not just for students, but it’s for anyone who’s interested… parents, siblings, even alumni. Register with the code PARENT2025. You can register here: https://lastingimpact.info/product/club23864/.

Here are some of the things we’ll discuss:

– Why is there so much overlap between Matthew, Mark, and Luke? How could they possibly remember word for word what Jesus said to them?

– When should we interpret Scriptures literally or figuratively? 

– Why do 1 & 2 Kings tell the exact same stories 1 & 2 Chronicles do?

– How do we deal with the transgenderism argument that some people are born “intersex,” with both genitalia?

– What is the point of including the minor prophets in Scripture?

– Where in the Bible does it say that women cannot be pastors, if the word “pastor” only shows up once?

And MANY other things. If you enjoyed last semester, this one will be even better.

This has been my project for the last two years while in school for seminary. Trying to distill important things you never hear about if you don’t go to seminary into a single semester-long course! This information you are bound to use in your Apologetics rounds, but more importantly life! I would love for any of you to join, again, even if you’re graduated. It’s for everyone—and it starts TODAY! Don’t miss out!

You can register here: https://lastingimpact.info/product/club23864/.

Ethan will be receiving his Masters of Divinity from Truett Theological Seminary in December of 2025. He attended Hillsdale College, where he graduated in the top ten of his class. He has been a Lasting Impact! coach for over three years.

Online LD Camp UPDATE – FREE Fall Apol. Club

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Our virtual LD Camp starts TOMORROW! It’s going from a two day camp to one! This means less time online for you… but still all of the AMAZING content! Sessions will include…
Argumentation
Value theory
Writing a compelling case
Research in LD
Elements of effective speaking
Flowing
Going Neg
…and more!

Plus, we have added an even BIGGER BONUS!! If you sign up, you will automatically be invited to our Fall Online Apologetics Club FOR FREE! That’s right, no need to register… you will be welcome to join our Lasting Impact! Apol Club. We are so excited to offer this! Tell your friends! Remember, all camps and clubs/classes are recorded. Sign up for Online LD Camp (and Apol) HERE – https://lastingimpact.info/product/camp23889/

Also, if LD isn’t your thing… we will make the same offer for TP! Register HERE – https://lastingimpact.info/product/club23888/

Reformation of Thought: A History of Philosophy (Class Offering) by: Charis Baker

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Western Civilization is in the midst of a crisis. You are living in the midst of one of the great ideological battles in history. Whether you want to be a better debater, increase your ability to defend your faith, or become a more well-rounded individual, you must know and be able to articulate the truth. 

How can you stand firm in truth if you don’t know where the battle lines of ideas are drawn?

This fall, Lasting Impact! is partnering with Speaking with Grace and Charis Baker. She is offering an 8-week live class for high schoolers who want to achieve these exact goals. We’ll read, write on, and discuss Dr. Glenn Martin’s comprehensive overview of the thoughts that have shaped Western philosophy: Prevailing Worldviews of Western Society Since 1500. Join Charis Baker to better identify and defend your beliefs and understand the history of philosophy. Continue reading for a glimpse into the questions and ideas we’ll be examining….

Continue reading “Reformation of Thought: A History of Philosophy (Class Offering) by: Charis Baker” →

Join Lasting Impact! Apologetics Club! By: Ethan Tong

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Join our Apol Club starting TOMORROW!! https://lastingimpact.info/product/club23482/

My hope is that this Apol Club will change the way you think about Apologetics. Not because I espouse a new, heretical position, but because I treat topics as part of a broader whole. When we talk about inspiration, I don’t students to just answer with the wrote “yes, the Bible is inspired because 1 Timothy says all Scripture is God-breathed.” I will be discussing the entire topic of the Bible’s writing: Did God speak every single word into the writer’s ears like a person speaking through a Bluetooth earbud? Is that really what we have to believe? On the other hand––did he simply put the idea of a topic in the writer’s mind? How can we trust that the words are what God meant it to say, then?

When it comes to even the most basic questions about God, like “Is God loving?”, I seek to draw a picture of God rather than answer each question. God isn’t a human who has certain features or emotions. Every aspect of God is an overflow of who he is. Therefore, he’s not “loving,” he is love itself! He’s not righteous, he’s righteousness itself! God’s attributes are not choices God made––they are integral to who he is as the “greatest possible being” (as St. Anselm says it).

This is just a sneak peek into what Apol Club will look like. Many students have told me that this club revolutionized the way they think about God and about their spiritual life. One student wrote to me this past fall that I’ve helped him become more motivated to read his Bible! 

I hope many of you will join this club. Ever since joining seminary in Fall of 2023, I’ve been passionate to share my new thoughts with people who have only ever seen a fraction of what the Bible is.

I believe, we are doing a disservice if we treat Apol like a chance to “prove our knowledge.” 1 Corinthians 8:1 says that knowledge puffs up! What builds up? Love. We need to speak on these topics with a heart for those whom God dearly loves––which is all people.

It will be life-changing to hear theology addressed as a larger whole rather than as just discrete topics on a paper card. And it’s all just $75––about $5 per session! Please, come and join!! Apol Club is not just for students who are competing in a speech category… it’s for all who want to understand deeper what you believe, how to articulate your thoughts, grow in the Word, and so much more!

Will You Be the Next Regional Apologetics Champion? By: Ethan Tong

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Online Apol starts TONIGHT!! Remember, all classes are recorded! Ethan Tong will coach this semester class/club. Sign up HERE – https://lastingimpact.info/product/club22508/ Or read on for his valuable insight…

I never used a box in Apologetics. Early on, I had a box in which I stored blank cards, but eventually, I stopped using a box at all. At first, I told people that I wasn’t using a box because “you don’t have a box with you in real life when someone asks you a hard question.” But… that was an excuse. I was a little too lazy to figure out how to print stuff onto index cards, and I was definitely too lazy to HANDWRITE all the cards.

But my senior year, I won the Region 4 Championship (which used to be all of Texas and Oklahoma!) in Apologetics. Without a box! How? Let me give you some of my secrets…

Continue reading “Will You Be the Next Regional Apologetics Champion? By: Ethan Tong” →

Do a New Thing – Do Apologetics! by: Karen Harper

Posted on by Heather Neumann

My dear friend, Karen (affectionately known to me as Sally) was an Apologetics Coach for her Speech Club, Truth Advocates, for a number of years. The Lord called her home unexpectedly on Oct. 18, 2023. She was a tremendous blessing to her family and community outside Louisville, KY. She wrote this article for me back in 2019. I feel pressed to share it again. There is so much truth here! I wanted you to catch her heart and vision of why and how you can DO APOLOGETICS! In memory of Karen, aka my Sally…

Continue reading “Do a New Thing – Do Apologetics! by: Karen Harper” →

New Resource Alert! Limited Prep Guide

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Looking for an all in one limited prep resource that is practical and easy to use? Looking for a resource that can grow with you- from beginner, to intermediate, and beyond? Look no further!!! The Lasting Impact! Limited Prep Guide has what you are looking for…
– Impromptu
– Mars Hill
– Extemporaneous
– Apologetics
Whether you are a student, parent, club leader or coach- use this guide to elevate your skills!!
Plus!!! BONUS RESOURCE!!!
The Limited Prep Resource Packet… compilations of lists, prompts, quotes, questions, and more!!
Over 200 pages of tips and tricks to master limited prep speaking! This is an excellent tool for the tool box!! Head to the SHOP and get yours today! It’s on SALE for the month of June!

Have you seen our RESOURCES recently? We have everything from Guide Books to Source Books for Juniors, Beginners, Novices, Intermediate, and Advanced! We also cater our products to students, as well as parents, coaches, and clubs! Can’t find what you are looking for? Contact Heather@lastingimpact.info

Beyond the Story Example: Advanced Tips To Add Spice To Your Impromptu Speech by: Honor (Persing) Hoffmann

Posted on by Heather Neumann

Most people think of impromptu examples as stories. Almost always, that’s the way it plays out: whether you’re telling the story of someone’s life (Beethoven overcame challenging life circumstances to compose beautiful music), a plot point from a book (When Frodo took the ring to Mount Doom, he relied on his friend Sam), or even a personal anecdote, you’re relying on storytelling. There’s nothing wrong with this–in fact, story is a powerful way to connect with people and draw them into your narrative…

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What Makes Apologetics Club So Wonderful? by Sarah Fox and Jonathan Marsalis

Posted on by Heather Neumann

New to Apologetics? No problem. No Apol. Club? We have you covered! Do you belong to a Club, but you want to grow with believers from around the country? Lasting Impact! is where both Stoa and NCFCA students will be at Monday evenings. This will be a time of growing and encouraging one another in Him. Check out the details HERE or read on what makes Apologetics Club so wonderful…

If an unbeliever asks you, “Was Jesus a socialist?” how well could you answer? If an atheist makes you question your faith, could you give a logical defense? If a Muslim asks you to compare and contrast their religion with your own then defend it, could you? 

Continue reading “What Makes Apologetics Club So Wonderful? by Sarah Fox and Jonathan Marsalis” →

Do Apologetics!! By: Emalyn Sharp

Posted on by Heather Neumann

As is usually the case with me, it wasn’t my idea to compete in Apologetics. It was one of those things that I was cool observing from a distance but didn’t want to participate in myself. My mother had other ideas though and decided that it would ‘be good for me.’ Oh, how I hated those words. It was only my second year in Speech and Debate and I was absolutely terrified. Apologetics sounded complicated and scary. Apologetics was going to be miserable, and I was going to make a fool of myself…

Continue reading “Do Apologetics!! By: Emalyn Sharp” →

Apologetics As Worship by Joey Ooi

Posted on by Heather Neumann

My Bible never felt heavier than the time I held it under one arm with my Apol box, checking my name off the door posting for the first time. I begged as many competitors to go into my room before me, delaying what I thought was the inevitable fate for being called out for a lack of content, lack of understanding, and a shipload of heresy.

Along with Impromptu, I was forced into Apologetics. Impromptu wasn’t hard for me – no wrong answers meant no fear about topics. But Apologetics- I didn’t like Apol. at all. Specifically, I didn’t like feeling inadequate. No matter how much I prepared because I always knew that there was something I was missing. Above all, I was terrified that I would say something wrong about Scripture and God.

Continue reading “Apologetics As Worship by Joey Ooi” →