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

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

TODAY! Free Webinars – Tackling New Speech Events (Like After Dinner) and Club Leader Meet and Greet

A new speech season brings new opportunities… and this year, a few new events too! Lasting Impact! is ready to help you jump start your season!

If you’ve been wondering:
• Where do I even begin with After Dinner Speaking? Should I tackle a new speech?
• How do I coach these new categories?
• How can I grow?

Join us TONIGHT at 7:00 PM for our FREE webinar:

Tackling the New Speech Events

We’ll walk through the purpose of the new events, discuss practical coaching strategies, brainstorm ideas, and help you feel more confident heading into the season. Whether you’re a veteran coach or just starting your speech journey, we’d love to have you with us! Heather Neumann (along with her guests) will lead these exciting sessions that will be sure to inspire and spark excitement into your season.

Then, at 8:00 PM, stick around for our Club Leader Meet & Greet!

One of the greatest blessings of speech and debate is the community. Coaching isn’t meant to be done alone! This is a relaxed opportunity to meet other club leaders, ask questions, share ideas, and encourage one another as we prepare for another exciting year.

Our mission has always been bigger than trophies. We’re raising young people who can think deeply, communicate truth clearly, and make a lasting impact for Christ.

We hope you’ll join us tonight!

To receive the Zoom link, email Heather@lastingimpact.info These will be recorded. Members can view for FREE in the RECORDED WORKSHOPS.

Diving Into Interpretation Events: Finding Your Voice Through Story

Every speech and debate season brings excitement, anticipation, and one big question:

“What event should I do this year?”

For many students, Interpretation Events can feel intimidating at first. Multiple characters. Cutting literature. Blocking. Voices. Emotions. Scripts. Where does one begin?? It can seem overwhelming. But for those willing to dive in, Interpretation events often become some of the most rewarding and transformative experiences in all of speech and debate.

Interp isn’t simply about acting… It’s about storytelling! And do you know who can benefit from being a better STORYTELLER?? EVERYONE!! Speech Students AND DEBATERS! Read on to learn more about the power of Interps and Storytelling OR SIGN UP for our FREE July 14 Webinars… contact Heather@lastingimpact.info to get on the list (more info about them below).

Continue reading “Diving Into Interpretation Events: Finding Your Voice Through Story”

Why Should You Attend a Summer Speech and Debate Camp?

As a coach, I’ve seen countless students walk into a Speech and Debate Camp a little nervous, unsure of what to expect. But by the end of the camp, they’ve transformed—equipped with new skills, fresh strategies, and the confidence to tackle their next competition head-on. If you’re a student considering whether to attend a Speech and Debate Camp – online or in-person or a parent wondering if it’s worth the investment, the answer is a resounding YES! I have countless of reasons why… but here’s just two reasons why: (and remember- we have TWO awesome online debate camps coming up… check them out HERE – https://lastingimpact.info/shop/ )

Continue reading “Why Should You Attend a Summer Speech and Debate Camp?”

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

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”

FREE Webinar – Judging Moot at Nats

Are you heading to the NCFCA National Championship to judge Moot Court? When you judge Moot, you might also feel like you’ve won a slot to Nats! Asking the right questions might make you feel like you are put in the hot seat! Ethan Tong is putting together another Moot Judging Webinar so that you can be fully prepped to judge and ask good questions at Nationals. Judging at Nationals can be scary because it’s in person, but it can also be more fun! No more worrying about feedback, no more worrying whether the competitor can hear you or is intentionally ignoring you… you can see if he or she is reading from a script or if they have memorized their material, etc. Everything is better in person!

If you’re interested in learning more about how to judge well, understand the case materials better, and have your questions answered, register for the FREE webinar hosted Monday night, May 26th, at 7pm. If you aren’t able to make it, it will be recorded, but you still need to register. 

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSck8V_6SGjoUCe1Y80WI-KpP7gXXNHIQulTUraIcCAch5SQqA/viewform?usp=header

And invite your friends to the webinar—it’s completely free! We just want to equip judges so everyone feels good about their rounds.

Reflections on 2024 Moot Court Nationals and Why You Should Sign Up for Moot Camp by: Ethan Tong

The last time Nationals was held at Anderson University was 2019, my senior year. That year, my Moot partner and I had aspirations of making the final round. We had fully memorized our speeches and were the top seed at a previous National Open.

But when breaks were announced, the team of EJ Rorem and Ethan Tong wasn’t announced. As we’d later find out, we went 3-5 (there used to be 4 rounds with 2 judges each). Though we both got Oral Advocate awards later that week, it was a small consolation. We wanted to be in finals. And that was our last chance… (Keep reading to find out what I learned at Moot Court Nationals and why you should try Moot…)

Continue reading “Reflections on 2024 Moot Court Nationals and Why You Should Sign Up for Moot Camp by: Ethan Tong”

Unlocking the Power of Interpretive Speeches

Is this your year to try an interpretive speech? It’s not too late to jump in! Not sure where to begin or want to get on a FAST TRACK? Join me and Mrs. D for Fast Track Interp. We will be your very own guides through the World of Interp. Sign up now! Or keep reading this article on WHY you need to add an interpretive speech to your high school speech and debate career!

You might be wondering, "Why on earth should we care about these speeches?" Well, you're in for a treat because interpretive speaking isn't just another high school requirement – it's a valuable skill that can benefit you in countless ways. So, let's break it down and discover why interpretive speeches are worth your time and effort.

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Second Semester Clubs Are About to Begin! SIGN UP NOW!

We are in full gear of the 2024 Tournament Season! Are you reading those ballots and feeling like you just need a little more push, edge, or inspiration!? Join a Lasting Impact! Club for all of the above, including GROWTH and fellowship! Second Semester Clubs are geared for the competition! Our coaches are actively involved in tournaments, judging, watching, understanding the elements of Speech and Debate, and what trends are trending. Are you looking for a little more this season? Sign up for one or more of the club below…

  • Speech 102 – Heather Neumann , along with public speaking pros, will be helping students take a deeper dive into their speeches. Students will practice and hone their speeches and receive feedback.
  • FAST TRACK – Interp – A six week course on quickly on creating a piece. There’s no reason not to jump into an interpretive speech this season! Why not start NOW!
  • LD Strategies – Ethan Tong will lead students deeper through the NCFCA resolution. This will be the place to be for extra practice, analysis, and growth!
  • Limited Prep Club – This eight week course with Honor Hoffmann will help you navigate the limited prep events – Apologetics, Extemporaneous, and Impromptu Speaking. These three events take practice! And typically more than just at a tournament! Come gain insight into these valuable events!

All clubs will be recorded, if you can’t make it. But as always, you will get the most out of being present! Tell your friends! Head to the SHOP and sign up NOW! Looking for more individual growth? Sign up for a one on one Coaching Session or a Script Assessment HERE. We look forward to seeing you soon!

FREE Moot Court Judging Webinar – Nov. 28

Parents! If you’re interested in judging Moot Court this year, but aren’t sure if you’ll be able to tackle the material, Lasting Impact! is putting on a workshop just for you. Ethan Tong, Blackstone Head Coach, will be explaining this year’s packet in the most accessible way possible, giving you a head start so that you can feel confident judging rounds. He’ll explain both sides of every argument the competitors could make, give you a list of good questions to ask students to take home with you, and give tips on ballot scoring. You won’t want to miss. And best of all, it’s FREE! Please invite anyone else you may know who’s interested. We want to give this resource to you so that the season is the best it can be for the competitors! Click HERE to register.

When: Tuesday, November 28th, at 7:30-9pm CT
Where: Zoom!

Happy 4th SALE! Online Speech and Debate Camps – Membership Prices for ALL!

MEMBERSHIP PRiCES for ALL – through the 4th of July!! Our Online Camps are LESS THAN $100 (see below for details on the discounts). Sign up today for Lasting Impact! Online Camps, they will provide – amazing information, instruction, and inspiration! And, as always, the recording is FREE! Running a Club this year? Club Leaders are also welcome to attend! Learn and glean from top notch coaches to walk away with a jump start on the season making progress towards success!

Ethan Tong said, “Some of my fondest memories of High School Speech and Debate were the summer camps: hanging out with friends, not understanding how much I was learning, with little to no pressure to perform well. I remember one camp in Wisconsin where I was doing a practice round. One of the camp coaches was judging. I could not finish a single sentence without stuttering and saying ums all over the place––despite it being my 2nd year competing. I was so embarrassed that I literally said, in my speech, “I’m sorry, I promise I’m usually not this bad”!”

The great thing about camps is that you’re allowed to make mistakes and not be on your best game. You need to remember- you go to camp to learn, grow, and explore!

Lasting Impact! is offering summer speech and debate camps all over the country – including Hawaii! But did you know we also are providing some AMAZING speech and debate opportunities ONLINE this summer?? We are offering ONLINE DEBATE – in three different events––TP, LD, and Moot Court–– and ONLINE SPEECH! We guarantee they will help you learn the elements to get you started on the road to progress. By heading to a summer camp you are guaranteed to be further ahead than if you didn’t! We, at Lasting Impact!, are all about the process and progress over the perfection! If you can’t make it to an in person camp this summer… check out these online options…

TP and LD Camp – (TP – July 10-11/LD – July 12-13) These are called “Principles of TP” and “Principles of LD” because we will not just teach you how to succeed in a particular resolution, but how to succeed in any resolution. Coach Ethan Tong and Coach Nathanael Kolssak will teach you the principles of debate that all nationally-ranked debaters use. They are not only experienced coaches and past competitors, but they are also experienced judges! Therefore, they will be able to give you tips from the other side of the table and tell you what judges like and what they don’t like. Click HERE and enter the Code – DISCOUNT2310 for $25 OFF!!

Moot Camp – (July 26-27 or Aug. 4-5) This camp is geared for beginners and advanced. Beginners will cover…

⁃What is Moot Court?
⁃What To Do When Cracking Open the Packet
⁃Case Writing 101
⁃Responding to Questions 101
⁃2023 Packet Discussion
⁃…and more!

The advanced track will cover:
⁃Improving at Moot
⁃Case Writing 201: Compelling Intros and Conclusions
⁃Mastering the Rebuttal
⁃2023 Packet Discussion
Click HERE. And enter the Code- DISCOUNT2310 for $10 OFF!!

Jump Start Speech – (July 17) Heather Neumann will lead students of all levels to get a kick start for the upcoming season. Through class time and engaging activities, Heather will break down all the speech categories, teach the benefits of speech and debate, and dispel various myths. Even the most apprehensive students will walk away with a foundation, and the varsity students will be inspired! Click HERE. And enter the Code- DISCOUNT2310 for $10 OFF!!

Do you need a camp to do well? No, not necessarily, but our camps will have value. You have the opportunity to start your journey NOW! Begin the process NOW. Oh––and one more thing: we promise these camps will be fun. Yes, they’re online. But we use high energy, humor, games, activities, and everything in our power to make these camps some of the best you’ve ever been to. Just hear what a Moot Court camper said:

“The energy was immaculate, the feedback was top tier, and the way the coaches handled everything (from jokes to lectures to drills to giving tips) exceeded my already high expectations greatly. Would 100% pay again. 10/10.”

Sign Up Today!

Summer Speech and Debate Prep With Us!

Ok- maybe we are a bit premature! Some of you haven’t been to your National Championship, yet! But REGISTRATION IS GOING ON NOW! Lasting Impact! aims to empower students with the skills of effective communication and teamwork through the avenues of debate and public speaking. Check out what you can sign up for by going to the SHOP ( https://lastingimpact.info/shop/ )or read the list below…

  • In Person Camps! The Impact! Tour is topping at over 10 locations from HI to FL! We love partnering with clubs and are excited to bring energy and fun and quality coaching to your home town! We still have some dates available, if your state isn’t on the list, contact us!
  • Summer Sessions! https://lastingimpact.info/product/club15065/ We added something new to the mix this year! Online weekly encouragement to boost students, parents, coaches, and clubs! Every Monday night for ten weeks we will dig into the topics you want to hear about. We’ve invited special guests, as well as our coaches for you to hear the latest ideas and inspiration. Sessions include…
  • How to get started in Speech and Debate 
  • Overview of Resolutions 
  • How to Research 
  • Picking Topics
  • The Ins and Outs of Expository or Digital Presentations 
  • Purposeful Practicing 
  • Running Clubs/Club Leading
  • And More!

No time for summer prep!? We have that covered too! Fall classes and clubs are filling up! https://lastingimpact.info/product-category/clubs/ And more classes will be added! Classes include…

  • Debate Readiness 
  • Speech 101
  • Speech 102
  • Fundamentals of LD
  • Fundamentals of Limited Prep
  • TP Basics
  • And More!

We, at Lasting Impact! have a passion for the Art of Communication! We are excited for what the Lord has in store for young people, and want to help them understand the value and power they have to IMPACT and inspire! If you aren’t seeing something you want contact heather@lastingimpact.info