Meet the Speakers
Greg Koukl
Greg Koukl founded Stand to Reason in 1993 and currently serves as President. He has spoken on more than 90 university campuses both in the U.S. and abroad and has hosted his own call-in radio show for over 30 years, advocating for “Christianity worth thinking about.” He has debated atheist Michael Shermer on national radio and Deepak Chopra on national television. An award-winning writer and best-selling author, Greg has written seven books, including Street Smarts—Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges, The Story of Reality—How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between; Tactics—A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions, and Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air. Greg has been featured on Focus on the Family radio and has been interviewed for CBN and the BBC. He's been quoted in Christianity Today, the U.S. News & World Report, and the L.A. Times.
Greg received his Masters in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics at Talbot School of Theology, graduating with high honors, and his Masters in Christian Apologetics with honors from Simon Greenleaf University. He is an adjunct professor in Christian apologetics at Biola University.
Dr. Walter R. Strickland II
Dr. Walter R. Strickland II is a professor, pastor, and a child of God committed to equipping believers to live with biblical wisdom by proclaiming and demonstrating the good news of Jesus Christ.
As a published author and instructor, he teaches in a variety of environments as a preacher, lecturer, consultant, and conference speaker. He has a passion for applying Scripture to all of life, exploring the African American Christian tradition, and living incarnationally.
Born in Chicago and raised in Southern California, he lives in the Raleigh area of North Carolina with his wife and their three children. They also cherish the hope of reuniting with their daughter, Hope, who is waiting for them in glory.
Mark Mittelberg
Bestselling Author, International Speaker, and Leading Strategist in Apologetics-Oriented Outreach
Mark Mittelberg is a bestselling author, international speaker, and the Executive Director of The Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics at Colorado Christian University, where he helps equip believers through accredited degree programs and training resources. He is the author of Contagious Faith: Discover Your Natural Style for Sharing Jesus with Others and co-creator of the widely used Becoming a Contagious Christian course, which has equipped nearly two million people worldwide. His other works include Becoming a Contagious Church, Confident Faith (Outreach Magazine’s apologetics book of the year), The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask, The Reason Why Faith Makes Sense, and several collaborative projects with Lee Strobel, with whom he has partnered in ministry for more than thirty years. Formerly the evangelism director at Willow Creek Community Church and Executive Vice President of the Willow Creek Association, Mark holds an MA in Philosophy of Religion from Trinity International University and an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Southern Evangelical Seminary. He and his wife, Heidi, live near Denver and are the parents of Emma Jean and Matthew, both serving in ministry.
Tom Richter
Pastor of Cullman First Baptist Church in North Alabama
The pastor of Cullman First Baptist Church in North Alabama, Dr. Tom Richter leads a congregation rooted in a rich history of ministry and missions in the friendly city of Cullman, situated between Birmingham and Huntsville. In addition to preaching weekly and shepherding the local church, Tom also travels to speak to various groups about Jesus. Before moving to Cullman, he served for 14 years as pastor of New Hope Christian Church in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York City.
Schedule
9 AM | Registration
10 AM | Session 1
11:45 AM | Mega Breakout 1
12:30 PM | Lunch
1:15 PM | Session 2
2:30 PM | Mega Breakout 2
3:30 PM | Session 3
4:45 PM | Dismiss
Breakout Session 1
What We Really Want: Sex, Desire, and the Search to Be Fully Known
Led by Walter Strickland | Location: G101/Fishbowl
Our culture makes sex ultimate, but our deepest desire is to be fully known and loved. This session reframes sexuality as a longing for relationship that is fulfilled in Christ and through biblical community. This paradigm shift speaks powerfully to temptation, pornography, singleness, and living faithfully in a complicated world.
Unlocked: Finding Real Peace by Breaking Addiction’s Grip on Your Dopamine
Led by Dawn Reed | Location: Chapel
In a world full of constant noise and quick fixes, addictions— habits, screens, & substances—can lock our brains into unhealthy patterns that steal our peace. In this session, we’ll explore how dopamine shapes our habits, share real stories of hope, and learn practical, faith-centered tools to “unlock” healthier rhythms and the peace God designed.
Islamic Beliefs & Bridge Building
Led by Barbara Pemberton | Location: Sanctuary
This session will offer a brief outline of the foundation, core beliefs, and practices of Islam along with a Christian evaluation and suggestions for “building bridges” to the gospel. Current research challenging the traditional account of Islam’s origins will also be introduced.
Using AI Wisely: A Biblical Guide for Students
Led by Katie Fruge | Location: Horne Hall
Christians are called to see clearly and think wisely in all areas, including technology. This breakout will explore how the Bible shapes the way we approach artificial intelligence, why intelligence isn’t the same as wisdom, and how to practice critical thinking so you can use AI without letting it use you.
Leadership
Led by Jackson Kennedy | Location: The Spot
In this session, we’ll explore how God forms leaders in private places of surrender and prayer, preparing them to steward His plans and purposes publicly. Through Scripture, we’ll see how desire for His presence, obedience, and community shape leaders who can shepherd revival in their generation.
Discerning God's Call to Ministry
Led by Mark Dance | Location: The Mez
Nobody wants to waste time and energy running enthusiastically in the wrong direction. Dr. Mark Dance will share a simple, biblical decision-making process which will help you get clarity on your call to ministry.
Breakout Session 2
"I Wonder What the Bible Would Say About...?" The Corinthian Grid: A Tool For Discernment
Led by Tom Richter | Location: The Spot
As Christians, we want to obey God by living in accordance with the Bible. But how do you make choices when the issues we face today were not around during Bible times? (Especially on moral "gray areas" that are not clearly outlawed or supported in scripture). The Corinthian Grid is a tool that can help us apply scripture to any issue, no matter how modern.
Confident Faith: 20 Reasons You Can Know Your Faith is Built on Facts
Led by Mark Mittelberg | Location: Chapel
In this rapid-fire session, you’ll learn a barrage of reasons you can know that Christianity is true. This will include evidence from science, history, philosophy, archaeology, miracles, the resurrection of Jesus, etc. — information that will strengthen your own faith and give you solid information to share with your friends who don’t yet know Jesus.
Artificial Answers, Fragile Faith: Why Better Prompts Don't Produce Enduring Leaders
Led by Walter Strickland | Location: G101/Fishbowl
You don’t become a leader or defender of the faith by following the right influencers and running to AI for advice, faithfulness comes by being shaped by Christ overtime. This session challenges the culture of quick fixes and shows how real wisdom is formed through “long obedience in the same direction."
Truth Is Not Ice Cream, Faith Is Not Wishing
Led by Greg Koukl | Location: Sanctuary
Two misunderstandings threaten to make Christianity irrelevant: truth as a matter of preference and faith as wishful thinking. This session will make clear distinctions in both areas that are central not only for evangelism, but also for a solid and secure walk with Jesus.
LDS (Mormonism) Beliefs & Responding Well
Led by Barbara Pemberton | Location: Horne Hall
This session will offer an overview of the LDS movement including a theological evaluation of unique Mormon terminology, core doctrines, and practices. The session will also consider biblical apologetic responses and witnessing suggestions.
How to Start Well and Win in College!
Led by Thomas Guinee | Location: The Mez
High School Juniors and Seniors, this one is for you! Want to learn how to ace your transition into College? Join BCM Campus Ministers and Student Leaders from around the state for a panel and group discussion on how to start well and win at pursuing Jesus in College!
