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FAQ
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Frequently Asked Questions about the
2008 National Conference On Christian Apologetics
Q. Where is the conference going to be held?
A. Hickory Grove Baptist Church, main campus, 6050 Hickory Grove Rd., Charlotte, NC. It is convenient to I-85 and 485.
Q. What are the schedule times and costs for the event?
A. Session times are as follows: Friday, November 7, 2008: Doors and exhibit area open at 5:00 PM, program begins at 6:30 PM. Program ends approximately 10:00 PM.
Saturday, November 8: Doors open at 7:00 AM, program begins at 8:00 AM. Daytime sessions end at approximately 4:30 PM.
Saturday evening, November 8: Doors open at 6:00 pm for the evening debate. Seating is on a first-come, first served basis. Please do not save seats for others. Debate portion of conference will begin at 7:00 pm and will conclude at approximately 8:30 pm.
Conference cost - $75.00. Debate requires purchase of an additional $10.00 ticket.
Register online at: www.nationalapologeticsconference.com or by phone, at: 704-847-5600. Registration cost includes attendance at all sessions, commemorative conference workbook with all outlines, and helpful info.
Important! Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. In past years the event has sold out, as attendees have come from all 50 US states and as many as 17 countries. Walk-ins are accepted, but due to space limitations, pre-registration is strongly encouraged! Q. What specific topics will be covered at The 2008 National Conference on Christian Apologetics?
A. The theme of this year’s conference is "A Summit On Defense of the Biblical Worldview." Plenary and elective sessions will touch on how the Christian worldview relates to the home, the church, and the culture.
Attendees will hear top scholars address a variety of important issues, including: The Christian worldview, moral relativism, homosexuality / gay marriage, responding to belief systems that oppose Christianity, moral purity / sexual abstinence, ethical issues, stem cell research, the sanctity of human life, and more.
Also, sessions will be offered to equip Christians to share their faith confidently and effectively, facts about the trustworthiness and authenticity of the Bible, the resurrection, and ancient evidence for the life of Christ, absolute truth, and why it matters, Creation vs. evolution, overcoming spiritual doubts, how to reach skeptics with the Gospel, a Christian response to Islam, answering atheism / agnosticism, a Christian response to cults (such as Jehovah’s Witnesses), a Christian response to the occult (such as wicca or witchcraft), responding to popular media themes related to the Christian faith [such as popular books like The God Delusion and Misquoting Jesus], and more.
Q. Will there be special musical guests?
A. Because the National Conference on Christian Apologetics is content-driven, music is not a primary focus. Attendee feedback and surveys show that conference attendees generally come for the teaching and speakers, and appreciate less music. At the 2008 event, there will be a very limited amount of worship music provided by the talented individuals and groups of Hickory Grove Baptist Church. The conference’s two stages— a teen stage, and a main or "general" stage— each will have a limited amount of age-appropriate music.
All attendees will be free to enjoy the speakers and presentations in the auditorium area of their choice.
Q. Will there be special seating for those with accessibility needs and assistance provided?
A. Yes. Attendees with special needs may be dropped off and picked up at the main entrance of Hickory Grove Baptist Church. The parking circle at the main door is for temporary loading and unloading of passengers only. There are elevators adjacent to the main lobby for attendee’s usage. Ushers will be able to direct you to the wheelchair Accessible seating area. Q. What if it rains?
A. All sessions of the 2008 National Conference on Christian Apologetics take place indoors; inclement weather will be no problem.
Q. Will I be able to meet the speakers? Can I get a certain speaker to sign my book?
A. Maybe. Many renowned speakers come to participate in this unique conference. Most of the speakers will be on the premises throughout the event. We cannot promise that you will get to personally meet the speaker of your choice. But chances are strong that you will see the speakers in and around the facility. If the speaker happens to be headed to the platform for their presentation, or is going to an appointment with a journalist in the media room, please be considerate of their time. Southern Evangelical Seminary is blessed to annually assemble a list of presenters who are godly, gifted, and gracious. The speakers will be encouraged to hear how their ministries have impacted the lives of others.Q. My relative, friend, neighbor, co-worker, etc. is really hostile to Christianity.
Should I bring them to this conference?
A. Absolutely! Apologetics and the wealth of data that affirms Christianity has a wonderful, two-fold benefit: Apologetics "reaches and teaches." It "equips and deepens the believer," but it can also "persuade the lost." At previous events organized by Alex McFarland / SES, skeptics, searchers, agnostics, and unbelievers with various objections have found a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is an event that God can use to enrich believers and evangelize non-believers.
Q. Does my church need advance permission to come by bus or large van?
A. No.
Q. Will there be a charge for parking at Hickory Grove Baptist Church?
A. No, parking is free.
Q. Can I park my RV overnight at the church?
A. Our insurance does not permit overnight parking on the church campus. There is ample daily parking for your visit to the facility. Charlotte, NC offers several conveniently located located parks for overnight RV parking. Q. What age groups should attend the National Conference on Christian Apologetics?
A. The conference is appropriate for all ages, with the exception of small children. Surveys from past attendees routinely include statements like, "This is the best Christian conference I have ever attended," and "I was more inspired by this event than by anything else I’ve ever attended." We give God the glory for using these events to touch teens through senior adults.
The event has been prayerfully organized with all ages in mind. It is especially suited for adults, youth and college students, parents, youth workers, pastors, Sunday School teachers, church leaders, concerned individuals— and people who are spiritually searching. All are strongly encouraged to attend.
Q. Why do you have a separate stage just for the teens and students?
A. Studies show that many teens (even teens in church) do not have a solid grasp on Biblical truth and how to defend their faith. The teen / student stage is part of our passion and plan to equip a new generation to stand up for the Christian message. For nearly two decades, conference host Alex McFarland has taught apologetics and the Christian world view to teens, college students, and adults across all 50 states. The response has been tremendous. By encouraging adults and youth to attend, you are making an investment in the spiritual welfare of your church and our nation.
The conference features a Youth Track with sessions especially desigend to equip students to defend their faith. Hosted in conjunction with Focus on the Family, speakers have been specially selected to give teen, college students, and youth leaders a deeper understanding of apologetics and the biblical worldview. Gain a Christian perspective on issues such as dealing with doubts; Wicca and the occult, Islam, preparing for the ways that college will challenge your faith, and how to reach your friends for Christ.
The presenters and topics are selected with much prayer and thought. Please carefully decide for which track you want to register. Your specifically colored wrist band will admit you to that tract all day. Some of the plenary speakers in the General Session will also be simulcast on the Youth stage.
Q. I attended one of Alex McFarland's "Truth For A New Generation" events in the past. Is the National Conference on Christian Apologetics similar to these conferences?
A. The National Conference on Christian Apologetics includes all of the life-changing content and inspiring elements that made Truth For A New Generation significant— plus much more. This 2008 event includes more presenters and much new information designed to equip Christians for effective ministry in light of cultural developments like the spread of Islam, the "new atheism," and more. Our ever-changing world demands that Christians pray, study, and remain sharp for effective walk and witness.
Q. I am from out of town and would like to volunteer. What may I do?
A. At this time, we do not have a specific area to which we are able to you. We suggest you communicate your interest to us by sending an e-mail to: cwoodside@ses.edu. We will contact you if we identify a need. Thank you very much for your willingness to assist.
Q. What hotels are near the church?
A. For a list of Charlotte's national chain and local hotels located near the venue—click here.
Q. May I financially support the ministry of Southern Evangelical Seminary?
A. Yes, and thank you for asking. Southern Evangelical Seminary [SES] has hosted the NCCA annually since 1993. God is using SES to equip a generation of men and women to evangelize the world and defend the historic Christian faith. Your prayers and tax-deductible contributions are much needed, deeply appreciated, and will be faithfully handled. The seminary’s development office may be reached at 1-704-847-5600. To donate online, visit www.ses.edu.
Q. I'd like to visit the Southern Evangelical Seminary campus while I am in town.
A. To schedule a campus tour please contact one of the Deans of Students: Duke Hale(dhale@ses.edu) or Nora Hale (nhale@ses.edu). You may reach them by phone, at: 1-800-77-TRUTH ext. 216 or 223.
Q. Are people permitted to tailgate in the parking lots during the conference?
A. Barbeques and tailgating are not permitted on the church property.
Q. Will there be concessions available at the event?
A. Food and drink concessions will be available on the premises of Hickory Grove Baptist Church. Snacks will be reasonably priced. Choices will include pretzels, snacks, and a variety of drinks. A box lunch can be purchased separately for $6. We ask that no food and drink be brought into the church’s sanctuary. Q. I want to invite some of the speakers to my church. Will you please give me their phone numbers?
A. Virtually all of the speakers have personal or ministry websites which should provide contact info. Some of the speakers will have exhibit booths at the 2008 NCCA. Representatives there may be able to assist you with scheduling.
Q. I have been in church for years, but I had not heard of apologetics until recently. What is it? Are you saying that Christians should apologize about something?
A. Christian apologetics is the discipline which deals with a rational defense of Christianity. Our term, "apologetics" comes from the Greek word apologia, which means, "to give a reason or defense." It has nothing to do with saying, "I’m sorry." For the Christian, apologetics may include effectively explaining why we believe that God is real, the Bible is true, or that Jesus is authentic.
I Peter 3:15 contains the admonition, "…be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason for the hope that is in you…" The same wording is found in Philippians 1:7 and 1:17, where Paul said that he is "set for the defense of the Gospel." The principle is echoed in Jude 3, as believers are encouraged to "earnestly contend for the faith." The Bible contains examples of using evidence and sound reasoning to minister to individuals (see Luke 21:14; Acts 25:16, 26:23-24; I Corinthians 9:3).
Apologetics deals with support for (and defense of) the core beliefs of Christianity. For example: Defending the authority and trustworthiness of scripture; Presenting evidence in defense of Jesus Christ, His resurrection, and the Christian faith in general; and exposing the flawed reasoning behind many of the popular arguments against Christianity.
Ironically, many people today think that they have legitimate reasons for rejecting Jesus Christ, and that God does not have justifiable claim on their life. Man feels that he has an apologetic, but God does not. In reality, it is God Who does have an apologetic, while man does not. The Bible says that those who suppressed God’s truth in favor of their own sinful desires, have no apologetic (or defense) for what they have done (see Romans 2:1).
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