Dr. Richard Knopp

Director of Worldview Eyes and Room For Doubt

  • CURRENT POSITIONS
    • Professor of Philosophy & Christian Apologetics and program director of the MA in Philosophy & Apologetics at Lincoln Christian University (LCU).
    • Program Director for Room for Doubt, a grant-funded apologetics program that encourages questions, addresses doubts, and strengthens faith.
    • Program Director for WorldViewEyes, a grant-funded program for youth and adults administered through LCU. The program is designed to help Christian youth and adults EXPAND their minds, ENGAGE their culture, EVALUATE non-Christian beliefs; and EMBRACE a consistently-lived Christian worldview. Over 80,000 adults and youth have attended a WorldViewEyes or Room For Doubt multimedia presentation. The program has received six grants from the Lilly Endowment totaling over 1 million dollars.
    • Board member since 1992 for the Christian Campus Foundation, a campus ministry at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.
  • EDUCATIONAL HISTORY
    • Ph.D. in Philosophy, University of Illinois, 1991.
      • Dissertation: “Religious Belief and the Problems of Cognitivity and Commitment: A Reappraisal Based on Contemporary Philosophy of Science.”
    • M.A. in Philosophy, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, 1983.
      • Thesis: “Karl Popper’s Concept of Rationality in Science.”
    • M.Div. in Philosophy and Theology, Lincoln Christian Seminary, 1979.
    • B.A. in Christian Ministries, St. Louis Christian College, 1973.
  • AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION AND TEACHING
    • Philosophy of Religion; Apologetics; Worldview Studies; Philosophy of Science; Ethics.
    • Undergraduate Courses: Introduction to Worldviews; Christianity and Science; Ethics; Philosophy of Religion; Advanced Apologetics; Logic.
    • Graduate/Seminary Courses: Christianity and the Philosophy of Religion; Science, Theology, and Philosophy; Understanding Contemporaray Mindsets; Ethics; Types of Apologetics.
  • PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS & SERVICE
    • Evangelical Philosophical Society.
    • Evangelical Theological Society.
    • Founding Editorial Board Member for the Stone-Campbell Journal (1998-2002).
  • GRANTS/AWARDS
    • Program Director for Room For Doubt, a 1.2 million dollar grant program for Christian apologetics.
    • Grant writer and Program Director for WorldViewEyes, a program funded by six grants totaling $1,027,530 from Lilly Endowment Inc. (2000-present).
    • Athletic Hall of Fame (basketball), St. Louis Christian College (inaugural class inductee, 2013). Currently ranked 2nd all-time scorer (2,225 points. 22.7 pts/game; all-time leader in freethrows attempted and in free throws made).
    • 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award, St. Louis Christian College.
    • 2007 Wolford Award from St. Louis Christian College. Granted to former SLCC students “who exhibit Christian character and have made significant impact on SLCC athletics and in ministry.”
    • $10,000 award winner from the Templeton Foundation for developing model courses in science and religion (1991). Course titled “Science and Theology: Problems, Perspectives, and Possibilities.”
  • PUBLICATIONS
    • Truth About God: What Can We Know and How Can We Know It? RENEW, 2021. Six related videos can be accessed HERE.
    • “Lessons from the Philosophy of Science for the Restoration Movement Heritage.” Chapter in Restoration and Philosophy: New Philosophical Engagements with the Stone-Campbell Tradition. Edited by J. Caleb Clanton. Nashville, TN: University of Tennessee Press, 2019.
    • “Understanding and Engaging the ‘Nones.’” Stone-Campbell Journal 21 (Fall 2018): 217-237. (A published version of an invited plenary lecture for the 2018 Stone-Campbell Journal Conference at Milligan College in Tennessee.)
    • “A Tribute to Dr. Robert C. Kurka.” Stone-Campbell Journal 21 (Fall 2018): 252-255.
    • “Review of Making Sense of God: An Invitation to the Skeptical by Timothy Keller. Requested book review for the Christian Standard (February 2017 issue on Christian Apologetics). http://christianstandard.com/2017/02/helping-the-skeptical-see-god.
    • “Moral Absolutes and Moral Worth: A Proposal for Christian Ethics Inspired by Norman L. Geisler.” In I AM Put Here for the Defense of the Gospel: Dr. Norman L. Geisler: A Festschrift in His Honor, 317-345. Edited by Terry Miethe. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2016.
    • “Easter is On!: Resurrection Resources.” Christian Standard 150 (March 2015): 30–31. Additional resources to accompany the article can be found HERE.
    • “Where Will We Go Without God?” Christian Standard 149 (June 2014): 38-40. For a webcast interview regarding this special issue on apologetics, see “Beyond the Standard–Apologetics is Different Now” accessible at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/standardpublishing.
    • “On the Conceptual Relationship Between Religion and Science: Considerations from a Christian Perspective.” In Theology in the Present Age: Essays in Honor of John D. Castelein, 73-99. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2013.
    • Review of Loving Wisdom: Christian Philosophy of Religion by Paul Copan. St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2007, submitted by request to Encounter.
    • Review of The Future of Atheism: Alister McGrath and Daniel Dennett in Dialogue. Edited by Robert Stewart. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2008. In The Stone-Campbell Journal (Spring 2010): 108-110.
    • Co-editor with John Castelein, Taking Every Thought Captive: Essays in Honor of James D. Strauss. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1997.
    • “On the Value of the Philosophy of Science for Christian Faith and Ministry.” Chapter in Taking Every Thought Captive: Essays in Honor of James D. Strauss. Joplin, MO : College Press, 1997.
    • “Apologetics in Our Modern Postmodern Age: Some Insights from the Philosophy of Science. The Journal of Campus Ministry 2 (1996): 1-4.
  • PRESENTATIONS: (For a list of presentations that includes resources, go to the presentations tab above.
  • PROFESSIONAL & ACADEMIC PAPERS AND PRESENTATIONS:
    • “Understanding and Engaging the ‘Nones.’” Plenary Presentation. Stone-Campbell Journal Conference at Emmanuel Christian Seminary. Milligan College, TN. (April 7, 2018).
    • International Christian Evidence Conference at York College, Nebraska (June 19-21, 2015). Plenary session (“Rethinking Worldview: A New Paradigm for Christian Discipleship”) and one workshop (“Dealing with Doubt”).
    • “Is There Room for Doubt in Christian Apologetics?” Stone-Campbell Journal Conference (April 10-11, 2015).
    • “Using Media to Illustrate Christian Worldview Ideas.” Stone-Campbell Journal Conference (March 14-15, 2014).
    • “The Legacy of the Kuhn-Popper Debate: Some Lessons for Evangelicals.” 2013 National Meeting of the Evangelical Theological/Philosophical Society. (Nov. 19, 2013).
    • “A New Paradigm for Worldview: Locating Its Basis in Deuteronomy 6.” Stone-Campbell Journal Conference. (April 5-6, 2013).
    • “What I’ve Learned from Worldview Assessments: A Critical Appraisal for the Academy and the Church.” Midwest Evangelical/Philosophical Society Meeting. (March 9, 2013)
    • “Teaching Them to Love Wisdom: The Christian Philosopher in the Classroom: Effective Tools and Strategies for Teaching Well.” Midwest Evangelical/Philosophical Society Meeting panel presentation with Dr. Bryan O’Neal (Moody) and Dr. James Stump (Bethel College). (March 8, 2013).
    • “Lessons from the Philosophy of Science on the Perceptions and Practice of Science” – Invited lecture for the Center for Research in Science (CRIS), Azusa Pacific University (Nov. 29, 2011). See http://www.apu.edu/cris/. Lecture video available on iTunes-U at: http://itunes.apple.com/itunes-u/center-for-research-in-science/id421902830#ls=1.
    • “Philosophy of Science and Christian Concerns: Reflections on a 20-Year-Old Dissertation” – Plenary presenter for the Midwest Evangelical Theological-Philosophical Society Meeting (March 2011).
    • K. T. Norris Lectures at Maritime Christian College, Prince Edward Island, Canada (January 2010).
      • “Digesting God’s Call to a Christian Worldview”
      • “Discovering the Implications of a Christian Worldview”
      • “Detecting Clashing Worldviews in Our Culture”
      • “Developing a Christian Response to Competing Worldviews”
    • Sermons: “Living a Biblical Worldview: Monitoring Moses”; “Living a Biblical Worldview: Principles from Paul; “Detecting and Deciding on the Influences in Your Life” (youth).
    • “Apologetic Cartography in a Postmodern World: Does Anyone Have a Compass?” – The Theological Forum, North American Christian Convention (2004) [text of paper in htm format or pdf format].
    • “The Compatibility of Faith and Science” – Faith, Science, and Medicine Seminar, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Medicine and the Christian Medical and Dental Society Continuing Education Seminar, Peoria, Illinois (2000) [available on videotape].
    • “The Nature of Science and Christian Commitment” – University of Illinois Christian Faculty Colloquium (2000) .
    • Lectureship on “Science and Christian Faith” – Manhattan Christian College and Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas (1998).
    • “On the Value of the Philosophy of Science: Some Implications for Theology and Apologetics” – Wheaton Theology Conference, Wheaton College , Wheaton , Illinois (1993).
    • “Contemporary Philosophy of Science and Its Implications for Theology” – Fellowship of Christian Professors’ Meeting, St. Louis (1992).
    • “Christianity and Science” – Lecture at Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois (1990).
  • PRESENTATIONS FOR CHURCHES, CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS, AND CAMPUS MINISTRIES
    • “Is It Intolerant to Say that Jesus is the Only Way?” Sermon for Cornerstone Christian Church, Vero Beach, FL (March 17, 2019).
    • “Why Should Anyone Want to Be (or Remain) a Christian?” Room For Doubt presentation and Q&A for multi-church R4D campaign. Vero Beach, FL (March 14, 2019).
    • “How a Biblical Worldview Can Influence Great Leaders (like Abraham Lincoln).” For international student guests from the University of Illinois. Hosted on LCU campus (Nov. 10, 2018).
    • “Being an Ambassador for Christ in Our Culture” (2 Cor. 5:17-21). Sermon for alumni chapel at St. Louis Christian College (Nov. 2, 2018).
    • Room For Doubt Q&A Event. Clover Road Christian Church. Hannibal, MO (Oct. 17, 2018).
    • “Living a Christian Worldview On (and Off) Campus.” Retreat for Eastern Illinois University Campus Ministry (Sept. 7-9, 2018).
    • “God is the God of the Universe and of New York City.” Sermon for Spread Truth NYC missions week (July 23, 2018).
    • “Reflections on the Meaning of ‘Success’: The World’s View and a Christian Worldview.” For international student guests from the University of Illinois. Hosted on LCU campus (Apr. 28, 2018).
    • “Why Would God Allow Tragedy and Suffering?” Sermon and Room For Doubt Q&A Event. Central Christian Church, Streator, IL (May 6 and 20, 2018).
    • “Worship Celebrates Jesus … As the Incarnate Word: The Gift of God.” Chapel sermon for Lincoln Christian Seminary (Nov. 29, 2017).
    • Room For Doubt Q&A Event. Greencastle (IN) Christian Church (Nov. 5, 2017).
    • “Why Believe (or Continue to Believe) in God?” Sermon. Mt. Pulaski (IL) Christian Church (Sept. 10, 2017).
    • “Biblical Worldview Conference.” 12 hours of instruction. China. Summer 2017.
    • “Truth, Tolerance, and Acceptance” (video, slides, & handouts available).
    • 2017 Vine Conference for High School Youth (April 2017).
    • “Developing Conviction When There Is Room For Doubt.” Sermon. Fort Des Moines Church of Christ (Feb. 26, 2017).
    • “Learning to Love God, Not the World.” Sermon for Lincoln Christian Seminary chapel (Jan. 25, 2017)
    • “Room For Doubt at a Christian University?” Sermon to introduce the Room For Doubt Six-Week Series for undergraduate chapel, Lincoln Christian University (Jan. 10, 2017).
    • Workshop and Q&A for Room For Doubt area-wide campaign. Shelbyville, IL area (Nov. 20, 2016).
    • “Key Considerations for Defending (and Living) Your Faith”
    • “Biblical Guidelines for Defending the Christian Faith in a World of Alternatives”
    • “Dealing with Doubt While Making Disciples.” Senior Saints presentation. Jefferson Street Christian Church, Lincoln, IL (Nov. 10, 2016).
    • “Why Does God Allow Tragedy and Suffering?” and Q&A Event (Mar 20, 2016). Chillicothe, IL
    • “Thinking about the Elephant in the Room: A Christian Approach to Science” (Feb. 24, 2016). High School at Westside Christian Church, Springfield, IL.
    • “Encountering God Who Sometimes Doesn’t Make Sense” (Feb. 17, 2016). Chapel sermon at Lincoln Christian Seminary. Click HERE for the video.
    • “Why Does God Allow Tragedy and Suffering?”; workshop on “Room for Doubt, Yet Reasons for Hope;” and Q&A Event (Jan 31, 2016). Minier, IL.
    • “The Cultural Demise and the Demands of a Christian Worldview” (Oct. 20, 2015). Illinois State Ministers’ Retreat.
    • “Who Are You? A New Way of Thinking about Following Jesus.” High School Worship Message (April 19, 2015). Eastview Christian Church, Normal, IL.
    • Apologetics Conference at Cincinnati Christian University (March 20-21, 2015). Four sessions. For a video of the session on “Room for Doubt, yet Reason for Hope,” CLICK HERE.
    • “Addressing Doubts about Faith.” Winter Retreat for Illinois/Iowa Campus Ministries. Springfield, IL (Feb. 27-28, 2015). Three sessions.
    • “Faith: Is There Room for Doubt?” Illinois Christian Teen Convention (Nov. 8, 2014).
    • “The Demise and the Demands of the Christian Worldview.” Area Men’s Meeting. Macomb, IL (Oct. 27, 2014).
    • “Love God, Not the World” (1 John 2:15-17). Message for College Church, Illinois State University, sponsored by Eastview Christian Church, Bloomington, IL (Oct. 23, 2014).
    • “The Day God Left” (Ezek 9:1-11; 10:1-22). Message for chapel, Lincoln Christian Seminary. Click HERE for just audio recording. Click HERE for audio with slides.
    • “If You Continue in the Faith” (Colossians 1:21-23). Presentation for high school camp, Little Galilee Christian Camp (June 18, 2014).=
    • “We Are The Church.” Sermon at Lincoln Christian Church. Lincoln, IL (May 25, 2014).
    • Room For Doubt Seminar, Madison Park Christian Church, Quincy, IL (March 7-8, 2014). Four sessions. Click HERE for resources.
    • Room For Doubt Seminar, Christian Church of Clarendon Hills, IL (March 1-2, 2014). Four sessions and sermon. Click HERE for resources.
    • “Grace Fights for Deliverance” (2 Cor. 10:1-6): Message for Lincoln Christian University chapel (Feb. 11, 2014). Audio only recording. Audio with Slides.
    • 2013 Commencement Address for St. Louis Christian College. CLICK HERE for audio.
    • “An Introduction to Christian Apologetics”: Special Study at Lincoln Christian Church (5 sessions, April-May, 2013).
    • “Living a Christian Worldview in an Age of Alternatives” – Taylorville Christian Church, Taylorville, IL (Oct, 2012)
      • “God’s Call to a Christian Worldview”
      • “Worldview Lessons from the Apostle Paul”
      • “Being a Confident Christian in a Culture of Competitors”
    • “The Story: Beginnings”: West Side Christian Church, Springfield, IL (Sept-Oct, 2012)
      • “The Beginning of the Story” (Gen 1-9)
      • “The Origin of God’s Nation” (Gen 12-35)
      • “Joseph: From Favored Son, to Slave, to Egyptian Sovereign”
    • “Learning to Love God with Your Worldview”: Northview Church, Carmel, IN (and West Lafayette campus by video). Six presentations (April-May, 2011).
    • “Singing in Our Celebration (Psalm 19): Chapel sermon for Lincoln Christian Seminary (Nov. 2010). Click HERE for audio and slides.
    • “Genesis, Science, and the Christian Worldview”: Mahomet (IL) Christian Church, scheduled for Oct. 15-16, 2010.
    • “The Story of One Universe (Genesis 1)”: Lincoln Christian University, Undergraduate Studies chapel (Sept. 2010).
    • K. T. Norris Lectureship at Maritime Christian College, Prince Edward Island, Canada (January 2010). Four lectures and two sermons on developing and applying a Christian worldview.
    • “Science, Genesis, and the Christian Worldview”: Madison Park Christian Church, Quincy, IL (2010).
    • “An Orientation to Worldviews and a Biblical Worldview”: leadership training event for Lincoln (IL) Christian Church (2009).
    • “Being Truly Christian in a World with Clashing Worldviews”: 3 sessions at Westbrook Christian Church in Bolingbrook, IL (2009).
    • “A Christian Perspective on Science and Evolution”: Bible & Worldview Institute presentation at Morris (IL) Christian Church (2009).
    • “The Need for a Biblical Worldview in an Age of Options”: Bible & Worldview Institute presentation at Morris (IL) Christian Church (2009).
    • “The Need for a Biblical Worldview in an Age of Options”: Bible & Worldview Institute presentation at Lincoln (IL) Christian Church (2008).
    • “Developing and Living a Biblical Worldview in an Age of Options” (5 weeks): Lincoln Christian Church Crusaders’ Sunday School (2007).
    • “Learn 2 See: Understanding and Developing a Biblical Worldview” – Staff development workshop at Lincoln Christian College & Seminary, Lincoln, IL (2005).
    • “Me, My World, and My Worldview” (3 weeks): Lincoln Christian Church Senior High Fusion (2007).
    • “Starting to Think about BIGGER Things”: Eastview Christian Church, Bloomington, IL (2006).
    • “Evolutionism, Creationism, and Intelligent Design”: Southside Christian Church, Springfield, IL (2006).
    • “Biblical Ethics and Absolutes”: Madison Park Christian Church, Quincy, IL (2006).
    • College Park Christian Church, Normal, IL (2005):
      • “A Christian Orientation to Competing Worldviews”
      • “Evolutionism and Creationism”
      • “Intelligent Design: Is It an Intelligent Movement?”
    • Lincoln Christian College & Seminary Staff Retreat (2005).
    • Western Illinois University Campus Ministry Retreat (2005).
    • LeRoy Christian Church, LeRoy, Illinois (2004): “Worldview Vaccination”
    • Cornerstone Christian Academy, Bloomington, Illinois (2004): “Learning to Do and Teach ‘Worldview Thinking’”
    • First Christian Church of Champaign (2001): Apologetic Series
    • First Christian Church of Mattoon, Illinois (2001): Christianity & Science Series
    • Eastview Christian Church, Bloomington, Illinois (1993): Seminar on “World Religions”
  • CHURCH CONFERENCES AND CONVENTIONS (All multimedia in nature):
    • “Growing Faith by Giving ROOM For Doubt.” Center for Church Leadership Summit. Christ’s Church, Mason, OH (March 9, 2019).
    • “Engaging a Culture of Doubt.” Church Leaders’ Conference at Lincoln Christian University (Feb. 16, 2019).
    • “The Challenge of Doubts and Prodigals.” LCU Leaders Conference (Feb. 17, 2018).
    • “Preparing the Soil for the Seed: Giving Room For Doubt.” North American Christian Convention. Kansas City, MO (June 2017).
    • “Strengthening Conviction by Giving Room For Doubt.” Leaders’ Conference at Lincoln Christian University (Feb. 18, 2017).
    • “Why is the Church Losing Her Kids, and What Can We Do About It?” Truth Conference. Hosted at Riverside Community Church, Peoria, IL (Nov. 19, 2016).
    • “Learning to Love God in a World of Growing Skepticism and Secularism.” North American Christian Convention, Anaheim, CA (July 13, 2016).
    • “Learning to Love God in a World of Skeptics and Alternative Ways of Life.” Intentional Church Conference, Decatur, IL (April 23, 2016).
    • “Being Relevant in a Culture of Growing Doubt and Skepticism.” Michigan Christian Convention (April 2016). Four sessions.
    • “Learning to Speak with Conviction When There is Room for Doubt.” North American Christian Convention, Cincinnati, OH (June 24, 2015).
    • “Faith: Is There Room For Doubt?” Illinois Christian Teen Convention, Lincoln, IL (Nov. 2014).
    • “Rethinking Worldview: A New Paradigm for Christian Discipleship.” North American Christian Convention, Indianapolis, IN (2014).
    • “Loving God: A New Paradigm for Understanding and Living a Christian Worldview” and “Room For Doubt: Guidelines for Defending Faith.” Intentional Church Conference, Decatur, IL (April 26, 2014).
    • “The Church’s Need for Worldview Inoculation.” Eastern Christian Convention, Hershey, Pennsylvania (2004).
    • “Worldview Inoculation: Get a Christian Shot Where It Counts!” North American Christian Convention Teen Convention, Phoenix, Arizona (2004).
    • “Worldviews for Christian Teens.” Midwest Region Evangelical Theological Society, Lincoln, Illinois (2004).
    • “The Call to Pastoral Leadership.” Lilly Endowment Forum, Indianapolis, Indiana (2003).
    • “The Worldviews of My Neighbors.” National Missionary Convention, Tulsa, Oklahoma (2001).
    • “A Birdseye View of World Religions.” National Missionary Convention, Tulsa, Oklahoma (2001).
    • “Destined to Encounter Competing Worldviews” and “Destined to Interact with Science.” National Youth Leaders’ Convention, Joplin, Missouri (2000).
    • “Defending Christian Faith Against Competing Worldviews” and “Encountering Competing Worldviews.” National Missionary Convention, Knoxville, Tennessee (2000).
    • “Science and Christian Apologetics.” North American Christian Convention, St. Louis, Missouri (1998).
    • “A New Testament Model for Developing Moral Values in an Amoral World.” Southern Illinois Christian Convention, Mt. Vernon, Illinois (1992).
  • YOUTH & YOUTH LEADER EVENTS (all multimedia in nature):
    • “Fighting the Forces You Face” (2 Cor. 10:1-5). Message for Eastview Christian Church high school (July 8, 2018). Video HERE.
    • “Putting It B4 God” (Romans 12:1-2). Message for Eastview Christian Church high school (July 1, 2018). Video HERE.
    • “Are Ya Crazy?” Message for Eastview Christian Church Junior High worship (Dec. 10, 2017).
    • High School Worldview Camp at Pine Haven Christian Assembly. August 2017. 3 sessions.
      • “God’s Word in Nature: What About Science?”
      • “God’s Word Incarnate”
      • “Loving Others with Truth AND Tolerance”
    • “Truth, Tolerance, and Acceptance.” Workshop. The Vine high school event at Lincoln Christian University (April 1, 2017).
    • “Your Faith is in Danger: Prepare for the Assault.” Lincoln Christian University high school Fall Campus Challenge (Oct. 29, 2016).
    • “Who Are You? A New Way to Think about Following Jesus.” The Vine high school event at Lincoln Christian University (April 2, 2016).
    • American Baptist Youth Conference (Pontiac, IL): Workshop on World Religions (2010).
    • Illinois Christian Teen Convention (2003): “Worldviews in the Bible and Your Culture”
    • Christ in Youth Summer Conferences (2004): “Through God’s Eyes”
    • Little Galilee Family Camp (2003): Presentations for youth & adults on worldviews
    • Christ in Youth Summer Conferences (2003): Produced three multimedia presentations.
    • Christ in Youth Discipleship Retreats (2002): “A Christian Response to Muslim Terrorism and 9-11”
    • Christ in Youth Summer Conferences (2002): “A Christian Response to Islam and Muslim Terrorism” and “The God of Hollywood vs. The God of the Holy Book.”
    • Indiana Christian Youth Convention (2002): “Developing Worldview Eyes by Cultivating a Christian Mind” and “Developing Worldview Eyes by Comprehending Competing Worldviews in Contemporary Culture”
    • Christ in Youth Discipleship Retreats (2001): “The Spiritual Disciplines in Today’s World”
    • Christ in Youth Summer Conferences (2001): “Right or Wrong: Tough Ethical Issues for Teenagers”
    • Tennessee Christian Teen Convention, Knoxville, Tennessee (2000): “In a World of Worldviews and Not of It: Worldviews and Your Christian Mission”
    • Christ in Youth Discipleship Retreats (2000): “A Christian Response to a Culture of Confusion and Competing Worldviews”
    • Christ in Youth Summer Conferences (2000): “Ancient Questions—Competing Answers”
  • CURRENT RESEARCH AND INTERESTS:
    • “Defending the Bible and Christ’s Resurrection” – A video-based six-lesson curriculum for the Center for Church Leadership.
    • Writing lessons and producing videos for a high school church curriculum: “Learning to Love God in a World of Options.”
    • Writing scripts for videos and animations on various apologetics topics for Room For Doubt.
    • Website manager for www.roomfordoubt.com and www.worldvieweyes.org.
    • Designing and offering multimedia presentations on Christian worldview and apologetics.
  • CHURCH & PARACHURCH MINISTRY EXPERIENCE
    • Board member, Christian Campus Foundation Campus Ministry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1992-present); Board chairman (2004-2009, 2011-2015).
    • Soloist for church choir and ensembles, Lincoln Christian Church.
    • Interim Preaching Minister, Bethel Church, Farmer City, Illinois (1999).
    • Deacon, First Christian Church, Champaign, Illinois (1982-1983).
    • Interim Preaching Minister, First Christian Church, West Frankfort, Illinois (1980-1981).
    • Preaching Minister, McLean Christian Church, McLean, Illinois (1974-1979).
    • Youth & Bus Minister, First Christian Church, Florissant, Missouri (1972-1974).
    • Youth Minister, First Church of Christ, Wood River, Illinois (1970-1971).
  • PERSONAL TIDBITS
    • Married since 1971. Three children and seven grandchildren.
    • Wife, Paula, is a retired psychology professor at Lincoln College, a private college in Lincoln, IL established by Abraham Lincoln’s friends in the 1860s.
    • Preacher’s son. Lived in Kentucky, Iowa, Wyoming, Missouri, Illinois, and North Carolina.
    • Had 2 retina detachments in my left eye, several eye surgeries in 2005-2006, and spinal fusion surgery in 2016.
    • Enjoy golf, pingpong, and billiards (though I could do those things a lot better when I could see with two eyes and before I blew out my left ALC. Before that, I also loved volleyball, basketball, tennis, and wiffle ball).
    • Played The King in Lincoln Community Theater’s 1991 production of “The King and I.” In 2015, I sang “It’s a Puzzlement” from this show for LCT’s fund-raising production, “LCT: An Encore.”
    • Former all-time scoring leader in basketball (22.7 pts/game) at St. Louis Christian College: record held for about 20 years (before the use of the 3-point line).
    • Played second base for a high school AAA State Champion baseball team in North Carolina. Played for George Whitfield, a legendary coach in North Carolina. See the book about coach Whitfield: Covering All the Bases: George Whitfield’s Extraordinary Life in Baseball.
    • High school all-state second baseman (North Carolina).
    • Played trumpet and was drum major in high school band.