Week at a glance

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The Programme

The Summer School is an intense week of training in Evangelism and Apologetics. The programme focuses upon the inspiration and challenge of following in the footsteps of the Early Church Fathers as we seek to share the gospel message today. We will consider what can be learnt from history and how we can prepare ourselves for the questions and hostilities that we encounter as Christians.

Most of the days will follow a common pattern, with three main teaching sessions and three optional seminars. Conference guests are welcome to attend as many sessions as they wish. Some of the speakers will be on hand throughout the week to talk with participants and to answer questions.

Worship
Each day will begin with a short period of worship led by Phil Lawson Johnston.

Plenary Sessions
Throughout the week, Dr John Lennox will lead a Bible study on the book of Acts. This will examine the life, faith and works of those who founded the early church and will provide insight into how we might learn from their example.

The second series of talks, entitled Then and Now, will focus upon the Early Church Fathers and a number of key theological and doctrinal disputes that would not only determine the direction in which Christian thinking would develop, but would also lay the foundation upon which modern apologetics is based and informed. It is fascinating to observe how issues that were discussed and decided upon in the few hundred years after Jesus’ death, continue to resurface in different guises today. How can we bring the past to life in our current settings and discussions?

The evening sessions will examine some of the different questions that Jesus himself asked, as well as those that he answered. Jesus was asked many questions and, interestingly, he often responded with another question. What can we learn from this approach and how should these examples guide us in our interaction with other people? These sessions will cover many important apologetics topics such as the nature of truth, the basis of human morality and the divinity of Christ.

Seminars
In the afternoon, delegates can attend one of two optional seminar streams.* The first focuses upon well-known apologists/theologians and how they have responded to a certain aspect of philosophy or culture. The second looks at Christian martyrdom, both throughout history and in the modern world.

In addition to the two seminar streams shown above, there will also be a series of “On the Spot” sessions, where delegates will have the opportunity to ask questions to the speaking team.

* As each seminar constitutes part of a larger series we do ask that delegates choose one stream and remain in this throughout the week.

Other Events / Free Time
After lunch there is an extended break, which provides a chance to rest or visit the sights of Oxford. There will also be a special mid-week event, a tour of Oxford and a final farewell celebration.

 

" I’ve been to many Apologetics Conferences but this is the first one that has ever so engaged my heart as well as my mind. Thanks so much! "

Endorsement by Summer School 2006 attendee.