Stand Alone Speaking Topics
All these talks can be done in a 25 to 55 minute time frame.
The Reliability of the Bible
Most Christians do not know how to respond to the question, “Is the Bible reliable?” This question was actually a key stumbling block for Stephen before he accepted Christ and realized how much evidence there really is for the Bible. In this talk, Stephen describes the three key areas that make the Bible the most reliable document in all of antiquity. Bibliographic/Manuscript Evidence: There is more manuscript evidence for the Bible than any other book of antiquity. External Evidence for Christianity: The Scriptures are historically and archaeologically accurate. Internal Evidence: The authors of the Bible were eyewitnesses who were detailed and accurate.
Worldview Confusion: What’s a Worldview and Why Should I Care?
Our worldview impacts everything we do, say and think. Yet many Christians do not actually understand this term and significant research has shown there is a worldview crisis within the body of Christ. The Barna Group showed only 13% of self-professing Christians have a Biblical worldview and only 5 % of Christian teens. Over 50% of Christian youth are walking away from their faith when they leave home. In this talk, Stephen overviews the key components of a worldview and makes a case that the Christian worldview is the most rational, reasonable, logical, and historically reliable option. He emphasizes that understanding our worldview is critical to standing firm in our faith and impacting the culture around us.
The Truth About Truth
There has been a systemic attack against truth in our culture. In this talk, Stephen looks into the importance of understanding the difference between opinions and truth, how truth is critical to a Biblical worldview and identifying self-refuting claims. It is critically important for Christians to be able to clearly communicate that there are laws of logic and reason that don’t change over time or cultures. Jesus said that He is the Truth. This talk will empower all believers to be better evangelists by showing the truth that Jesus is who He claims to be.
Making an Argument for the Existence of God
As a former atheist, Stephen wrestled with the question of God until he was in his early 30s. In this talk, he tells the story of his conversion and makes a case that believing in God is not blind faith, but reasonable faith. Arguments for God can be made in accordance with reality on every level including logic, cosmological, teleological, and moral.
Men On Purpose: Empowering Men with a Battle Plan to Lead Boldly and Uphold Truth
Research has shown that men, both younger and older, are often struggling in the area of leadership. Instead of boldly leading for Christ with purpose, many often withdraw into a digital world or lead in ways that are un-Biblical and/or unfruitful. Condemning men often does not achieve a positive outcome. How can we motivate and empower men to re-engage with the worldview battle and lead effectively? In this talk, Stephen suggests a battle plan for men. He focuses on four objectives: Prayer, Preparation, Perseverance, and People.
America at a Crossroads
As many historical figures have noted, understanding our past is key to impacting our future. In order for Christians to impact our nation, it is critical to have an accurate view of American history. What role did Christianity play in public education, government and society during the founding and for much of our nation’s history? Stephen uses primary source documents to show that Christianity played a central role in the formation of our society and that the secularization of our culture has been a recent phenomenon. We show how the Bible calls us to simply practice Biblical citizenship and contrast that to the hot button topic of “Christian Nationalism.” Stephen will overview the areas of our culture where a Biblical worldview is under attack and how Christians can influence our culture for Christ.
What is Revisionist History and Why Should We Care?
As a teacher in the public school system for ten years, Stephen has firsthand experience with historical revisionism. After becoming a Christian, he became increasingly aware of hostility towards Judeo-Christian values in our public schools and culture. Despite his commitment to honor policies against proselytizing in school, he was censored by the administration from using primary source documents with Christian references. In this talk, Stephen three key areas of historical revisionism: biased presentation, omission and lack of primary source references. He describes how revisionist history causes an increase in hostility towards Christianity and offers Christians resources for presenting a more balanced approach to teaching history in our spheres of influence.
Whom Shall I Send? A Call to Influence Our Culture
What would happen if the 60 million Bible-believing Christians in America decided to influence and impact the culture around them? How can Christians impact their spheres of influence in their families, schools, workplaces, communities, and the political realm? Who is God calling to be His ambassadors? Stephen shows from his Federal court case as a public school teacher how God can use anyone willing to take a stand for truth. He also gives examples from history of Christians who have answered God’s call in these areas of our culture and said, “Here am I, send me.”
Science and Christianity
In this talk, we will examine whether science and Christianity are in as much conflict as the culture often claims. Many youth cite science as a reason for walking away from the Christian faith, yet so many scientists who are Christian tell a story of how studying science actually increased their faith in God. We’ll also dig into the evolution debate and how we can respond as Christians.
Navigating Public Schools
Stephen gives this talk to empower Christian parents to navigate the increasingly secular public school system with the aim to 1) cultivate strong relationships with their children in a season of immense secular pressure; 2) help their children stand firm in their Christian faith and Biblical worldview; 3) exercise their rights on campus; 4) become salt and light for Jesus Christ. It is based on the book that Stephen and Sarah co-authored called Navigating Public Schools. This talk will also be a powerful resource for all Christians involved in schools—teachers, administrators, staff, extra-curricular groups, Christian club volunteers, youth leaders, pastors—as they learn to discern the misapplication of the “separation of church and state” and appropriately live out their Christian faith on public school campuses.
Godly Sexuality: Is it Possible in Todays Culture?
Fewer topics out there have caused more pain and suffering in our sex-saturated culture than sexuality. Yet God intended sexuality to be a gift. What is the Bible’s definition of gender, sexuality, and purity? How is our culture distorting these definitions and negatively impacting Christians? It is vital to empower Christians with a right worldview on God’s purpose for marriage and sex and equip them with resources to live out that Biblical worldview. This talk can be adapted to either a youth audience or an adult audience. Also note that there is a version of this talk that Stephen gives specifically for men.