SESSION ONE

Why Do You Believe?

Many people are Christians in the same way they’re a Californian or an American. They were born and raised in the church yet are unable to answer any pressing questions people might ask about Christianity. Today’s culture is increasingly skeptical so we must have answers that stand up to aggressive challenges. In this opening video, Cold-Case Detective J. Warner Wallace discusses the importance of “testing” the truths of Christianity, asking why people say they’re Christians, and understanding the difference between experience and evidence when explaining what we base our belief on.

SESSION TWO

Distinctive Duty

Much as police officers are committed to their duty to serve and protect, Christians need to understand and accept their roles as servants and protectors of the Christian faith. Every day is a call to action, so we must decide whether our Christian identity is unimportant or critically important. Would you be able to build a solid, evidence-based case for your belief in Christ? What objective evidence for the truth of Christianity could you provide beyond your own subjective personal experience? What is the role of faith with evidence?

SESSION THREE

Targeted Training

Training in law enforcement is essential because officers deploy regularly. With the increased aggressiveness of secular culture, Christian culture is more vulnerable than ever before and we’re losing the next generation. To best articulate and defend our beliefs, it’s time for us to rethink our approach—to stop teaching and instead start training. In this video, the benefits of preparation and training, over merely absorbing information, are explored. What does T.R.A.I.N. stand for?

SESSION FOUR

Thinking about Evidence and Learning to Take Notes

Similar to cold-case investigations (events in the distant past), the truth claims of Christianity can be bolstered by applying solid investigative techniques. In this video, Cold-Case Detective Wallace examines Christian case making on the basis of the available evidence, studying the “casebook” from cover to cover, extraordinary claims and ordinary evidence, and taking notes to analyze data. What is a forensic faith? How can you develop your faith?

SESSION FIVE

Organizing the Evidence and Adding to the Case

When building a case through examining evidence, a written summary (or list), can become a powerful tool when the pieces are considered collectively. The same process of organizing gathered evidence can be used to build a cumulative case for the claims of Christianity. The amount of evidence available to us might seem overwhelming, so where do we begin the process of summarizing and organizing it? What external sources will corroborate the evidence we’ve collected?

SESSION SIX

Select Your “Jurors” Insightfully

When presenting a court case, no matter how well you research your case and how convincingly you communicate the argument, it’s wise to consider who your intended audience will be. It’s also true for those who hope to present the case for Christianity to friends, family, and others. What are the ways to make success more likely when presenting the case for Christ? What part does our attitude play? How do we know where to invest our case-making efforts?

SESSION SEVEN

Instruct Your “Jury” Evidentially

Similar to jury instructions regarding evidence during closing arguments, people who hear the case for Christianity also benefit from evidential instruction. There are rules of evidence that also apply in Christian case making. What are these rule of evidence, and how can they assist with building a cumulative case for the truth claims of Christianity? What is the difference between direct and indirect evidence, and which one is best?

SESSION EIGHT

Present Your Case with Confidence

For many people, public speaking is a challenge, but we all are eager to do our best and present our Christian cases with confidence, clarity, and conviction. In this final video, Cold-Case Detective Wallace discusses how to make an opening statement with enthusiasm, keep your audience engaged, prepare and practice, make good on your promises, make your presentation accessible, and close your argument with confidence. Are you ready and prepared to present a case for your Christian beliefs?