ABOUT US
Overview | Mission Statement | Vision Statement | Philosophy of Ministry | Statement of Faith | Accreditation
School Overview Introduction Buckle up for an apologetic adventure of a lifetime. Prepare to both learn and do apologetics like never before.
Our eight-month course will be for you like shoulder pads to a Miami Dolphin defensive lineman, a laptop computer to a college student, the right choreography to a ballerina, and a well hardened chisel in the hands of a master craftsman. The Apostle Peter knew the importance of having the right preparation in speaking to the culture of his day when he wrote, “always be ready to give a defense to everyone, who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15).
With a balanced mixture of interactive class time filled with insights and discussion along with hands-on opportunities to share Christ with a skeptical unbelieving world, our hope is that after nine months with us you would be filled with such a passion and knowledge of your faith that you will raise up many disciples throughout a lifetime of ministry.
Our mission is ever before us as a school because we exist to equip our students by the development of spiritual disciplines to effectively influence our world for Christ through learning relevant apologetic means and methods to undergird evangelism.
Mission Statement:
Why does our ministry exist? We exist to Equip our students by the development of Spiritual Disciplines to effectively influence our world for Christ through learning relevant Apologetic means and methods to undergird Evangelism.
Vision Statement:
What will success look like? Our vision encompasses a fourfold thrust:
1. APOLOGETICS that addresses current issues, worldviews, and the intellectual struggles of society;
2. EVANGELISM with a particular focus on skeptics, cultural influencers, and critical thinkers;
3. SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES that focus the mind and heart on the glory of God;
4. TRAINING students so that the mandate of 1 Peter 3:15 might be fulfilled—to set apart Christ in our hearts as Lord and always be prepared to give a reason for the hope that is within us, to do this with gentleness and respect, all for the glory of God.
Philosophy of Ministry “What I believe in my heart must make sense in my mind.” - Ravi Zacharias
Maintain the integrity of RZIM’s teachings …but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. (Philippians 1:17)
Help students understand and apply RZIM’s teachings …holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. (Titus 1:9) Anchor all that we do on a biblical worldview, which we are continuously seeking to discover, model, and share Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper (Psalm 1:1-3)
Provide a balanced climate for hearing and doing But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22) Instill in our students the value of spiritual growth and personal integrity “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Emphasize hands-on application from Day One rather than learning for learning’s sake Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. (Acts 17:17)
Cultivate in our students the desire to embrace the cost and consequences of being an apologist Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. (Acts 17:18)
Aspire toward excellence in everything And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)
Statement of Faith
RZIM is committed to reaching this generation around the world—in the university, the arts, politics, business, and the church. Through open forums, community outreach, youth apologetics, various media, and social awareness, we seek to remove the barriers to the Cross for the skeptic as we prepare Christians to give a reason for the hope within us.
We believe there is one God who is infinitely perfect, existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe Jesus Christ to be true God and in His incarnation to have been true man. He was born of the Virgin Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit, died for our sins and was raised from the dead for our justification. He is now seated at the right hand of God in majesty, making intercession as our High Priest. He will come again to establish His kingdom of righteousness and peace.
We believe the Old and New Testaments to be the infallible word of God, inerrant as originally given, verbally inspired by God and the complete and sufficient revelation of His will for man's salvation and conduct.
We believe man was created in the image of God. Through disobedience and self-centeredness he incurred both physical and spiritual death. Thus, all are now born with a sinful nature, separated from God and can be saved only through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. All who are unrepentant and unbelieving will be lost in a Christless eternity of conscious torment; for those who believe, eternity will be spent in God's presence, in His distinct joy and bliss.
We believe the church consists of all those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. They join together for worship, prayer, fellowship, the proclamation of the Gospel and observance of the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
We believe in the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ as both personal and visible. This is our blessed hope and serves as an incentive for holy living and faithful service.
We believe in the Great Commission to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord to the uttermost parts of the earth.
Accreditation Though our Apologetics School is taught on the college level, there is no official accreditation for the six courses offered.
