Few become many in apologetics at Grand Canyon University
By Kaitlyn Busse
Only four were left. Four men struggling to figure out the future of their club and faith. The club was dying, and they began to question if it was even worth saving. They couldn’t escape the facts: the current club officers were seniors about to graduate and the remaining two were sophomores. There was no one else
But this was a place of gathering, of community, of learning. It was one of the faith-centered clubs on campus. It had to survive.
So, Dylan Ierley and Connor Barczak decided to take a stand for their beliefs— despite being only sophomores— and became the new club officers of GCU Defenders. With the help of Noelle Ierley, they saw the club go from the four to a thriving 20.
Now, every Monday night, theological discussion rings from a second-floor classroom of the Colangelo College of Business as young adults from different denominations gather for one purpose: To learn how to defend their belief in God.
GCU Defenders
Revived from the cusp of death, GCU Defenders is Grand Canyon University’s apologetics club. Young adults anywhere from 17-23 years of age arrive on Mondays where they join the flourishing community.
Noelle Ierley, the social coordinator and sister of the club’ president, organizes the social gatherings. Her work ranges from the pre-lecture games, after-club Chick-Fil-A, dinner date nights among the club women, and get-togethers outside of Mondays.
Dylan Ierley prepares the weekly lecture. He dedicates time throughout the week, in addition to being a full-time student, to researching topics and defenses. Dylan Ierley also continues community activities by preparing group discussions after his lectures and hosting game nights at his dorm.
And Barczak, the only other surviving member from the club’s previous year, joins in discussions and game nights, mingling with the members.
Through the club and its community, the faith of its members has been strengthened, including the officers’.
“I would say it’s made me a better Christian,” said Barczak. “It has taught me new things, new information, and has ultimately strengthened my faith.”
GCU Defenders provided a safe place for spiritual discussions and to be fruitful in the faith. The lectures teach and build firm foundations for the faith and the discussions allowed members to practice what they have learned.
Through apologetics, members’ faiths have even been saved.
The Bible’s Defense
Apologia, the Greek origin of apologetics, means giving a defense before a court. Apologetics is the Bible’s defense before the court of culture and society. It gathers evidence through science, history, and witnesses, like a trial.
Scientific fossils attest to a great flood. Historic documents attest to Judean kings. Witnesses attest to blind men seeing.
Apologetic’s main case, however, is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“If Christ has not risen, if the dead do not rise, then our faith is for nothing. It is in vain,” said Holly Osborn, a member of GCU Defenders.
Apologetics teaches what to believe and why. The Bible even calls for believers to practice it. Acts 20:24 calls for testimony and 1 Peter 3:15-16 calls for an apologetic defense.
However, despite its importance— both biblically and spiritually— it is not well known or practiced.
In fact, 45% of young adults have left the faith due to unanswered questions and doubts.
Many fall away at any pushback or argument. Instead of being equipped to answer questions, they are told it is wrong to question or to doubt, so when they inevitably do, they leave the faith.
“They’re not immunized against the cheapest attacks against faith, which means that they can be vulnerable if they encounter these things and don’t have an answer and aren’t aware that there are people who are dedicated to answering their type of questions,” explains Dylan Ierley.
Apologetics provides a firm foundation and cornerstone for faith. Without it, many faiths are built upon sand instead. But few Christian gatherings provide apologetics.
“I’ve gone to a dozen youth groups, church, and church clubs where they do open forums about dating and things that don’t really form your faith in the way that something as major as apologetics would,” said Noelle Ierley.