Applications for CIA 2026 are now closed. Join our waiting list to receive updates and be the first to know when applications open for CIA 2027
Are you passionate about Christian apologetics? Do you have the conviction, desire, and discipline to make a persuasive case for Christianity and provide compelling, reasonable answers under pressure?
Then the CrossExamined Instructor Academy is THE apologetics training event you cannot miss.
The CrossExamined Instructor Academy (CIA) is a very selective, three-day intensive apologetics training event designed to train the next generation of Christian apologists to clearly articulate and defend the truth of Christianity in the most challenging environments: classrooms, churches, conversations, and culture at large.
This is unlike any other apologetics training event you have attended.
✔ Sharpen your apologetics skills to make a persuasive case for Christianity?
✔ Intrigue your friends and relatives to investigate Jesus?
✔ Capture an audience with proven presentation techniques?
✔ Answer the most challenging objections to Christianity without breaking a sweat?
✔ Stay cool under pressure and master Q&A strategies for real conversations?
✔ Know the right questions to ask a pressing skeptic?
✔ Receive instructor feedback and a certificate as a CrossExamined Instructor Academy graduate.
Join the waiting list!
✔ Sharpen your apologetics skills to make a persuasive case for Christianity?
✔ Intrigue your friends and relatives to investigate Jesus?
✔ Capture an audience with proven presentation techniques?
✔ Answer the most challenging objections to Christianity without breaking a sweat?
✔ Stay cool under pressure and master Q&A strategies for real conversations?
✔ Know the right questions to ask a pressing skeptic?
✔ Receive instructor feedback and a certificate as a CrossExamined Instructor Academy graduate.
Now you can. Apply before the Presenter Track fills up.
Are you considering attending and observing without presenting?
Audit Track participants receive full access to lectures and discussions without the presentation requirement.
You will still gain tremendous insight, but you will not have access to the presentations and feedback from instructors.
However, you will still be part of what is likely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in an intimate environment with some of the world’s top apologists.
When you attend the CrossExamined Instructor Academy in person, you will make new friends, take photos, have one-on-one conversations with your favorite instructors, and even share meals with them. The in-person experience is incredible.
📍 Charlotte, NC — July 30 – August 1, 2026
💲 Tuition and scholarship options available
🎓 Presenter Track and Audit Track available (Learn More Here)
🛏️ Lodging: TBA
Designed for those ready to actively engage, this track includes full participation, hands-on training, and the opportunity to present and receive feedback.
Ideal for those who want to learn and observe, this track provides full access to sessions without the requirement to present.
The CrossExamined Instructor Academy is an intensive three-day Christian apologetics training event hosted by CrossExamined.
The event is designed to provide a unique in-person environment for advanced training, equipping the next generation of Christian apologists to present the arguments for Christianity clearly and effectively.
Whether you are having coffee with friends, engaging colleagues at work, or debating on stage, the CrossExamined Instructor Academy is the Christian apologetics training event you cannot miss.
Not at all.
While many attendees are pastors or ministry leaders, and some return year after year to sharpen their skills, the CrossExamined Instructor Academy is open to any committed Christian who wants to grow in their understanding and ability to present a reasonable, compelling, and engaging case for Christianity.
This event is ideal for:
• Aspiring Christian apologists
• Pastors and church leaders
• College or university campus ministry leaders
• Theology, philosophy, and seminary students
• Christian educators
• Serious believers who want to confidently defend their faith
Whether you are new to apologetics or already teaching others, we would love to see you attend the CrossExamined Instructor Academy.
Unlike large inspirational conferences, the CrossExamined Instructor Academy is not simply about gaining information.
It focuses on hands-on apologetics training.
Sessions are intentionally interactive and designed to help you become better equipped in areas such as:
• Engaging audiences in critical thinking
• Debate skills and strategies
• Cross-examination techniques
• Responding clearly to challenging objections
• Delivering persuasive and engaging presentations
This is not just information. It is skill development.
Topics typically include:
• How to present evidence without relying on the Bible
• Why your arguments may not be working
• How to start and maintain a successful podcast
• The reliability of the New Testament
• Engaging the top objections to Christianity
• The moral argument
• Effective public communication
Each year’s content is intentionally designed to address some of the most pressing challenges facing Christians today.
