Learn to defend Christianity Clearly, Confidently, and Publicly
Dr. Frank Turek
If you want to be a better apologist and answer tough questions, you need to be at CIA.
Christian Apologetics at The Highest Level
The CrossExamined Instructor Academy (CIA) is a selective, hands-on 3-day apologetics training experience designed for Christians who want to move beyond simply learning apologetics and begin communicating it effectively.
Whether you teach, lead, create content, engage skeptics, or simply want to become more confident defending your faith, CIA will help you think clearly, communicate persuasively, and engage culture with truth and grace.
You’ll receive practical training from experienced apologists, live interaction and coaching, and real-world strategies for defending Christianity in conversations, classrooms, churches, podcasts, social media, and public settings.
Featured Instructors
Learn directly from nationally recognized speakers, authors
educators, and ministry leaders.
Testimonials
Alisa Childers
CIA graduate Alisa Childers attended the academy in 2016 and says the immersive training helped launch her ministry by teaching her how to develop compelling apologetics content and communicate it effectively.
Michael Ray Lewis
CIA graduate Michael Ray Lewis says the interactive training helped him become comfortable with public speaking and contributed to the creation of his popular apologetics film Universe Designed.
What You'll Experience
- Hands-on apologetics communication training
- Live interaction with leading Christian apologists
- Tuition and Scholarship options available
- Real-time coaching and feedback
- Practical strategies for difficult conversations
- Training in public speaking and communication
- Networking with like-minded Christians
- Tuition and Scholarship options available
- Q&A sessions and interactive discussions
- A highly immersive learning environment
Charlotte, NC
July 30 - August 1st, 2026
Details
July 30 – August 1, 2026
Charlotte, North Carolina
Tuition and Scholarship options available
Lodging: TBA
Presenter Track and Audit Track available
C.I.A. 2026
Presenter Track
Designed for those ready to actively engage, this track includes full participation, hands-on training, and the opportunity to present and receive feedback.
$1200
C.I.A. 2026
Audit Track
Ideal for those who want to learn and observe, this track provides full access to sessions without the requirement to present.
$900
Stand With Hundreds of CIA Graduates Who Are Making an Impact
Trusted by the Most Trusted Names in Christian Apologetics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CrossExamined Instructor Academy 2026?
The CrossExamined Instructor Academy 2026 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.
Is this event only for professional apologists?
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.
Who should attend the CrossExamined Instructor Academy?
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 2026.
How is CIA different from other Christian conferences?
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.
What topics will be covered at CIA 2026?
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.