CAI Frequently Asked Questions

Can you guarantee that I will be asked by my state to provide apologetics seminars for which I will receive honorariums?

The CAI training and credential is designed to take you to the next step. Your personal effectiveness is largely determined by a number of key areas, including your knowledge of the topic and your ability to communicate it in a manner that your listeners find both interesting and helpful. CAI training is designed to improve significantly your knowledge and communication skills in order to grow your personal value to the local church as a minister of apologetics. Public speakers who present themselves professionally and offer value to the local church will find their ministries growing. Accordingly, the CAI program provides training to take you to a much higher level in your competency. Only you can guarantee your success in the area of apologetics by maintaining a passionate and unceasing drive for excellence.

CAI Training is cost prohibitive for me. Can the North American Mission Board assist me with financial assistance?

The North American Mission Board designates no funding for the CAI program. Our team has secured partnerships with Biola and the Dynamic Communicator's Workshop in order to offer high quality training. The North American Mission Board receives no funds from either as a result of your participation. The CAI designation will carry respect within the SBC and should not be taken lightly. It has been designed for Southern Baptists who are already passionate about and who have been teaching apologetics in their churches. Those who fit this profile and who do not have the financial means for the training may consider asking their church for assistance.

Is there a timeframe in which the CAI training must be done?

You can take the program at your own pace. The first two requirements can easily be completed in less than a year. The practicum, which is the third requirement, can take longer. The average time to complete the course is about three years.

Do I have to complete the Biola program if I already possess significant training in apologetics?

If you have nine graduate level hours in apologetics, you are exempted from the Biola requirement. Training in cults and world religions does not count toward those nine hours. We are working to create a different certification for trainers in cults and world religions.

Do I have to complete the Biola program prior to attending the Dynamic Communicator's Workshop?

Unless you meet the requirements of being exempted from the Biola component, the first three course requirements (i.e., Biola, DCW, Practicum) must be completed in order.

I have been involved in public speaking for many years and/or took homiletics in seminary. Do I still need to take the Dynamic Communicator's Workshop (DCW)?

Even the best public speakers can sharpen their skills. DCW is not for those who are new to public speaking. Rather it is a course with a track record for bringing significant improvement to your present skill level. Accordingly, no exemptions will be made for the DCW requirement—none.

Since NAMB is part of the SBC, why are you partnering with Biola rather than an SBC seminary?

NAMB is proud of all of the SBC seminaries.  Our reason for partnering with Biola is because they already had a simple program that met our needs.  Their Certificate in Christian apologetics program is the equivalent of two graduate level courses in apologetics and can be completed 100% via distance learning.  The course includes approximately 80 hours of lectures on CDs, course notes, three tests and comes in three modules.  Biola is an evangelical academic institution that is fully accredited.

Must I be a Southern Baptist to enroll in the CAI program?

Since we are parterning with Biola and the Ken Davis Dynamic Communicator's Workshop, non-Southern Baptists may enroll in both of these programs separately and receive the same training. However, the CAI program and credential is only for Southern Baptists.