Mission & Values
Reason's Mission
principle activity? Training
them to do? Think clearly and
make a defense
in which they do this? Intellectually fair,
gracious, &
incisive
of our defense? The doctrines &
values of classical
Christianity
defense made? The public square
Our mission statement explains what kind of activity Stand to Reason is involved in. STR's mission is stated like this:
Stand to Reason trains Christians to think more clearly about their faith and to make an even-handed, incisive, yet gracious defense for classical Christianity and classical Christian values in the public square.
We focus on the basics, the fundamentals of theology and ethics, and the fundamental tools of thought. STR is the place to get educated about how to think and how to engage others in dialog. We teach not just what to think, but how to think and engage. STR is not that unique in the information we give, but in the way we use the information.
STR teaches the value of using our minds to love God and share the Gospel. We teach careful reasoning and well thought-out answers so that Christians will participate in public discussion (at home, at work, or at the university) so that the Christian worldview has a place in the cultural debate. We encourage Christians to develop coherent answers to questions that challenge Christianity so that their convictions are deepened, their skills increase, and thereby are emboldened to share the Gospel. Our goal is to help Christians engage in evangelism as effective ambassadors for Christ.
Our Values
STEWARDSHIP
STR is committed to wise stewardship of the gifts (talents, spiritual gifts, time, funds, resources, and opportunities) entrusted to us. We seek to use them to fulfill STR's mission.
EXCELLENCE & PROFESSIONALISM
As ambassadors for Christ, we give care to all aspects of the presentation of our organization. The attention we give to details—graphics, grammar, punctuation, physical appearance, follow-up, customer service, etc.—demonstrates our commitment to be attractive for Christ to the best of our ability.
PEOPLE
All human beings are made in the image of God and are therefore valuable ends in themselves, not just instrumental means to other ends that are valuable.
HONESTY & INTEGRITY
We seek to be above reproach in the way we function as an organization, and above reproach as individuals. We want to be attractive and virtuous people in the eyes of others.
ACCURACY, CLARITY & EVEN-HANDEDNESS
We take truth seriously. Therefore, we handle information carefully, and don't twist or distort it to advance our own point of view. We have no use for sophistry that makes our arguments more persuasive at the expense of the truth. We make every attempt to avoid religious language that may have little meaning to the listener, or may isolate us culturally from those we're trying to reach.
DISCIPLESHIP
Spiritual growth and training is accomplished in the context of relationship, both formal and informal, near and far, for the purpose of building skilled Christians, internally (spiritual formation) and externally (impact on others). This is the goal of the Great Commission.
CULTURAL RELEVANCY & TACTICAL SOUNDNESS
In the public square, we seek to contextualize our message in a way that is most meaningful and most persuasive to the ones listening, seasoning our words so that we know how to respond to each person. This means we often take an "external" approach with those who have not yet gained a respect for the authority of Scripture.
THE LIFE OF THE MIND
Skill in thinking is very important to us. Ideas matter, and persuasion using sound reasoning is an effective tool God uses to reach the lost. Ongoing education is an intrinsic good.
FAITHFULNESS OVER RESULTS
Our first call is to be faithful to Christ, who alone can bring the increase. Results are a secondary, not primary, measure of our efforts.
ORTHODOXY
This is our content base. We stand in the mainstream of historic Christianity.
ACTIVISM
We encourage Christians to take the initiative in making a difference for Christ in extending the Kingdom, rather than being in a defensive mode.
Training Curriculum:
We take a "this-is-all-you-need" approach to curriculum. Any given training resource will give the most critical information one needs to master the really important material, giving fair-minded arguments based on sound reasoning and well-researched facts. Curriculum consists of CDs and mp3s for individual instruction, and DVDs for groups, along with notes or course syllabi.
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Meet Our Speakers:
Stand to Reason faculty members are available to teach and help you effectively engage the culture around you with knowledge, wisdom, and character. STR offers sermons, lectures,, workshops, and seminars geared towards helping Christians gain the practical tools they need to make a difference in their world, giving them the knowledge, skill, and confidence to engage others about Christianity.
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Ambassador's Creed:
An effective ambassador for Christ needs to grow in knowledge, wisdom, and character. This creed that Greg Koukl wrote embodies those aspects of what a good ambassador looks like.
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