Equip Speakers and Alumni 

Dave Glander

Dave was formerly a devout Atheist prior to experiencing a radical encounter with Jesus Christ. He is now a deeply committed believer in Jesus Christ and the Bible. Dave has been a pastor for many years and is very proud to be the founder of an Apologetics Youth Summer Camp called EQUIP Retreat.  He has taught at major national and regional conferences, universities, churches, and youth camps around the country. He is the author of “How, Why, Where” and the "Faith Survival Guide," and Apologetics curriculum that is making a great impact with college groups, small groups, youth camps, and church seminars. Additionally, Dave hosted the "What is Truth Radio Show," participated as a columnist for the largest homeschool magazine, and has been a featured guest on television talk shows and nationally syndicated radio shows, speaking on the subjects of Apologetics and Theology.

Carl Kerby

Carl was first introduced to apologetics by two pilots after he’d told them evolution was compatible with the Bible, which is what he’d been taught in Sunday school. These men pulled out their Bible and showed him that what the WORLD taught wasn’t the same as what the WORD taught. With 50% to 88% of the younger generation raised in the church leaving the church by the age of 18, Carl’s desire is for them to KNOW what they’re walking away from. This can only happen if they’re able to critically think and evaluate arguments so they can determine truth.  Carl would say he doesn’t enjoy speaking, at times he’s terrified of it. However, seeing people get excited because they realize they can trust the Word of God inspires him to continue on. When he’s not speaking, Carl loves being with his family and friends. He also enjoys the ocean - snorkeling, boogie boarding or fishing. Carl has two honorary Doctorates and a degree in Biblical Studies. However, his most important credentials would be SSBGTFIC – (Sinner Saved By Grace Through Faith In Christ) and husband/father and grandfather.

Juan Valdes

Juan has always had an curious mind and asked lots of questions growing up. Searching for answers has been his passion and a lifelong journey. He had his first debate in 10th grade Biology class. Juan believes people have good questions and we as Christians need to have good answers. He desires to live out the command in the Bible where we’re told to always be ready to give an answer and to do so with the right attitude (1 Peter 3:15).  Further, Juan feels called to equip young people for the battles they face every day in an increasingly hostile culture. He also desires to equip parents and pastors so that they’re able to engage the youth. Juan loves to see people emboldened when they realize that there’re excellent arguments in support of the Truth. Most importantly, he enjoys removing the obstacles that keep people from surrendering to Christ.  When Juan’s not traveling, he is engaged in the pastorate of his bilingual congregation in Miami, FL. When he has down time (which isn’t often) you might find him in a quiet place reading a book or fishing. Juan’s educational background includes graduate work at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and master’s degrees from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and Logos Graduate School. He also has a Doctor of Ministry in Apologetics from Southern Evangelical Seminary.

Frank Figueroa Jr.

As a young person Frank always struggled with “authority,” and wanted to know WHY he needed to do what he was told to do, especially when it came to organized religion. That changed when someone at a Bible study gave him a copy of Josh McDowell’s book, “Evidence That Demands A Verdict.” The fact that someone was able to systematically and logically validate the truth claims of the Bible is one of the things that led him to place his faith in Jesus Christ. Frank’s goal is to be able to reach the skeptics like his previous self by being able to share with them that God is a God of design, order and logic. He enjoys having conversations with people about things that are true. Sharing God’s truths in a proper and understandable way is one of his greatest joys. Frank has a Science Education degree from the University of Hawaii, but his greatest credential is experience and time spent in the ministry.

Brian Scoggin 

Brian lives in Griffin, GA with his wife Ivy and their 2 sons, Brady and Max. He spent 12 years as the drummer for the Christian musical group Casting Crowns, which provided him with the privileged opportunity to witness God at work across the United States and much of the world. Brian and his family are committed to making God known through the teaching of His Word and their way of life.  He believes that true joy is found when God is glorified above all things in a person’s life. Now, Brian leads a young church that meets in his home in collaboration with The Gathering Place Network as well as serving as regional director with Families 4 Families, a Christian Foster Care Agency that works to place vulnerable children in Christian homes. In addition to these two ministries, Brian loves to share his passion for God with other churches as he travels and speaks with Reasons For Hope.

Jason Jiminez

Jason is the founder of STAND STRONG Ministries and faculty member at Summit Ministries. He is a pastor, apologist, and national speaker who has ministered to families for over twenty years. In his extensive ministry career, Jason has been a Children’s, Student, and College Pastor, and has spent a great deal of time investing in marriages, families, and helping churches have a greater impact in their communities. The three groups Jason largely focuses on are parents, millennials, and pastors leading churches.  Jason conducts numerous interviews in the media and has appeared on CBS Radio, Focus on the Family radio with Jim Daly, the Christian Post, World Net Daily (WND), Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson, TBN’s Praise the Lord, and Sky News.
Jason has authored several books including his latest book Challenging Conversations: A Practical Guide to Discuss Controversial Topics in the Church.  In 2018, Jason launched the I WILL STAND STRONG movement with the Benham brothers to reach tens of thousands of young people with the gospel.  Jason travels all over the country speaking at various conferences and churches. He and his wife, Celia, live in Charlotte, NC with their four beautiful children.

Vince (iDie) Carr

Vince has been praising the Lord Jesus through music and has performed at many venues and youth rallies/concerts with nationally known touring acts such as Michael English, Newsboys, Apologetics, Kirk Franklin, and more .   He has since become the lead pastor at North Church in Rockmart, GA and continues to preach and teach all across the southeast.  His unique style of combining his music with the Word of God make a huge impact on students and gets them engaged in a way unlike any other.  Vince is married with children and loves spending time with his family, and his extended church family as well.

Nate Loper

Nate has been leading trips and tours throughout the Southwest for over 15 years, and has spent hundreds of tour days at the Grand Canyon.  Having lived in the Four Corners most of his life, he has a passion for Native American culture and Wild West history, and is also a requested guide for organizations like Tour the Southwest and various Flagstaff school field trips to local ruins and historic sites.  Over the years he has guided multi-day trips to places like Sequoia, Yosemite, and other National Parks, as well as creation science tours through natural history museums around the world.  Nate and his wife also lead a 7-day London Christian Tour in England, her home country. 
While originally on track to study geology, Nate felt God call him into ministry, where he switched paths and became a student ministries pastor for 12 years before joining our team in 2014.  Now able to combine both his passions of science and God’s Word, Nate still loves working with students and school groups at the canyon, and is great with kids on our tours!

Eric Hovind

Eric Hovind grew up immersed in the world of apologetics and following college graduation in 1999, he began full-time ministry. After watching “Hell’s Best Kept Secret“ by Ray Comfort, Eric came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ with a desire to make Him known throughout the world. President and Founder of Pensacola-based organization, Creation Today, Eric’s passion to reach people with the life-changing message of the Gospel has driven him to speak over 5,000 times in eight foreign countries and all fifty states. Much like a 21st-century Apostle Paul on Mars Hill, in June of 2013 at the dedication of America’s first monument to Atheism, Eric stood to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the atheist community attending its unveiling.