Welcome!
Christian Homeschool Speech and Debate Club
"But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts,
always being ready to make a defense
to everyone who asks you to give an account
for the hope that is in you,
yet with gentleness and reverence."
1 Peter 3:15
About
ABOUT US:
Defenders 3:15 is a Christian, homeschool, speech, and debate club for students ages 12-18 years (on October 1st of the current season).
During the school year, we meet weekly in Arlington Heights, Fort Worth, TX.
Defenders 3:15 is more than just a speech and debate club; we are a discipleship and ministry club for learning about and sharing the gospel, set in the context of forensics (i.e., competitive speech and debate).
Theme verse:
"But sanctify Christ as Lord in your heart, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence." 1 Peter 3:15
From the MacArthur Study Bible, NASB 2006:
"Always being ready to make a defense. The Eng. word "apologetics" comes from the Gr. word here translated as "defense." ... [Peter] is insisting that believers must understand what he believes and why one is a Christian, and then be able to articulate one's beliefs humbly, thoughtfully, reasonably, and biblically."
By participating in competitive forensics, our students will develop the skills necessary to articulate and defend the truth of Biblical Christianity. Club and competition together offer an environment whereby students and parents learn critical thinking skills and competence in delivery, where their message will be significant and impactful to their audience. While fostering a teachable spirit and humility.
The expectation for our students is set high. This does not mean that we expect every student to place well in completion, but rather, we expect each student to work hard to progress. Weekly assignments will be given to each individual student and they must put time into those assignments each week. Within the context of a competitive environment, our club emphasizes setting and working to achieve individual goals. God has a unique plan for each of us. At the beginning of the season, our students will establish specific goals for the tournament season with guidance from their coaches and parents. During the season, we will monitor their achievements and, as a club, celebrate when each student’s goals are met.
We offer coaching in Lincoln Douglas Debate, Team Policy Debate,
and all Stoa qualifying speech events.
Parent participation is essential to Defenders 3:15. At least one parent is required to attend and participate in club each week. Weekly duties will include:
- Listening to speeches and providing feedback to the students.
- Watching and giving feedback on debate rounds.
- Cleaning and classroom re-sets.
- Other necessary tasks.
Member exspectations:
- Students and parents will attend club weekly.
- Every student must participate in Apologetics.
- Each student must compete in at least two events at a minimum of three tournaments per year.
See D315 Club Policies for more details.
Qualifications for membership:
- All students must be privately home-educated (See Stoausa.org for details).
- Parents and students must agree to the Statement of Faith that D315 and Stoa subscribe to.
- Parents and students agree to abide by the code of conduct and dress code of D315.
- All member students must be between the age of 12-18yrs as of October 1st of the current competition season.
- Member dues must be paid in full.
- Member families must have a current Stoa membership ($45 annual fee).
- Members must be able to meet D315 expectations of membership (see link above)
- Every adult must have a current criminal background clearance. Additional fees may apply.
Please refer to the D315 Member Documents from the drop-down menu for more details about our group.
Open enrollment for Defenders 3:15 is May 1st - May 31st.
If you feel we would be a good fit for your family, you may submit a membership application by clicking "join" above.
Once we have received your application, we will contact you for an interview.
If you wish to register after May 31st, or have any questions, please complete the "Contact Us" form explaining your situation.
