Mission
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.
Training
Who do we train?Christians
What do we train them to do?Think clearly and give a defense
What is the manner in which we do this?Intellectually fair, gracious, and incisive
What is the scope of our defense?The doctrine and values of classical Christianity
Where is the defense made?In the public square
Why do we do this?To give confidence and courage
Vision
Confidence for every Christian, Clear thinking for every challenge, Courage and grace for every encounter.
Stand to Reason equips Christian ambassadors with knowledge, wisdom, and character. Stand to Reason teaches the value of using our minds to love God and share the Gospel.
We focus on the basics, the fundamentals of theology and ethics, and the fundamental tools of thought. We teach not just what to think, but how to think. While Stand to Reason may not be unique in the information we give, we are distinctive in the way we use the information.
Stand to Reason teaches careful reasoning and well thought-out answers so that Christians will be able to participate in public discussions (at home, at work, or at the university) and present the Christian worldview in the debate. We encourage Christians to develop coherent answers to questions that challenge Christianity so that their faith is deepened and thereby are emboldened to share the Gospel in a gracious and compelling manner.
Values
Stewardship
Stand to Reason 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 Stand to Reason's mission.
Excellence and 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 and 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, and 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 and 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.