The Bible is Trending
How to Untangle Scripture for this Generation
April 4, 2025 | Calgary, AB
Helping This Generation Engage with the Bible
Now more than ever, a spiritually curious generation is looking at the Bible—asking big questions, wrestling with its truth, and wondering how its ancient words speak into today’s cultural moment.
For many, Scripture feels overwhelming, confusing, or even hard to believe. Are we prepared to guide them—to offer clarity, wisdom, and answers that make sense today?
Join Dr. Andrew Ollerton and Alanzo Julian Paul for a dynamic and thought-provoking conversation on engaging this generation with the truth of Scripture.
If you are a pastor, youth leader, or simply passionate about helping this generation wrestle with questions about faith and Scripture, this event is for you.
Register now and equip yourself to engage this generation with confidence and clarity.
Helping This Generation Engage with the Bible
Now more than ever, a spiritually curious generation is looking at the Bible—asking big questions, wrestling with its truth, and wondering how its ancient words speak into today’s cultural moment.
For many, Scripture feels overwhelming, confusing, or even hard to believe. Are we prepared to guide them—to offer clarity, wisdom, and answers that make sense today?
Join Dr. Andrew Ollerton and Alanzo Julian Paul for a dynamic and thought-provoking conversation on engaging this generation with the truth of Scripture.
If you are a pastor, youth leader, or simply passionate about helping this generation wrestle with questions about faith and Scripture, this event is for you.
Register now and equip yourself to engage this generation with confidence and clarity.
Keynote Speakers
Making Sense of Scripture for Those who are Curious
Speaker/Moderator: Dr. Andrew Ollerton | Theologian, Pastor and Popular Communicator, Head of Bible Engagement, Bible Society, UK
The Bible is trending again in this cultural moment. Podcasters, politicians and everyday people are curious about what Scripture may have to offer, while sceptics continue to raise doubts about the historical and moral reliability of the Bible. Are we prepared to respond to these new opportunities and challenges? In this session, we will consider an unlikely seeker from Ethiopia and a ready and willing believer who repositioned himself in response to God’s call. We will unpack core convictions and strategies that can help us make sense of Scripture to those who are spiritually curious today.
Communicating Jesus to Gen Z & Alpha
Speaker: Alanzo Julian Paul | Speaker, The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics & Director, Reboot (youth apologetics initiative)
In a rapidly changing cultural landscape, how do we bridge the gap and communicate the significance of Jesus to Gen Z and Alpha? In this thought-provoking talk, Alanzo Julian Paul uncovers the unique challenges and colossal opportunities of crossing this generational chasm. From addressing identity and mental health to engaging their big questions, Alanzo offers a roadmap for recontextualizing the timeless message of Jesus for the digital natives of today.
PANEL DISCUSSION
The Next Steps: How to Embrace the Opportunities in this Cultural Moment
Moderator: Joanna la Fleur
Panelist: Erich Wong
Keynote Speakers and Topics
Dr. Andrew Ollerton
Making Sense of Scripture for Those who are Curious
Speaker: Dr. Andrew Ollerton | Theologian, Pastor and Popular Communicator, Head of Bible Engagement, Bible Society, UK
The Bible is trending again in this cultural moment. Podcasters, politicians and everyday people are curious about what Scripture may have to offer, while sceptics continue to raise doubts about the historical and moral reliability of the Bible. Are we prepared to respond to these new opportunities and challenges? In this session, we will consider an unlikely seeker from Ethiopia and a ready and willing believer who repositioned himself in response to God’s call. We will unpack core convictions and strategies that can help us make sense of Scripture to those who are spiritually curious today.
Alanzo Julian Paul
Communicating Jesus to Gen Z & Alpha
Speaker: Alanzo Julian Paul | Speaker, The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics & Director, Reboot (youth apologetics initiative)
In a rapidly changing cultural landscape, how do we bridge the gap and communicate the significance of Jesus to Gen Z and Alpha? In this thought-provoking talk, Alanzo Julian Paul uncovers the unique challenges and colossal opportunities of crossing this generational chasm. From addressing identity and mental health to engaging their big questions, Alanzo offers a roadmap for recontextualizing the timeless message of Jesus for the digital natives of today.
PANEL DISCUSSION
The Next Steps: How to Embrace the Opportunities in this Cultural Moment
Joanna la Fleur
Speaker, Podcaster, and Digital Communications Expert
Allison Springer
Grade 7-9 Bible & Faith Formations Coordinator
Erich Wong
Associate Pastor | Intercultural Ministry at Foothills Alliance Church
Bible teacher | Calgary Christian Secondary School
Please complete this registration form in order to reserve your spot.
Register for FREE
Reserve your seat before March 26.
Hyatt Regency
700 Centre Street SE,
Calgary, AB T2G 5P6
Paid parking on site
DATE: APRIL 4 | 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM (MDT)
8:30 AM – DOORS OPEN
9:00 AM – PLENARY | Making Sense of Scripture for those who are curious | Andrew Ollerton
10:00 AM – PANEL DISCUSSION | Moderator: Joanna la Fleur
10:30 AM – BREAK
10:45 AM – PLENARY | Communicating Jesus to Gen Z & Alpha | Alanzo Paul
11:30 AM – YOUTH PANEL DISCUSSION | Moderator: Joanna la Fleur
12:00 PM – PLENARY | How to Embrace this Cultural Moment | Andrew Ollerton
12:30 PM – Audience Q&A | Moderator: Joanna la Fleur
1:00 – 2:00 PM – LUNCH
Bios | Keynote Speakers
Dr. Andrew Ollerton
Dr Andrew Ollerton is a theologian, pastor and popular communicator who makes complex ideas simple and relevant. He works with the Bible Society, UK and developed The Bible Course, an eight-session guide to the big story of the Bible for small groups. Andrew is married to Charlotte and they have three kids, two fish, a snake and a dog.
Alanzo Julian Paul
Alanzo Julian Paul is a full-time speaker with The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics (OCCA) and the Director of Reboot (OCCA’s youth apologetics initiative). His work focuses on questions such as, ‘Why does God allow suffering and injustice?’ and ‘What is the meaning of life?’. He enjoys exploring topics such as the Occult, identity, Gen Z, difficult passages in the Old Testament, and the case for the historical Jesus.
Alanzo became a Christian in 2009 after a decade of drug addiction. Since then, he has dedicated his life to Christ, helping others navigate their faith questions and speaking globally.
Alanzo has a degree in theology from the University of Oxford and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from the University of Toronto. He lives near Oxford with his wife, Khadija.
Bios | Panel Discussion
Joanna la Fleur
Joanna la Fleur is a speaker, podcaster, and digital communications expert. With a Business Communications degree and a Masters in Theological Studies, she has been helping the Church communicate the best news in the world for over 15 years. She is the Executive Director of Word Made Digital and the Director of Brand Influence at Alpha Canada.
She writes a monthly column “Thriving in Digital” for Faith Today magazine, acts as an advisor to the Institute of Evangelism at Wycliffe College, and serves on the Board of Governors at Tyndale University.
Joanna is a proud aunt to 12, has travelled to 41 countries in search of coffee, and lives downtown Toronto with Pearl the Pug.
Allison Springer
Alison Springer is a seasoned Youth Communications Specialist based in Calgary, Alberta, focused on empowering youth and women. A graduate of Ambrose University with a BRS in Youth and Family Ministry, Alison has over 30 years of experience working with young people, including serving as a youth pastor. She has developed faith-based curriculum for Junior and Senior High Schools across Western Canada and for programs within Calgary’s Youth Judicial System. As a Professional Speaker and Trainer, Alison captivates teen audiences with memorable sayings, innovative exercises, and her own creative flair. She works with a wide range of youth, including street kids, student leaders, church youth groups, Indigenous youth, and newcomers, allowing her to speak not only to the masses but to the individuals among the masses.
Alison currently teaches Bible to grade 7 and 8 students at Calgary Christian Secondary School and continues to serve youth today. She also hosts a podcast for youth and young adults titled “The Tall Gorgeous Black Girl” and speaks at conferences, with the desire to bring people closer to Jesus. Alison’s deep hope is for students to relive the adventures of Jesus and His followers, gaining the courage to step boldly into their own faith journeys.
Erich Wong
Contact Info
Jane Twohey
Email: jtwohey@biblesociety.ca | Phone: (905) 260 6670