WHAT IS WHY JESUS? 2016 (aka WJ? 2016)
WJ? 2016 is a one-time one-day all-day conference on evidence for Christian faith. It is designed as a spiritually-revitalizing training event in Christian apologetics and offered especially for Christians living in northern New England where opportunities such as this are very limited.
To view a poster of this event, click here.
WHAT IS CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS?
Christian apologetics is the branch of theology that has to do with presenting a persuasive case for historic Christian faith.
ISN’T APOLOGETICS JUST FOR SCHOLARS?
Not at all. According to the Bible (1 Peter 3:15) every Christian believer should be prepared to provide an intelligent response when asked about the hope that he or she has in Christ.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND?
All of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and northern Massachusetts.
WHAT IS NORTHERN MASSACHUSETTS?
We’ll leave the answer to that question up to you! But we’re thinking that it at least includes everything north of Boston.
SO WHAT IF I’M NOT FROM NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND?
You’re also welcome to attend this conference. But we’re focusing our planning and promotion on especially those living in northern New England and the Canadian Maritimes because events of this sort are not often hosted in this region.
WHEN WILL THIS EVENT BE HELD?
Saturday • May 7, 2016 • 8:00 AM to 9:20 PM
WHERE WILL THIS EVENT BE HELD?
It will be held in the beautiful new $68 million Cross Insurance Convention Center and Arena at: 515 Main Street, Bangor, Maine 04401 • 207.561.8300
HOW DO I GET TO THE CONVENTION SITE?
WHO IS WELCOME TO ATTEND THIS CONFERENCE?
All Christian believers high school age and older. Mature 7th and 8th graders interested in the focus of the conference are also welcome to attend, as well as all those sincerely seeking answers to life’s most probing questions.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY ‘LIFE’S MOST PROBING QUESTIONS?’
Questions such as: How did I get here? Why am I here? What happens to me when I die? How do I know which religion is true? Is there a God? Is all of the Bible believable? If God is love, why is there so much suffering in the world? What is a cult? Isn’t truth relative to each individual, based on background and culture? Why should anyone follow a 20-centuries-old Jewish rabbi? Why Jesus? and more!
ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED TO ATTEND?
Because the content of this event is geared to mature teens and adults, we would discourage those attending from bringing younger children and infants to the conference.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO ATTEND THIS CONFERENCE?
Tickets are just $15 per person — see detailed registration information here. But of course the admission price of $15 does not include the cost of travel, parking, food, or overnight lodging.
HOW MANY WILL ATTEND THIS EVENT?
Well, if you attend, one more than would otherwise be the case. But seriously, we just don’t know at this point. This is the first time that an event of this sort and on this scale has been held in this region. We certainly hope and currently expect that the Cross Insurance Center arena, which can seat up to 6,500 people, will be filled that day!
HOW CAN I BUY TICKETS AND REGISTER TO ATTEND?
Click here for complete ticket sale and registration information.
WHY AM I HAVING SO MUCH TROUBLE GETTING MY TICKET THROUGH TICKETMASTER?
If it’s of any consolation, you’re not alone. Ticketmaster is very large and sometimes not so customer-friendly. We’ve had many reports of frustration with Ticketmaster. But there was no choice in the matter of who handled ticket sales if the event was to be hosted at the Cross Insurance Center. Two suggestions: If you know anyone near Bangor, Maine, perhaps you could ask them to pick up tickets for you at the Cross Insurance Center box office. That would save you both money and frustration. Otherwise, just keep trying. Sometimes Ticketmaster is busier than at other times. Don’t give up. Thousands have already successfully purchased their tickets through Ticketmaster, and eventually we believe that you too will be able to do so.
WHAT ABOUT SEATING?
Unless your ticket is labeled “Club Level,” seating is by General Admission — first come, first served. If you have a Club Level ticket you will need to sit in the upper Club Level according to the section, row, and seat assigned. Otherwise, the GA (for General Admission) overrides all seat and row numbers on your ticket and you can sit wherever you choose — as long as no one else is already sitting there, of course!
CAN I COME AND GO THROUGHOUT THE DAY?
Yes, if you’ve purchased a ticket. When you first enter the building your ticket will be scanned and your hand will be stamped so that you can leave the building and then re-enter at will throughout the day. You ticket can only be scanned once and you must keep it with you throughout the day. One $15 ticket will gain you admission to all or any part(s) of the conference schedule.
CAN I EXHIBIT A CHRISTIAN MINISTRY OR BUSINESS AT THIS EVENT?
Authorization to display will be made on a case-by-case basis — contingent on space limitations, an organization’s compatibility with the purposes of the conference, the order in which interested exhibitors apply (NOTE: application deadline is March 31, 2016), and in cooperation with Cross Insurance Center policies. Contact us at exhibits@whyjesus2016.org if interested, or click here for a current listing of exhibits and an application form.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS EVENT?
Here’s the purpose of this conference at-a-glance.
EXACTLY WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT WHY JESUS? 2016?
The conference schedule will include inspiring messages by nationally known and respected Christian leaders, the totally unique singing ministry of a Beachy Amish Mennonite Chorale, numerous practical workshops, exhibits by notable Christian ministries, and lots of opportunities to fellowship and network with God’s people throughout northern New England and beyond.
WHO ARE THE SPEAKERS AND GUESTS FOR THIS EVENT?
PLENARY SPEAKERS
Ravi Zacharias
Lee Strobel
Randy David Newman
Tom Woodward
Dick Keyes
THE OASIS CHORALE
SEMINAR LEADERS, PANEL PARTICIPANTS, & NOONDAY ELECTIVE PRESENTERS
CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT ALL OF THESE SPEAKERS & PRESENTERS?
WILL THERE BE ANY PROVISION FOR THOSE WITH A HEARING IMPAIRMENT?
Yes. Eight ASL interpreters will be signing during all of the plenary sessions and in a number of the Noonday Elective sessions.
IS THE CONFERENCE BEING RECORDED?
Yes. Digital Spirit Media (DSM) of Waterville, Maine, has been granted exclusive rights to record and distribute the conference in digital form. For a limited time DSM is already now taking orders for DVD sets of the conference at just $35/set (shipping included). These DVD sets will be made available when editing is complete and production is underway. You can order a DVD set even now by visiting www.whyjesusdvd.com or by clicking this link. The event will also be streamed live on May 7; click here for details.
WHO IS SPONSORING THIS CONFERENCE?
The AIIA Institute is the chief coordinating agent, but many other individuals and churches have been involved in funding, oversight, planning, and/or carrying out the plans for an event on this scale.
WHAT IS THE AIIA INSTITUTE?
The AIIA Institute is a New England-based non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and practice effective Christian apologetics in our time.
See much more at http://aiiainstitute.org/
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED IN THIS CONFERENCE?
So glad you asked! Click here.
HOW IS THE CONFERENCE BEING FUNDED?
Funding for this major event has come from many churches and a few Christian foundations, but mostly from individuals like you! Click here.
BUT ISN’T IT ALSO FUNDED BY TICKET SALES?
Having the conference underwritten ahead of time has allowed us to meet many commitments that had to be paid upfront, such as venue, promotion, and administrative expenses. If in the end there are no unanticipated expenses and if, after all bills and obligations are met, there is a positive balance from ticket revenue, that balance will be used to continue to promote and practice effective Christian apologetics in northern New England and beyond through the ongoing work of the AIIA Institute.
Please click here for other FAQs related to conference funding.
WHERE CAN I FIND LODGING IN THE AREA?
Many hotels are available in the greater Bangor area. Click here for one helpful listing. We encourage you to make reservations early.
WHERE CAN I BUY FOOD & BEVERAGES WHILE AT THE CONFERENCE?
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Cross Insurance Center does not allow any food or beverages to be brought into the building.
Many and varied concession stands offering everything from burgers to popcorn to Maine baked potatoes, pizza, candy, and more will be open all day long inside the conference center. Click here for a sampling of menus and prices as of Spring 2016.
Otherwise there are many excellent dining options in the Bangor area. Click here for a listing generated specifically for the conference, click here for a more comprehensive listing, and click here for another listing that includes fast food options.
Arrangements have also been made for mobile food vendors to be set up within walking distance of the conference center.
WHAT ABOUT TRAVEL OPTIONS & SUBSIDIES?
Travel subsidies are available for groups traveling together from northern New England in a single vehicle, e.g. van, coach. Click here for more information and an application. NOTE: Application deadline: April 10, 2016.
WHERE IS THE NEAREST AIRPORT?
Bangor International Airport is just across town from the conference venue.
WHERE CAN I GET ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS EVENT?
You’re always welcome to contact us at:
AIIA Institute
2 Wilkins St
PO Box 262
Monson, Maine 04464
Telephone: 207.997.3644
E-mail: AIIAInstitute@aol.com
Web Sites: