History & Development
Room For Doubt (R4D) began in late 2013 as a grant-funded project hosted at Lincoln Christian University (LCU). A major objective was to address the alarming loss of youth from the church and the Christian faith. Its first initiative was to develop a website and a six-week message and discussion series for churches. A six-week series was written by Mark Mittelberg and Garry Poole, while Lee Strobel contributed two messages. In 2015, a pilot version of the six-week series was tested in about 30 churches. In 2016, it was revised and officially released. Dr. Richard Knopp, Professor of Philosophy & Christian Apologetics at LCU, crafted the website content and offered numerous presentations for churches, conferences, and conventions.
In 2018, Dr. Knopp became the Director. In 2019, revisions to the six-week series were made (now called “Basic Questions“), and an entirely new website and mobile app were created that gave convenient access to exclusive Leader Content and the adult and youth discussion guides.
In 2019, an Associate Director (Dr. Zach Breitenbach) and Technology Specialist (Hannah Brimner) were hired full-time. Additional curriculum resources were developed (e.g., “Strengthen Your Faith” lessons), social media and video outlets were enhanced (Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo and YouTube), a video animation was produced (“Why Do You Still Believe?“), and numerous presentations were offered for churches, youth groups, Christian camps, etc.
Beginning in June 2022, due to cut-backs and administrative decisions at Lincoln Christian University, Room For Doubt was no longer formally connected to LCU. While Dr. Breitenbach continues as a R4D contributor, he is now the Director of the Worldview Center at Connection Pointe Christian Church in Brownsburg, Indiana. Hannah Brimner now provides part-time assistance in technology and social media.
Beginning in March 2023, Dr. Richard Knopp, who retired from full-time teaching at LCU, began serving as Room For Doubt’s Executive Director. Rich will provide more online resources, in-person events, and develop other curriculum options. Some of his presentation materials are accessible on his website at www.richknopp.com.
A new function of Room For Doubt is to help promote a new Apologetics Scholarship Program funded by a separate non-profit foundation. Scholarship aid will be provided for students pursuing special training in Christian apologetics in approved programs.
Room For Doubt no longer receives special grant funding. As a result, Room For Doubt needs donations to continue its expanding ministry. For questions or more information, please email Rich!
