Crossfires
Introduction Argument Side A- 2 Minutes
Introduction Argument Side B- 2 Minutes
First Point Side A- 3 Minutes
First Point Side B- 3 Minutes
Team Discussion- 3 Minutes
Rebuttal Side A- 2 Minutes
Rebuttal Side B- 2 Minutes
Second Point Side A- 3 Minutes
Second Point Side B- 3 Minutes
Team Discussion- 3 Minutes
Rebuttal Side A- 2 Minutes
Rebuttal Side B- 2 Minutes
Third Point Side A- 3 Minutes
Third Point Side B- 3 Minutes
Team Discussion- 2 Minutes
Closing Side A- 2 Minutes
Closing Side B- 2 Minutes
Moderator Closing Statements/Discussion
Rules
- One speaker per segment. (John does introduction, Jill does point one, Mark does rebuttal one, etc…) Please note that not every person is required to speak, but everyone is encouraged to participate in Team Discussion AND note taking for the team.
- You must disclose your “evidence” to the opposing side prior to introductory statements. Please have all evidence printed and ready PRIOR to Crossfires.
- Even if you do not agree with your side, you must argue in its favor.
- No devices during Crossfires- this will eliminate searching for more “evidence.”
- No switching sides. Positions are randomly assigned.
- Abide by the allotted time. When the moderator calls time, please return to your seat.
- If you are not the designated speaker, please refrain from discussion during the debate. Please wait for the designated Team Discussion times.
- If you would like to invite a staff pastor as an “expert” witness, please disclose this to your moderator and opposing team immediately.
- Starting at Crossfires #2, you will be asked to add one Visalia First staff person to your team. This person will need to be approached by each team and included in discussion.
- If you need to reserve the classroom for Crossfires prep, please connect with Regan or Josh.
Crossfires #1: Politics in the Church
Date: February 6, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Moderator: Pastor Chad Lashley
BONUS POINT CROSSFIRE (24 points)
Topic: What role should politics play in the church? Do biblical leaders engage in political discourse? Is it appropriate in today’s polarized culture to discuss political topics? If so, how?
Side A: Affirming of position- Politics should play a role in the church. Biblical leaders should engage in political discourse. It is appropriate to discuss political topics in the church.
Side B: Not affirming of position- Politics should not play a role in the church. Biblical leaders should not engage in political discourse. It is not appropriate to discuss political topics in church.
Side A Team:
Sadie Arredondo, Desi Brantley, Hannah Clark, Chloe Harville, Seamus Johnson, Christian Martinez, Caydence Martinez, Donovan Powers, David Robles, Jaden Shipley, Evelyn Swift, Chad Villanueva
Side B Team:
Joshua Barham, David Carreiro, Blake Edwards, Joseph Hopkinson, Gus Luna, Misty Martinez, Adrian Nunez, Maggie Plunkett, Juli Powell-Smith, Stephanie Ruvalcaba, Nissi Soto, Kendall Valenzuela, Jedidiah Ybarra
Crossfires #2: Women in Ministry
Date: March 27, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Moderator: Pastor Chad Lashley
Topic: Should women hold a position of leadership in the church? Should women be allowed to be pastors in the local church?
Side A: Affirming of position- Women should hold a position of leadership in the church. Women should be allowed to be pastors in the local church.
Side B: Not affirming of position- Women should not hold a position of leadership in the church. Women should not be allowed to pastor in the local church.
Side A Team:
Joshua Barham, David Carreiro, Blake Edwards, Joseph Hopkinson, Gus Luna, Adrian Nunez, Jedidiah Ybarra, Christian Martinez, Donovan Powers, David Robles, Chad Villanueva, Seamus Johnson, ONE Visalia First Staff Member
Side B Team:
Sadie Arredondo, Desi Brantley, Hannah Clark, Chloe Harville, Athena Garcia, Misty Martinez, Maggie Plunkett, Juli Powell-Smith, Stephanie Ruvalcaba, Nissi Soto, Kendall Valenzuela, Caydence Martinez, Jaden Shipley, Evelyn Swift, ONE Visalia First Staff Member
Crossfires #3: The Eucharist
Date: April 24, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Moderator: Pastor Chad Lashley
Topic: Do Protestant churches truly experience the presence of God without the Eucharist as understood in Catholic theology?
Side A: Catholics- Catholics affirm the doctrine of transubstantiation, which teaches that during the Mass, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ, though their appearances remain unchanged. The Eucharist is seen not just as a symbolic act but as a sacramental encounter with the real presence of Jesus Christ- body, blood, soul and divinity. Because the Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life and the real presence of Christ is uniquely and fully manifested in the consecrated elements, churches that do not celebrate the Eucharist validly are missing the fullest experience of God’s presence.
Side B: Protestants- Most Protestant traditions reject transubstantiation, viewing communion as a symbolic or spiritual remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice, rather than a literal transformation. While interpretations vary- ranging from memorialist to spiritual real presence views- Protestants generally affirm that God’s presence is not confined to or dependent on the Eucharist. God’s presence is experienced through faith, the Word, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the gathered community of believers. The absence of the Catholic understanding of the Eucharist does not limit or diminish God’s ability to be present and active in Protestant worship.
Side A Team:
Joshua Barham, David Carreiro, Blake Edwards, Evelyn Swift, Christian Martinez, Nissi Soto, David Robles, Gus Luna, Sadie Arredondo, Desi Brantley, Stephanie Ruvalcaba, Hannah Clark, Jaden Shipley and ONE Visalia First Staff Member
Side B Team:
Joseph Hopkinson, Seamus Johnson, Adrian Nunez, Jedidiah Ybarra, Donovan Powers, Chad Villanueva, Chloe Harville, Athena Garcia, Misty Martinez, Maggie Plunkett, Juli Powell-Smith, Kendall Valenzuela, Caydence Martinez and ONE Visalia First Staff Member
