Crossfires

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

  1. 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.  
  2. You must disclose your “evidence” to the opposing side prior to introductory statements. Please have all evidence printed and ready PRIOR to Crossfires. 
  3. Even if you do not agree with your side, you must argue in its favor. 
  4. No devices during Crossfires- this will eliminate searching for more “evidence.” 
  5. No switching sides. Positions are randomly assigned. 
  6. Abide by the allotted time. When the moderator calls time, please return to your seat. 
  7. If you are not the designated speaker, please refrain from discussion during the debate. Please wait for the designated Team Discussion times. 
  8. If you would like to invite a staff pastor as an “expert” witness, please disclose this to your moderator and opposing team immediately.
  9. 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. This does not mean the staff person is required to speak. (NOTE: The staff person cannot already be part of a team.) 
  10. If you need to reserve the classroom for Crossfires prep, please connect with Regan or Josh. 

Crossfires #1: Predestination

Date: September 8, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM 
Moderator: Pastor Chad Lashley

Topic: The tension between divine sovereignty and human free will has long shaped Christian theology. Does God choose specific individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world, or is salvation universally offered and freely chosen? This debate will challenge students to engage Scripture on predestination, election, foreknowledge, and the nature of grace.

Side A: God predestines specific individuals to salvation according to His sovereign will and eternal purpose.

Side B: God offers salvation to all, and individuals freely choose to accept or reject it without divine predetermination.

Side A Team: 
Sadie Arredondo, Athena Garcia, Evelyn Swift, Chloe Harville, Nissi Soto, Juli Powell-Smith, Joshua Barham, Jedidiah Ybarra, Hayden Merrill, Seamus Johnson, Christian Martinez, Misty Martinez, Adrian Nunez

Side B Team: 
Caydence Martinez, Maggie Plunkett, Loralei Lunn, Stephanie Ruvalcaba, Hannah Clark, David Robles, Trajon Lunn, Donovan Powers, Joseph Hopkinson, Gus Luna, Chad Villanueva, Christian Soto, David Carreiro, Desi Brantley, Kassie Meneses

Note: Both teams must affirm that not all people will be saved, and may not argue for universalism or open theism.