NIHD

TRAINING CHAMPIONS FOR CHRIST.

“The National Institute for Homeschool Debate exists to provide professional level coaching, camps, and casebooks that will equip students for the next level of success.”

OUR HISTORY

Fifteen years ago, licensed attorney Griffith Vertican and professor Konrad Hack had a vision to train up high school students in skills of argumentation and critical thinking that they could use to successfully compete in debate, and ultimately use in service of God’s kingdom. Over the years that vision was brought to life, and it has grown today into the biggest and best speech and debate camp in America.

WE OFFER

• Private Coaching
• Expert-Led Webinars
• Speech and Debate Camps
• Comprehensive Casebooks
• Resources for Competition

OUR PARADIGM

NIHD operates on a unique, Christ-centered mission. We infuse a Christ-centered approach in everything we do, from our morning devotions to teaching each class from a Christian worldview. We cultivate stellar communication and critical thinking skills, while at the same time teaching how to debate with integrity and excellence. Our ultimate goal is not only for our students to be great debaters, but for them to be even greater Christians.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

The National Institute for Homeschool Debate is dedicated to helping people actualize the scriptural mandate, found in 1 Peter 3:15: to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have, but to do so with gentleness and respect. We believe that our God is a God of reason and compassion. We hope to equip His people with the critical skills needed to discern His truth, the ability to clearly articulate that truth to others, and the wisdom to know when God's timing is best served in such endeavors.

Our goal is to maximize work, leisure, spirituality, and collegiality in this institute environment.

OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH

NIHD’s statement of faith reflects that of the Stoa Speech and Debate League:

1. There is one God eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:16, Matthew 28:19, John 10:30, 2 Corinthians 13:14)

2. Man is sinful and therefore separated from God, who is holy and perfect.
(Isaiah 53:5-9, Romans 3:23, I Peter 1:15-16)

3. Jesus Christ paid the eternal penalties for our sin through His death on the cross.
(Luke 24:46, I Peter 2:21)

4. Jesus Christ also resurrected bodily and ascended into heaven and will return one day to fulfill His kingdom. (Matthew 28:6, Revelation 19:11)

5. Only through Jesus Christ and the grace of His provision of salvation, may we be saved from eternal punishment, enter into God’s family and receive eternal life.
(Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 6:23, Romans 8:11, I John 1:9)

6. The Bible is the inspired, inerrant, infallible and authoritative Word of God and the truth for Christian faith and practice.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21, John 17:17, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Psalm 19:7-11, John 6:67-69)

“It has truly been an honor and an incredible privilege to mentor, coach, and equip students who represent the very best of our league -- not merely in performance, but in character. Ultimately, all the glory belongs to the Lord. Our role at NIHD is not merely to point them in the right direction in the pursuit of excellence and obtaining national success, but even more important it is to challenge them to pursue the trophies that really matter, namely the eternal ones. To that end, let us strive ever more to raise the bar and finish well."

- Griffith Vertican, Founder