The Bible is Trending

How to Untangle Scripture for this Generation

April 1, 2025  |  Toronto, ON

Helping This Generation Engage with the Bible

Now more than ever, a spiritually curious generation is looking at the Bible—asking big questions, wrestling with its truth, and wondering how its ancient words speak into today’s cultural moment.

For many, Scripture feels overwhelming, confusing, or even hard to believe. Are we prepared to guide them—to offer clarity, wisdom, and answers that make sense today?

Join Dr. Andrew Ollerton and Alanzo Julian Paul for a dynamic and thought-provoking conversation on engaging this generation with the truth of Scripture.

If you are a pastor, youth leader, or simply passionate about helping this generation wrestle with questions about faith and Scripture, this event is for you.

Register now and equip yourself to engage this generation with confidence and clarity.

Helping This Generation Engage with the Bible

Now more than ever, a spiritually curious generation is looking at the Bible—asking big questions, wrestling with its truth, and wondering how its ancient words speak into today’s cultural moment.

For many, Scripture feels overwhelming, confusing, or even hard to believe. Are we prepared to guide them—to offer clarity, wisdom, and answers that make sense today?

Join Dr. Andrew Ollerton and Alanzo Julian Paul for a dynamic and thought-provoking conversation on engaging this generation with the truth of Scripture.

If you are a pastor, youth leader, or simply passionate about helping this generation wrestle with questions about faith and Scripture, this event is for you.

Register now and equip yourself to engage this generation with confidence and clarity.

Keynote Speakers

Andrew Ollerton

Making Sense of Scripture for Those who are Curious

Speaker/Moderator: Dr. Andrew Ollerton | Theologian, Pastor and Popular Communicator, Head of Bible Engagement, Bible Society, UK

The Bible is trending again in this cultural moment. Podcasters, politicians and everyday people are curious about what Scripture may have to offer, while sceptics continue to raise doubts about the historical and moral reliability of the Bible. Are we prepared to respond to these new opportunities and challenges? In this session, we will consider an unlikely seeker from Ethiopia and a ready and willing believer who repositioned himself in response to God’s call. We will unpack core convictions and strategies that can help us make sense of Scripture to those who are spiritually curious today.

Alanzo Julian Paul

Communicating Jesus to Gen Z & Alpha

Speaker: Alanzo Julian Paul | Speaker, The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics & Director, Reboot (youth apologetics initiative)

In a rapidly changing cultural landscape, how do we bridge the gap and communicate the significance of Jesus to Gen Z and Alpha? In this thought-provoking talk, Alanzo Julian Paul uncovers the unique challenges and colossal opportunities of crossing this generational chasm. From addressing identity and mental health to engaging their big questions, Alanzo offers a roadmap for recontextualizing the timeless message of Jesus for the digital natives of today.

PANEL DISCUSSION

Joanna la Fleur
Jeremy Albrecht

The Next Steps: How to Embrace the Opportunities in this Cultural Moment

Moderator: Joanna la Fleur
Panelist: Jeremy Albrecht

Keynote Speakers and Topics

Andrew Ollerton

Dr. Andrew Ollerton

Keynote Speaker/Moderator

Making Sense of Scripture for Those who are Curious

Speaker: Dr. Andrew Ollerton | Theologian, Pastor and Popular Communicator, Head of Bible Engagement, Bible Society, UK

The Bible is trending again in this cultural moment. Podcasters, politicians and everyday people are curious about what Scripture may have to offer, while sceptics continue to raise doubts about the historical and moral reliability of the Bible. Are we prepared to respond to these new opportunities and challenges? In this session, we will consider an unlikely seeker from Ethiopia and a ready and willing believer who repositioned himself in response to God’s call. We will unpack core convictions and strategies that can help us make sense of Scripture to those who are spiritually curious today.

Alanzo Julian Paul

Alanzo Julian Paul

Keynote Speaker

Communicating Jesus to Gen Z & Alpha

Speaker: Alanzo Julian Paul | Speaker, The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics & Director, Reboot (youth apologetics initiative)

In a rapidly changing cultural landscape, how do we bridge the gap and communicate the significance of Jesus to Gen Z and Alpha? In this thought-provoking talk, Alanzo Julian Paul uncovers the unique challenges and colossal opportunities of crossing this generational chasm. From addressing identity and mental health to engaging their big questions, Alanzo offers a roadmap for recontextualizing the timeless message of Jesus for the digital natives of today.

PANEL DISCUSSION

The Next Steps: How to Embrace the Opportunities in this Cultural Moment

 Joanna la Fleur

Joanna la Fleur

Moderator
Speaker, Podcaster, and Digital Communications Expert
Andrew Nobauer

Andrew Nobauer

Panelist

Media & Marketing Manager | Catholic Christian Outreach

Jeremy Albrecht

Jeremy Albrecht

Panelist

Leadership Health & Youth Director | Eastern Ontario & Nunavut District (PAOC)

 Joanna la Fleur

Grace Persaud

Panelist

Children & Junior High Director | Bramalea Baptist Church

Registration is now closed.

Register for FREE
Reserve your seat before March 26.

LOCATION:
Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference

8500 Warden Avenue
Markham, ON L6G 1A5

Complimentary parking onsite

DATE: APRIL 1 | 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM ET

8:30 AM – DOORS OPEN

9:00 AM – PLENARY | Making Sense of Scripture for those who are curious | Andrew Ollerton

10:00 AM – PANEL DISCUSSION | Moderator: Joanna la Fleur

10:30 AM – BREAK

10:45 AM – PLENARY | Communicating Jesus to Gen Z & Alpha | Alanzo Paul

11:30 AM – YOUTH PANEL DISCUSSION | Moderator: Joanna la Fleur

12:00 PM – PLENARY | How to Embrace this Cultural Moment | Andrew Ollerton

12:30 PM – Audience Q&A | Moderator: Joanna la Fleur

1:00-2:00 PM – LUNCH

Thank you for your interest in this event. Unfortunately, registration is now closed. For questions, please reach out to Jane Twohey at jtwohey@biblesociety.ca. Or leave a message at biblesociety.ca/contact-us if you wish to be informed of future similar events. Have a wonderful day. Canadian Bible Society

Bios | Keynote Speakers

Dr. Andrew Ollerton

Dr. Andrew Ollerton

Dr Andrew Ollerton is a theologian, pastor and popular communicator who makes complex ideas simple and relevant. He works with the Bible Society, UK and developed The Bible Course, an eight-session guide to the big story of the Bible for small groups. Andrew is married to Charlotte and they have three kids, two fish, a snake and a dog.

Alanzo Julian Paul

Alanzo Julian Paul

Alanzo Julian Paul is a full-time speaker with The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics (OCCA) and the Director of Reboot (OCCA’s youth apologetics initiative). His work focuses on questions such as, ‘Why does God allow suffering and injustice?’ and ‘What is the meaning of life?’. He enjoys exploring topics such as the Occult, identity, Gen Z, difficult passages in the Old Testament, and the case for the historical Jesus. 

Alanzo became a Christian in 2009 after a decade of drug addiction. Since then, he has dedicated his life to Christ, helping others navigate their faith questions and speaking globally. 

Alanzo has a degree in theology from the University of Oxford and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from the University of Toronto. He lives near Oxford with his wife, Khadija. 

Bios | Panel Discussion

Joanna la Fleur

Joanna la Fleur

Joanna la Fleur is a speaker, podcaster, and digital communications expert. With a Business Communications degree and a Masters in Theological Studies, she has been helping the Church communicate the best news in the world for over 15 years. She is the Executive Director of Word Made Digital and the Director of Brand Influence at Alpha Canada.

She writes a monthly column “Thriving in Digital” for Faith Today magazine, acts as an advisor to the Institute of Evangelism at Wycliffe College, and serves on the Board of Governors at Tyndale University.

Joanna is a proud aunt to 12, has travelled to 41 countries in search of coffee, and lives downtown Toronto with Pearl the Pug.

Andrew Nobauer

Andrew Nobauer

Growing up culturally Catholic, Andrew became a missionary with Catholic Christian Outreach in 2011 after a personal experience with Jesus as a young adult. He has served in various roles in the apostolate as front line mission staff and major gift fundraising.

Currently, Andrew runs the Media & Marketing Team with CCO. A father of 4 and married for almost 10 years Andrew is passionate about making sure that university students hear the gospel, catholic parishes move from maintenance to mission and watching the Vancouver Canucks disappoint him year after year.

Jeremy Albrecht

Jeremy Albrecht

Jeremy is a Child of God, Husband, Father and Alpha Pack leader to “Diesel”. Jeremy currently serves the Eastern Ontario & Nunavut District (of the PAOC) as the Leadership Health & Youth Director. He along with his family currently reside in Peterborough, ON where he enjoys boating, fishing, hockey, family time and his newest addiction—pickleball. He is a committed Leafs fan and his other passion is geeking out on the next great neuroscience health hack. After God, family, and living on mission, Jeremy is most passionate about helping leaders become the healthiest version of themselves.
Grace Persaud

Grace Persaud

Grace has lived in Brampton her whole life and has loved being shaped by its vast culture. She met her husband, Calvin, while serving at Summer Camp when they were in high school. They both serve in vocational ministry at Bramalea Baptist Church (BBC) in Brampton, ON. Grace is currently the Children & Junior High Director at BBC and oversees Summer Camp Ministries. She previously worked as a Youth and Young Adults Director and as a member of Young Life Staff. Grace is a graduate of Tyndale University. She is passionate about reaching the furthest out kid for Jesus, equipping students and leaders with Biblical literacy, utilizing creative teaching and ministry methods, and empowering the next generation to understand that they are just as much the church now as they will be when they are adults. Grace loves good food, bocce ball, and spending time with friends and family.

Contact Info

Jane Twohey
Email: jtwohey@biblesociety.ca | Phone: (905) 260 6670