Foundations of Creation Conference - Lafayette, LA
Join us on September 18th!
Join us for the Foundations of Creation Conference! Hear from ICR Scientists Dr. Randy Guliuzza, Dr. Tim Clarey, Dr. Brian Thomas, Dr. Frank Sherwin, and Dr. Jake Hebert! This event will also feature youth and children's tracks hosted by Mr. Dave Napier, Mr. Matt Miles, and Miss Emily Steele!
We are partnering with Creation Truth Foundation who will be bringing their life-size dinosaur fossil museum which we will have on display all throughout the church.
We pray that this conference will be a blessing to you and that the information shared will be encouraging to you in your walk with our Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ.
We are partnering with Creation Truth Foundation who will be bringing their life-size dinosaur fossil museum which we will have on display all throughout the church.
We pray that this conference will be a blessing to you and that the information shared will be encouraging to you in your walk with our Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Location
First Baptist Church of Lafayette, LA
1100 Lee Avenue
Lafayette, LA, 70501
1100 Lee Avenue
Lafayette, LA, 70501
Date & Time
September 18, 2025, 1:00 PM - September 21, 2025 - 1:00 PM
Keynote Speakers
Our conference will be led by three keynote speakers, you can read more about each of them below.
Dr. Randy Guliuzza
president, icr
Dr. Randy Guliuzza is the President of the Institute for Creation Research. He is a leading biological design theorist. He has actively expanded ICR's scientific research and the critical endeavor to develop a theory of biological design. He holds the Doctor of Medicine from the University of Minnesota, and a Master of Public Health from Harvard University. He served as Chief of Aerospace Medicine for the 28th Bomb Wing. Prior, he worked nine years in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps and is a registered Professional Engineer. Dr. Guliuzza also has a degree in theology from Moody Bible Institute. He is the author of multiple books and technical papers.
Dr. Tim Clarey
director of research, icr
Dr. Tim Clarey received a Master of Science in Geology in 1984 from the University of Wyoming and a Master of Science in Hydrogeology in 1993 from Western Michigan University. His Ph.D. in Geology was received in 1996 from Western Michigan University. From 1984 to 1992, Dr. Clarey worked as an exploration geologist at Chevron USA, Inc., developing oil drilling prospects and analyzing assets and lease purchases. He was Full Professor and Geosciences Chair at Delta College in Michigan for 17 years before leaving in 2013 to join the science staff at the Institute for Creation Research, having earlier conducted research with ICR in it's FAST program. Dr. Clarey currently serves as ICR's Director of Research. He has published many papers on various aspects of the Rocky Mountains and has authored two college laboratory books.
Dr. Brian Thomas
research scientist, icr
Dr. Brian Thomas received a master's in biotechnology in 1999 from Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, and a Ph.D. in paleobiochemistry in 2019 from the University of Liverpool. He taught junior high, high school, and college at Dallas-area schools and universities. In 2008 Dr. Thomas joined the Institute for Creation Research as a science writer and editor, contributing news and magazine articles, speaking on creation issues, and researching original tissue fossils. He was appointed Research Scientist in 2021.
Breakout Speakers
Our conference will also feature breakout sessions on Saturday, two additional speakers will be joining our keynote speakers, you can read about them below.
Dr. Frank Sherwin
science news writer, icr
Dr. Frank Sherwin received his bachelor's degree in biology from Western State College, Gunnison, Colorado, in 1978. He attended graduate school at the University of Northern Colorado, where he studied under the late Gerald D. Schmidt, one of the foremost parasitologists in America. In 1985, Dr. Sherwin obtained a master's degree in zoology. He published his research in the peer-reviewed Journal of Parasitology. In 2021, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Pensacola Christian College. He contributes his scientific expertise to a variety of ICR's publications on creation science and is one of ICR's most sought-after speakers.
Dr. Jake Hebert
research scientist, icr
Dr. Jake Hebert earned a bachelor's degree in physics from Lamar University in 1995, a master's degree in physics in 1999 from Texas A&M University, and a Ph.D. in physics in 2011 from the University of Texas at Dallas, where he did cutting-edge research on the connection between cosmic rays, solar activity, and weather and climate. He has taught at both the high school and university levels. He joined ICR in 2011 as Research Associate, changed to Research Scientist in 2021, and is currently researching the post-Flood Ice Age, the dating methods used to assign ages to the seafloor sediments and deep ice cores, and cosmology, among other research endeavors.
Youth / Children Speakers
This conference will also feature special sessions for youth and children, so that they can learn more about creation in presentations designed for them and at their age. Learn about our youth and children speakers here.
Mr. Dave Napier
event coordinator and speaker, icr
Mr. Dave Napier has been speaking on creation for over 10 years in churches, conferences, youth groups, and more. He is an international speaker and founded the Central Texas Creation Conference to share the evidence of God's Word in the Austin, TX area. Dave joined the Institute for Creation Research in 2022 and now serves as an Event Coordinator and Speaker.
Mr. Matt Miles
president, creation truth foundation
Mr. Matt Miles, President of Creation Truth Foundation (CTF), has been with CTF since January 2006. He is a graduate of Manhattan Christian College, and since then Matt has effectively served the Lord in three different Kansas churches as Youth Pastor. Matt's burden for today's church youth has led him to serve the CTF ministry as Student Worldview Director through their in-house program called SWAT (Student Worldview Advanced Training). Matt is a well-studied preacher and teacher of Biblical origins, and has through much study developed an excellent program in Biblical Astronomy. He is a very talented communicator with young people of all ages, and is becoming a much sought after speaker in Christian youth camps and youth training programs. Over the last several years, the Lord is broadening Matt's ministry scope to include whole congregations with growing recognition.
Miss Emily Steele
Children's education specialist, icr
Miss Emily Steele joined ICR in 2023 coming from a career as a teacher of future teachers. She graduated in 2013 from Bob Jones University with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with a minor in Dramatic Arts. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in Management and Leadership from Liberty University and graduated with a Master of Science in Family & Consumer Sciences Education from Texas Tech University in 2017. She taught Education and Training at a public high school for 7 years and also sponsored the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) chapter at her school where she held various leadership roles in her area and in the state. Miss Steele brings her passion for creation, love of event planning, and enthusiasm for students and education to her role as the Children's Education Specialist at ICR.
Adult Schedule
September 18th
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Dinosaur Fossil Walks | ICR Scientists
Join an ICR Scientist on a guided tour of a life-size exhibit of fossils from dinosaurs, marine reptiles, and other ancient beasts! Discover what secular museums don't tell you about fossils and hear how science confirms biblical creation and the Genesis Flood.
SPACE IS LIMITED AND REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. TOURS START EVERY 30 MINUTES
SPACE IS LIMITED AND REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. TOURS START EVERY 30 MINUTES
6:00 p.m.
Three Personal Discoveries that Confirm Creation | Dr. Brian Thomas | Keynote #1
Where did we come from? Do questions about origins matter to the core doctrines of Christianity? Dr. Thomas tells of the science that led him to change his mind about evolution, where fossils came from, and about how Genesis history supports the Gospel.
7:00 p.m.
Dismissal
We'll see you tomorrow for the Foundations of Creation Conference!
September 19th
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Dinosaur Fossil Walks | ICR Scientists
Join an ICR Scientist on a guided tour of a life-size exhibit of fossils from dinosaurs, marine reptiles, and other ancient beasts! Discover what secular museums don't tell you about fossils and hear how science confirms biblical creation and the Genesis Flood.
SPACE IS LIMITED AND REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. TOURS START EVERY 30 MINUTES
SPACE IS LIMITED AND REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. TOURS START EVERY 30 MINUTES
6:00 p.m.
Dinosaurs: Marvels of God's Design | Dr. Tim Clarey | Keynote #2
Are dinosaurs mentioned in the Bible? How big were they? Could they fit on the Ark? Dr. Clarey discusses the uniqueness of God's created dinosaurs and answers many of the questions young people encounter in secular media and even in children's books.
7:00 p.m.
Dismissal
We'll see you tomorrow for the Foundations of Creation Conference!
September 20th
8:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
Registration Opens
Stop by our registration tables to get checked in, and then stop by our resource tables and pick-up some faith-affirming resources!
9:00 a.m.
Conference Starts
Please make your way to the Worship Center for the start of the Foundations of Creation Conference!
9:05 a.m.
Finally, a Revolutionary New Theory of Biological Design | Dr. Randy Guliuzza | Keynote #3
Just as Flood geology is an alternative theory to uniformitarianism to explain geology, we need for biology a theory of biological design (TOBD) that assumes creatures look engineered because they were engineered. A TOBD is a profoundly different replacement framework for biological phenomena that's principally creature-focused and assumes biological functions are best explained by engineering principles.
10:00 a.m.
Break
10:20 a.m.
Breakout Sessions Begin
Throughout this conference we will have three different breakout tracks that you can choose to attend. Each track will focus on a different aspect of creation science.
Biological
Sciences
Breakout
Engineered Adaptability | Dr. Randy Guliuzza
Psychological research shows that humans in every culture perceive designed features and naturally infer they had designers. If this is the case, then the persuasive power in life's designs is an enormously underused gift from God in apologetic defenses. Design-based explanations of creature features given from an engineer's perspective bring scientific clarity to apologetics discussions by demystifying fallacious Darwinian origins explanations. If you can properly identify the cause of an organism's dramatic capacity to adapt - better yet, self-adjust - to different environments, you're on your way to the most powerful argument against death and survival-driven naturalistic evolution. This strategy points to a beneficent Intelligent Designer consistent with the God of the Bible.
Earth
Sciences
Breakout
Sciences
Breakout
The Truth about the Global Flood | Dr. Tim Clarey
In this presentation, Dr. Clarey shows how sedimentary evidence across several continents confirms the occurrence of a global flood. He presents oil industry data compiled into maps and diagrams that illustrate the progression of the Flood and match the biblical narrative. He provides biblically based scientific explanations for large-scale sedimentary deposits that were rapidly formed by catastrophic activity. This abundant evidence supports a worldwide flood that happened just thousands of years ago.
Creation
Basics
Breakout
Basics
Breakout
Scientific Evidences for Creation | Dr. Frank Sherwin
Critics regularly say, "Creation is either something you believe or don't believe, but there's no evidence for it." The case for creation is rooted in what Paul teaches in Romans 1 - that God's work and attributes are "clearly seen". Dr. Sherwin describes the tools needed to discern objects that have been made (created) vs. objects that form over time through chance and natural processes. He then provides convincing evidence for creation from the microscopic world (bacteria and molecular machines) and the macroscopic world (animals like the bat and woodpecker).
11:00 a.m.
Break
11:20 a.m.
Breakout Sessions Continue
Biological
Sciences
Track
Sciences
Track
Adam or Apes? | Dr. Brian Thomas
Polls show that illustrations of ape-like human ancestors convince more Americans of evolution than any other single subject. Dr. Thomas shows how ape-man candidate fossils fall into three Genesis-friendly categories.
Earth
Sciences
Track
Sciences
Track
The Mystery of the Ice Age | Dr. Jake Hebert
Did Earth experience an ice age? If so, how many, and how do they fit into biblical history? Learn how secular scientists have difficulty explaining an ice age, how the secular ice age theory contributes to climate change alarmism, why deep ice cores do not prove an old earth, and how the Bible gives us a convincing explanation for the Ice Age.
Creation
Basics
Track
Basics
Track
Dinosaurs and the Bible | Dr. Frank Sherwin
A creationist and evolutionist can work together to dig up a dinosaur fossil. They will just disagree on where the dinosaur came from, how long ago it lived, and what killed it. Dr. Sherwin begins this talk by identifying some of the more popular "thunder birds". He then uses the fossil record to show that dinosaurs have always been dinosaurs - they didn't evolve from other reptiles or turn into birds. Evolutionary scientists teach many strange theories about how the dinosaurs died off, but much can be explained by the worldwide Flood of Genesis.
12:00 p.m.
Lunch Break
1:00 p.m.
Breakout Sessions Resume
Biological
Sciences
Track
Sciences
Track
Made in His Image | Dr. Randy Guliuzza
Dr. Guliuzza provides a fascinating look at several features of human beings that illustrate how they are very different from animals and can actually outperform them in many ways. He demonstrates the complete unity of the human body, emphasizing performance rather than basic anatomy. The talk unfolds dynamically, is highly visual, and will leave no doubt that humans are fearfully, wonderfully, and supernaturally made.
Earth
Sciences
Track
Sciences
Track
Fresh Fossils from Four Continents | Dr. Brian Thomas
Have you heard about the blood vessels from dinosaur bones? It turns out that's just the beginning of fresh features from all kinds of fossils. In this presentation, Dr. Thomas explains how we can know that these proteins are relatively young and how these exciting new finds fit with the Bible's history of the world.
Creation
Basics
Track
Basics
Track
Our Young Universe | Dr. Jake Hebert
Take a virtual tour of our solar system and beyond! This presentation includes spectacular images of celestial bodies in our "local" celestial neighborhood. Learn how well-known objects in our own solar system present problems for evolutionary theories but confirm recent creation.
1:40 p.m.
Break
After this break we will all reconvene in the Worship Center to close out the conference.
2:00 p.m.
Five Minutes with a Darwinist | Dr. Randy Guliuzza | Keynote #4
If you only had five minutes to talk with a friend who believes in evolution, could you quickly topple evolution's main pillars and present a strong case for creation? Dr. Guliuzza provides the skills necessary for Christians to talk intelligently and succinctly with evolutionists - without references to religion, revelation, or faith.
2:50 p.m.
Break
We'll take a brief break and gather back together for Q&A.
3:00 p.m.
Question & Answer | All Speakers
Can't wait to get that burning question answered? Now's the time! All five speakers will be available to answer your questions.
3:30 p.m.
Conclusion
We thank you so much for joining us this weekend! We hope that you have enjoyed your time, and that God was honored and glorified through our time together this weekend.
September 21st
9:30 a.m. &
11:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m. &
11:00 a.m.
Great Answers to Three Key Questions About Origins | Dr. Randy Guliuzza
This dynamic message will ask and answer three important questions relevant to the creation-evolution debate that every Christian should know.
1. How do you interpret and understand Genesis 1 and 2?
2. What is your take on Darwinian evolution and its compatibility with the Christian faith?
3. Are you open to the natural world pointing to design? Why or why not?
You could be asked these same basic questions by a co-worker, your next-door neighbor, or the person worshipping next to you at church. Come and enjoy a whiteboard talk that will prepare you with the biblical and scientific tools to answer your friends with confidence.
THIS TALK IS THE SAME DURING BOTH SUNDAY MORNING SERVICES
1. How do you interpret and understand Genesis 1 and 2?
2. What is your take on Darwinian evolution and its compatibility with the Christian faith?
3. Are you open to the natural world pointing to design? Why or why not?
You could be asked these same basic questions by a co-worker, your next-door neighbor, or the person worshipping next to you at church. Come and enjoy a whiteboard talk that will prepare you with the biblical and scientific tools to answer your friends with confidence.
THIS TALK IS THE SAME DURING BOTH SUNDAY MORNING SERVICES
Youth Schedule
September
18th - 19th
18th - 19th
No Youth Sessions
The youth will be with their parents in the adult sessions on Thursday and Friday evenings.
September 20th
8:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
Doors Open
Parents - you can start dropping the youth off now.
9:05 a.m.
Designed to Glorify (De-Evolutionizing Creation) | Mr. Dave Napier
In this talk, Dave exposes the evolutionary ideas that have become strongholds within the creation community. Compromising Christians add millions of years and random mutations to creation, in order to appease conventional science. The outcome is that they malign the character of God, make the cross of Christ irrelevant, and disagree with good observational science. The audience will walk away firm in their faith and emboldened in their witness, knowing that all living things were designed to glorify.
10:00 a.m.
Break
10:15 a.m.
Biblical Worldview - Foundation in Genesis | Mr. Matt Miles
As we develop our worldview, Genesis should be foundational. If we miss the historic reality at the beginning of Genesis, our worldview is most likely warped to a non-Biblical worldview. Genesis is foundational to the entire Word of God, especially as we seek the hope that comes through the Gospel.
11:00 a.m.
Break
11:15 a.m.
De-Evolutionizing Dinosaurs | Mr. Dave Napier
Who doesn't like dinosaurs? There's only one thing bad about them. Every time you hear about them it's "65 Million Years Ago...". The truth is, we have evidence of man living with dinosaurs. If dinosaurs died 65 million years ago, like we are told, how did people know what they looked like? This fun and engaging presentation is meant for all ages and discusses the evidence that dinosaurs are in the Bible, lived with man, and walked the earth in recent history. The observable evidence points to a recent creation.
12:00 p.m.
Lunch Break
1:00 p.m.
A Year You Should Never Forget | Mr. Matt Miles
The Flood left behind a great amount of evidence over the entire world in the form of the geologic column. The geological column is used most often to support the evolutionary worldview, however the observed evidence actually supports the Word of God and a recent history. Step back a few thousand years to see the framework for present rock and fossil formation along with promises for your destiny.
1:45 p.m.
Break
2:00 p.m.
The View from the Tower | Mr. Dave Napier
In this presentation, Dave takes a look at the "so-called" races and exposes the false thinking of evolution. Over the last 30 years science has finally started catching up with the Bible. Understanding genetics and linguistics has allowed conventional science to realize there are no races. We are all one people! It is in the light of the Bible that different people groups and varied languages start to make sense.
2:45 p.m.
Break
We'll take a brief break and gather back together for Q&A.
3:00 p.m.
Question & Answer | Mr. Dave Napier & Mr. Matt Miles
Can't wait to get that burning question answered? Now's the time!
3:30 p.m.
Conclusion
We thank you so much for joining us this weekend! We hope that you have enjoyed your time, and that God was honored and glorified through our time together this weekend.
September 21st
9:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
It Just Doesn't Take Millions of Years | Mr. Dave Napier
This talk is excellent for challenging people's perspective on the age of the earth. Dave systematically goes through the icons of evolution and shows that science, long ago, proved that they don't take millions of years. The truth is, you just need the right materials and the right environment. The Global Flood, documented in Genesis, gives us both. Evidence from sediment layers, fossils, diamonds, oil, and coal, all squash the old argument that the Earth's geological features are millions of years old.
Children's Schedule
September 18th
5:45 p.m.
5:45 p.m.
Doors Open
Parents - you can start dropping your kids off now.
6:00 p.m.
Beauty in Diversity: Creatures | Miss Emily Steele
Explore some of our favorite animals and sea creatures. Let's look together at these beautiful creatures and see what features our Creator Jesus gave them that help them to both survive and thrive in their unique environments.
7:00 p.m.
Dismissal
We'll see you back tomorrow!
September 19th
5:45 p.m.
5:45 p.m.
Doors Open
Parents - you can start dropping your kids off now.
6:00 p.m.
The Solar System - Evidence of Creation | Miss Emily Steele
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork." Psalm 19:1. Have you ever looked up at a night sky and stood in wonder at the beautiful sight? How did the stars and planets get there? And what to they tell us about creation and the power of the Lord Jesus? Join us as we explore space for evidences of creation.
7:00 p.m.
Dismissal
We'll see you back tomorrow!
September 20th
8:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
Doors Open
Parents - you can start dropping your kids off now.
9:00 a.m.
On the Seventh Day He Rested | Miss Emily Steele
Evolutionary science says the world came about by random chance and mutations while God's Word says it was created intentionally by a loving Creator in 6 literal days. But where does the scientific evidence lead and does this issue even matter to us living in the 21st century? Join us to discover scientific evidences of designed engineering in our world as we examine how creation proclaims that our world came about by an act of work by our Creator, Jesus Christ.
10:20 a.m.
Break
10:40 a.m.
Dinos and Man - A Mystery Worth Solving | Miss Emily Steele
Have you ever imagined that you are a brave knight fighting off a dragon or a princess held hostage by the vicious creature awaiting your rescue? Some of our favorite stories, fairy tales, and art are based on history and myth that these creature (dragons and dinosaurs) lived with man - but did they? Join us as we explore 4 evidences in history, art, the fossil record, and the Bible that dinosaurs existed with man.
12:00 p.m.
Lunch Break
1:00 p.m.
Noah's Ark & The Genesis Flood | Miss Emily Steele
Explore how the geological record shows evidence of a global flood and supports the Biblical account of Noah's Ark. Join us as we see what God says about the flood, explore 3 evidences the rock layers show of the global flood, and even make an ark animal.
2:20 p.m.
Break
2:40 p.m.
Activities and Q&A
Every presentation has an accompanying craft or activity. This time allows the kids to finish up any crafts they may not have yet finished, and also provides a time for them to get their questions answer by Miss Emmy.
3:30 p.m.
Conclusion
We thank you so much for joining us this weekend! We hope that you have enjoyed your time, and that God was honored and glorified through our time together this weekend.
September 21st
9:30 a.m. and
11:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m. and
11:00 a.m.
God Loves Science Too | Miss Emily Steele
Do you love science?! So does God - our genius and creative Maker! Open up Scripture to investigate the many references to science, nature, and creation that are in the Bible and what these passages teach us about our universe and Jesus our Creator (Romans 1:20). This session will also introduce you to several founders of modern science who made amazing discoveries because they believed God's Word and conducted science from a Biblical worldview.
THIS TALK IS THE SAME DURING BOTH SUNDAY MORNING SERVICES
THIS TALK IS THE SAME DURING BOTH SUNDAY MORNING SERVICES
Conference Location
First Baptist Church of Lafayette, LA
1100 Lee Avenue, Lafayette, LA 70501
1100 Lee Avenue, Lafayette, LA 70501
Conference Hosts
First Baptist Church of Lafayette
At First Baptist Lafayette, we believe life is about more than just going through the motions. It's about finding who you are, what you believe, and where you truly belong. Our mission is to help you Find Real Meaning in your life through a relationship with God, a purposeful path, and real connections with other people.
Our mission is to glorify God by reaching Acadiana for Christ, and we accomplish our mission by guiding people to Find Real Meaning through a relationship with Jesus.
The Institute for Creation Research
At the Institute for Creation Research, we want you to know God's Word can be trusted with everything it speaks about - from how and why we were made, to how the universe was formed, to how we can know Jesus Christ and receive all He has planned for us.
That's why ICR scientists have spent more than 50 years researching scientific evidence that refutes evolutionary philosophy and confirms the Bible's account of a recent and special creation. We regularly receive testimonies from around the world about how ICR's cutting-edge work has impacted thousands of people with Christ's creation truth.
Have questions about the event?
Email us at [email protected] or call 214.615.8333!
Email us at [email protected] or call 214.615.8333!