About the Creation training initiative
We offer foundational and comprehensive training courses and resources, enabling Christians (adults, youth, and children) to defend their Christian faith effectively.
Our Mission
The mission of the Creation Training Initiative is to equip Christians worldwide to be effective teachers and speakers on biblical creation and apologetics so that the next generation can be trained to stand firm on biblical truth and defend their faith.
This mission is based on 2 Timothy 2:2 – And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
Our Vision
Our vision is to have a teacher in every Christian school and church who can teach biblical creation and apologetics.
Read Our Doctrinal Statement.
Read our detailed doctrinal statement on the Scriptures, Creation, God, Salvation, and more.
Year Founded
Events
Miles Traveled
Mike Riddle
Founder and President of CTI, Apologist and Education Specialist
Mike, founder and president of Creation Training Initiative, has dedicated over 40 years to biblical creation, apologetics, and Christian education, making significant impacts as an international speaker across venues like NASA and various educational institutions. Prior to his creation ministry, he served as a USMC Captain and a national track and field champion, underscoring his diverse background. With a B.S. in Mathematics, an M.A. in Education, and experience as a teacher and corporate trainer for U.S. Sprint and Microsoft, Mike has contributed to over 500 churches and educated 15,000 youth. He lives in Meridian, ID, with his wife, Lesley, continuing his mission to enhance Christian education globally.
Anthony Silvestro
DDS, Apologist, Evangelist, Speaker and Teacher
Once an evolutionist, Dr. Anthony R. Silvestro, Jr. now champions biblical creationism, highlighting the Bible’s trustworthiness from Genesis on. Based in a Cleveland suburb and practicing dentistry with a degree from The Ohio State University, he significantly contributes to Creation Revival, the Creation Training Initiative, and Christian media, including films and Ray Comfort’s Ambassador’s Academy. Through seminars and his book, On the Origin of Kinds, Dr. Silvestro tackles presuppositional apologetics, social justice critiques, and the relationship between science and scripture to prepare Christians for confident faith defense. His teachings, which span conferences, youth groups, and radio shows, advocate for a robust, biblically informed worldview.
Scott Weckerly
Co-Instructor at Creation Apologetics Teachers College
Based in Nashville, TN, Scott has transitioned from a 26-year career as a professional musician to a focus on biblical apologetics, speaking, and teaching, drawing from over two decades of experience to educate at churches, life groups, youth retreats, and via digital platforms. A holder of a Jazz Performance degree from the University of North Texas, he spent two years evangelizing through music before deepening his apologetics and creation studies, furthered by specialized CTI courses. Scott’s wide-ranging presentations, from “Dinosaurs and the Bible” to “The Problem of Evil,” showcase his deep understanding of apologetics, creationism, and critical thinking. His career evolution reflects a commitment to blending musical talent with a passion for sharing and defending the Christian faith.
Lesley Riddle
Finance Management and Event Management
Lesley is a proud mom and grandmom. She currently travels with Mike, who manages CTI’s events and resource sales.