A Legacy of Faith and Excellence
our history
Since our beginning in 1997, we’ve led the way in challenging and equipping Christian young people to build real-world communication skills.
A Brief History of NCFCA
Our history is rooted in the desire to see Christian students develop exceptional communication and critical thinking skills. We got our start in 1997 as a division of the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). By 2001 the league was ready to become an independent organization under the name National Christian Forensics and Communication Association (NCFCA) to focus solely on its mission of fostering a vibrant community of Christian speakers and debaters.
Through the years, a network of independent clubs has developed to provide local support and training for families who participate in our league, and our reach has expanded throughout the United States with 13 vibrant regions offering tournaments each season.
Alumni of the league have gone on to achieve remarkable success in various fields, including law, education, science, journalism, business, and ministry. We are now seeing a second generation of competitors as our earliest Alumni bring their own children back to participate in our mission.
As NCFCA continues to evolve, it remains steadfast in its commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for Christian students to excel in communication and critical thinking. With a focus on character development, academic rigor, and a strong sense of community, the league empowers students to become influential leaders who make a positive impact on the world.
Timeline
NCFCA Through the Years
Witness the remarkable journey of NCFCA as we celebrate key milestones and achievements that have shaped our organization.
Introduction
1997NCFCA Christian Speech & Debate began in 1997 as the HSLDA Debate League with the goal of training up Christian homeschooled students to learn the skills necessary to reach their world with God’s truth. In the following decades, the league has grown and developed with regards to systems and programs, but the core mission remains:…
HSLDA Debate Begins
1997Dr. Michael Farris and Christy Farris discuss the idea of holding a debate tournament for homeschooled high school students. Sponsored by the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), they planned the first National Home School Debate Tournament in Purcellville, VA. Sixteen teams from eight states and one Canadian province debated “Resolved: That the United States…
Lincoln Douglas Debate and Speech Events Added
1999With the help of Dr. Teresa Moon, HSLDA adds Lincoln Douglas Debate and several speaking events to the program, including Duo Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, Dramatic Interpretation, Impromptu, and Original Oratory.
NCFCA Launched as an Independent Organization
2000Exponential growth results in the creation of the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association (NCFCA) as an independent organization. The Board of Directors includes founder Christy Farris Shipe and five Regional Coordinators. Todd Cooper and Terry Stollar serve as the first two Presidents of the Board of Directors.
League Structure Develops
2001Mike Larimer is elected NCFCA’s third President, and the Board of Directors determines to structure the league with member families and develops Affiliation privileges.
State Representatives Created
2002NCFCA becomes an official 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and adds State Representatives to the leadership structure. The National Championship is held in Murfreesboro, TN and includes coaching workshops for the first time.
Nationals held in Ohio
2003The National Championship is held at Cedarville University in Ohio.
League Grows to Ten Regions
2004Responding to the incredible growth of the league, the Board redraws regional boundaries to accommodate ten regions and proposes a regional qualification system. Apologetics is added as a regular event.
First National Opens Held
2005The first National Open tournaments are held in California and Colorado as part of the new qualification system.
10th Anniversary Celebrated
2006NCFCA celebrates their 10th anniversary at the National Championship hosted by Patrick Henry College in Virginia.
Regional Qualifying System Implemented
2007The Regional qualification system is fully implemented, including the At-Large program. NCFCA releases Judge Orientation slides to increase fairness and consistency.
Teresa Hudson Elected President
2010Teresa Hudson is elected the fourth President of NCFCA. Adjustments are made to Region boundaries, the Advisory Board is created, and NCFCA releases The Source, their first debate sourcebook.
National Day of Prayer Set Aside
2011The second Tuesday in September is set aside as the NCFCA Day of Prayer to pray for the needs and impact of the league.
Year of Firsts
2012In a year of firsts, NCFCA launches its official Facebook and Twitter pages and broadcasts the NCFCA National Championship Awards Ceremony.
Showcase of Excellence Broadcasted
2013The inaugural Showcase of Excellence takes place at the National Championship.
Largest Tournament to Date
2014The North Carolina Open becomes NCFCA’s largest tournament to date.
Biblical Presentation Added
2015Biblical Presentation, a unique NCFCA event, is introduced, encouraging students to memorize large portions of scripture.
First Speech Curriculum Published
2016Expansion of the NCFCA educational arm includes the publication of the NCFCA Comprehensive Guide to Speech.
Kim Cromer Named Executive Director
2017Kim Cromer becomes Executive Director. NCFCA becomes the first high school league to offer Moot Court as a standard event. The league publishes the NCFCA Comprehensive Guide to Policy Debate.
Mission and Foundational Beliefs Defined
2018The NCFCA Board defines NCFCA’s mission and foundational beliefs, including adding a Marriage and Gender Statement.
Christian Schools Join the League
2019NCFCA opens eligibility to all Christian students, including private, Christian schools. The league publishes the NCFCA Comprehensive Guide to Value Debate.
Strategic Planning Session Held
2019A group of 25 NCFCA leaders met formally for a strategic planning session to discuss the direction of the organization.
Online Platform Developed
2020COVID-19 interrupts the season. The online platform is constructed and tested.
Digital Ballots Implemented
2022Online competition continues and digital ballots are fully implemented at in person tournaments. A comprehensive Child Safety program is implemented across the league.
Staff Expanded to Support League Growth
2024The NCFCA staff expanded to support the growing league. The new Foundations of Policy and Foundations of Speech are released at the National Championship.
Your Turn To Make History!
Be part of the next chapter in NCFCA’s inspiring story. Join us as a student, and discover your potential as a confident communicator and critical thinker.
Embrace the challenge, grow in faith, and make a lasting impact on your world. Together, we can continue to build a legacy of faith, knowledge, and service through the power of communication.
