A couple years ago, David Wood spoke of building an apologetics empire. At the start of June, he announced he would be closing his channel to start making that vision a reality. My own plans (including this document) were already in the works. We are independent, and hopefully soon collaboratively, on the same path. That is a good sign. The Lord is working - He has a plan, and we need to be ready to adapt to where he takes us. But, He also wants us to play a role; He wants us to use our brains and work for His Kingdom using the gifts He has given. To one he gives ten talents, to another five, and another one. It is not what you've been given, but how you use it that counts. I view myself as a ten talent recipient. I have been blessed with a privileged background, a loving family, gainful employment, and yes, intellectual talents. I live in a peaceful society where I am free to proclaim Christianity and criticize Islam, with only the "threat" being people laughing at me and calling me names. I say all this not in boast, but in acknowledge of the debt I owe. To whom much is given, much is expected. Thus, I want to take the time to outline some of my specific plans, knowing ultimately the Lord may take things another direction.
First, I want to spend the next 6 months to 1 year building up financial support. I want to find people who are called to regularly support the ministry with donation, so that its survival is not dependent on the whims of YouTube. (Specifics on support options below.) I have a nice, well-paying job and no great desire to quit it. No desire, that is, except for my desire to pour every possible minute into ministry. The goal would be to release at least one scripted video a week, and livestream up to five days a week. Specifically, I'd like to do a "through the Bible in one year" type series focused on apologetics issues. This is simply not possible to do while also holding a full-time job.
Second, I want to build a categorized directory of Christian YouTubers that is regularly updated by marking people inactive and adding new faces. Real ministries are not in competition, as we are all working for the same goal. As J. Warner Wallace has said, we don't need a new million-dollar apologist; we need a million one dollar apologists. We are one body, and together we are far stronger, and less subject to fall, than any one is on their own. I have already started work on this.
Related, I want to build a master schedule of livestreams. How awesome would it be if anyone at any time could look at one list and know where to go to get their question answered, or at least get pointed in the right direction, right that moment? At the very least, such a schedule would allow people to be more efficient - not scheduling at the same time as others ensuring a largely potential live audience for each person individually.
Third (or is it Fourth), I want to build a free - both in cost and license - Christian information resource. That is, what is commonly called a "Bible Dictionary," but more properly is described as an encyclopedia. I want to (collaboratively) build the largest collection of answers to apologetic questions, Biblical commentary, theology, spiritual resources, and so forth, that can not only be accessed for free, but also freely printed, shared, and taught. Think "Wikipedia for Christianity." I actually started on this project a number of years ago, so there is a basic foundation underway, an even a launch plan, but also much work to be done to make the vision a reality. (I also was an administrator on Wikipedia for many years, and wrote hundreds of articles so I do have a good idea all what this entails.)
On a relatively minor point, I plan to file the paperwork to make Reasoned Answers a proper 501(3)(c) non-profit charity. This is a long and somewhat expensive process, but also brings many benefits. It means donations would be tax deductible for U.S. citizens and gives access to numerous corporate benefits. For example, Google gives credits for Google ads (which includes YouTube ads) and doesn't take a cut out of donations collected (unlike normal superchats where they take a significant cut). Regardless of tax status, all inflows and outflows will be publically documented so you, as a donor, know exactly where your funds are going.
Finally, I thought I would provide a sampling of video ideas, in no particular order, I have but haven't had the time to bring to fruition. I started a series of Muslim Movement to Christ that has three videos so far. The complete series is around 10 videos, but I haven't had a chance to get back to it for a while. I also started a series on understanding "contradictions" in the Bible which I would like to eventually complete. A brand-new area of inquiry that no one is doing on YouTube is what I am calling "14 centuries of bid'ah (innovation)." This will look at how modern Muslim beliefs are not based on teaching of Muhammad, but rather developed slowly over time, primarily in response to Christian polemics against Islam. I want to talk about the "weird laws" and violence that the Old Testament seems to support and how we understand them in light of the complete Biblical narrative. I have a specific, humorous idea of how to address the silly "Jesus prayed like a Muslim" meme. I want to do more videos tackling "scientific miracles," which while not well watched by Christians are super important to Muslim beliefs. I want to look at the real history of colonialism and the crusades - there were, no doubt, many abuses that took place, but the real pictures are quite a bit more complicated than "Christians bad." I also have around a dozen embarrassing Muslim admissions (on video) that I want to do videos on, and plan to do responses to specific Muslim arguments both contemporary and historical. And that's just a sampling of my to-do list. Regular contributors Lloyd, Mary, and ASK Truth have much on their plates as well. There is no shortage of ideas, just shortage of time to make them happen.