Scholar Community

• Embrace the mission, vision, and core values of Reasons to Believe and wholeheartedly embody them in a way that is clearly visible and acknowledged by others, both Christians and non-Christians.
• Display unswerving commitment to the doctrines of the historic Christian faith (as outlined in the RTB statement of faith), old-earth creation distinctives, and its code of ethics.
• Show commitment to and effectiveness in using scientific evidence to show that the Bible is the true and trustworthy Word of God on every topic it touches and be able to share your faith effectively with non-Christians.
• Performed postdoctoral research in a particular discipline of science/engineering (exceptions occasionally made for candidates with an expertise in philosophy, theology, or other fields in the humanities) at an accredited university or as part of a corporation. Your career should include research publications in peer-reviewed journals, as well as personal outreach among colleagues.
• Demonstrate interdisciplinary skills (the ability to understand, integrate, and synthesize research findings from multiple STEMM disciplines).
• Demonstrate a depth and breadth of Scriptural knowledge, including the ability to address questions about the Bible and its teachings from the basis of sound systematic theology.
• Demonstrate the ability to connect and integrate God’s revelation in Scripture with the facts of nature (upholding the “two books” doctrine of God’s revelation), with the firm conviction that both Scripture and nature come from the same Source and will always be consistent when rightly understood and interpreted.
• Model the qualities described in 1 Peter 3:15–16, qualities including hopefulness, gentleness, respectfulness, and integrity in giving a well-reasoned, well-supported defense of the gospel.
• Communicate clearly and compellingly before diverse audiences, in both written and spoken form.
• Interact winsomely with RTB staff, donors, and volunteers.
• Possess a clear vision for your unique contribution to RTB’s mission, goals, and/or testable creation model.
• Complete a successful term in the Visiting Scholar Program (at least one visit; 2+ preferred) and as a guest speaker on an RTB show (at least once).

Involvement in the Fellows Program is by invitation only. Below is an overview of the nomination and application process:

• RTB staff scholars nominate a select number of potential candidates each year. 
• Selected candidates will be contacted and invited to apply for the program.
• Candidates go through an evaluation that involves an extensive application and interview process. 
• Candidates will submit a well-developed proposal for research, including specific project goals that fit the goals of RTB’s mission.
  • Priority will be given to those Fellows who want to work toward developing new content related to RTB’s testable creation model. 
  • Other potential projects that could be considered for the Fellows program:
    • Contributing chapters to an RTB Press book coauthored by a member of the RTB scholar team
    • Developing a new course for Reasons Institute
    • Engaging in public speaking ministry on a specific area of expertise
    • Translating an RTB book into a non-English language
• Selected candidate(s) will undergo the standard background checks and need to sign the RTB statement of faith and code of conduct.
• Between one to four Fellows are accepted into the program each year.

The specific area of research/specialization, along with project goals, will be clearly defined in writing prior to hiring. Fellows are contract workers who will primarily work remotely, typically for 3–12 months. Fellows who are California residents will be hired as a part-time, temporary employee.

Potential projects may include:

• Publishing technical or semi-technical article(s) on reasons.org 
• Contributing chapters to an RTB Press book coauthored by a member of the RTB scholar team
• Developing a new course for Reasons Institute
• Engaging in public speaking ministry on a specific area of expertise
• Translating an RTB book into a non-English language

We want to encourage our Fellows to become an integral part of RTB culture during their tenure with us. For this reason, we require that Fellows attend the following meetings:

• Monthly Scholar Community calls (in person or via Zoom)
• Scholar reporting meeting, once per month (in person or via Zoom)
• Scholar meetings, once per month (in person or via Zoom)

Fellows may also be expected to perform other potential duties, depending on experience and expertise, such as:

• Make media appearances on an as-needed basis
• Speak and represent RTB at in-person or virtual events (e.g., chapter meetings, YouTube shows, evangelism webinar) on an as-needed basis
• Contribute to the Voices blog

• Make a unique contribution to the growth of the ministry
• Receive the title of “RTB Fellow”
• Have a designated Fellow page on reasons.org 
• Be eligible for scheduled writing or research stays (1–3 weeks) at RTB’s fully furnished, 1,683-square-foot townhome just a few miles from headquarters and utilize a fully furnished office at RTB headquarters
• Receive a monthly stipend