Contend Speech and Debate
Christian speech & debate · Paradise Valley, AZ
Think clearly. Speak boldly. Contend for the faith.
A Christian speech and debate club in Paradise Valley, Arizona, competing in NCFCA. We train students to think clearly and speak with conviction, grounded in Holy Scripture.
We meet every Monday from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Three disciplines, one purpose.
Apologetics, speech and debate in one evening, all grounded in Scripture and aimed at one thing: students who can defend what they believe, clearly and with love.
Apologetics
Give a reason for the hope you have. Apologetics is the first hour of every practice. Students learn to give a reason for the hope they have (1 Peter 3:15) and compete in NCFCA's apologetics event.
Speech
Three categories. Ten NCFCA events. NCFCA speech has three categories and ten events. Contend students prepare and compete across all of them.
Debate
Lincoln-Douglas value debate. Contend competes in Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate: one-on-one rounds about values, ethics and philosophy. Students learn to build a case, cross-examine, flow a round and rebut with respect.
This week's homework, one tap away.
Every Contend family has its own login. Homework, resources and the club calendar live in one place, so Monday prep takes minutes, not a search through emails.
Tournaments
- NCFCA Region 4 Championship 2026: Contend students placed in Lincoln-Douglas Value debate at the Region 4 Championship in Flagstaff.
- NCFCA Nationals 2025: Contend students competed at the NCFCA National Championship.
The Contend family guide.
Everything a new family needs in one PDF: what happens on Mondays, how NCFCA works, costs, and how to register. Download the guide
Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered unto the saints (Jude 1:3)
Christian speech and debate in Phoenix, answered
Do you accept ESA?
Yes! We are the only Christian Speech and Debate club in the valley that accepts ESA for students participating. It covers EVERYTHING!
Do I have to be homeschooled in order to participate?
No! You don't have to be a homeschooler to attend meetings or to compete. As long as you are a Christian you can join!
What are your theological beliefs?
We are Protestant Christians putting all of our faith and hope in Jesus Christ of Nazareth and the Holy Trinity in the Bible. We all confess to following Christ and we all agree to the Nicene Creed.
When and where does Contend Speech and Debate meet?
We meet every Monday from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM in Paradise Valley, Arizona, from September through April.
What is NCFCA?
For more than twenty years, the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association (NCFCA) has promoted excellence in communications through competitive opportunities where Christian students develop the skills necessary to think critically and communicate effectively in order to address life issues from a biblical worldview in a manner that glorifies God.
How much does it cost to join Contend?
The fee to join is $300 per student, which covers club insurance and occasional hired coaching. Families must affiliate with NCFCA. The fee to affiliate is $160.00 per family. We accept ESA.
What do students do at Contend?
Every Monday students practice apologetics, speech and Lincoln-Douglas debate, grounded in Holy Scripture, and we fellowship together via club dinners every week.
What is Lincoln-Douglas debate?
Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate is one-on-one debate about values, ethics and philosophy. Students learn to build a case, cross-examine, flow a round and rebut with respect.
What NCFCA speech events can students compete in?
NCFCA speech has three categories and ten events: Platform (Persuasive, Informative, Digital Presentation, After Dinner Speaking), Interpretation (Open, Duo, Biblical Thematic) and Limited Preparation (Apologetics, Extemporaneous, Impromptu).
Do students have to compete in tournaments?
Students are expected to compete in at least one tournament, and families must volunteer. NCFCA tournaments are scheduled from January - April.
How do we register for Contend?
There are two steps each year: your family's NCFCA membership, and registering with Contend. Start on the Join page or email staff@contendaz.com.
Email staff@contendaz.com · Mondays, 5:00–8:00 PM (September–April)