NEW CLASSES begin April 12th to May 15th, 2027!
University Style Training for Church Members
Advent Defense League Academy (ADLA) — Spring 2027
Advent Defense League Academy (ADLA) — Spring 2027
Prepare to know what you believe, understand why you believe it, and be ready to defend it. ADLA is an intensive, one-month in-person training program designed to equip believers to “give an answer” for the hope and faith they hold (1 Peter 3:15). Students will receive practical and biblical training in apologetics, Adventist doctrine, evangelism, Bible studies, preaching, argumentation, and ministry. Throughout the academy, students will not only learn what Scripture teaches, but how to explain biblical truth clearly, respond to objections, engage critics, recognize faulty reasoning, and confidently share their faith with others. Come to ADLA to be trained. Leave equipped to teach, defend, and share!
COUNTDOWN TO START OF CLASS
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Class starts on April 12th and ends on May 15th. However, the cut off date to apply is March 1st, 2027 or as soon as the class gets full, whichever comes first. Sign up today!
MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
Whether it is instructors directly employed with the Advent Defense League, or through invited guest instructors, all of them have one thing in common: To bring you Christ-centered, quality, and biblically sound instruction in theology, evangelism, and especially apologetics just as they do at the university level! All this to equip you to teach the truth and to win souls to Christ as you engage in bible studies and evangelism. ADL apologists ADL apologists dedicate their lives to the service of Christ, and offer a portion of that time bringing you quality education. The following represents a portion of the instructors for the upcoming Advent Defense League Academy course of 2027.
Elder edwin M. Cotto
Edwin M. Cotto is an SDA apologist, evangelist, educator, and founder of Advent Defense League, Inc. With nearly 20 years of ministry experience, he has conducted seminars throughout the United States and internationally, including Venezuela, Mexico, and Australia. Cotto is an ordained SDA elder who formerly served the Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists as a Bible Worker for 3 years. In addition to training in Evangelism at AFCOE and Biblical Hebrew at Israel Institute of Biblical Studies, he is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in theology at Liberty University. Edwin’s background also includes medical training in nursing assistance and has experience teaching medical courses and emergency medical care at community colleges throughout Central Florida. Though an entrepreneur and business owner, his passions remains in ministry and service to others.
Pastor Kevin Morgan
Pastor Kevin Morgan is a frequent guest speaker on the Advent Defense League channel. He serves as a pastor with the Carolina Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, currently pastoring the Warrensville and Wilkesboro Seventh-day Adventist Churches. He is a graduate of Southern Adventist University with a Bachelor’s in theology, a Master’s in homiletics, and Master’s level history at Appalachian State University. He is an editor with TEACH Services Inc., and has authored several articles and books. He’s best known for his careful critique of the popular plagiarism charge against Ellen G. White and his famous book White Lie Soap, which is a ready resource for anyone seeking how to respond to the plagiarism charge.
Dr. Jason Thomas, PHD
Dr. Jason Thomas is an SDA apologist, educator, musician, and Vice President of Advent Defense League, Inc. For several years, he has served in apologetics ministry, conducting seminars, Bible training, evangelistic meetings, and public discussions designed to equip believers to understand and defend biblical truth. Through his ministry and evangelistic work, he has helped lead countless souls to Jesus Christ.
Dr. Thomas holds Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctor of Music degrees from the Manhattan School of Music and has extensive experience as both an educator and professional pianist. He also serves as an ordained elder in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and is passionate about Bible study, teaching, preaching, and preparing Christians to confidently share and defend their faith.
DR. Michel-Ange Ducheine, ThD Candidate-Andrews university
Pastor Michel-Ange Ducheine shepherds a multi-church district within the Greater New York Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Religion and a Master of Divinity from Andrews University and is currently a Doctor of Theology Candidate (ThD), with dissertation research focused on the evidential problem of evil in Biblical Theology. A dedicated Bible scholar specializing in the Hebrew Bible and Greek New Testament, Pastor Ducheine explores Scripture through its cultural, linguistic, historical, and theological contexts. Beyond pastoral ministry and academic work, he serves as a featured speaker in global media evangelism, including 3ABN, and contributes to the theological community through presentations with organizations such as the Adventist Theological Society. His ministry reflects a passion for biblical scholarship, pastoral leadership, and Christ-centered evangelism.
Professor Jud Lake, ThD, DMin
Dr. Jud Lake is a research professor of theology and professor emeritus at Southern Adventist University, where he has taught preaching and Adventist studies since 1997. Holding a Th.D. and D.Min., he previously spent 12 years serving as a pastor and chaplain before transitioning to higher education.
He currently directs the university’s Institute for the Study of Ellen G. White and Adventist Heritage, specializes in homiletics and church history. He is also the author of Ellen White Under Fire, a key textbook resource for students serious about the issues critics raise against Ellen G. White. He is also the author of A Nation in God’s Hands.
Dr. Lake has been featured on the Advent Defense League channel multiples and is excited to assist teaching our program!
Pastor anthony burrell
Pastor Anthony Burrell is an apologist and evangelist with the Advent Defense League and the Speaker and Director of God’s Healing Word, a ministry dedicated to helping people find healing and deliverance through a saving relationship with Jesus Christ by understanding and applying His Word. Driven by Revelation 14:6–12, his life’s mission is to equip end-time believers with the mindset, skill set, and tool set to share the everlasting Gospel in the judgment hour. He is a graduate of Andrews University with a Batchelor of Theology and Pastoral degree and is currently seeking a Master’s in psychology. He is also studying in the COMMIT (Country Outpost Medical Missionary Industrial Training) program at the Red River Outpost after having served as a pastor for 7 years.
THE NEED
Many sincere Adventists have been confused and discouraged by the various arguments of critics for the past few years.
THE VISION
We envision a global church whose members are fully equipped with the knowledge necessary to defend their faith and spread the Three Angel’s Messages. We created adla to help fufill this mission.
A MESSAGE FROM ONE OF OUR INSTRUCTORS
CHECK OUT OUR REVIEWS!
REVIEWS
Jonsaba Jabbi
“Training with the Advent Defense League Academy has helped strengthen my faith and prepare me to meet objections. I feel confident that as I share my faith I can provide answers that will help people draw closer to Jesus.”
I took a one month training with ADLA and found the teachings to be challenging yet biblically solid. My faith and confidence has increased and I look forward to being able to share what I’ve learned with people I want to win to Christ.
Just want to say that I have learned so much here from all angles, and everyone is so respectful and legitimate. I’m so thankful for finding this page and all the people here.
ADLA has been a blessing and the instructors involved are bible based and Christlike. You can tell this ministry is passionate for training people as Christ’s apologists.
INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR COURSE
CLASSES BEGIN IN 2027, RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW!
Ready to start? Our intensive one-month training will take place LIVE at the beautiful Eden Valley Health & Wellness Institution in Loveland, Colorado between April 12th to May 15th. Students will have all the accommodations needed, including room & board, food, and fun activities.
To register for this class there are a few requirements:
- Must be baptized Seventh-day Adventists in good standing: Our school seeks to go beyond the basics, and we hire instructors to train students in deep theology like they would train their students at the university level. For this reason, students should be baptized members of the church in good standing for a minimum of six months, having already received basic bible studies.
- Must possess a desire to grow in Christ and win souls: ADLA is seeking individuals who desire to strengthen their faith, teach the Word and prayerfully win souls. Do you want to know how to defend your faith? Are you interested in being able to answer tough questions while engaged in Bible studies? Would you love to know the Word better? Than this training is for you!
- Must be Christlike: It goes without saying, but ADLA takes very seriously the trainings we provide, so students are expected to demonstrate professionalism, a Christlike spirit, and participation in all class lectures and activities.
- Dedication: Students are expected to be on time for each class unless there are unexpected emergencies. Please prepare for this accordingly, as multiple absences and tardiness may lead to dismissal from the course.
- On-Site Training: This is an onsite training for one month. Students travel to Loveland, Colorado and stay at the beautiful Eden Valley Institute for the duration of the course. We have a limited capacity of 20 seats for onsite students
- On-line Training: Can’t travel? You may attend online! But online students must be committed to the same schedule and regulations as the onsite students. For example, online students must be logged in at the same time and will have the same expectations as onsite students. The online classroom is limited to 30 students.
- Donate to the ADLA Scholarship Fund: If you cannot attend the class but you want to sponsor a student, or if you want to simply donate to the scholarship pool so other students can apply for grants, please click HERE.
- Fees and Policies: Onsite student tuition includes room & board and food during the duration of your training. Online students must ensure they have a properly working computer and internet connection. Cameras must be on at all times during the online class. For prices see the price schedule below.
- Question? We’d be happy to chat with you! Please send us an email and we can schedule a phone call: info@adventdefenseleague.com.
WHAT DO I EARN?
Students take a 1-month course training deep in theology and apologetics, and have a graduation on the last day as long as they pass their final test with a minimum of a 70%. Upon completion of the program, students earn the following:
- KNOWLEDGE: Students learn the needed information and practice that gives you confidence in teaching and defending Adventist truths as you witness for Jesus.
- CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION: As evidence for training with ADLA, we issue a certificate signed by instructors.
- INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Instructors give away all their materials, including PowerPoints and notes, and ADLA also provides study materials students can keep for themselves.
- FREE CONTINUING EDUCATION: Students earn a lifetime membership into ADLA’s social media group ADLA Graduates where leaders and instructors remain available to continually answer your questions.
need help paying for your on-site course?
APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP GRANT TODAY!
We have a scholarship fund available for on-site students (currently, online students cannot apply for scholarship). Students are considered on a case-by-case basis, and are interviewed over the phone with an ADL representative. Funds are limited and not guaranteed, and awards span between $200 to $500. Please email us to schedule an opportunity video call: info@adventdefenseleague.com.
check out our april-may 2027 schedule!
Note: Class schedule may be changed at any moment as we draw closer to the start of class.
REGISTER FOR 2027! HURRY! CLASSES ARE FILLING UP!
affordable prices for your course
REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE A FEW WEEKS
BEFORE THE START OF CLASS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We created this section to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the academy. If your question is not answered here, send us an email at: contact@adventdefenseleague.com.
1. DO YOU ACCEPT PAYMENT PLANS?
Yes! If you are taking the course onsite at the campus, we allow up to 4 payments. However, the tuition must be paid in full up to three months prior to the start of class. Online students are not eligable for payment plans at this time.
2. WHAT ARE THE CLASS TIMES?
Classes begin at 8:00 AM Mountain Time each day. Depending on the course and instructor, some classes will conclude around 12:30 PM, while others may continue until approximately 3:30 PM. Students will receive the exact daily schedule in their course handout.
3. WHERE IS THE ON-SITE TRAINING LOCATED?
The ADLA on-site program will take place at Eden Valley Institute of Wellness in Loveland, Colorado.
9325 World Mission Dr.
Loveland, Colorado 80538
4. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ON-SITE AND ONLINE PROGRAMS?
On-site students experience the academy in person, including classroom instruction, practical ministry labs, hands-on exercises, fellowship, and direct interaction with instructors and fellow students.
Online students participate in the same training concurrently through live online instruction. Both formats follow the same core curriculum, and online enrollment is limited to 50 students.
5. WHEN ARE BREAKS AND LUNCH?
Students receive a 10-minute break at the end of each hour. Lunch is provided at 12:30 PM.
6. IS FOOD INCLUDED WITH TUITION?
Yes! Onsite tuition includes breakfast and lunch during the training program. Students are responsible for their own dinner and snacks. Additional food may be purchased and stored in your dorm accommodations.
7. ARE CLASSES RECORDED?
Yes, classes are recorded so students can review lessons or catch up if they miss a class. Online students will receive recordings by email the following day.
8. WHERE WILL I STAY DURING THE ON-SITE PROGRAM?
On-site students will stay in dormitory accommodations at the facility. Students will receive additional information regarding dorm arrangements and what they should bring before arriving.
9. CAN I BRING MY SPOUSE OR CHILDREN?
This is done on a case by case basis. If allowed, a student’s spouse and children may stay in the dormitory accommodations with them. However, children cannot be left alone in the dorms. While the student is attending class, children must be supervised by the student’s spouse or another responsible adult. If necessary, students must arrange childcare outside the facility.
10. CAN I BRING FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO GRADUATION?
Absolutely. Family and friends are welcome to attend your graduation ceremony. Guests are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses. The graduation ceremony will be available online for your friends and family who cannot travel.
11. WHICH AIRPORT SHOULD I FLY INTO?
Students traveling by air should fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), which is the recommended airport for ADLA students.
12. IS TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE FROM THE AIRPORT TO EDEN VALLEY?
Yes. ADLA provides scheduled shuttle transportation from Denver International Airport to the Eden Valley campus. Shuttles operate twice each day.
The first day of class is Monday, April 12, 2027. We recommend that students arrive by Thursday, April 8, or Friday, April 9, so they have time to:
- Get settled into their dorm
- Become familiar with the campus
- Adjust to the Mountain Time Zone
- Rest and prepare for the first day of class
Specific shuttle schedules and instructions will be provided before arrival.
13. CAN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ATTEND ADLA?
Yes! International students are welcome to apply. Please make sure your passport is current and plan your flights well in advance. Depending on your country of residence, you may need documentation for your temporary stay in the United States. ADLA can provide an appropriate supporting letter when needed.
International students should contact ADLA before making travel arrangements so we can discuss their specific circumstances.
14. IS THERE AN AGE REQUIREMENT?
Yes. Students must be at least 18 years old to enroll in ADLA.
15. WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO ADLA?
Students should plan to bring personal essentials such as:
- A Bible
- Notebook and pens
- Appropriate clothing
- Personal toiletries
- Any necessary medications
- Other personal items needed for a month-long stay
A laptop or tablet is recommended but not required. ADLA will provide each student with a textbook for the course. The dormitories are also equipped with basic household supplies such as toilet paper, garbage bags, and other normal necessities.
Students will receive additional information about recommended items to bring before the program begins.
COUNTDOWN TO THE START OF CLASS!
COUNTDOWN TO START OF 2027 CLASS - April 12th-May 15th
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Registration closes on March 15th, 2027, or when classes get full. Sign up today! If you have any questions, feel free to email us at contact@adventdefenseleague.com. Or call: (407) 326-9098 (this phone calls a cleaning company, don’t let that confuse you! Just ask for the ADLA registrar or administrative assistant.)
