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Copyright 1993 by the Christian Research Institute.
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"Hendrik H. Hanegraaff, Interview, Biography, And Testimony"
(articles from the Christian Research Newsletter, Volume 2:
Number 5, 1989.)
    The editor of the Christian Research Newsletter is Ron
Rhodes.

-------------

    Hendrik H. ("Hank") Hanegraaff is president and chairman of
the board of Christian Research Institute (CRI). Prior to
becoming president of CRI, he served for three years as a member
of CRI's Board of Directors and was selected by Dr. Walter Martin
to be chief executive officer of the ministry in 1988.

    Hanegraaff, a multi-talented individual, has a rich and
varied background which has uniquely equipped him to lead CRI
into the future. He came to faith in Christ as a result of
examining the scientific evidence for creation, the resurrection
of Jesus Christ, and the inspiration of Scripture. Hanegraaff was
discipled under the ministry Dr. D. James Kennedy, and served as
a staff member of Dr. Kennedy's international Evangelism
Explosion ministry. It was at Kennedy's church that Dr. Martin
met Hanegraaff and expressed amazement at his memory, the only
one he had encountered "that is better than my own." Through
mutual admiration and a kindred spirit they developed an intimate
and lasting friendship.

    Hanegraaff is the founder (and has served as president) of
Memory Dynamics. Memory Dynamics is focused on using memory
principles (mnemonics) to facilitate teaching Christians to (1)
internalize Scripture and biblical information and (2)
effectively communicate the gospel and answer typical objections
to the historic Christian faith. Hanegraaff has taught the
internationally acclaimed Memory Dynamics seminar in churches,
schools, and corporations throughout the United States and
abroad.

    Hanegraaff first became interested in memory development as a
new Christian after experiencing an overwhelming desire to know
God's Word. He began to memorize Scripture verses each week, but
was quickly frustrated upon realizing that -- after several weeks
of memorizing by repetition -- he could not remember what he had
memorized the first week.

    After researching memory techniques of teachers as far back
as Simonides in the fifth century B.C., Hank became convinced
that anyone could memorize quickly and with relative ease if just
shown how.

    Often described as a "walking computer," Hanegraaff claims
only to have a _trained_ memory, the result of a process he now
shares with thousands worldwide. "People don't have _bad_
memories, simply _untrained_ memories," says Hanegraaff.

    Utilizing his God-given talent for reducing the complex to
simple and understandable terms, Hanegraaff authored _Personal
Witness Training: Your Handle on the Great Commission,_ an
inherently memorable program designed to equip committed
Christians to sensitively and effectively communicate the gospel
and answer typical objections to the Christian faith. In
unforgettable teaching sessions, Hanegraaff leads believers
through the steps for becoming effective witnesses for life.
Using enjoyable memory associations along with a relaxed style
of teaching, he demonstrates firsthand that learning can be fun.
During the training sessions, participants are introduced to
"Evangel, the Good News Bear," who becomes the key to remembering
a wealth of information. The sessions equip believers to
communicate not only _what_ they believe but _why_ they believe
it as well.

    Dr. Martin said of Personal Witness Training (PWT), "It is
the most significant program ever developed for equipping
Christians to communicate their faith; it is not only innovative
but also the most theologically astute presentation of the gospel
I am aware of." Hanegraaff plans to incorporate this same kind of
innovation in CRI's ministry of defending the historic Christian
faith against the cults, the occult, and aberrant Christian
theology.

    A serious student of Dr. Martin, Mr. Hanegraaff has grown
through the assimilation of Martin's books and tapes, as well as
under his personal guidance and tutelage. His mastery of Martin's
materials, memorization of the Scriptures, and ability as a
public speaker enabled Hanegraaff to fill in for Dr. Martin as
his speaking and travel schedule intensified.

    When Dr. Martin selected Hanegraaff as the leader who would
take CRI into the decade of the 1990s and beyond, he said "Hank
personifies the next phase of development for CRI and is uniquely
equipped through his dynamic leadership abilities, knowledge of
the God's Word, and teaching ability to make sound, biblical
apologetics a simple yet effective tool in the hands of the
laity. His success as a businessman, strategic planner, author,
and speaker have equipped him to lead the ministry of the
Christian Research Institute aggressively into the future and to
build on the work that I by God's grace began."

    Among the books and materials authored by Hanegraaff are:
_Memory Dynamics: Your Untapped Resource for Spiritual Growth,
Memory Dynamics: Your Key to a Rewarding Education,_ and _Your
Memory and the Proverbs: Keys for Successful Daily Living._

    In addition to other areas of Christian service, Hanegraaff
has served as a faculty member of the Development Association for
Christian Institutions and as a pastor and the director of PWT at
the 10,000-member Mount Paran Church of God in Atlanta, Georgia.

    Through his God-given talent of making the complex simple,
then transferable through memory training, Hanegraaff's vision is
to see CRI become a vehicle for equipping thousands of Christian
lay men and women around the world to effectively share and
defend their faith.


 ------------------

*An Interview with Hank Hanegraaff President of Christian
Research Institute*

Interviewed by Ron Rhodes, Editor of the _Christian Research
Newsletter_

    *Ron:* _Hank, when did you first become involved with CRI?_

    *Hank:* I first became involved with CRI as a board member
three years ago. Then in October 1988 -- at Walter Martin's
request -- I took on the added responsibility of Executive Vice
President.

    As a backdrop to my involvement with CRI, I want to mention
that Walter believed that CRI's ministry would be more important
in the decade of the 1990s and beyond than when he originally
founded it in 1960. Walter believed we live in a time in American
history that might be described as the post-Christian era, a time
in which literally millions of Americans consider the historic
Christian faith to be merely one of many valid roads to peace
with God. Moreover, Walter believed that America is on the verge
of an outbreak of organized evil. And because of this, he
believed there had to be an organization like CRI that would be a
bastion for orthodoxy.

    It is toward this end that Walter and the CRI board of
directors have been developing a strategic plan over the past few
years for continuing CRI's ministry into the 1990s and beyond. I
am honored and humbled that Walter requested me to lead the
organization into the future. And I'm truly grateful that he had
the wisdom and foresight to prepare this organization for
continued growth beyond his lifetime.

    *Ron:* _I know that Dr. Martin thought highly of your memory
system and its application to apologetics. What were his feelings
on this?_

    *Hank:* Dr. Martin had always been intrigued with the idea of
using memory as a tool for internalizing information on the
cults. The _goal,_ of course, would be to "equip the saints" for
ministering to cultists. The _process_ would involve three basic
steps: (1) People can obtain concise, well-researched information
about the cults from CRI; (2) They can then _memorize_ or
_internalize_ this information; so they can (3) _Apply_ this
information in counter-cult apologetics and evangelism.

    *Ron:* _From a personal standpoint, why do you feel that
CRI's ministry is important?_

    *Hank:* My feeling is that God has singularly laid His hand
upon CRI. The threat presented by the cults and the occult has
never been greater, and CRI is on the cutting edge of "equipping
the saints" to deal with this growing problem.

    I believe CRI is going to have more and more opportunity to
reach people who are spiritually starving. I have noticed in
recent months that people are increasingly spiritually hungry.
The sad thing is that cultists -- like the Moonies, Mormons, and
Jehovah's Witnesses -- are making concentrated efforts to "feed"
them. They are often willing to do more for a _lie_ than
Christians will do for the _truth._

    With the growing cult problem, the need for equipped
Christians has never been greater. This is where CRI comes into
the picture. CRI can show Christians how to take the deviations
of the cults and use them as springboards to share the gospel.

    *Ron:* _What are some of your goals as the President of CRI?_

    *Hank:* In terms of priority, some of the more important
goals are: (1) Continue building a broad base of financial
support to sustain CRI's ministry. This ministry was built on the
prayers and gifts of generous individuals all across the country,
and the ministry will continue to grow as more and more partners
join with us in combatting the cults. (2) I would like to see the
"Bible Answer Man" radio broadcast expand into every major radio
market in the country. God has mightily used this broadcast, and
I believe He will continue to do so. (3) I would like to see the
CHRISTIAN RESEARCH JOURNAL increase its circulation. As well, I'd
like the JOURNAL to move from a triannual to a quarterly or more
frequent publication. I'd also like to see it carried in
Christian bookstores, schools of theology, libraries, and
churches all across the country. And (4) I would like to see CRI
continue to grow as a first-rate primary research institute. With
thousands of cultic groups flourishing in the world today, CRI's
research capabilities must remain a top priority.

    Another priority is the goal of creating an exhaustive
computer database which churches, educational institutions, and
individuals _all over the world_ can access for accurate,
in-depth information on the cults. Because the cult problem is
growing on a worldwide basis, it makes sense to provide a means
of obtaining quick, reliable information on the cults. We are
already laying the groundwork for this database.

    *Ron:* _Speaking of "all over the world," you visited CRI's
Brazil office. Why did you go there?_

    *Hank:* A primary purpose was to help the CRI Brazil staff
come up with a development strategy. Until now, most of the
financial support for CRI Brazil has come from CRI's
International Headquarters in the United States. Very little of
it has been in Brazilian funds. I feel that it's crucial for CRI
Brazil to develop a support base _from within the country_
through church support. I'd like to see CRI Brazil eventually
become financially self-sufficient.

    *Ron:* _Why does CRI need an office in Brazil?_

    *Hank:* The primary reason is that Brazil -- though commonly
thought of as one of the world's largest _Catholic_ nations -- is
in reality the world's largest _spiritist_ nation. Today there
are an estimated 70 million spiritists in Brazil.

    The first cult center I went to in Brazil was the Spiritist
Federation of the State of Sao Paulo. I wanted to see firsthand
why this religion is so popular. People were streaming in and out
of this spiritist headquarters . . . hundreds, maybe even
thousands in a single day. I discovered that mediums and
channelers within the building claim to be able to help people
with all kinds of problems, like broken relationships, financial
difficulties, and sickness. These mediums endeavor to summon
spirits to "help" the afflicted and needy.

    It was sobering to see a large church next door that was
completely locked up with no one around. That in itself told me a
lot about the spiritual climate of Brazil.

    *Ron:* _Did you have any opportunities to share your faith
while you were in Brazil?_

    *Hank:* Yes. One day I was walking with Paulo Romeiro (CRI
Brazil Director) and Paul Carden (CRI's International
Coordinator), and we saw two Mormons speaking to a Brazilian.
After the Mormons walked off, Paulo talked with the one just
proselytized while Paul and I went to talk with the Mormons.
Paulo was able to share the gospel with this man, and he became
so interested that he came to the CRI office the following day
for more information. And we had the opportunity for a good
dialogue with the Mormons as well. We were excited that God
opened these doors of opportunity for us.

    *Ron:* _In terms of how CRI's International Headquarters
relates to CRI Brazil and other offices CRI may establish in
other countries, how would you describe your philosophy of
leadership?_

    *Hank:* In terms of leadership, CRI's International
Headquarters can function as a catalyst for beginning operations
in other parts of the world. Ultimately, however, it is my
philosophy that those organizations need to be handled and
operated indigenously by the people in that particular culture.
We may act as a catalyst in terms of the resources needed to get
them started, but again -- the whole idea is to train and equip
the people in that culture so that we can pull out and go to
other cult-infested areas of the world. This way CRI can launch
countercult ministries throughout the world that are
self-perpetuating organizations.

    *Ron:* _Hank, bottom line -- what is CRI's mission in the
world?_

    *Hank:* I am absolutely convinced that the greatest need
today in the evangelical Christian church is for equipped
Christians -- Christians who know how to share their faith, who
know how to answer objections, who know how to take the
deviations of the cults and use them as springboards to share the
good news of the gospel. Toward this end, CRI's distinctive
mission is to equip Christians to "make a defense to everyone who
asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter
3:15).


 --------------------

*The Personal Testimony of Hank Hanegraaff*

    On a wet, windy January day in 1979, three people from a
church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, knocked on my door. The
contact came at a time when I had very little interest in
spiritual matters; yet, this visit marked the beginning of a
whole new life for me.

    Although I enjoyed the benefits of growing up in a Christian
home, I always had recurring doubts about the existence of God
and the validity of the Scriptures. Moreover, I was convinced
that the resurrection of Jesus Christ was nothing more than a
fairy tale for adults, and that evolution was a proven,
scientific fact. For all practical purposes, I was an atheist and
was determined to handle my life _my way;_ God simply did not fit
into my plans or my lifestyle.

    Nonetheless, the night of the visit, I listened attentively
as my three visitors sensitively and effectively presented the
good news of the gospel. Not only did they clearly present the
gospel, but they also confidently answered my questions about the
existence of God, the resurrection of Christ, and the inspiration
of Scripture. Though I did not make a commitment to Christ that
night, the seeds were planted.

    Chuck -- one of the visitors -- was aware I was an
evolutionist and suggested I attend a local creation-evolution
seminar. "After all," he said, "if you consider yourself an
evolutionist, you ought to at least look at the other side of the
coin. Then you can make an _informed_ decision based on the
_evidence._"

    Several days later I found myself irresistibly drawn to this
seminar. And in a very short time it became clear to me that
evolution was not the proven, scientific fact I thought it was. I
discovered that it was nothing more than a theory -- or more
accurately -- a low-grade hypothesis.

    During the seminar I discovered that evolution flies in the
face of the basic laws of science. One of these, the _2nd law of
thermodynamics,_ says that in any ordered system there is a
tendency for that system to decay toward a state of disorder and
deterioration. The evolutionary hypothesis feebly attempts to
argue just the opposite: that the tendency is toward _order._ The
2nd law of thermodynamics and other scientific laws convinced me
that _however_ man came to exist on this planet, it _couldn't_
have been by evolution.

    This seminar marked the beginning of a personal quest for
truth that would last three months. I began by examining the
evidences for the resurrection of Christ, the foundation stone of
Christianity. Among other books, I read _Evidence That Demands A
Verdict,_ by Josh McDowell, and _The Law Above The Law,_ by John
Warwick Montgomery. I discovered that belief in the Resurrection
does not necessitate a blind leap into a dark chasm because it is
based on _irrefutable facts._ I remember thinking at the time
that the evidence for Christ's resurrection is so overwhelming
that no one can examine it with an open mind desiring to _know_
the truth without becoming convinced that it _is_ the truth.

    The evidence continued to mount as I investigated the claim
that the Bible is the Word of God. I discovered that the Bible
was written over a period of about 1600 years, by forty different
authors, on three continents, in three languages, on hundreds of
different subjects, without contradiction, and with one central
story line: God's redemption of mankind.

    Moreover, the Bible is proved to be the Word of God by
fulfilled prophecy. I had not realized that the Old Testament
contained approximately 500 prophecies on the life of Christ,
made _at least_ 400 years prior to His birth. What are the
chances, I reasoned, of all these prophecies coming to pass if
the Bible _weren't_ the Word of God?

    After my three-month quest for truth, I became convinced
that atheism as a belief system is completely unreasonable. All
the evidence was stacked against it. It was not long after this
that I found myself on my knees one night asking Jesus Christ --
whom I had denied for years -- to become the Savior and Lord of
my life. And though there was no real emotional experience
accompanying my conversion, I remember I was absolutely willing
to turn every area of my life over to Christ.

    As a new Christian, my life changed dramatically. Before
becoming a Christian, my life was characterized by a pervading
sense of _inferiority._ I never felt as though I measured up. The
only way I knew to make myself _feel_ significant was to acquire
wealth. It was as though I was saying, "Look at me. I'm
worthwhile. I have a beautiful home and own lots of nice things."

    After I became a Christian, however, God began to work a
transformation in my heart. This involved replacing my feelings
of inferiority with a sense of _confidence._ And this confidence
is not based on what I _have_ or _don't have,_ but on my
assurance that God loves me and has a perfect plan for my life.

    This new found confidence was tested not long after I became
a Christian when the silver market crashed. I lost virtually _all
I had_ in a few short months. I felt as if I were in the eye of a
hurricane. Things were going awry all around me, but I felt a
sense of peace and calm that was hard to explain. It was a peace
that transcended my circumstances.

    Not long after my conversion, I was integrated into vital
church membership and began to grow in my faith. It was there
that I learned how to become an effective witness for Christ and
how to train others to do the same. Since then, sharing my faith
and training others to communicate the gospel has become a
lifestyle for me.

    As I grew in my faith, I developed an insatiable hunger to
know God's Word. I wanted not only to get _into the Word_ but I
wanted the blessing of _getting God's Word into my heart._
Unfortunately, I didn't know how to go about memorizing the Bible
with good retention. My attempts to memorize Scripture ended in
constant frustration. But I found the solution to my problem in a
study of _mnemonics,_ the science of memory. I began to
assimilate and apply memory systems used with great success
throughout the centuries, including the most current discoveries
in memory training.

    As the application of these techniques bore fruit in my own
life, I was asked to show others how they could learn to use the
abilities God has blessed us all with to remember His Word. This
led to conducting memory seminars for churches, schools, and
other organizations in the United States and abroad. This -- in
turn -- led me to discover the basic parameters of the ministry
to which God has called me. He has called me to teach people how
to memorize or internalize the Word of God and biblical
information, and share the good news of the gospel with others.

    How does this relate to my involvement with CRI? The answer
to that question for me is simply this: Subsumed under
communicating the good news of the gospel is answering typical
objections to the historic Christian faith and dealing with the
deviant doctrines of the cults. With this in mind, I believe that
memory can be used not only to internalize the Word of God, but
also to internalize information about the cults and Christian
apologetics. One of my goals therefore is to take the massive
amount of information we have on the cults, distill it to an
irreducible minimum, make it simple and transferable so the
average person can grasp it, and put it into a memorable format
so people can internalize it. I see this as complimentary to
CRI's mission to "contend earnestly for the faith which was once
for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3).

-------------

End of document, CRN0012A.TXT (original CRI file name),
"Hendrik H. Hanegraaff, Interview, Biography And Testimony"
release A, February 7, 1994
R. Poll, CRI

(A special note of thanks to Bob and Pat Hunter for their help in
the preparation of this ASCII file for BBS circulation.)

--------------------------------------------------------------

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