Kendon Iannizzi does not shy away from people who are exploring or even questioning the validity of Christianity. In fact, he finds it life-giving to enter into conversations with people of diverse religious backgrounds on his new social media channel @faithexamined. Through these interactions, he has created a welcoming digital space to engage in amicable discussions and debates about the Christian faith.
Questioning the truth of Christianity is something Iannizzi has walked through. Just a few years ago, as a high school student, Iannizzi kept Christianity at a distance and describes carrying a hidden resentment towards God due to the circumstances of life. But sensing a lack of fulfilment and purpose, he began a search for meaning that could ground his life in truth. After a very brief exploration of New Age beliefs, Iannizzi came across TikTok videos about Islam and Christianity. Genuinely curious about Islam, Iannizzi had questions about it, but struggled to find the answers he was looking for. He then began digging into Christianity and discovered that there was truth grounding the Scriptures that he was reading. From there, he describes that his faith journey “took off.”
God’s path for Iannizzi would eventually lead him to Redeemer University, where he just completed his first year studying theology and philosophy.
Through his own journey, Iannizzi realized that there are others who have similar questions about God, faith and purpose. He came across a social media channel where an apologist (someone who intellectually defends the Christian faith) would enter into conversations and debates with people of mostly Muslim background. He was inspired and took the step to launch a digital apologetics ministry to explain, defend and share the Gospel.
“I find that it is extremely important to actually know what’s going on outside of our Christian circles and what’s going on outside of our lives because other people have lives and things that they’re wondering about … And if I can answer those questions, or give people the materials to answer those questions or to research the topic or to actually defend their faith, then it seems like a very important thing that I should be doing for the Kingdom. So that really inspired me.”
“I find that it is extremely important to actually know what’s going on outside of our Christian circles and what’s going on outside of our lives because other people have lives and things that they’re wondering about.
Iannizzi’s own inquiry into the accuracy of what he was reading laid the groundwork to answer questions on social media and provide viewers with trustworthy answers. His knowledge has been shaped by extensive reading, research and examination of texts. Iannizzi describes how studying at Redeemer has also equipped him for this ministry.
“My theology class is great for understanding doctrines and sources to go to. And my philosophy class is great for working out problems that you might have or problems that you didn’t realize you should be thinking about. Dr. Barkman’s been a fantastic source because I’ve been able to have conversations with him after class [about] things that I’ve struggled with or things that I don’t know where to go with … This gives me the ability to source what I’m learning in class and to actually go through what professors have said who have studied for much longer and who are experts in their topic.” He has been able to pass these trustworthy sources along to others so they can find the answers they’re looking for.
“I hope that other people find it helpful and useful and that I’m able to serve people on social media in whatever way that could be. And I hope to honestly create a space where people can have discussions and conversations that don’t feel hostile… that it’s okay [for them] to ask certain questions.”
Through his digital ministry, Iannizzi demonstrates an openness and hospitality to invite viewers and followers into conversations and debates about the Gospel. He laughs that anything can happen on a TikTok live, recalling a time where he once started engaging in a debate with another participant about Islam and Christianity. As they debated about prophecy in the book of Daniel, his guest started adding other prominent debaters of Islam one by one into the TikTok live. Iannizzi took it all in stride, enjoying the process of amicable debates and watching how all the pieces fell into place.
“I hope that other people find it helpful and useful and that I’m able to serve people on social media in whatever way that could be. And I hope to honestly create a space where people can have discussions and conversations that don’t feel hostile… that it’s okay [for them] to ask certain questions.”
Iannizzi looks to the spread of the Gospel using the New Testament believers as his example. He emphasizes that they modelled the importance of communicating their reasons for believing and giving others the space to ask questions and learn.
“I would firstly say that God is not taken aback or offended by our doubts and that he encourages our seeking and searching of him.”
Iannizzi currently works as a young adults director at his church in St. Catharines. As he ponders his future, Iannizzi aspires to one day have the opportunity to travel to different churches and pioneer start-up apologetics ministries, giving them the tools they need to grow spiritually and theologically. He is also open to God’s plan and shares that becoming a police officer in his community has always been a lifelong dream and another potential career path.
When Iannizzi started his quest towards truth and seeking God years ago, one of the questions he asked was “How does God want me to help others?” Now, through the work of this digital ministry, he is able to help others who are wrestling with the very same questions. He gives this advice to those who might be seeking God and exploring Christianity:
“I would firstly say that God is not taken aback or offended by our doubts and that he encourages our seeking and searching of him.” He encourages people to read the works of theologians like St. Augustine, to find mentors (through online ministries or in-person) who have been studying Scripture for a long time, and explore these sources as they go through the Bible and watch Scripture come to life.
Iannizzi describes that over time, with patience, God will order the steps of those who are seeking him and build upon the foundation of knowledge that God is establishing. “Start there and then God will naturally cultivate that. And you know, you can’t do it without God.”