Apostolic Friends Forum - Debate Rules and Format

This is what I hope will be used for future debates on the private debate board. I am asking for helpful suggestions.

Private Debates will have a max word count debating on what the two parties agree on with a buffer of 15 words. 300,600 etc
1. Topic must be posted and agreed upon along with debate room reserved.
2. Opening
  1. Debater 1 makes opening statement.
  2. Debater 2 responds
  3. Debater 1 responds
  4. Debater 2 responds
  5. Debater 2 makes "second" opening statement
  6. Debater 1 responds
  7. Debater 2 responds
  8. Debater 1 responds
3. Cross Examination
  1. Debater 2 asks 1 question
  2. Debater 1 responds
  3. Debater 1 asks 1 question
  4. Debater 2 responds
  5. Debater 2 asks 1 question
  6. Debater 1 responds
  7. Debater 1 asks 1 question
  8. Debater 2 responds
4. Concluding remarks from both sides: No word count limit, but no more than one post. No requirements other than to give concluding remarks.
  1. Debater 2 makes closing statement
  2. Debater 1 makes closing statement

The format will go as follows:
Debater 1 is the challenger. He offers the topic and Debater 2 Agrees or Disagrees. If disagrees then they either must modify it somehow to come to an agreement or there is no debate.

Both sides agree to the format, rules and word count..

Debater 1 Opens with his assertion. It is in the form of an affirmation, such as: "Resolved, the bible affirms the Deity of Christ"

Debater 2, of course, would be in the negative "The bible does not affirm the Deity of Christ"

Furthermore, it may be requested by Debater 2 in such a topic as the above, to submit a list of terms he will be using with definitions prior to the debate.

Debater 2's first response will be in response to Debater 1's opening affirmation and his evidence. This will follow course until both sides have reached the end of the Opening discussion and enter into cross examination.

It is recommended that Debater 1 has main points he wants to get across. Each point begins a new paragraph with a point stated clearly. Debater 2 addresses each point or attempts to. Whether or not debater 2 addresses each point is not a rule violation. That is part of the debate course, However realize that leaving a point unaddressed leaves it unrefuted.

A point may go like this

1) John's gospel proves the Diety of Christ: In John 8:58 Jesus says "....."

Concluding remarks. Each side will get to say what they want. No word limit, however each side get's one post each.

It is here that you can point out your opponent failed to address certain points, did not really engage the topic, made logical fallacies or whatever.

The word count should be agreed on but can be modified at the beginning if it seems the topic is too exhaustive for a small word count. There will be an overflow or buffer of no more than 15 words. So if the word count is 600 and someone posts 612, that will be acceptable. If, however, the word count is 616, that is unacceptable and they need to reduce it somehow.

Word count does not include quoting the other person or reference notes at the bottom or pleasantries, however these need to be distinguished from the rest of the content.

Debaters however are not required to respond to reference notes nor do they count as evidence.

The outline can be modified by adding extra rounds if both sides agree.

Let me know what you think.