In previous blogs, I explained the definition and purposes of apologetics. In this blog, I'll offer some general guidelines and principles regarding motives and methods for using apologetics properly. (More in-depth resources for how to use apologetics are listed below.)
Apologetics can be thought of as the art of Christian persuasion. We can persuade others, as the apostle Paul did, by first establishing common ground with them. Looking for points of agreement helps to maintain a cordial tone and advance the conversation. Being willing to listen to people's stories and showing them compassion demonstrates we are not just trying to prove a point or win an argument. We can demonstrate a sincere interest in others and in understanding their views by asking them questions. Asking questions shows we value and respect the other person, and helps to clarify terms than can be easily misunderstood. (For example, if you ask someone who says they don't believe in God to explain what they mean by "God" you may very well discover you don't believe in their definition of God either!) Asking questions may also lead to opportunities for building relationships.
We can use apologetics to help others identify weaknesses in their worldviews, not by attacking or belittling them, but by helping them discover a better way of thinking for themselves. As Blaise Pascal wrote, “People are generally better persuaded by the reasons which they have themselves discovered than by those which have come into the mind of others.” In other words, it’s better to help others come to a different conclusion on their own than to just tell them what you think is wrong with their views.
For Christians, it is vitally important to remember we represent Christ—we are His ambassadors—and we are called to imitate Him. We are to be living out the Great Commission, being salt and light, and pointing others to Christ. We are to destroy arguments and lofty opinions raised against the knowledge of God (2 Cor. 10:5)—but we do not seek to destroy the people who raise them.
These things may sound simple enough, but they require much more than just willingness on our part. They also require that we:
Be properly motivated. First and foremost, we must “in [our] hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy…” (1 Pet 3:15). We must be sure we revere Christ in our own hearts before we engage with others we want to influence. This means we must be in a right relationship with Christ and have pure motives. Our greatest motivation should be true compassion for lost souls and a desire to glorify Christ. The goal of using apologetics is not just to prove a point or win an argument.
Be prayerful. Pray for opportunities to engage with others. Pray for your heart to be properly motivated, remembering that every person is made in God's image. Pray that the minds and hearts of those you talk with will be receptive to truth and to the working of the Spirit. After you have a conversation, pray for the Spirit to continue working in the other person's heart.
Be prepared. The Bible tells us to“…always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks for a reason for the hope that you have…” (1 Pet. 3:15). Prayer is an important part of being prepared, but so is knowing the gospel and basic Bible doctrine. Knowledge of some basic apologetics material is also helpful, but you can learn as you go. Be willing to learn. You don't have to have the answers to everyone's questions. When you don't have an answer, be honest. Say you'll look for the answer and get back to them. That's a great way to keep the conversation going!
Be patient. Don’t expect every conversation to end in a salvation experience. While it is possible this could happen, it often takes several conversations with several people, over a period of several years, before a person is ready to make a decision to trust Christ. This is not a poor reflection on you or your efforts. As apologist Greg Koukl says, it’s just as important to be a gardener as a harvester in someone’s spiritual journey. We can plant seeds that will be watered by others. Scripture also reminds us that “neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth” (1 Cor. 3:7). When a sinner repents and trusts Christ for his or her salvation, we can’t take any credit. TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!
Recommended resources:
Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions, Gregory Koukl
Conversational Evangelism: Connecting with People to Share Jesus, David Geisler and Norman Geisler
Questioning Evangelism: Engaging People’s Hearts the Way Jesus Did, Randy Newman
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