Disciple Making 101: What About Apologetics?

There is no making of disciples if we don’t learn about evangelism and there will be no evangelism if we don’t have some knowledge of apologetics. And that is why every Christian needs to know about apologetics! You don’t need to get your PhD in it but you should educate yourself in a few areas. Apologetics is not just for intellectuals because Jesus has called us all to go out into the world and boldly speak of His great love. But how can we teach others about Him if we don’t know how to convey this love and how real Christ is? Here are some questions and introductory information (which is very brief) about the subject. I hope it peaks your interest to know how to speak to others about your faith in Jesus.

What is apologetics?
Christian apologetics is the defense of the faith and derives from the Greek word apologia. While there are different methods, most people envision two people debating over intellectual issues but it’s more than that. Debating is a form of persuasion but giving a reason why you are a Christian can happen at any place, even Starbucks.

Why is every Christian an apologist?
As Christians, we are called to live boldly for God and that means speaking boldly about Him. To be an apologist means that you share about the hope of Jesus Christ. While there are different aspects to Christian apologetics such as science, moral reasoning, experiential, etc., it all points to the Lord.  It is our job to speak His truth and it is His job to soften the hearts and minds of the people you speak to.

When you speak about the hope of Jesus, especially when an unbeliever questions your faith, you are acting as an apologist. When you share your testimony of how the Lord rescued you, you’re are acting as an apologist. When you present evidence for the existence of God as the divine Creator or talk about historical facts about Jesus’ life and resurrection, you are acting as an apologist.

Another question is what makes a person qualified to speak about apologetics? When Jesus came to preach the good news He did not pick disciples or even hearers of the Word who were qualified to hear or do His commands. He chose the willing! The men that He chose were not the scholars nor the rich. They were illiterate men who were struggling in life.

Why should Christians value apologetics?
Apologetics is crucial to Christianity because it explains how our everyday life is proof of God’s existence. Your reasoning with others won’t always mean that they will see this hope immediately. Your job as a Christian is only to speak boldly about this hope and trust that the Holy Spirit will open the eyes and hearts of those you hope are listening.

By learning about apologetics through reading the Bible and conducting our own research of historical and scientific facts, we can be better equipped as evangelists.

To Those Seeking
If you are not a Christian, I encourage you to seek the truth. Truth does not consist of fear so I encourage you to seek the truth in how creation began. Start asking questions and doing some of your own research! I am not afraid of learning about evolution or the big bang theory and you shouldn’t be either. Truth will be clearly right and will not leave you with more questions than answers.

Whatever your faith lies in right now, I’d like you to consider that it should not only prove your belief but it should also explain how life began, why you are here on earth, how are you able to think through these ideas and thoughts outlined above, and what will happen to you after you die.

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”  –1 Peter 3:15