This article is a part of a series about why churches should care about apologetics.
Christian apologetics is an important and needed discipline for the Christian. However, it can be difficult to figure out how to fit the subject into the curriculum or weekly rhythm of the church. Christian apologetics is often viewed as an academic exercise reserved for scholars or those in seminary. Thus, church pastors/leaders may be nervous to introduce the topic to their congregations or struggle to plan apologetic curriculum.
Just as we can incorporate theology or evangelism teaching into the life of the church, Christian apologetics can also be introduced to your congregation. Here are some practical suggestions to consider.
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Just as we can incorporate theology or evangelism teaching into the life of the church, Christian apologetics can also be introduced to your congregation.
1. Invite questions
The church has not always garnered a reputation as a place where difficult questions are welcome. Many outside the church (and even within the church) do not think they can raise legitimate intellectual doubts about the Christian faith without a harsh counter-response from church leaders. This unfortunate reputation should not be as the church should be open to receiving questions.
Let your congregation and community know that questions, even difficult ones, are welcome in your church. However, developing this kind of inviting atmosphere may first require you to be open to variety of questions and to have the humility to shepherd well.
2. Hold an open question forum
In addition to cultivating an environment of openness, you should look to follow through on accepting questions. An open forum or method of taking honest questions will be helpful here. A forum allows those with questions to know that they have a safe place set aside for them to voice their questions. You can have people submit questions in advance to allow time to process and respond well to these questions.
3. Start with the youth and college ministry
“Engaging students with apologetics can help students feel heard, include students in the life of the church, and begin discipleship relationships”
One of the best demographics with which to start apologetic conversations is with youth or college students. Youth and college students may be pondering difficult questions about their faith or encountering friends and classmates who raise powerful objections. But, their questions or encountered objections may never be sufficiently answered if they are not heard and discussed. Many young people may even walk away from the church over the questions they never asked.
This youth and college environment is fertile ground for exploring these topics in detail. Additionally, many youth and college students are eager to discuss and explore these conversations in depth. Engaging students with apologetics can help students feel heard, include students in the life of the church, and begin discipleship relationships.
4. Develop a Sunday School curriculum focused on apologetics
Apologetics isn’t primarily a young man/woman’s game. Consider introducing apologetics to your church members of all ages through a Sunday School curriculum. Just as you would go through a book of the Bible or cover a theological doctrine in a Sunday School class, you can design an apologetics-focused study for your congregation. You may be surprised at the level of engagement from your members!
5. Invite a scholar/expert to speak to your church
Apologetics is a broad study that has many different sub-topics that could be explored on their own. It can be difficult for any one person to confidently master all the various topics and concepts. This can be a great opportunity to reach out and invite a scholar or expert in their field to go through a weekend study or conference with your church. The Christian academic world is full of intelligent people eager to serve the church with their gifts and experience.
6. Go through a book study
Perhaps your church would rather study apologetics through an introductory book. A book study can reduce a leader’s teaching load and preparation.
What are some introductory apologetic books to consider? Let me suggest a few: The Case for Christ and The Case for Creator both by Lee Strobel, The Reason for God by Timothy Keller, and The Problem of God by Mark Clark.
7. Bring in an expert or encourage members to attend apologetic conferences
“Apologetics helps us to critically examine a person’s concern and provide an intellectual reasoning for our faith.”
In addition to an event or study at your church, consider apologetic conferences or speaking events elsewhere. Apologists will often speak at other events or conferences on various apologetic topics. Some of these may even include debates with atheists or defenders of other faiths. These can be excellent opportunities to introduce members to top-notch scholars in their field and even speak with them afterwards.
8. Utilize apologetics in an evangelistic encounter
Finally, there is no better way to see the usefulness of apologetics than in evangelism. When sharing the gospel, your conversation partner may present their intellectual difficulties with the Christian faith.
We should not be quick to dismiss their concerns but listen carefully to their arguments. Apologetics helps us to critically examine a person’s concern and provide an intellectual reasoning for our faith. This process may help lessen intellectual barriers to the faith and help unbelievers feel like their questions are being heard.
Eddy Wu is a Ph.D. student at Southeastern Baptist Theology Seminary and works as the IT Operations Manager. His interests include Apologetics, Technology, A.I., and Asian culture. He enjoys teaching and mentoring the youth at his church. He is married to Erica, and they have two beautiful and crazy children
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