It is common for people interested in apologetics to get frustrated that their church is not as excited. The individual is all pumped from the books, podcasts and conferences, but the rest of the congregation seems to lack enthusiasm. What can a person do to get the church a vision for apologetics? Here are some suggestions.
1. Find other people in the church who are interested. It really helps to have more than one person who has a passion for apologetics. If there is no one else interested, it is not likely to happen. You don’t have to start a program yet, just find some kindred spirits.
2. Talk to your pastor. Don’t propose a program or a ministry. Just have coffee and explain why you think apologetics is so important. Be patient. Your pastor has all sorts of people with a vision for the next great ministry for the church. You have to make a case for why apologetics can make a difference in people’s lives. Show that it is practical.
3. Determine a focus. Do you see apologetics in your church as a way to reach seekers or a way to encourage Christians? Is apologetics in your church going to be evangelism or discipleship? Some try to do both but when you are starting from scratch, you need a clear focus to put your time and energy into.
4. Start small. Do not have as your first event a major conference headlined by William Lane Craig or Ravi Zacharias. Test the waters with something small. Begin with a few people over coffee. Start a small group with a limited number of sessions. Perhaps try a Saturday afternoon worksop. Begin small and take baby steps as you grow.
5. Don’t get discouraged. It takes time for people to catch the vision. Many people are intimidate by apologetics. They think you need graduate degrees to be involved in apologetics. Only a few people may come out for the first session or group. It is okay. You may start with the wrong strategy. Learn from it and adjust according to the mistakes that were made. Don’t give up. Things don’t often start as a raging success. Give it time.
I hope that you want to see apologetics in your church. Apologetics is an extremely practical ministry. There are many people who are struggling with doubts. We can make a difference in their lives and in their faith. If our churches will come along side, the results will be much greater than if we try to do it as individuals. You can find more information on this topic at How to Get Apologetics into Your Church.
- Apologetics
- How to Get Apologetics in Your Church
