Six Tips to Help You Share Your Faith

There are many different articles out on the web dealing with Christian apologetics and how to defend your faith with others. Most deal with the technical nature of a specific claim or offer analogies for you to use when explaining your opinion.

However, there is another aspect of apologetics that is often ignored - how to talk appropriately to people. 1 Peter 3:15 (the "apologetics verse") says that we "always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence "(emphasis added).  People seem to forget that the "gentleness and reverence part are included in the verse.  Knowing how to approach people is just as important as having all your facts together.  Remember, people have intrinsic value, and approaching them that way is part of our biblical mandate.

My friend Brett Kunkle of Stand to Reason offers these six tips on engaging others in respectful, apologetically-driven conversations, tips we should always keep in mind when sharing our faith with others.

Apologetic Tip #1: Start with questions, not statements.

Apologetic Tip #2: Take the time necessary to get to know the other person's views. That might even be your first few conversations.

Apologetic Tip #3: Remember that people are image bearers to be valued, not merely apologetic targets to be conquered.

Apologetic Tip #4: Laugh. Joke around a little. Add a little sarcasm. This can take some of the tension out of a serious conversation.

Apologetic Tip #5: Talk over a meal. Table fellowship can communicate love, care, friendship--important things to undergird your apologetic.

Apologetic Tip #6: Don't sacrifice truth in the name of love. Don't sacrifice love in the name of truth. Need both 4 a powerful apologetic.

For more of Brett's writings and videos, check out www.strplace.com.