Wisdom, Tactics, and Gospel Conversations
written by Samuel Paulraj, based on his 2025 ABF Electives mini-series, “Beyond Arguments: The Tactical Approach to Apologetics”
For years, fear stifled my evangelistic voice, preventing me from sharing my faith. I doubted my ability to defend my faith and questioned my evangelistic strategies. As I started to mature in my faith, I was convicted.
The Lord urged me to step out of the shadows and become a more effective witness by sharing the Light.
Greg Koukl’s Tactics and Street Smarts revolutionized my understanding of apologetics by presenting a strategic, yet compassionate, approach. When asked to teach an ABF elective on the subject, initial hesitation gave way to divine prompting.
God wanted me to share the insights I had gained that gave me the confidence to become a more bold witness for Him.
Biblical Background
Apologetics, though ancient, remains perpetually relevant. The challenges faced by early Christians differ from those of the 21st century, necessitating an evolution in our approach.
“Apologetics,” derived from the Greek “apologia,” means “to give reason.”
1 Peter 3:15 calls us to be prepared to defend our faith.
While the concept may evoke images of conflict, Jesus instructs us to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16).
Koukl advocates for a diplomatic approach, emphasizing wisdom and character alongside knowledge.
As ambassadors, we must be equipped to engage thoughtfully, aiming to expose flawed thinking while remaining gracious.
However, before getting into the tactics, a solid Biblical foundation is needed.
Mark 12:30 commands us to love God with our minds, which means coming to conclusions about God and His world based on revelation, observation, and careful meditation that allows our love for God to deepen.
Paul, in Acts 17:2-4, exemplifies this by reasoning with the lost. We are called
- to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16),
- to spread the gospel (Mark 16:15),
- to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), and
- to be witnesses empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).
Evangelism is a collaborative effort between God and His soldiers (us);
We are responsible for our part, while God orchestrates the results.
That being said, our focus should extend beyond mere conversions.
The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9) highlights the importance of understanding. As Jesus explains, some seeds are lost because the message is not understood (Matthew 13:19). Koukl argues that this can stem from a lack of clarity in our communication.
Spiritually puzzled individuals are vulnerable to deception.
Colossians 4:5-6 reinforces this, urging us to tailor our responses to each individual. This requires “spadework,” laying the groundwork for understanding.
The story of the Samaritan woman in John 4 illustrates this principle.
Jesus speaks of sowing and reaping, recognizing that the Samaritan woman has prepared the ground of Sychar and the disciples had the light labor of harvesting.
Spadework, though often unseen, is essential for kingdom expansion.
Whether a person accepts Christ immediately or years later, our efforts contribute to the ultimate harvest.
“That he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together” (John 4:36).
To effectively engage in spadework, we need strategic tactics.
Many assume Christians alone bear the burden of proof for their beliefs. However, everyone should be able to defend their worldview.
1 Peter 3:15 emphasizes “to every man that asketh you,” highlighting the importance of asking questions.
Koukl uses the character of Columbo as an example of using questions to guide conversations. This approach offers several advantages:
- It is friendly and flattering.
- It provides instant education.
- It progresses the conversation without being pushy.
- It allows us to maintain control.
With the foundation being laid, here are the three tactics:
Tactic 1: The Initial Probe
“What do you mean by that?”
This question opens the door for dialogue, encouraging the other person to clarify their views. It helps us understand their perspective and avoid misrepresentation.
Often people hold beliefs they haven’t fully examined. This question, repeated with variations, helps uncover underlying assumptions and clarify muddled thinking.
Tactic 2: Reversing the Burden of Proof
“How did you come to that conclusion?”
Many objections to Christianity rely on vague generalities. Reversing the burden of proof requires others to defend their claims. This exposes the foundation of their beliefs, often revealing a lack of solid reasoning.
Most people are unprepared to defend their worldview, revealing the absence of a strong foundation.
Tactic 3: Going on the Offensive
- Leading the Way: Once we have gathered information, we can guide the conversation by building on common ground. Using logical statements and relatable examples, we can lead others to consider our perspective. Koukl demonstrates this by using simple questions to guide an attorney to understand his viewpoint.
- Turning the Tables: This involves challenging weak claims and exposing inconsistencies in their arguments. By asking pointed questions, we can undermine their positions without resorting to aggression. Koukl demonstrates this by calmly addressing illogical claims from a caller.
- Exploiting a Weakness or Flaw: This involves using questions to expose weaknesses in their worldview. By identifying and addressing these flaws, we can highlight the inconsistencies in their thinking.
The use of these tactics often leads to moments of silence.
Many people have never been challenged to defend their beliefs.
When confronted with the burden of proof, they realize the weakness of their positions.
We as Christians have a solid foundation because we serve a consistent God.
By using questions, we can effectively engage in dialogue and expose the flaws in opposing worldviews.
As ambassadors for Christ, our goal is not to win every argument but to plant seeds of truth.
Sometimes, simply engaging in the conversation and presenting a clear message is sufficient.
We must trust God to work in the hearts of those we encounter, leaving the results in His hands.
Friendship seeks to offer materials that will uplift, educate, and equip believers. We choose the resources we provide or recommend with care and ensure that they align with our doctrinal statement. However, we may not agree with every aspect of each resource, and we encourage you to evaluate everything according to the authority of the Bible.
Disclaimer: Friendship Baptist Church does not receive any compensation for books linked in this article.