Implementing an Apologetics/ Discernment Ministry

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Implementing an Apologetics/ Discernment Ministry
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Motive

• LOVE

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Mission

• With a central focus on the person of Jesus
  Christ and a complete dependence on his grace we
  must seek
• To Equip the body of Christ with a reasoned
  defense of the truth
• To Engage the culture in love
• To Effectively evangelize those without Christ
• Do this by
• Sharing common goals and resources with other
  like-minded ministries in a collaborative
  effort
• Plant in the Local church effective ministries
  focused on a biblically mandated defense of the
  Christian faith
• Provide a correct understanding of the
  Christians worldview
• Act as an enabler to provide an effective
  evangelistic effort to the society in which we
  live

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Primary Objectives

• Objective 1 To equip the body of Christ to
  present a reasonable defense of Christianity by
• Establishing and cementing the basics in
  essential biblical truths
• Enabling disciples to meet the assault of
  humanistic and post modern reasoning
• Preparing for evangelism in a culture where a
  belief in God is not already foundational
• Making available Biblical and Apologetic
  resources
• Fostering discernment skills within the body to
  protect and defend from false beliefs
• Objective 2 To Engage the culture and carry the
  message of Christ by
• Discussing relevant cultural concerns
• Showing unbelievers that Christianity is
  supported by history, scientific evidence, logic
  and reason, etc.

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Five Reasons Why We Need Apologetics

• First we are commanded to defend the faith
• 1 Peter 315 says, "but sanctify Christ as
  Lord in your hearts, 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.
• Second, we need apologetics because there is a
  constant, growing threat of apostasy within the
  church. 
•      2 Pet 21  says,  But false prophets also
  arose among the people, just as there will also
  be false teachers among you, who will secretly
  introduce destructive heresies, even denying the
  Master who bought them, bringing swift
  destruction upon themselves.
• Third, we need apologetics because it provides
  the cement that helps Christians know their
  faith.
• Fourth, we need apologetics because of the
  external threats from other religious and the
  culture at large.
• 1 John 519 says,  We know that we are of God,
  and that the whole world lies in
• the power of the evil one.
• Fifth, apologetics reinforce the evangelical part
  of our mission.

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Values of an Apologetics Ministry

• Truth
• Sharing (I Peter 315)
• Protecting / Defense
• Discernment
• Serve Equip the Church
• Outreach
• Love God with all your mind / Renewing the mind
• Be Transformed
• Necessity for Grace

The pastor and church that learn to use
apologetics in its proper place will find that it
becomes a very effective handmaiden to
evangelism. Apologist Peter J. Grant
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How
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Equip Existing Ministries / Support Others in the
Church
Education
Discipleship
Missions
Adult Education
Youth
Small Groups
Evangelism
Community Outreach
Foreign Missions
College Ministry
Media Library
Elementary Education
Counter Cult Ministries
Public Worship
Discernment / Apologetics Ministry
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Elementary Education
Discernment / Apologetics Ministry

• Start Young
• Coordinate with Sunday School Director
• Occasional Spots in Elementary Worship
• Vacation Bible School
• Curriculum Inserts
• Worldview Primer
• How to Watch a Movie
• Parent Training

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Youth
Discernment / Apologetics Ministry

• Comprehensive Reasonable Faith Course
• Cycle (Every 2 3 years)
• Bi-Monthly Updates, Topics
• Available Curriculum
• Evangelism Training
• Provide Resources, Contact Person for ?s
• Graduation Gift Must Have Resources
• Teacher Training Resources
• Parents Leaders take convincing
• BreakPoints
• Field Trips
• Mock Drills

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College Ministry
Discernment / Apologetics Ministry

• Develop College Level Class Series
• College Support Groups
• Intellectual Mentoring
• Events, Speaking
• Newsletter or Websites geared to Students Out of
  Town

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Adult Education
Discernment / Apologetics Ministry

• Hermeneutics
• Ethical Issues
• New Believer Training
• Work with Existing Teachers
• Adult Education

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Media / Library
Discernment / Apologetics Ministry

• Regular Articles Church Newsletter, etc.
• Book Reviews
• Build Discernment/Apologetics Library
• Promote Resources Display Prominently

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Small Groups
Discernment / Apologetics Ministry

• Train Leaders in Discernment/Apologetics
• Provide Curriculum/Resources for Groups
• Evangelism Training
• Sponsor Outreach Groups
• Offer to Teach Group for 2 Months
• Revitalize Groups/Mid-Week Meetings

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Local Evangelism
Discernment / Apologetics Ministry

• Community Outreach
• Street Evangelism
• Methods/Tactics
• Lifestyle Evangelism

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Foreign Missions
Discernment / Apologetics Ministry

• Apologists are Part of Missions Team
• Boundaries are Ideological not Geographical
• Develop with Missions Leader
• Help Establish Church Vision for Missions
• Sending Resources for Overseas Partners
• Sponsor Apologist as Missionary
• World Religions Training
• Pre-Trip Evaluation/Equipping
• Overview Resources
• Cult Tactics

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Counter Cult
Discernment / Apologetics Ministry

• Awareness Classes
• What is Popular in Your Area?
• Evangelism Aids
• Coordinate with Oversees Missions Groups
• Assimilation of Ex-Cult Members
• Support Groups
• Dont Under-Estimate Challenges
• Find Professional Counselors in Your Area
  Adequate in Cult/Abuse Issues
• Use as a Spring Board

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Public Worship
Discernment / Apologetics Ministry

• Guest Speakers
• Pastor Preach Series on Tough Questions (FAQ)
• Dramatized Skits Plays
• http//aiia.christiananswers.net/publications.html
  
• Publicly Pray For and Commission Apologists
• Church Wide Reading Campaign (can be made
  available via book or internet)

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Discernment /Apologetics Ministry

• Invite Guest Speakers
• Seminars, Workshops
• Surveys, Research
• Media Spots before Services
• Bulletin Quips
• Occasional Sermons
• Issue Awareness

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• For Questions or Help in Setting up an
  Apologetics Ministry
• Contact Hiram Sutton via email at
  laymanperspective.com