Cold Contacts or Friendship Evangelism

The title of this blog post caught my eye, so I read it. I've been under the impression that within pre-suppositional apologetics circles that street preaching or cold contact is the way to go. We must rely solely on the Calvinist idea of unconditional election and forego relationship evangelism.

So, even though I was an atheist, I would often attend church just to make these two elderly people (and my mother) happy.  These two godly people didn’t know apologetics but if they had I would have listened to them because I knew they cared about me as a person.

Relationships matter.

I have to think that while still relying on the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin and the individual's need for the saving relationship with Christ, that we should also be caring and loving to those around us who have not yet repented.

When our friends know that we care not just about winning theological arguments but about their eternal life (both here on earth and beyond), they will be more receptive to our apologetic.

Is Apologetics Important?

My brother and I had a great talk this past weekend about whether apologetics with Christians and non-believers was even important. We walked down the path of unconditional election and whether it is necessary for believers to have a reason for the their faith.

For those, who are unfamiliar with the term, unconditional election, it comes from the Calvinist understanding that people can only come to know the Creator because of His revelation. We are not able to know Him apart from His revelation to us.

This conversation has been prompted by a persuasive paper that I have written for the purpose of defending biblical creation to believers. He has been kind enough to read and critique the paper.

So, can good apologetics strengthen the faith of Christians and/or turn the heart of non-Christians to faith in the Savior?

This article was a strong encouragement for Christians to have depth in their faith and to be ready to give a logically consistent answer to those who will listen.

It was a brisk November when I met John Joseph Porter...Never before had I met a Christian who could respond to my most basic philosophical questions...By Valentine’s Day, I began to believe in God.

As Christians we should go forth with the gospel of Jesus, but be ready to answer the tough questions that will surely follow!