Bridge-Building Apologetics: How to Get Along Even When We Disagree
Ebook
Winsome Apologetics Makes for Effective Apologetics
As Christians, when we take a stand for our faith, we want to avoid coming across as overly combative or adversarial. While it’s important to be uncompromising when we communicate the truth, Scripture also calls us to speak the truth with love.
Bridge-Building Apologetics is about establishing caring and compassionate relationships with those whom you desire to reach for Christ. In this friendly and helpful resource, you will find
- inspiring examples of relational apologetics from people in the Bible and modern-day bridge builders
- strategies for thoughtful and productive interactions with unbelievers and people of diverse faith backgrounds
- practical tips for engaging non-Christians in relationships and faith-centered conversations, with real-life examples
Going beyond merely comparing truth with error, this accessible and informative guide shows you how to overcome relational barriers and graciously reach out to those with whom you disagree. Even in the face of deep differences, these insights and tips will help you will grow in your confidence to engage others effectively with the love of Jesus and the truth of Scripture.
“The apostle Paul became ‘all things to all people…for the sake of the gospel’ (1 Corinthians 9:22-23). And Peter told us to ‘always be prepared to give an answer to everyone’ who asks about the reason for our hope in Christ (1 Peter 3:15). In this encouraging book, Lindsey Medenwaldt presents a wealth of practical ideas to help us do both—relate to people as friends and present to them the truth of our faith. Read it for ideas and inspiration, and don’t miss chapter 9 on building friendships. It’s worth the price of the entire book!
—Mark Mittelberg, author of Contagious Faith and Confident Faith; executive director of the Strobel Center, Colorado Christian University
“After decades of experience in apologetics, I often lament that so many unbelievers are ignorant of apologetics because Christians often lack the intellectual and relational skills needed to bring the case for Christianity to unbelievers. This book is a welcome and much-needed antidote to that problem. Through its use of Scripture, personal experiences, culture, and apologetic savvy, Bridge-Building Apologetics equips Christians to ‘contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints’ (Jude 3 ESV).”
—Douglas Groothuis, professor of philosophy, Denver Seminary; author of Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith
“Evangelism and apologetics can become harsh and alienating in the hands of some people. In contrast, Lindsey Medenwaldt’s book shows us how to relate to non-Christians in a biblical and loving manner. She emphasizes that evangelism is a spiritual struggle, and that as Christians we need to build a strong foundation in our relationships with God and others so that the Holy Spirit will open people’s hearts to the gospel. Her writing style is engaging, and her catchy references to contemporary culture make it difficult to put the book down.”
—Winfried Corduan, professor emeritus of philosophy and religion, Taylor University
“Lindsey delivers a timely message full of creative examples to help us see every person as God’s image bearers who deserve to hear the truth with gentleness and respect. Connecting the head and the heart, Bridge Building Apologetics will encourage you to evaluate your approach to evangelism and apologetics with humility.”
—Rachel Shockey, president of Women in Apologetics
“Too often, we characterize apologetics as a weapon deployed for combat. Representatives of alternative views engage one another as pugilists instead of image-bearers worthy of respect. Attempts to defend our faith can devolve into intellectual one-upmanship at the expense of fervor for lost souls. Such an approach undermines apologetics by neglecting its intent.
“In Bridge-Building Apologetics, Lindsey Medenwaldt, my dear friend, presents an apologetic for relational apologetics. Shamelessly, she values advocating for the historic Christian faith, but never at the expense of human dignity. For her, apologetics is an essential tool of evangelism. This book is a convicting work that should bear on our apologetic methods. I commend it to every believer who desires to be a witness and defender of our faith.”
—Brandon Washington, lead pastor, Embassy Christian Bible Church
“It’s at least as important how we share our faith as what we share about it. Too often, Christians who dare to talk about their beliefs are perceived as doing so with a combative spirit. In this wonderful book, Lindsey Medenwaldt explains what we all should have known all along—that our task is simply to make friends and eventually talk about whatever is important to us with them, including Jesus. What’s more, she is utterly credible, because in her life and with her family she has consistently practiced what she teaches. A deeply refreshing read.”
—Craig L. Blomberg, distinguished professor emeritus of New Testament, Denver Seminary
- Title: Bridge-Building Apologetics: How to Get Along Even When We Disagree
- Authors: Hillary Morgan Ferrer, Lindsey Medenwaldt
- Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
- Print Publication Date: 2024
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9780736988339, 9780736988322, 0736988327, 0736988335
- Resource ID: LLS:9780736988339
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-04-24T04:07:04Z
Lindsey Medenwaldt (MA, JD, MPA) is the director of ministry operations at Mama Bear Apologetics and an adjunct professor at Northwestern College in Iowa. She engages extensively on the topics of apologetics and worldview as a writer, editor, teacher, and speaker. Lindsey and her husband, Jay, live in Iowa along with their daughters.