Randall Murphree
AFA Journal editor
July 2018 – Pastor/author Chip Ingram, founder of Living on the Edge, will speak at the SES Apologetics Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, in October. (See here.) He shared with AFA Journal how a deeper understanding of apologetics can help build a bridge from the church to the culture.
AFA Journal: Why is apologetics important for today’s church?
Chip Ingram: We used to live in a world where the basic tenets of truth were agreed upon by everyone in the culture. There was a day, not too long ago, when most people believed there were moral absolutes.
That day is in the rearview mirror, and there’s never been more pressure or confusion, both within and outside the church, about what is true.
AFAJ: What is the individual’s response to this?
CI: I think there are two primary reasons to clearly understand what we believe, and as important, why we believe. The first is theological and an important reminder to serious followers of Jesus.
We are commanded in 1 Peter 3:15 to “be ready to give a reason for the hope that we have.” Because of our relationship with Jesus, our lives should demonstrate such radical love, optimism, and holiness that people ask us to explain our faith.
The second reason is much more pragmatic, but absolutely critical, especially thinking of the younger generation. I can intellectually agree with the Bible and the teachings of Jesus when I’m not challenged or made to feel small.
But in difficult situations, it’s only those who know why they believe who develop personal convictions versus intellectual agreement. Convictions don’t change when circumstances change, peer pressure escalates, or persecution occurs.
AFAJ: What might one hope to learn at the SES conference?
CI: A conference like SES provides an opportunity to learn, grow, and tackle some of those thorny issues that cast doubt on our own personal journey of faith. So many times I’ve struggled with a passage or a philosophical argument, only to be exposed to a wise and clear thinker who provided me with the tools, the research, and the clarity to move forward confidently in my faith.
Although I get to teach at this conference, I’m looking forward to being one of the learners on the front row when I see whom the Lord has brought to be our teachers.
AFAJ: How will it equip an attendee in relating to others?
CI: One of the greatest things I’ve learned from people who really know what and why they believe and can articulate it lucidly, is that half the battle is knowing how to receive and answer questions. I can read books forever, but it’s been in life interactions like this conference that I’ve learned how to winsomely not be offended by a hard question, answer calmly and with compassion, and build a bridge of friendship, even with those who initially appear most hostile.
AFAJ: How do you teach apologetics in your local church?
CI: I believe the way we teach apologetics today has to be far different than we’ve done in the past. When people generally believed in absolute truth, a cognitive and logical approach to all the issues was effective. This still is very important, but I emphasize that there needs to be a very relational, grace-oriented context that allows honest skeptics to really be heard and to dialogue in an atmosphere of trust. 
Knowing what we believe
Chip Ingram’s latest book, Why I Believe, traces the path of a skeptic – himself – through years of learning to articulate and defend the tenets of Christian faith. He says the book is “focused on helping believers know why they believe and how to share that in a simple, less technical, relational way to the people they love.” It’s a practical handbook to help every reader learn how to grow comfortable with and talk about “the what” and “the why” of his faith. Available at retail and online booksellers. Learn more at livingontheedge.org.
