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Though Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, people’s questions change from generation to generation. Though the Gospel is unchanging, culture is changing, multicultural, and pluralistic. Because of these factors, it’s necessary for the field of apologetics to continue to answer the questions people are asking. Missional Apologetics seeks to employ the best of apologetics from church history, but also engage principles that relate to our current age. Due to the ongoing transition from a modern to post-modern culture, as well as a shift from a Christendom to post-Christendom age, a new paradigm for apologetics is called for. This new paradigm has been in the process of development by apologetic academics and practitioners from different continents in recent years. You can find some of their contributions in our recommended reading list. What is this new paradigm for apologetics called? There isn’t a universally agreed upon term. However, we prefer the name “Missional Apologetics”. In the Missional Apologetic Manifesto, and elsewhere on this site, you will discover what the founding principles are of this new approach to apologetics.
We see Missional Apologetics as a conversation, and welcome dialog. Please feel free to contact us with your feedback or questions.
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- Missional Apologetics applies the insights of missiology, recognizing that all Jesus-followers are called to be missionaries wherever they are.
- Missional Apologetics emphasizes the importance of cultural studies and cross-cultural principles.
- Missional Apologetics understands the importance of contextualization.
- Missional Apologetics flows out of relationships.
- Missional Apologetics employs reason, experience, and emotion, understanding the limitations of all.
- Missional Apologetics incorporates one’s ears as well as mouth.
- Missional Apologetics relies on the gospel lived, as well as taught.
- Missional Apologetics requires serious reflection flowing from a mature biblical and theological foundation.
- Missional Apologetics is engaged in by people who are lifelong learners.
- Missional Apologetics is patient, recognizing that most people process new or difficult ideas over time.
- Missional Apologetics recognizes that sometimes the best apologetic is an apology.
- Missional Apologetics isn’t afraid of mystery and wonder. Rather, this compliments our understanding of a God who is immanent, yet transcendent.
- Missional Apologetics values honesty over pretending to know it all.
- Missional Apologetics seeks to create an environment where it’s safe to challenge, confront, and critique the Christian faith.
- Missional Apologetics is centered on the Gospel, which is for everyone who believes. Therefore, Missional Apologetics does not discriminate.
- Missional Apologetics is most effective in an environment where practitioners are allowed to fail, risk, dream, and imagine.
- Missional Apologetics is comfortable with doubt.
- Missional Apologetics is sociologically informed.
- Missional Apologetics encourages dialogue, not merely monologue.
- Missional Apologetics takes questions seriously.
- Missional Apologetics is used as a tool for mission.
- Missional Apologetics stands on the shoulders of its historical precursors, yet presses forward to contextually and relevantly apply apologetics in today’s world.
- Missional Apologetics is humble, recognizing the role of the Holy Spirit.
- Missional Apologetics understands it’s limitations, and that there is One Savior, Jesus Christ.
- Missional Apologetics is ethical, and therefore uses the mind and hands to address social injustices, evil, and suffering in the world.
Missional Apologetics is dynamic, not static, as will likely be demonstrated by the additions, deletions, and revisions to this manifesto as time and relevance demands. |
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A typical journey of someone engaging in Missional Apologetics may look like the following. - Spend time with people.
- Ask questions.
- Read primary source literature.
- Listen.
- Observe.
- Discover points of connection.
- Think biblically and theologically.
- Think contextually.
- Be prepared to respond to questions about the gospel.
- Repeat.
Note: This isn’t necessarily a linear process, and is only presented as a rough picture of a Missional Apologetic Journey. |
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