Fast Facts on What To Do When You’re on the Ropes in a Witnessing Encounter

Jason Carlson (Christian Ministries International)

• Sometimes in our apologetic conversations, whether with cultists or skeptics, we will be confronted with a question or challenge that we simply don’t have an answer for. What should we do in those situations?

• Avoid the temptation to make up an answer. Not only is this dishonest, but it’s not really helping the person you’re witnessing to.

• Know that there’s nothing wrong with not having an answer on the spot. Sometimes your dialogue partner, whether a cultist or skeptic, will perceive your lack of an answer as a victory on their part, but don’t allow that to shake your confidence.

• Remember, the truth is on our side as Christians. If you don’t have an answer for a particular question on the spot, take that as an opportunity to learn and grow in your apologetic knowledge and abilities.

• When stumped, it’s ok to simply say, “That’s a great question” or “I’ve never heard that point before.”  Then confidently say, “Please give me some time to look into that issue and I’ll be happy to talk to you more another time.” 

• It can also be helpful to steer the conversation back to territory that you’re more confident discussing. Say something like, “That’s a good point and I need to give that some more thought, but what about this…” 

• You will also never go wrong in sharing the word of God with someone. There’s power in the word. When an immediate answer to a challenge escapes you, politely state, “You’ve given me something to think about there, but I’m confident in what I believe because God’s word tells us…” 

• It is also helpful when faced with a challenging conversation to simply share your testimony and the ways you’ve seen God work in your life. Emphasize God’s grace and His power to redeem any sinner (Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).