Meeting 14 [Mission] - Witnessing, Evanelism, and Apologetics
Icebreaker: "Think back to a time someone tried to convince you of something you didn't initially believe — anything from a restaurant being amazing, to a movie being worth watching, to a deeper belief. What actually worked? Was it their argument, their enthusiasm, their personal story, or something else?"
Introduction:
We have previously pivoted from viewing "mission" as an event (a trip) to viewing it as a lifestyle (posture/everyday).
And we've established what mission is (everyday, messy, local), the next logical step is to discuss how to live it out amidst the obstacles we identified (comfort, culture, redefining success).
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Tools and Culture: Culture of Sharing and Receiving Others, Tools for Safe and Brave Space
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Access’ Mission
We are a church seeking to live life with God in soul, community, and mission.
Mission
The world is not the way it should be. It has been ruined by human sin, but God invites us to join in his redemptive work bringing healing and restoration to our world.
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Quick Definitions
Evangelism — Sharing the gospel (the good news of Jesus) with others in the hope they come to faith. The big-picture term for telling people about Jesus.
Apologetics — Giving a reasoned defense or explanation of the Christian faith, especially when people have questions or objections. From the Greek apologia ("defense"), based on 1 Peter 3:15: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."
Witnessing — Sharing your personal story and experience of faith — what God has done in your life. Less about argument, more about testimony.
A simple way to remember it:
- Evangelism is the mission (sharing the good news)
- Apologetics is the defense (answering objections with reasons and illustrations)
- Witnessing is the testimony (telling your story)
All three often work together in real conversations.
Discussion Questions
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Which of the three — evangelism, apologetics, or witnessing — do you feel most comfortable with? Which feels hardest, and why?
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Have you ever had someone disagree with you about Jesus? What did that conversation feel like, and how did you respond?
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Read 1 Peter 3:15-16. Peter says to give a defense "with gentleness and respect." Why do you think he adds that? What happens when apologetics is done without gentleness?
- Jesus often used parables — simple stories and illustrations — to communicate deep truths. Why do you think illustrations and analogies work so well? Can you think of one you've used or heard that really landed?
- What's the difference between winning an argument and winning a person? Have you seen these get confused?
- Is there someone in your life right now you'd like to share with? What's holding you back — fear, not knowing what to say, not knowing answers to their questions, something else?
- How can our group support each other in being better witnesses this week?
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Prayers
- write out a prayer or two or more and exchange written prayers with another to be praying for another until the next time we meet.
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Engagement
- This week, have one intentional spiritual conversation — even a small one. Come back next time ready to share how it went.
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Group Notes
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