In this episode of the Win/Win Evangelism Podcast, Tina Waldrom sat under the teaching of some of the world’s leading voices in evangelism and apologetics at the Ideas Convention in Belgrave, Victoria. Justin Brierley, Sean McDowell, Mary Jo Sharp, and Rob Martin all brought thought-provoking insights into how we can have better conversations about faith. From Justin’s commitment to respectful dialogue with sceptics, to Rob’s reminder that people everywhere are thirsty for meaning, to Sean’s gentle approach of walking with others, and Mary Jo’s journey from atheism to Christianity. Each speaker brought something powerful and practical for everyday believers.
In this episode, Tina unpacks what she learned and how these insights can help us all share Jesus in more natural and confident ways. If you’ve ever felt nervous about faith conversations or unsure how to answer tough questions, this is for you. Discover why apologetics isn’t just about arguments but about listening, respecting, and opening doors for the gospel. Get ready to see evangelism and apologetics in a fresh light, less about winning debates and more about offering living water to a thirsty world.
In this podcast episode, you will discover that:
- It’s crucial for churches to be equipped to share faith.
- Apologetics should focus on conversations, not debates.
- Listening is key in faith discussions.
- People are spiritually thirsty for meaning and hope.
- Personal testimonies can powerfully communicate faith.
- Engaging skeptics requires patience and respect.
- Conversion is a journey, not a one-time event.
- Honesty and authenticity are vital in discussions.
- Intentional conversations can open doors to faith.
- Everyone has a story that can impact others.
- And more…
SHORT VIDEO – Gentle Sharing: A New Approach to Evangelism
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*OTHER PODCAST EPISODES LINKED TO THIS
Ideas Convention: Equipping Christians to Engage Culture Confidently
Ideas Convention: Rob Martin Answers the Bigger Questions
Having an Answer for The Bigger Questions with Rob Martin
Faith, Evangelism & Politics with Dan Anderson
Transforming Lives Through the Power of Conversations
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Mary Jo Sharp
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Sean McDowell
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Rob Martin
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Discussion Questions
1. When you think about apologetics, do you tend to picture a debate or a conversation? How could shifting from “winning arguments” to “building relationships” change the way you share your faith
Read: Colossians 4:5–6 “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders… Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt…”
2. Justin Brierley said: “If our faith cannot stand up to difficult questions, is it worth having?” How do you respond when someone asks you a challenging question about Christianity?
Read: 1 Peter 3:15 “Always be prepared to give an answer… but do this with gentleness and respect.”
3. Rob Martin reminded us that people are thirsty for meaning, purpose, and hope and only Jesus satisfies. Where do you see “spiritual thirst” in your workplace, neighbourhood, or family?
Read: John 4:13–14 “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.”
4. Testimonies cut through arguments because no one can deny your lived experience. If someone asked why you follow Jesus, what part of your story would you share first?
Read: Revelation 12:11 “They triumphed… by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”
5. Sean McDowell emphasised that conversion is often a journey, not an event. How patient are you in walking with someone who isn’t yet ready to believe?
Read: 1 Corinthians 3:6 “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”
6. Mary Jo Sharp’s story shows that even the most skeptical people can be reached through honest, thoughtful conversations. Who in your life is a skeptic or deep thinker and how could you begin with a genuine question instead of an answer?
Read: Acts 17:22–23 Paul began with respect and curiosity when addressing the Athenians.
7. Tina challenged listeners to have one intentional faith conversation this week not a debate, not a sermon, but a question that opens the door. What’s one small step you could take this week to open up a spiritual conversation?
Read: Romans 10:14 “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
