Apologetics: Who We Are, Not Just What We Say

Greg Koukl at Stand to Reason has an article on Culturally Aware Apologetics. He writes:

Our current culture is a dynamic amalgam of these two world views--the modern and the postmodern--in collision with each other. As such, there is no one technique that is most effective. Instead, we need a broad, flexible method: the ambassador approach.

He goes on to define an ambassador:

An effective ambassador has three essential skills. First, an ambassador must have some basic knowledge of the character, mind, and purposes of his king. Second, this knowledge must be deployed in a skillful way. There’s an element of wisdom, a tactical and artful diplomacy that makes his message persuasive. Paul says, "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person" (Colossians 4:6). Finally, there is character. The kindness, even-handedness, and respect the ambassador shows for those who differ can either make or break his message.

Also on the STR website is the Ambassador's Creed:

An ambassador is…

§ Ready. An Ambassador is alert for chances to represent Christ and will not back away from a challenge or an opportunity.

§ Patient. An Ambassador won’t quarrel, but will listen in order to understand, then with gentleness seek to respectfully engage those who disagree.

§ Reasonable. An Ambassador has informed convictions (not just feelings), gives reasons, asks questions, aggressively seeks answers, and will not be stumped by the same challenge twice.

§ Tactical. An Ambassador adapts to each unique person and situation, maneuvering with wisdom to challenge bad thinking, presenting the truth in an understandable and compelling way.

§ Clear. An Ambassador is careful with language, and will not rely on Christian lingo nor gain unfair advantage with empty rhetoric.

§ Fair. An Ambassador is sympathetic and understanding towards others, and will acknowledge the merits of contrary views.

§ Honest. An Ambassador is careful with the facts and will not misrepresent another’s view, overstate his own case, or understate the demands of the Gospel.

§ Humble. An Ambassador is provisional in his claims, knowing that his understanding of truth is fallible, and will not press a point beyond what his evidence allows.

§ Attractive. An Ambassador will act with grace, kindness, and good manners and will not dishonor Christ in his conduct.

§ Dependent. An Ambassador knows that effectiveness requires joining his best efforts with God’s power.