Rev. Caleb Bassett

Tuesday, Jan 24

3:15 – 4:30 pm

Weaving Apologetics into Everyday Ministry

In recent years, apologetics—the art of explaining and defending the Christian faith—has become a hot topic in churches and schools. Across society, skepticism toward Christianity is growing, and believers are feeling that pressure in classrooms, workplaces, and even among friends and neighbors. At the same time, many people who have little interest in “church shopping” remain open to meaningful conversations about life and purpose. The challenge is clear: Are our members equipped to respond when those conversations arise?

Apologetics is not about winning arguments. It is about pointing people to Christ with confidence, clarity, and compassion. It is not a niche subject reserved for a Bible class or an academic setting but a vital part of discipleship that can and should be woven into multiple areas of congregational ministry: sermons, catechism, youth ministry, Christian education, and everyday relationships. This breakout will explore why apologetics matters now more than ever and how congregations can prepare their members both to stand firm under challenge and to speak with gentleness and respect. Together we’ll consider practical ways to help Christians of every age be “prepared to give an answer.”

Rev. Caleb Bassett serves as pastor at Our Redeemer, Madison, Wis. Previously he served in San Diego County, Calif. He was a member of the executive committee of the WELS Hymnal Project and chairman of the project’s technology subcommittee. He has been a guest panelist on The White Horse Inn, a program and podcast on theology and culture, and has earned a fellowship with the International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism, and Human Rights in Strasbourg, France. He currently serves as director of the WELS Institute for Lutheran Apologetics.