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Bridge-Building Apologetics: How to Get Along Even When We Disagree
Winsome Apologetics Makes for Effective Apologetics
All too often, Christians taking a stand for their faith come off as overly combative or adversarial. While it’s important to be uncompromising when we communicate the truth, Scripture also calls us to speak the truth with love.
Bridge-Building Apologetics is about establishing caring and compassionate relationships with those whom you desire to reach for Christ. In this friendly introduction and helpful resource, you will find Going beyond merely comparing truth with error, this accessible and informative guide shows you how to overcome relational barriers and graciously reach out to those with whom you disagree. Even in the face of deep differences, these insights and tips will help you will grow in your confidence to engage others effectively with the love of Jesus and the truth of Scripture.
All too often, Christians taking a stand for their faith come off as overly combative or adversarial. While it’s important to be uncompromising when we communicate the truth, Scripture also calls us to speak the truth with love.
Bridge-Building Apologetics is about establishing caring and compassionate relationships with those whom you desire to reach for Christ. In this friendly introduction and helpful resource, you will find Going beyond merely comparing truth with error, this accessible and informative guide shows you how to overcome relational barriers and graciously reach out to those with whom you disagree. Even in the face of deep differences, these insights and tips will help you will grow in your confidence to engage others effectively with the love of Jesus and the truth of Scripture.
272 pages, Paperback
Published May 14, 2024
22 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 17, 2024
I liked a lot of this book, and a bit of it just wasn’t for me.
What I liked a lot- ch. 4, 8, and 10. I listened to the audiobook but actually went to the physical book and tabbed these chapters.
Specifically in ch. 4, I liked the reference to Romans 16: 17-18.
There is a lot of scripture and pointing us back to the Bible, which I also liked a lot and appreciated.
A few things that weren’t for me: telling us to ask people about dietary restrictions, and once the book took a political turn. I don’t agree that America is a country divided by white and black people, that as Americans we’re unable to see and accept people that are different than us, and equality vs inequality in our American systems. But, that’s just me!
Overall, this was a good read, maybe just skip the parts you don’t agree with and soak in the parts that you do.
What I liked a lot- ch. 4, 8, and 10. I listened to the audiobook but actually went to the physical book and tabbed these chapters.
Specifically in ch. 4, I liked the reference to Romans 16: 17-18.
There is a lot of scripture and pointing us back to the Bible, which I also liked a lot and appreciated.
A few things that weren’t for me: telling us to ask people about dietary restrictions, and once the book took a political turn. I don’t agree that America is a country divided by white and black people, that as Americans we’re unable to see and accept people that are different than us, and equality vs inequality in our American systems. But, that’s just me!
Overall, this was a good read, maybe just skip the parts you don’t agree with and soak in the parts that you do.
December 10, 2024
I was really excited about this book when I picked it up. The concept is excellent and so needed in our current cultural climate. Unfortunately, I had a difficult time getting through it. Before I offer my critique, I want to highlight some positives:
GOOD:
• Packed with references to Scripture, it’s clearly rooted in biblical concepts.
• The conversation skills mentioned—listening, asking questions, and finding common ground—are essential for good dialogue with people who disagree. These skills should be shouted from the rooftops (kindly, of course 😉).
• There were some interesting statistics and anecdotes riddled throughout the book.
• Starting in Chapter 10, the content became much more practical and engaging.
CRITIQUE:
• The first 9 chapters felt dragged out. While I appreciated the bridge analogy in Chapter 2, it felt overexplained. Once I understood the concept, I wanted to move on, but there were 40 pages dedicated to bridges. I would’ve preferred to spend that time exploring how to have practical conversations about different worldviews.
• The book often overstated the obvious, and many points felt overexplained. For example, there was a section dedicated to the idea that friendships are important. Another on how to make friends, one on keeping friends, and another on prioritizing friendships. These are all pretty common sense ideas in my opinion. But maybe I just don’t realize how blessed I am to have friends as an adult.
• Some sections felt underdeveloped. For example, the section on New Age beliefs was too brief to be useful The New Age Movement was neither defined beyond being a mashup of various eastern religions nor were its practices clearly explained. It would have been more helpful if she gave specific examples of people practicing New Age beliefs and common red flags that a friend might unknowingly subscribe to New Age beliefs, followed by questions to have a conversation about these beliefs with the friend. She did share an anecdote about how she wrote a blog post on New Age beliefs and then a friend who read it realized she held those beliefs; however, the author didn’t specify what those beliefs were or use that as an opportunity to demonstrate how she connected with her friend using the principles in the book.
Chapter 1 (on prayer) was great, and Chapter 10 was wonderful. The content after Chapter 10 was much more practical, featuring helpful true stories, examples of open-ended questions, clear conversation skills, and ideas for reaching out to people with different worldviews (hospitality, etc.). I wish the practical content started much earlier instead of cramming so many concepts and facts into the first half.
• The book could have been more concise. A lot of content could’ve been explained in fewer words.
Biggest Critique:
The kind of person who would pick up this book is likely already self-aware enough to know many of the common-sense ideas laid out in its pages. What would have been more compelling is if the chapters went deeper into these concepts through transformative stories, practical encouragement for handling nerves, and advice on how to be real with people even when we are nervous to dialogue.
Final Thoughts:
Despite my critiques, the book has value. The author clearly has a gift for reaching people in her own life, and her kindness and compassion shine through. Her constant reminder not to be a jerk (like to Jehovah’s Witnesses or Mormons at your door) was refreshing.
While I wish the book had focused more on practical strategies earlier on, the message is important, and I’m glad someone is writing about this topic. The author seems like someone I’d love to have coffee with, even if we disagreed on everything.
GOOD:
• Packed with references to Scripture, it’s clearly rooted in biblical concepts.
• The conversation skills mentioned—listening, asking questions, and finding common ground—are essential for good dialogue with people who disagree. These skills should be shouted from the rooftops (kindly, of course 😉).
• There were some interesting statistics and anecdotes riddled throughout the book.
• Starting in Chapter 10, the content became much more practical and engaging.
CRITIQUE:
• The first 9 chapters felt dragged out. While I appreciated the bridge analogy in Chapter 2, it felt overexplained. Once I understood the concept, I wanted to move on, but there were 40 pages dedicated to bridges. I would’ve preferred to spend that time exploring how to have practical conversations about different worldviews.
• The book often overstated the obvious, and many points felt overexplained. For example, there was a section dedicated to the idea that friendships are important. Another on how to make friends, one on keeping friends, and another on prioritizing friendships. These are all pretty common sense ideas in my opinion. But maybe I just don’t realize how blessed I am to have friends as an adult.
• Some sections felt underdeveloped. For example, the section on New Age beliefs was too brief to be useful The New Age Movement was neither defined beyond being a mashup of various eastern religions nor were its practices clearly explained. It would have been more helpful if she gave specific examples of people practicing New Age beliefs and common red flags that a friend might unknowingly subscribe to New Age beliefs, followed by questions to have a conversation about these beliefs with the friend. She did share an anecdote about how she wrote a blog post on New Age beliefs and then a friend who read it realized she held those beliefs; however, the author didn’t specify what those beliefs were or use that as an opportunity to demonstrate how she connected with her friend using the principles in the book.
Chapter 1 (on prayer) was great, and Chapter 10 was wonderful. The content after Chapter 10 was much more practical, featuring helpful true stories, examples of open-ended questions, clear conversation skills, and ideas for reaching out to people with different worldviews (hospitality, etc.). I wish the practical content started much earlier instead of cramming so many concepts and facts into the first half.
• The book could have been more concise. A lot of content could’ve been explained in fewer words.
Biggest Critique:
The kind of person who would pick up this book is likely already self-aware enough to know many of the common-sense ideas laid out in its pages. What would have been more compelling is if the chapters went deeper into these concepts through transformative stories, practical encouragement for handling nerves, and advice on how to be real with people even when we are nervous to dialogue.
Final Thoughts:
Despite my critiques, the book has value. The author clearly has a gift for reaching people in her own life, and her kindness and compassion shine through. Her constant reminder not to be a jerk (like to Jehovah’s Witnesses or Mormons at your door) was refreshing.
While I wish the book had focused more on practical strategies earlier on, the message is important, and I’m glad someone is writing about this topic. The author seems like someone I’d love to have coffee with, even if we disagreed on everything.
May 30, 2024
If you've ever had a chance to watch Lindsey Medenwaldt in action as a speaker, you'll know she exudes authenticity, a glowing heart for people, a mind set on the things of God, and an energetic way of communicating what she's passionate about. That all shines through on each page of "Bridge Building Apologetics."
Using concrete examples of the process of building a physical bridge, Lindsey easily draws parallels to our need to build bridges with others as Christians and fellow image-bearers.
Four things I loved while reading this book were the parenthetical moments of humor that let me know we're from similar generational backgrounds; the summaries of "Building the Bridge" at the end of each chapter; reflection questions to make you stop and practice each chapter's content; and the practical examples supporting each major step in the bridge building process.
Lindsey's perspective is a much needed and thoughtfully crafted guide standing in great contrast to a world of endless Twitter debates and social media wars between and among Christian apologists and non believers. I highly recommend this for apologists new and seasoned.
Using concrete examples of the process of building a physical bridge, Lindsey easily draws parallels to our need to build bridges with others as Christians and fellow image-bearers.
Four things I loved while reading this book were the parenthetical moments of humor that let me know we're from similar generational backgrounds; the summaries of "Building the Bridge" at the end of each chapter; reflection questions to make you stop and practice each chapter's content; and the practical examples supporting each major step in the bridge building process.
Lindsey's perspective is a much needed and thoughtfully crafted guide standing in great contrast to a world of endless Twitter debates and social media wars between and among Christian apologists and non believers. I highly recommend this for apologists new and seasoned.
December 12, 2024
I found a number of things about this book to be both inspiring and practical:
1) The author’s pop culture references illustrate her ideas in relatable, useful, and fun ways.
2) While this is intending for apologists, Medenwaldt’s bridge-building ideas apply to many situations. In so some ways, it’s a primer on how to be a good person in a diverse world.
3) The questions at the end of each chapter are thought-provoking and would spark excellent conversation in a small group environment.
The chapter that resonated most with me would be the first one about prayer. Her discussion on this topic helped recharge my own prayer life.
1) The author’s pop culture references illustrate her ideas in relatable, useful, and fun ways.
2) While this is intending for apologists, Medenwaldt’s bridge-building ideas apply to many situations. In so some ways, it’s a primer on how to be a good person in a diverse world.
3) The questions at the end of each chapter are thought-provoking and would spark excellent conversation in a small group environment.
The chapter that resonated most with me would be the first one about prayer. Her discussion on this topic helped recharge my own prayer life.
May 15, 2024
Excellent
Such a great read with scripture backed, realistic tips on the importance of building deep, meaningful relationships in order to effectively share about religion.
Such a great read with scripture backed, realistic tips on the importance of building deep, meaningful relationships in order to effectively share about religion.
July 31, 2024
Some good reminders and tips for not being a “jerk for Jesus.”
August 20, 2024
I wanted to give it more stars, but it was kinda "meh" for me. Definitely some good reminders so that we don't come across as jerks to non believers though.
August 24, 2024
I don’t know of a more relevant book for sharing our faith in the current contentious climate than “Bridge Building Apologetics” by Lindsey Medenwaldt. We are called to engage with our neighbors both truthfully and graciously, and Lindsey masterfully shows readers how to do both. She provides examples from Scripture and practical ideas for connecting with others while never compromising on Biblical truth. Especially important is the way she begins the book with a chapter on prayer and ends with a chapter on the role of the Holy Spirit. These two bookends highlight her reminders in between for believers to bear witness to the hope within.
July 10, 2025
BBA is packed with fundamental thinking and tactics for approaching the basics of apologetics. Centered around community and relationships, BBA acknowledges what we so often find as the backward response to our natural thinking (being unconditionally loving, speaking slowly) and creates a path to implementing these notions in a way that builds a bridge toward what Christians know as the only way: Jesus.
November 21, 2025
Interesting and generally helpful, but not nearly as deep a dive as I’d hoped. Perhaps I’ve walked further down this path than I realized, and that’s why.
I hope to look back through and write more later, but at the moment my favorite part was the appendix about interacting with JWs.
I hope to look back through and write more later, but at the moment my favorite part was the appendix about interacting with JWs.
August 30, 2025
this a thinker book - a lot to digest, but I really enjoyed reading it. after getting to hear Lindsey speak last fall I was very excited to read her book and it's definitely one I'll read again. it's the kind of book where you can glean something new each time you pick it up.
December 10, 2024
Such a great book! Lindsey has so many well thought and well Bible backed ways to show love while also standing for what the Bible says.
October 25, 2024
I really enjoyed Lindsey’s book, she explained what apologetics is all about and what an apologist who loves and follows Jesus Christ should be. Too many who call themselves apologists mostly like to criticize others and come across to me and others I know as arrogant and prideful individuals. What Lindsey shows us is a true apologist cares about reaching people with the truth. In her book she provides us with a step by step guide on how to build relationships, or bridges with other people who do not necessarily believe the same as we do. What a fantastic guide her book is to reach our neighbors, friends and others to build a “bridge” with others who believe or think differently. We can always take the easy route and build relationships with others that believe in the same things we do. Lindsey challenges us to step out of our comfort zone to build relationships with others who do not believe or think as we do. Lindsey shows us to ignore politics, cultural differences, race issues that keep us separated by our beliefs or mind sets. What a great book to tear down those walls we put up so we can see people with compassion of our Lord as He is.
For those who are not Christian’s, this is a great book for you too to reach people who are different than you, to build “bridges” with others out of your comfort zone which may change your life journey an create excitement in your lives.
Buy the book, read it and if you do it will change your perspective how you see the world today.
For those who are not Christian’s, this is a great book for you too to reach people who are different than you, to build “bridges” with others out of your comfort zone which may change your life journey an create excitement in your lives.
Buy the book, read it and if you do it will change your perspective how you see the world today.
May 21, 2024
This book is so timely! Our country/world is more divided than ever. We find it nearly impossible to even be kind and genuine with people who have drastically different views from us, much less cultivate true and lasting friendships. Lindsey Medenwaldt uses common sense and kindness to guide the reader through how to build bridges between ourselves and others in order to love them as God has commanded us. We cannot share the gospel message with people who won't listen to us. Not every relationship will be a lasting one, but we can make them all loving and positive as much as it is up to us. She challenges her readers to be self-aware so we can conform ourselves to the image of Christ as much as possible and truly love even those who persecute or mock us.
I think most people today could benefit from this book, not just Christians. We need reminding that we fight against bad ideologies not people. People are trapped by flawed thinking. Building bridges allows us to reach them and hopefully be able to share the light of Christ.
I think Lindsey's appendix was also really helpful. She specifically speaks to a particular sect of flawed theology and how to speak truth to them in ways that love them more than we dislike what they believe. I hope she writes an entire book on how to approach people from many different worldviews with truth and love.
I think most people today could benefit from this book, not just Christians. We need reminding that we fight against bad ideologies not people. People are trapped by flawed thinking. Building bridges allows us to reach them and hopefully be able to share the light of Christ.
I think Lindsey's appendix was also really helpful. She specifically speaks to a particular sect of flawed theology and how to speak truth to them in ways that love them more than we dislike what they believe. I hope she writes an entire book on how to approach people from many different worldviews with truth and love.
August 6, 2024
"I'm offended." How many times have you heard this? What is your response? Christians are often offended more than they're willing to have hard conversations with people who act in ways we find offensive. This book outlines an approach to making connections/relationships with others using the analogy of building bridges, and the imagery is clear and consistent throughout. Appendix A provides a list of practical steps for bridge-building with one religious group in need of evangelism.
That said, there are some poorly used/cited Scripture passages that take away from the overall solid part of the book. Some of these may be corrected (based on feedback) in an updated version of the ebook. Good Bereans (studiers of the Word) will dig in their Bibles to make sure the verses cited are being used and interpreted properly. As an example, "God will do anything to keep us from harm," requires the caveat, "soul harm." That is, God will keep our souls from being harmed, but our bodies are a different story. I've checked with the author and the latter is her intent, but the potential for misunderstanding/misinterpretation exists as long as the text remains unedited.
That said, there are some poorly used/cited Scripture passages that take away from the overall solid part of the book. Some of these may be corrected (based on feedback) in an updated version of the ebook. Good Bereans (studiers of the Word) will dig in their Bibles to make sure the verses cited are being used and interpreted properly. As an example, "God will do anything to keep us from harm," requires the caveat, "soul harm." That is, God will keep our souls from being harmed, but our bodies are a different story. I've checked with the author and the latter is her intent, but the potential for misunderstanding/misinterpretation exists as long as the text remains unedited.
August 22, 2024
I was really excited to read this book. I even joined her social media book group. Even after reading the endorsement, it sounded like it was the right book for me. But sadly within the first chapter, I knew my brain would slice right through this like a hot knife through a stick of room temperature butter.
I’m sure the concepts were very solid. But I didn’t really enjoy the examples used. For example, Tim Keller as a model example of what she wanted us to exude While he may have been that earlier in his life, there was no distinguishing who he ended up as. He wasn’t something we should model our lives after now especially before his death.
I also might be a little bit jaded because it seemed like much of what was talked about in this book was the very resistance I am met with on a daily basis in my city. Getting people to be engaged as believers in our culture seemed to challenge me in ways this book could not help. Winsome is cheap and shallow for those who hunger for more in my experience. I find this neat and tidy prescription sets us up to be very disappointing at what reality looks like.
I feel like that seems a little splitting of hairs, but it just goes to the lack of substance that I really desire and was disappointed after reading. It was opposite of what wanted from a book on this topic. Maybe I expected too much out of what could have been. I just long to be challenged and ponder deep things. This book did not hit any of those boxes.
I’m sure the concepts were very solid. But I didn’t really enjoy the examples used. For example, Tim Keller as a model example of what she wanted us to exude While he may have been that earlier in his life, there was no distinguishing who he ended up as. He wasn’t something we should model our lives after now especially before his death.
I also might be a little bit jaded because it seemed like much of what was talked about in this book was the very resistance I am met with on a daily basis in my city. Getting people to be engaged as believers in our culture seemed to challenge me in ways this book could not help. Winsome is cheap and shallow for those who hunger for more in my experience. I find this neat and tidy prescription sets us up to be very disappointing at what reality looks like.
I feel like that seems a little splitting of hairs, but it just goes to the lack of substance that I really desire and was disappointed after reading. It was opposite of what wanted from a book on this topic. Maybe I expected too much out of what could have been. I just long to be challenged and ponder deep things. This book did not hit any of those boxes.
July 31, 2024
Bridge Building Apologetics, by Lindsey Medenwaldt, is a giant “chill pill” for contemporary discussions on faith. Often, these conversations generate far more heat than light, putting up walls of resentment, arrogance, and hostility rather than building bridges of friendship, love, and trust. Lindsey provides her readers with a plea to “speak the truth in love,” as Paul said in Ephesians 4. This book is an engaging, easy-to-read, and incredibly helpful guide in learning how to hold beliefs with conviction and yet engage areas of disagreement in ways that show gentleness and respect. In the first half of the book, she grounds the call for building bridges in the hope of the Gospel and the examples Jesus and Paul. In the second half, she gives real, practical ideas for understanding one’s faith, listening well to others, and building friendships that lead to real relationships rather than simply talking heads. I hope many people, believers and non-believers alike, will pick up this book, devour it, and maybe… just maybe… we can start to listen to and learn from one another again!
May 28, 2024
Books don’t have to be thick and heavy to be weighty (educational)! And this book embodies that description well!
Throughout all 15 chapters of Bridge-Building Apologetics, Lindsey Mendenwaldt provides a compelling case for why all Christians should take apologetics seriously! But she lays the groundwork by emphasizing the importance of prayer and humility when engaging in conversations about Christianity. Medenwaldt’s approach to Christian Apologetics is a refreshment in a culture which is quick to cancel instead of ready to listen, well. Icing on the cake are the “Questions For Reflection and Discussion” and “Recommended Resources” at the conclusion of each chapter. Perfect for a book study!
No matter where you are on your journey regarding apologetics, Bridge-Building Apologetics is a wonderful resource!
Throughout all 15 chapters of Bridge-Building Apologetics, Lindsey Mendenwaldt provides a compelling case for why all Christians should take apologetics seriously! But she lays the groundwork by emphasizing the importance of prayer and humility when engaging in conversations about Christianity. Medenwaldt’s approach to Christian Apologetics is a refreshment in a culture which is quick to cancel instead of ready to listen, well. Icing on the cake are the “Questions For Reflection and Discussion” and “Recommended Resources” at the conclusion of each chapter. Perfect for a book study!
No matter where you are on your journey regarding apologetics, Bridge-Building Apologetics is a wonderful resource!
April 3, 2025
Lindsey, thank you for writing such a wonderful book! Not only was this book eye-opening and encouraging, it taught me so much. We used this book for a group bible study and I can hands down say that each lady in the group felt the same. Not only did you write a wonderful book, you encouraged us along the way - which is going to be forever cherished by each of us. I can't wait to continue to put practice into play, and learn as I go. Thank you for giving such sound advice, that I feel brave enough to do so! Even when I don't know all the answers. I cannot WAIT to read more of your books and will absolutely be recommending this one to anyone who will listen.
July 22, 2024
We have both the audible version and the print version. Both are excellent books. Lindsey tells how to comfortably share The Gospel of Jesus Christ with people you know, people that you do not know, and those that have different political and religious viewpoints.
It’s very easy to read and is scripture based. Lindsey fills it with practical examples that are very easy to understand and can follow for your own life.
I highly recommend buying this book in both print and audible versions. not only for yourself, but to buy extra to share with your family and friends.
It’s very easy to read and is scripture based. Lindsey fills it with practical examples that are very easy to understand and can follow for your own life.
I highly recommend buying this book in both print and audible versions. not only for yourself, but to buy extra to share with your family and friends.
November 12, 2024
To some people, Christian apologetics has a reputation for being used as a weapon against others with different beliefs. It does not have to be that way, and it shouldn't be that way. This book shows us the importance of apologetics and how to use it to build and strengthen relationships, rather than push people away. It is GOOD to share with others the reasons for why you believe what you believe, but it needs to be done with a respectful and humble attitude, and this book will give you practical steps to accomplish this. Highly recommend!!
July 31, 2025
This book offers a refreshing, compassionate approach to apologetics. Rather than focusing solely on winning arguments, it emphasizes building relationships and showing love while sharing truth. Medenwaldt reminds us that effective evangelism isn’t about being combative it’s about being Christlike. The guidance on navigating tough conversations with grace is practical, biblical, and timely, especially in our divided culture. Highly recommended for Christians who want to defend their faith while also preserving respect, empathy, and kindness.
June 9, 2025
This book is so accessible and practical. You can hear the author’s heart for people come through in every chapter.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews