Every Believer Confident: Apologetics for the Ordinary Christian

by Mark J. Farnham

For the average Christian who longs to share their faith effectively but doesn't know where to begin, Every Believer Confident is the ultimate guidebook. All believers are called to make disciples and "give an answer" when objections are raised against the faith. Most Christians want to share and defend their beliefs, but they often feel ill-equipped. They desire to reach friends, family, coworkers, and classmates with the good news of Jesus Christ, but lack confidence and skill. They want to be like Jesus and effectively engage the lost with the powerful truth of the gospel. They just don't know how. What's needed is a way to simplify apologetics and make it accessible to the average church member who will never study philosophy or science. If every church member was indeed a skilled evangelist, churches would not have to depend on come-and-see events to reach the community, because every member would be practicing the go-and-tell approach Scripture assumes. Every Believer Apologetics for the Ordinary Christian simplifies the basic principles of apologetics and provides effective strategies for use in actual encounters with unbelievers. It provides a structure whereby any Christian can engage anyone they meet, move the conversation to spiritual matters, answer objections raised against the Christian faith, and present the gospel of Christ in all its glory and rationality.

Genres: Christianity, Evangelism, Christian, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

Published January 31, 2020

Reviews

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a beginner’s introduction to apologetics without the book being too heavily laden with philosophy? This book would be for you. I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The author Mark Farnham is a graduate from Westminster Theological Seminary’ doctoral program in apologetics, home of where the father of Presuppositional apologetics taught at. But don’t let that intimidate you, Farnham writes in a style that is aimed for the “ordinary Christian” which I appreciated very much. One thing that stood out to me in this book is the author’s humility even in the beginning of the book. He admit his own struggle in the past with fear and also lack of confidence to evangelize. I appreciate that, since he’s modeling what godliness looks like in apologetics which including admitting your weakness but also trusting in God for help.
After the acknowledgement and introduction the book consists of thirteen chapters and a conclusion. The end of the book also have a bibliography of suggested resources and a page of how to contact the author. After defining what is apologetics in the first chapter the book in chapter two shows that apologetics is biblical before moving to the third chapter on the power of apologetics. Here in the third chapter I appreciated Fanham reminding us that apologetics is spiritual warfare, which we rely on the Spirit even in the task of apologetics and that means practically we pray to God for the salvation of unbelievers. Following this is a chapter titled “Understanding Unbelievers” and it is one of the chapters in the book I really enjoyed. The author’s discussion about what the Bible teaches about unbelievers wasn’t academic but practical: Farnham’s point here is that knowing what God says about the nature of unbelieves will alleviate our fears in witnessing (64). Here the author gives us a study on Romans 1 and its application and it was laid out and well done exegesis. Chapters five through nine really is the bread and butter of the book, going over apologetics’ tactics with chapter ten reviewing what was taught and focus on a case study for readers to practice one’s apologetics. Chapter 11 through 13 is on “Knowing What you believe” which goes over what is basic biblical Christianity since the author argues knowing right biblical doctrines helps us to know what we are defending and also how to defend the biblical worldview. I love this for its true. Also I thought it was interesting he laid out what is Christianity towards the end of the book instead of the beginning and I think that can work too, though it seems most Presuppositional apologetics’ book frontload the theological foundation first and then discuss about apologetics but this book does it differently.
Whether you are new to apologetics or you are a seasoned saint who uses apologetics regularly this book is worthwhile. I love how the book goes over practical help for conversations with nonbelievers. He talks quite a bit about the use of questions and also identifying informal logical fallacies in the book. The book points out how the advantage of use of questions in evangelistic and apologetics’ discussions are many such as encouraging conversations with a nonbeliever to continue in order to share the Gospel to him or her and also unbelievers arrive at the conclusion of their faulty beliefs and are more willing to think about his or her error as a result of questions. I also like his own every day example of evangelism from his life, that’s very encouraging to see him modeling what he teaches!
I recommend this book. The book doesn’t promise to answer everything but it does lay a framework for how to evangelize and defend your faith while giving helpful counsel of apologetics’ tactics at the conversational level.

[Jessica Dudok · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged and gave me more tools to use in my kit when sharing the gospel with others. It was very informative and educating, backed up by scripture. Not to mention it is very practical. He made things very straight forward and simple. From reading the book once, I will most likely forget a lot of it because of my human limitations, but it’s baby steps in learning how to serve God by sharing about Him. Like it says at the end of the book, “I need to learn to trust the gospel message above my own mastery of apologetics”.

Some highlights/quotes:
* feeling unprepared when asked questions is relatable. Fear is a sign you’re doing something right.
* If you don’t know your own faith well, you won’t share it with others
* Evidence alone does not compel people to surrender to Christ but the Holy Spirit must be working.
* If a person isn’t open to following Christ, it is better to share Jesus with someone who is willing
* It is biblical to prepare ourselves for when people ask us questions about our faith (1 Peter 3)
* Know scripture and sound theology by reading the word and listening to wise leaders. The more we know scripture and sound doctrine, the more weapons we possess in the war of ideas.
* It is caring to learn about what the other person believes in (other religions)
* Always approach nonbelievers with humility, not arguing, but gently helping them see the truth and understand that their logic is incorrect. Everyone is made in the image of God.
* Practice regular repentance.
* Listen to them more than you speak, asking them questions, and not forcing them into a conversation. Giving space can be better than forcing a conversation. Jesus treated them gently but confronted their unbelief.
* We don’t rely on our own personality and ability when evangelizing but the Holy Spirit. Our job isn’t to convince but to present.
* Often we think we will get persecuted for sharing our faith when in reality that rarely occurs.
* Idol: something that if it were taken away would make life not worth living.
* Don’t be afraid to follow up with a question when someone makes an argument against the gospel - “Can you give me an example of errors you see in the Bible?”
* Show genuine interest in and love for the other person
* Most people when they make arguments against the Bible don’t know what they’re talking about and haven’t read the Bible at all
* Always avoid bluffing when you don’t know the answer to a question. Simply state that you don’t know because people can see right through trying to fake it.
* The best way to learn is to do apologetics with actions rather than studying it in a book.
* Always defend God. If someone says that they don’t believe in a God that punishes others and makes them suffer, state that you don’t believe in that type of God either.
* Focus on Jesus when evangelizing.
* Evidence for the resurrection: eyewitness accounts, well known people are included in the gospel stories, a good moral person doesn’t claim to be God, women were the first people to see Jesus.
* The evolution argument means if everything happened randomly, there would be no purpose or meaning to life. If there is no meaning in the world, then there is nothing wrong with the world.
* Christianity is not about keeping a moral code but about meeting a person named Jesus.
* Reasoning for following Jesus: restores hope and peace, transforms families, relieves fear, gives meaning and purpose, and provides reconciliation and relationship with God.
* A healthy relationship is such where love is given freely and unconditionally. A husband doesn’t make his wife earn his love. He doesn’t love her because she deserves it.
* Always conclude a gospel conversation by encouraging them to read the gospels and invite them to come to you in the future to continue the conversation
* Hospitality can lead to salvation.
* Steps to salvation: admit to being a sinner who is guilty, ask Jesus for salvation, express belief that Jesus is the only way to God, show gratitude to God for salvation, ask for forgiveness. They should express their repentance in personal terms rather than a structured word for word prayer.
* We often forget everything we learn about Christ when someone asks us a tough question but the Spirit is with us and brings to mind what we have previously learned (John 14:17, 26)
* You will never be well versed in every area
* Challenge any “fact” raised against Christianity: what is the source of that fact? How does it discredit Christianity?
* Accuracy of the Bible: 66 books with a unified message, 40 authors, over 1400 years, carefully preserved by the Jewish people to ensure accuracy, copies of Isaiah from 100 BC and 900 AD showed very little differences such as spelling errors that didn’t change the meaning of the text.
* God is one essence and three persons that have different roles.
* Even though we’re created in the image of God, we are damaged because of the fall, not resembling the original design for creation and not functioning properly as God designed. When we’re saved, the Holy spirit replaces our blindness with sight.

Helpful questions to ask:
* what is your religious background?
* What do you value most in life?
* Why don’t you believe in God?
* What do you base your beliefs on?
* Why don’t you like talking about religion?

Presenting the gospel daily to people includes asking these types of questions.

[Connor Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book that was incredibly useful in helping me develop a framework for how to do apologetics in an effective, yet winsome and relational way (and to see the rationality and beauty of the Christian worldview as compared to any other). As Dr. Farnham expresses in the book, this book is not meant to answer every apologetics question that a believer might have, but for what the book set out to do, it was very helpful!

[Luminous Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This clear and approachable guide to apologetics serves as a wonderful resource for Christians who want to grow in their ability to share the gospel with unbelievers. Tailored specifically for the everyday believer, this book begins by clearly defining apologetics and providing readers with a foundational understanding of its significance.

The author thoroughly explores why it is essential for Christians to possess the tools necessary for articulating their faith in a compelling and respectful way.

This book provides practical strategies and insightful examples that will not only strengthen their faith but also empower them to communicate their beliefs with confidence and clarity. The ultimate aim is to guide unbelievers toward a relationship with Jesus Christ, making this book an essential companion for anyone looking to engage more meaningfully in conversations about faith! ☕️📔🤍

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Micah Natal · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is difficult to find a great apologetics book that you can suggest to anyone. They are either inaccessible to the ordinary person or not practical. However, Mark’s book is biblical, theological and practical. Every believer should read this book.

[Christopher Wehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a blessing because it gave me a new perspective of apologetics and made it not seem scary even. Many times when I hear apologetics I think I’m not smart enough to do that but his presuppositional approach helps get rid of those thoughts and help you focus on the unbelievers heart

[David Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apologetics and evangelism are no longer impossible for the Everyman! This book offers a method that is approachable and practical, recommend to all!

[Barry Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is based on the 2025 edition.

Introduced as a practical guide for the defense of our faith by the “ordinary” Christian, this book does not disappoint. After a brief introduction to the nature of apologetics and the author’s personal journey, the reader encounters a rich and extremely useful collection of insights, resources, examples, role plays, Bible passages, and wisdom from diverse authors and individuals to instruct in the science and art of “giving an answer for the hope that lies within us” (1 Pet. 3:15). Each chapter closes with a summary paragraph, guided questions to engage in the topic, and a case study to apply the insights offered.

The chapter on Understanding Apologetics presents the connection between apologetics and evangelism as well as reviewing key approaches to apologetics – Evidentialism, Classical, Cumulative Case. Minimal Facts, and Presuppositional Apologetics (the approach used by the author throughout the book). Next, a biblical representation of the presence of apologetics is offered from both the Old Testament (the Garden of Eden, the Exodus, David and Goliath, and the Book of Isaiah) and the New Testament (Peter and, of course, Jesus). Key points are offered in this chapter – 1) Begin with a settled assurance that Jesus is Lord, 2) Prepare yourself to make a defense of the faith, 3) Defend the faith in a way that encourages conversation (be informed, gentle, and respectful), and 4) Practice regular repentance.

The chapter on the Power of Apologetics emphasizes the power and the function of the Holy Spirit in defending the faith. Farnham powerfully makes the case that this is not argument but persuasion, noting that we should not seek to start an arrogant argument, the Holy Spirit (not us) is responsible for convincing the unbeliever, and our authority in apologetics rests with the Bible. Understanding Unbelievers (Chapter 4) reviews the key obstacles on the part of these individuals, including other religions, constant distractions, abuse of creation, and denial of evidence. The suppression of the truth mentioned in Romans 1 can result in self-deception, irrationality, and idolatry (the “exchange” mentioned in the text – fallen creation in place of God’s glory, lie instead of the truth, and the unnatural for the natural). The result is God’s giving them up to these choices (used 3 times in verse 24).

Destroying Strongholds (Chapter 5) focuses on the power of questions and intentional listening to challenge the authority of the worldviews of unbelievers. This process should include 1) asking clarifying questions, 2) restating their position, 3) perhaps taking their position for the sake of argument, and 4) calling their bluff. Destroying strongholds may require challenging misconceptions about Christianity and contrasting the irrationality and contradictions of their worldview with the truth of our faith. If you don’t know an answer, say so, offering to investigate the topic and return for another conversation.

Chapter 6, Get Them to Jesus, reminds the reader that the goal of apologetics is to get the individual to consider Christ’s claims and his work on the cross. They need to address the facts that Jesus is an historical figure who claimed to be God, the Messiah, the only way to be reconciled to God, and that he rose from the dead. Showing the glory and the rationality of the Christian faith answers the questions 1) Why am I here?, 2) Where did I come from?, 3) What is wrong with the world?, and 4) What is the end of all of this? Even as the conversion of unbelievers is God’s work alone, we have the opportunity to function as secondary means (referencing planting and watering in 1 Cor. 3:5-9). Chapter 7 expands on this topic in speaking to Sharing the Gospel Effectively. In summarizing this process, the author suggests the use of biblical terms, focusing on sin and guilt, emphasizing how God shows his love in Christ, and emphasizing grace over merit. This message comes together in discussing how to either bring the unbeliever to a point of decision or to continue the conversation, making sure the topics of repentance and belief are paramount (Rom. 10:9-10). Strategies for Effective Gospel Encounters (Chapter 8) provides some sample questions and dialogues in offering guidance to listen for mistaken beliefs, logical fallacies, and implicit biases, while looking for positions that may be embarrassing to maintain. Using commonly held values as an anchor for conversation (e.g., moral or social issues), you may identify assertions that seem to call for arguments as you exercise wisdom in your discussions.

Chapter 9, Logical Mistakes to Avoid, avoids technical phrases (typically Latin) in identifying illogical thought processes that may short circuit meaningful conversations. The author offers specific examples of such approaches, both by the Christian and by the unbeliever. The logical fallacies reviewed are 1) Appeal to authority 2) Personal attack, 3) False cause, 4) Red herring, 5) False dilemma, 6) Hasty (or unwarranted) generalization, 7) Begging the question, 8) Faulty analogy, and 9) Equivocation. This exceptionally helpful chapter challenges the reader to both address such responses as well as avoid using them. Chapter 10 addresses how to continue Gospel Conversations in Ongoing Relationships, since many of such conversations may be long term (Rosaria Butterfield provides the example of spending weekly meals with a pastor and his wife for a year before, as a former lesbian and rank feminist, she “met the most likely of friends, Jesus Christ himself” (p. 172). Farnham counsels the reader to 1) balance urgency with patience, 2) be vigilant for opportunities, 3) avoid slogans while giving real answers, and 4) move from the specific to the universal.

This excellent book closes with a section for review and practice of these insights. The author’s final words are challenging – “…if you have read this far and have not felt burdened to get out there and actually engage people with the good news of Christ, you have wasted your time by reading this book and I have failed in writing it. Unless we are actively seeking and taking advantage of opportunities to talk to unbelievers about the gospel, we have missed the point of learning apologetics” (p. 183).

In summary, Every Believer Confident is informative, inspiring, and challenging. It is the most comprehensive and practical book I have ever read on the subject.

[Kate Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does the thought of sharing the gospel with a staunch unbeliever make you nervous? Have you ever been in a conversation with an unbeliever and found yourself unable to defend Christianity? If you're like me and have experienced both of these situations, Every Believer Confident is a wonderful resource for you! In this book, Dr. Mark Farnham covers the importance for apologetics and steps you can take to defend Christianity well. The chapters are clear and concise and give every believe the confidence she needs to boldly proclaim the truth of the gospel to an unbelieving world. This book is down to earth and very easy to grasp, especially for those who are looking for something that is not highly academic. We are all called to defend the faith, and this book is a great starting point.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Every Believer Confident, Mark J. Farnham presents a clear and accessible introduction to apologetics for everyday Christians. This book equips readers to engage others thoughtfully and respectfully in conversations about faith.



Presuppositional Apologetics

Farnham takes a presuppositional approach to apologetics—an approach that encourages dialogue by grounding it in a deep understanding of both the Christian worldview and the beliefs of one’s conversation partner. He reminds readers that all Christians are called to defend their faith (1 Peter 3:15), and that the first step in doing so is to thoroughly know the Christian faith. The second step is to understand, as much as reasonably possible, the beliefs and assumptions of the person you’re speaking with.


One particularly encouraging aspect of the book is Farnham’s reminder that we do not have to focus on proving God’s existence. As Romans 1:18–21 explains, every person already has a basic knowledge of God, though it is often suppressed. Farnham helps readers learn to ask insightful questions that uncover this suppression and reveal the deeper heart issues behind resistance to God.



What’s their worldview?

The book teaches believers to ask the kinds of questions that challenge the foundations of an unbeliever’s worldview. Farnham emphasizes that the burden of proof doesn’t rest solely on the Christian. Unbelievers should be challenged to justify their objections to the Christian faith. By gently and respectfully questioning the authority structures in which unbelievers place their trust, Christians can help expose the weaknesses in those frameworks.


The ultimate goal of both evangelism and apologetics is to point people to Jesus—his historical reality, his claims to be God and Messiah, his role as the only way to be reconciled with God, and his resurrection from the dead. We can also show the beauty, coherence, and rationality of the Christian faith. Engage others with life’s biggest questions: Why am I here? What is my purpose? Who am I? What’s wrong with the world? Why is there evil and suffering? Where is everything headed?


When presenting the gospel, Farnham advises using clear biblical language, emphasizing human sin and guilt, and highlighting God’s love through Christ. Grace—not merit—should be the heart of our message.



Share Your Faith

The book concludes with practical strategies for effective gospel conversations. These include listening carefully for mistaken beliefs, logical fallacies, implicit biases, or self-contradictions; identifying claims that lack support; and recognizing when to press further or pull back. Farnham also stresses the importance of ongoing relationships in apologetics, showing that long-term engagement often bears the most fruit.


Every Believer Confident left me feeling excited about sharing my faith. It’s a helpful, hope-filled guide for any Christian who wants to engage the world with both truth and grace.



I received a media copy of Every Beiever Confident and this is my honest review.

[Jarrell Lemos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down to earth approach to apologetics. I appreciate how this approach shows that you just need to be a regular Christian not a master apologist to share you faith. Also helpful how he points out that apologetics should ultimately get back to Jesus and the gospel.

This is a great contribution since a lot of presupp books neglect to emphasise that we must demonstrate how a non Christian worldview falls apart, rather than merely asserting that all other worldviews are false.

One criticism is that his on the field conversational strategies (chapters 4-5) are kind of a worse version of those presented by Greg Koukl in Tactics. I think his conversational strategies would have benefited by simply adopting Koukls Columbo tactic and sharing that.

Finally, I also appreciated the good discussions and case studies at the end of each chapter

[James Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Farnham has done a great service to the Church with this practical book on apologetics. If you’re looking for a book to help you with your approach to talking to unbelievers, this is a must-read. The author walks through the basics of a presuppositional method by breaking it down in laymen’s terms. The result is a clear methodology that places confidence in the Holy Spirit, the Gospel, and God’s Word while simultaneously arming the Christian with ways to investigate the claims of unbelievers. The author seeks to equip and motivate Christians to show love to others by listening well, asking strategic questions, and then directing the conversation to Jesus.

As a pastor, I will be buying this book for many in my church!

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Every Believer Confident, Dr. Mark Farnham removes self-imposed barriers to sharing and defending your faith in Jesus Christ. He not only offers practicable advice for approaching skeptics with grace and humility but also logically displays why the believer need not hesitate to question a nonbeliever’s reliance on anything other than the Word of God. As he explains, the goal is not to win the argument but to try to remove one brick of a stronghold, sow a seed, or add water to what is already planted during every divine appointment.
Dr. Farnham both encourages and equips the reader to act. He aims to make even hesitant believers eager to share the gospel winsomely by reminding them their confidence is not in themselves or their knowledge of history, science, or philosophy. Their confidence is in Christ.

[Woody Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very approachable book on apologetics, which many Christians fear is a mountain too high. Farnham’s book is readable, practical, and insightful. If you are serious about telling the good news of Jesus in face-to-face encounters, this book will prove helpful and encouraging. Quotable: “Apologetics is premeditated evangelism” … “The goal of apologetics is not to win an argument but to get people to Jesus.” Chapter four (“Understanding Unbelievers”) and chapter six (“Getting them to Jesus”) are worthy of a good slow read!

[Francis Szarejko · Rating 3 out of 5]

A valiant attempt but an unnecessarily difficult way to teach apologetics to the average Christian. If you want to learn the best ways to share Christ and do everyday apologetics, you will be much better served by books by Gregg Koukl. "Tactics," "Street Smarts" and "The Story of Reality" in much more effective ways. I know this from experience. I have a M.A. in Christian Apologetics which arms me with much knowledge, but the tactics taught by Koukl are what makes all that knowledge useful.

[William Beckham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book helps to establish a framework for engaging with unbelievers. It does not try to lay out all the evidences or arguments for God, but rather seeks to equip Christians with the tools necessary to better engage with unbelievers. It emphasizes that the goal of apologetics is evangelism. Very helpful, concise, practical resource for anyone interested!

[Leah Beck (Hildreth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book mainly because it gives helpful advice to wisely, gently, and humbly converse with others that have different views. It encourages confidence in God to change hearts while giving us tools to plant and water seeds of truth about Jesus.

[Matthew Rawlings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Introduction

A good introduction. Many Christians balk at learning the rules of logic. If, however, they are willing to do so, Farnham’s work can help.

[Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful introduction, with lots of practical examples.

[Ben Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the first couple chapters a bit too simplistic, but the last half of the book is very helpful for any Christian looking to engage in evangelistic conversations!

[Hannah Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book achieves its aim! Definitely one of the more approachable and non-academic intros to apologetics. He makes a solid argument for the value of apologetics and purpose for us to invest in it. He also explains clearly that apologetics can be engaged at different levels and does not need to be an incredibly philosophical or academic pursuit; ultimately, the idea is simply to be prepared to provide reasons for your faith. God prepares us with many skills for the situations we find ourselves in and the people he sets in our paths.

Ultimately, this was not my preferred apologetic text, but I think I would recommend it to church members who were interested in apologetics but felt distant from academia.

[Roger Bryan Van Pelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not at all familiar with the topic of apologetics. Mark's book was a great introduction, so much so that I used it to lead a small group in our church. The book allowed us to have great discussions on how to present the Gospel to the world around us. Two of the women in our group are new believers and have unbelieving husbands and found it to be particularly helpful.

The book has had a profound effect on me. I have now gone out and bought some books and watched YouTube videos on the subject. I really feel the need to incorporate apologetics in my witnessing and in my preaching.