Recommended Apologetics Resources
When I was growing up, if a youth group engaged with apologetics it was for the sake of outsiders. But today, apologetics is one of the best ways to reach insiders (aka: church kids). Students are asking, “Can I actually trust the things I’ve been taught?” In the process of giving students confidence in their faith, we are also equipping them to talk about their faith in Jesus with others. As the culture changes, so does the way we defend the faith - and so it’s important to find good apologetics resources. Here are a few recommendations to get you started. If you know of others (and have actually used them yourself) please send in a recommendation.
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Books
Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion and 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity, by Rebecca McLaughlin
McLaughlin’s writing style is extremely readable, easy to understand, and profoundly engaging. Students who read these books will actually understand them, and they will be blessed. Her style of apologetics is compelling to postChristian readers. These are hands-down the best apologetics books for teenagers and young adults.
The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism, by Tim Keller
This is a modern-day classic for a reason. Keller is crisp, wise, and helpful. This book may be over some students’ heads, but not all. Students who are asking hard questions and are truly searching for the truth will be thankful for this book… especially if you read and discuss it together.
Apologetics at the Cross: An Introduction for Christian Witness, by Josh Chatraw and Mark Allen
A thorough and gospel-centered perspective on apologetics by two pastoral-theologians.
Naming the Elephant: Worldview as a Concept, by James Sire
In this companion to his widely-used book The Universe Next Door, Sire insightfully explores what a “worldview” really is and how it shapes our lives. This book is helpful at the ground-level of apologetics and understanding how people develop their religious persuasions.
The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus, by Lee Strobel
A classic for a reason. This is a compelling and accessible investigation into the questions around Jesus - did he really live and can we really believe he rose from the dead?
The Big 10 Series
This series of books presents a compelling response to the top ten questions people have about Christianity. These books are good for both evangelism and discipleship. Book titles include, “Why can I trust the Bible?,” “Why is there so much suffering?,” “How could a loving Good send anyone to hell?”
Online Resources
PTA is committed to equipping the next generation think like Jesus. Their site features a podcast, articles and videos to help you respond to the questions doubters and skeptics ask today. Their videos are short overviews of common questions and would be great to watch and discuss with students.
Sean McDowell
Sean’s website provides multiple kinds of resources: a really helpful blog, a podcast, and videos that explores the reasonableness of the Christian faith.
Christianity Explored
This is one of the best evangelistic curricula out there, and their website doesn’t disappoint there are loads of helpful articles and videos that you can share with students, even though the site isn’t youth ministry specific.
Got Questions?
One of the most helpful websites for youth workers. Although it’s not necessarily an apologetics website, many of their articles address common questions students and skeptics ask, some of which also have videos to accompany them. The answers are accessible but robust and theologically sound.
Videos
Sean McDowell
Sean has a host of videos and playlists that are various lengths and types of videos. Some are good for your own development, others are good videos to show and discuss with students.
Impact 360 Institute
The Impact 360 Institute provides a gap-year type of training program, helps with research about reaching GenZ, and their YouTube channel is full of helpful videos. I have found their animated videos particularly well-received by students.
TGC’s “One Minute Apologist”
These one minute videos are great discussion-starters and are packed with solid content. Very youth ministry friendly!
Truth Snack
A thorough and compelling look at various apologetic questions in roughly 10-minute videos. These are more thorough than short fly-by type of videos, but are more approachable and student-friendly than other medium or longer-form options.
Poached Egg
Another good apologetics YouTube channel with various kinds of videos.
