What is the role of apologetics in Christianity? In other words, should apologetics be used for evangelism or strengthening the church?

I must admit that I knew very little about the art or science of apologetics when I started my M.Div a year and a half ago. I always wondered when I saw the term apologetics, for what exactly were Christians apologizing. I did not understand that apologetics is the art and science of presenting the Gospel in such a way as to overcome the objections of a reluctant person for whom Christ has died.1 Caner goes further to give a deep definition, Apologetis is the science and the art of presenting your faith to skeptics, cynics and adherents to all systems of religion. It is based on, and formulated through, knowledge, preparation and discernment.2 With the above definitions in mind it is clear that apologetics should be used in the process of preparing mans heart to receive our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That means that apologetics is a necessary part of the evangelization process. Some may see this as pre-evangelism. 1 Peter 3:15 states, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence That means that Christians must be prepared to give account for what they believe and why they have hope in Jesus. I also believe that apologetics can be used to strengthen the church. Because we are flesh there will be times when our beliefs do not line up with the Bible. Apologetics can help us get back in line thereby strengthening the church. Christians must be careful that they do not become argumentative in their process of apologetics. If we are too argumentative we may alienate those whom we are trying to serve. According to Caner, True apologetics is not about winning a fight, its about winning souls.3 Being right cannot be the primary point of an apologetic presentation. The primary point needs to be the
Caner, The Need for Apologetics: A Summary of the Essentials of Christianity, (class lecture notes Lecture One, Liberty University Online, August 25, 2011), 4. Caner, The Task of Presenting Your Case: The Biblical Mandate of Apologetics and Polemics, (class lecture notes Lecture Two, Liberty University Online, August 25, 2011), 24 Caner, The Need for Apologetics: A Summary of the Essentials of Christianity, (class lecture notes Lecture One, Liberty University Online, August 25, 2011), 6.
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preparation of unbelievers heart to receive Christ. Christians must also be careful that their lives line up with what they say they believe. It could be detrimental to the apologetic process if the Christian presenting the apologetics is not living according to Word of God. Zacharias states, The spiritual condition and character of the apologist are of immense importance. This means the apologists task begins with a godly walk.4 So apologetics is a valuable tool in allowing God to use us as tool to prepare the hearts of those who do not believe to receive Christ.

Ravi Zaharias, The Apologists First Question, (class lecture notes Lecture Two, Liberty University Online, August 25, 2011), 42.