Date
4-7-2026
Department
Rawlings School of Divinity
Degree
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Chair
Andrea M. Burson
Keywords
apologetics, epistemic confidence, intergenerational relationships, narrative identity, faith transmission, generativity, discipleship
Disciplines
Practical Theology | Psychology
Recommended Citation
Farley, Thomas C., "Intergenerational Apologetics: A Strategy for Careful Confidence" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8110.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8110
Abstract
There is a subtle confusion between the objectives of evangelism and apologetics, leaving Open Door Baptist Church (ODBC) seniors unknowingly ill-equipped and intimidated to defend their Christian values. The purpose of this Doctor of Ministry research was to address that intimidation by training seniors in a dedicated faith-values curriculum to become confident apologetic communicators. The intervention leveraged the process of intergenerational values-sharing while training stakeholders to develop their own faith narratives by seamlessly integrating biblical values with relevant apologetic particulars into personal stories to be shared with their grandchildren. In this environment, participants could develop a personal faith narrative that incorporates the biblical values they hold dear, while also emphasizing apologetic content that made a difference in their lives. The project was conducted in a local church setting and employed a mixed-methods approach. The intervention began with a three-week preaching series clarifying the distinct purposes of evangelism and apologetics, followed by a seven-week apologetics workshop. Surveys were administered pre- and post-intervention, with interviews and journals collected throughout the study to measure participants’ attitudes toward apologetics, feelings of intimidation, and growth in epistemic confidence. The exercise in the relational dyad served as a training ground for developing a gentle form of apologetic boldness. This relational model of apologetics also encouraged personal connections, theological inquiry, and heartfelt discussion. So, the intervention focused on an apologetic presentation of the biblical gospel, with a loving concern for the listener, in an intergenerational context.
