The success achieved by evangelizing with apologetics is largely determined upon the approach. With this in mind, here are some key points to successfully evangelize with apologetics.

First, the main objective in any conversation is to teach, not to convert. If we enter a discussion with the wrong mentality, we may be tempted to skew Catholic teachings or speak with a bias merely to win the argument. Also, faced with a confrontational approach, people may tend to become defensive and most likely won't hear half of what is said. By simply concentrating on helping others understand the Catholic faith, conversion will eventually follow in time.

Secondly, seek first to understand the other point of view and then help the other person to understand the Catholic view. Whenever anyone asks me a question about the Catholic faith, I will reply in one way or another with three questions: "What do you believe about it?", "What do you think that the Catholic Church believes about it?" and "How do you think the Catholic Church is wrong about this teaching?" This approach will help you understand the other person's objections to Catholic teaching so you can effectively answer questions. Plus, once you show that you are open to listen to their views, others will naturally be more open to your views. As the old saying goes "No one cares what you know until they know that you care."

Thirdly, in conversations, one should always be totally honest. This should go without saying, but it is a temptation at times when in discussions. If others know that you are going to be truthful with them, then they will trust the information you give them. For instance, we must be totally honest in acknowledging that people in the Catholic Church have made mistakes in the past. Even if such honesty seems to make the church look bad, we cannot lie about it. Eventually, the truth of the teaching will shine through in the conversation.

Also, we must be honest in acknowledging when we do not have all the answers. One of the best answers that you could give is: "I don't know, but I will find out for you." People greatly respect that you want to give them a correct answer rather than a guess or a stab in the dark.

Lastly, never forget that people who are sincere about their faith or interested in learning about the faith most likely love God. Too many times I have seen people enter into this type of discussion acting as if the other person is somehow evil and purposely disobeying God. Be patient with others. It is not easy to understand a new way of looking at the church. For many Protestants, the first step in understanding the Catholic faith is to unravel many years of misunderstanding.

The fruits of this tool of evangelization are not produced instantaneously. It takes time to learn the Catholic faith. Apologetics is not a competition of doctrines, but a journey of God-fearing people desiring to grow closer to God and search for the true teachings of Christ.