Street-Level Apologetics Passion for the City Clarity for the City

By Vocab Malone, Adam Coleman, DA Newman and MJ Jackson

Street-Level Apologetics is an encouraging resource for anyone who wants to sharpen their skills in urban apologetics and street-level evangelism. Vocab Malone is a Christian apologist with two decades of experience, both online and on the street. He offers this book as a practical, theological, and biblical guide to modern day urban apologetics and street-level evangelism. This book will challenge you and ignite your passion to display God's glory in your apologetics and evangelism. After reading Street-Level Apologetics, you'll feel inspired to engage your city context with the life-changing truth of the gospel.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Vocab Malone
• Release date: Mar 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201739867

Vocab Malone

holds a Master’s from Phoenix Seminary. His ministry focus is urban contextualized apologetics. He hosts a regular livestream show, Street Apologist Live. Vocab has participated in many public debates and dialogues with Muslims, atheists, Kemetics, and "Hebrew Israelites”.  He’s the author of a book on Hebrew Israelism (Barack Obama vs The Black Hebrew Israelites) and a contributing author to Our God is Triune. Vocab resides in downtown Phoenix, Arizona with his crazy boys and even crazier Doberman.

Book preview

ENDORSEMENTS

Every Christian apologist must be willing to engage with diverse groups of people and ought to do so while faithfully representing biblical truth. Vocab Malone masterfully demonstrates how to effectively engage these groups regardless of one’s background. Absolutely inspiring!

Ervin Douge Williams

Operation Apologetics

Phoenix, AZ USA

This book is the perfect ‘defending the faith starter kit’ for all apologetic newbies getting their feet wet in having fruitful discourse about the gospel in the public square, whether on social media or at the barbershop, hair salon, or corner store. Street-Level Apologetics is a must-read ‘to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ’ (Ephesians 4:12).

Alfredo Valentin (BK Apologist)

Brooklyn, NY USA

Apologetics is a task for all Christians and the gospel is our apologetic. Vocab Malone reminds us of the transcendent nature of Christianity in respect to cultural distinctives and challenges, along with our responsibility to contextual gospel witness.

EC Holmes

That Deity Tho Podcast on The BAR Network

York, PA USA

Nearly two millennia ago, the Apostle Paul walked into the Areopagus in ancient Athens proclaiming the gospel before the aristocratic council in a way that was understandable and palatable for them. Vocab Malone’s new book is an excellent call to arms on how for how to take the gospel into the urban Areopagus with a spirit of boldness and love.

Jeremiah Roberts

Host, The Cultish Show

Tempe, AZ USA

I love the approach Vocab Malone takes in this book. Many tend to get a bit upset and emotional when defending something they hold near and dear, which is never a good thing in apologetics. Vocab addresses that issue well and gives you the tools to use when discussing and confronting alternative views. Good job!

Soup the Chemist

Founder, SFC (Soldiers for Christ)

Author, Through My Windows

Oakland, CA USA

A splendid little book. Vocab’s book is a must-read for those interested in engaging in cultural apologetics. Vocab explains the importance of the Gospel, apologetics, and how to witness to unbelievers in a clear and concise manner. Vocab has strengthened my desire to share the Gospel.

Zachary Sechler

Adherent Apologetics

Student, Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA USA

Usually, when I grab a new Christian apologetics book, I’m immediately expecting to be weaponized with clever tactics and methods of argumentation. This book definitely equips the reader to defend the faith but more than that, it encourages the reader to get in the game and to not be discouraged by our fears of engaging the culture.

Street-Level Apologetics is a great reminder that God is with us in evangelism and that apologetics is a necessary tool in our evangelism. More importantly, it’s a reminder that clearly presenting the Gospel to the lost and persuading them of the truth and light of the Gospel is the ultimate goal, not just winning an argument.

If you need encouragement to take apologetics to your city, let this book be the catalyst.

Miss Tytus2

Miss Tytus2 Apologetics

(YouTube, TikTok)

This new work, Street-Level Apologetics by Vocab Malone, is straight from his heart! You can feel his passion as he is defending the Gospel of Jesus Christ and doing it in a variety of different contexts. Extremely accessible and practical, yet full of insightful information and resources. This will be a go-to resource for anyone looking to use a contextualized apologetic approach!

Mr. Phil A. Fox

Drops of Hope Ministries

Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, North Dakota, USA

It’s always encouraging to witness a person taking the opportunity to recalibrate the world’s understanding of how and why it’s so important to understand what you believe. Vocab Malone’s skillful use of cultural references and application of scripture gives everyone an opportunity to discover the apologist within. With so many needing Christ in our cultural ecosystem, this book is an absolute MUST read!

Jourdan Ortiz*

Servant of Christ Ministries

Atlanta, GA USA

*Jourdan is an apologist & former Hebrew Israelite

Vocab Malone is one of the world’s leading apologists and scholars whether in the academy, colleges, and universities or on the streets! He masterfully travels through the diverse waters of Scripture, history, race, culture, hip hop, and religion amongst other topics in this book and in his ministry. He correctly instructs us that apologetics is a tool to remove barriers so the light of the Gospel can shine through even the darkest human heart. This book is a must have for those who desire to intelligently engage the world for Christ with culturally informed apologetics.

Justin Martyr Francis

Associate Pastor New Life Bridgeport

Artist, Musician, Producer

Chicago, IL USA

Vocab’s method of apologetics doesn’t merely sit on a bookshelf. It’s met with courageous action. However, his boldness and quick wit are always accompanied with compassion and empathy. He quickly garners the respect of those who consider themselves his intellectual adversaries. In the world of cultural apologetics, I submit there are few more experienced than he. Street-Level Apologetics is a highly practical and accessible work to bring Christ’s name to all with clarity and precision.

Mike Commons

Christianity Commons (YouTube)

San Antonio, TX, USA

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I’m fired up and encouraged after reading this book from my brother Vocab! The book does an excellent job of walking the reader through the life of a seasoned and experienced apologist. Vocab provides a list of wisdom-filled do’s and don’ts. He consistently reminds the reader of what the purpose, passion, and intent behind this work should always flow from: love for God, love for souls, and continually pointing towards Christ Jesus, who is Lord of All and to be glorified and exalted forever!

I believe a revival is coming through a new apologetics movement. This book will help usher in that revival. It will be essential reading for us who respond to the tug of the Holy Spirit to join the work! I highly recommend this book to every believer in Christ.

Brandon Moses aka B. Moses (CHH artist)

Host, Buckeye Sports Talk with B. Moses

Columbus, Ohio USA

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Gandhi purportedly said, ‘I do not like your Christians, they are so unlike your Christ.’ As a fellow heathen, I personally find a lot to dislike in Christianity, but Vocab Malone is the kind of Christian that has taught me what Christianity is supposed to look like.

Omar David Call

Performance Atheist

Hollywood, CA USA

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Vocab Malone’s new book is amazing. Vocab deals with the heart of the Christian in the beginning, includes solid statements of faith at the end, and there’s so much more to explore in between. I’m a well-seasoned apologist. I have experience with UFO enthusiasts, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Neo-Pagans, and the Burning Man culture. But I had a hole in my understanding of modern street apologetics. Vocab’s book brought me up to speed on this cultural shift. An apologetics book for every Christian!

Robert Worley

Co-founder, Camp of the Unknown God, Outreach at Burning Man

Cedarville, CA USA

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If you don't know the times in which you live, you won't be able to communicate the truth to those times. In Street-Level Apologetics, Vocab stresses the importance of knowing what you believe and why, feet that stand firm, eyes that stay focused, and a heart that is unwaveringly faithful!

It is refreshing to have a resource that stresses the importance of urban apologetics balanced with a heart for Christ (and His people) and that also gives a brief introduction, overview, and response to aid anyone serious about evangelism in the urban community. Great work!

Shawn Hayes

Stand for Truth Ministries 

Charlotte, NC USA

Vocab lays out his manifesto for a new kind of street apologetics in a style that is uniquely his own. Clear and conversational, while also keen and thoughtful, there’s a reason Vocab befriends his interlocutors. If you can’t meet him for coffee, this book is the next best thing! Now if only he could ditch the presuppositionalism.

Forrest J.S. Schreick

Atheist, PhD Student in Philosophy

Budapest, Hungary

Dedicated to my parents.

You showed me

how to meet people where they’re at,

no matter who they are or what they’ve done.

You showed me

how to love people

with compassion and grace for Jesus.

Contents

ENDORSEMENTS

PREFACE

FOREWORD

INTRODUCTION

PART I:  STREET-LEVEL ACTION

Chapter 1:  The Pit Bull State of Mind

Chapter 2:  Apologetics in The City

Chapter 3:  The Gospel in Apologetics

Chapter 4:  Apologetics in Evangelism

Chapter 5:  Apologetics in Scripture

Chapter 6:  Questioning Apologetics

Chapter 7:  Apologetic Styles

PART II:  STREET-LEVEL CHALLENGES

Chapter 8:  Christianity Vs. Identity?

Chapter 9:  Conscious Community Overview

Chapter 10:  Conscious Community Response

PART III:  STREET-LEVEL THEOLOGY

Chapter 11:  Apologetics in The Church

Chapter 12:  When to Stop Witnessing

Chapter 13:  Theology in Evangelism

Chapter 14:  An Open Letter to  Urban Apologists

PART IV:  APPENDICES, GLOSSARY, & ENDNOTES

APPENDIX A: TEN TENETS OF AN URBAN APOLOGIST

APPENDIX B:  DOCTRINE OF AN URBAN APOLOGIST

GLOSSARY

CONTRIBUTORS

VOCAB MALONE SOCIAL MEDIA

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ALSO BY VOCAB MALONE

ENDNOTES

PREFACE

D.A. NEWMAN

The Introduction provides the backbone and background on which this book rests. It comes from decades of hands-on training and experience.

In the Foreword, Rev. Michael A. Bruce is succinctly encouraging. He articulates perfectly why this book needs to be in every evangelist’s and apologist’s library.

Right out of the proverbial gate, Chapter 1 lays the groundwork. Vocab describes the required mindset for interacting in the urban apologetic arena. This mindset is grounded in the telos of apologetics – for people to enter into a real and loving relationship with Jesus the Christ.

Chapter 2 delves into the what, where, and why of urban apologetics. Understanding the importance of cultural contextualization is key in communication. So is defining terms. Both will help to guide you have fruitful apologetically laced conversations with people. 

Chapter 3 provides insight into the importance of both knowing and sharing the gospel of Christ and reminds us that it’s proclamation must never be ignored and must never be avoided. Vocab talks about keeping the main thing the main thing; he boldly declares that the gospel IS THE MAIN THING.

In Chapter 4, we come to the importance of apologetics in evangelism. Even though the message can be a stumbling block to some, the preaching of Christ crucified is necessary (1 Corinthians 1:23). This chapter comes with some practical tips and points to remember when effectively evangelizing. It reminds us that Christ is the CENTER!

Chapter 5 shows us that apologetics is BIBLICAL. Scripture is replete with examples of apologetic interactions; Vocab draws our attention to these examples so we can follow them.

Chapter 6 dives into the art of asking well placed questions when interacting with worldviews different from your own. Sometimes in discussion, the most powerful thing one can do is simple: ask a question. Be a Hoosier (you gotta read this book to get the reference, sorry)!

Chapter 7, in a logical follow-up to the preceding chapter, defines terms such as worldview, epistemic and reductio ad absurdum. Don’t let these words intimidate you! This segment of the book is clear in laying out the fact that, inevitably, non-Christian worldviews are simply unable to stand up to the truth of reality and thus, they’re unreliable. Christianity, however, is wholly reliable because it’s foundation rests on a Person who IS Truth and Truth is knowable.

In Chapter 8 and Chapter 9, specific urban apologetic matters are explained and engaged. Adam Coleman and MJ Jackson penned the bulk of these chapters (with small contributions from Vocab). Adam and MJ shed light on how cultural contextualization is key in dealing with the groups underneath the big tent term of the Conscious Community. For people of African or indigenous descent, issues surrounding identity (or the lack thereof) MUST be accounted for in the apologetic consideration. Likewise with the distinction between Western Christianity and Biblical Christianity.

Chapter 10 gives us a focused and effective way to respond to those in the Conscious Community. Adam Coleman provides brief synopses of the differing worldviews within the Community and gives readers some insight on how to approach each from a solid knowledge of Scripture, orthodox doctrine and apologetic mindedness. At the end of every chapter in the book, Vocab recommends additional resources. Those are especially important in this chapter.

In Chapter 11, we turn to the church. Vocab shares insight on what churches can do in order to be a part of the solution in the area of urban apologetics. Church leaders and teachers must be willing to engage and teach apologetically; this is what will equip the flock to fight Christian-opposing ideologies successfully. Adam Coleman and MJ Jackson make contributions to this chapter as well.

Chapter 12 discusses these questions: when do we stop debating? When do we stop witnessing? When do we stop discussing? The chapter also includes some more evangelism tips from a variety of sources.

Chapter 13 is a unique entry. Vocab demonstrates how to rephrase and explain deep theological terms in a colloquial and conversational manner. Concepts that are familiar to believers may not be familiar to unbelievers. This chapter presents a practical, relevant, and relatable way for people to share the big ideas simply when they evangelize. This will greatly aid readers when they engage in evangelism.

In Chapter 14, Vocab shares his heart in the form of an Open Letter to the urban apologetics and street evangelism community. It’s written from one co-laborer to another. He addresses urban apologists in a direct and honest way regarding how we act towards outsiders and each other.

The book closes with a few bonuses: two supplemental Appendices: The Ten Tenets of an [Urban] Apologist and The Doctrine of an Urban Apologist. The latter contains a number of ancient creeds and modern confessions. These are great resources of information.

FOREWORD

Rev. Michael A. Bruce

A few years ago, I saw Vocab on a YouTube program titled, The Dividing Line, a Christian apologetics program. He spoke on his interactions with the Hebrew Israelites and displayed a profound knowledge of the group, including knowledge of their teachings and history. His extensive experience in evangelizing and witnessing to Hebrew Israelites about the riches in Christ goes back years. I was so impressed with his knowledge and experience of urban culture, that I reached out to him. Being an inner-city pastor in the Englewood Community of Chicago, I have had encounters with Hebrew Israelites and Nation of Islam Muslims. I thought it would enrich my congregation to hear this phenomenal young man.

I spoke with Vocab and he shared with me that he would be in Chicago. I invited him to speak to our church about fallacies found in Hebrew Israelism. He asked me if it would be alright to invite some members of the Hebrew Israelites to the church. Admittedly, I was a little reluctant and concerned about disruption. I am familiar with how disruptive members of the Hebrew Israelite movement can become. However, he guaranteed me that the people that he was inviting were peaceable. After the morning worship, we had an informal debate between Vocab and the members of the Hebrew Israelites. It was enriching and enlightening for all participants.

Vocab has a Master’s from Phoenix Seminary and is one of the