Tactics for Engagement - Worldview Grades 7-12

The focus of this course is uniquely practical. In short, the focus is on how to communicate one’s Christian convictions in a winsome and persuasive manner. We will also cover how to deal skillfully with challenges to the Christian worldview in the midst of rough-and-tumble, live-action, real world conversations. A wide range of topics and questions and challenges relevant to the Christian worldview will be addressed, but the focus will be on what Greg Koukl labels “tactics.” Students will gain the skills needed to engage with confidence in productive conversations—no matter the topic, no matter the interlocutor—and to embrace challenges without fear or anxiety, and to be able to challenge others’ thinking as well.

While most students won’t go on to use algebra or Latin or chemistry every day in the future (you know the old complaint: “I’ll never use this ever again!”), everyone will use the skills taught in this course for the rest of their lives.

Warning: Parents should not put their children in this course if they do not want them to develop the annoying habit of asking challenging questions like “What do you mean by that?” and “Why do you believe that?”

The book Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions (10thanniversary ed.), by Greg Koukl, will be required reading.

From the back cover of Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions:

“In a world increasingly indifferent to Christian truth, followers of Christ need to be equipped to communicate with those who do not speak their language or accept their source of authority. In Tactics, Gregory Koukl demonstrates how to artfully regain control of conversations, keeping them moving forward in constructive ways through thoughtful diplomacy. You’ll learn how to stop challengers in their tracks and how to turn the tables on questions or provocative statements. Most important, you’ll learn how to get people thinking about Jesus.

Tactics provides the game plan for communicating the compelling truth about Christianity with confidence and grace. Drawing on extensive experience defending Christianity in the public square, Koukl shows readers how to:

• Initiate conversations effortlessly

• Present the truth clearly, cleverly, and persuasively

• Graciously and effectively expose faulty thinking

• Skillfully manage the details of dialogue

• Maintain an engaging, disarming style even under attack”

Worldview Tactics Details

Dates: Wednesdays Nov 4-Dec 9, Christmas Break Dec. 16-30th, Jan 6-April 7

Time: 1-2:30pm each week

Cost: $225/student, includes a copy of Tactics book for each student. To pay with funding, use the coupon code: FundingTactics

Place: There are two options to participate for these classes:

1) Parkdale Grace Fellowship Church - The maximums for attendance will be based on current Calgary bylaw allowances and will be evaluated each month. (See below for Calgary bylaw details that apply to these meetings.)

Do face coverings need to be worn in places of worship? (Worldview Class)

“Places of worship would be included in the bylaw definition of a public premise, as they are enclosed buildings that members of the public have access to. Those attending places of worship are permitted to temporarily remove their face covering to provide or receive service, such as to receive communion.

However, if a place of worship closes its doors to the public for a private event (for example a wedding), it is not a public premises during the event and therefore attendants will not have to wear face coverings.”

Quote taken from City of Calgary Bylaws Q & A section: https://www.calgary.ca/csps/cema/covid19/safety/covid-19-mask-bylaw-questions-answers.htm

Things to Note:

Roots will encourage the practice of physical distancing for all indoor activities.

2) Online – Weekly links will be sent out for these classes. Students will be watching the class being taught live and online students will be able to interact and ask questions during the class time. To prevent time lapses in video streaming, ensure you are hardwired to your internet.