Recently appearing as an appendix to Michael Keller’s article, “When They Trust Jesus But Not You,” these questions were written by the late Tim Keller as a practical tool for pastors, church planters, and everyday Christians who want to engage skeptics with wisdom and grace.
In an age where spiritual conversations can feel like debates to win or landmines to avoid, Keller shows how a humble, well-placed question can gently crack open the door to deeper dialogue on spiritual realities. Not clever comebacks or pre-loaded traps—just honest, curious questions, rooted in love for one’s neighbor and modeled after Jesus himself. Use them to spark real conversation over coffee, in small groups, or wherever conversations turn spiritual. Sometimes the best way to speak is to start with asking.
–Chris Poblete, Editorial Director for CT Pastors
Questions to Ask Skeptics
- What do you think is the biggest problem facing us today, and what can be done?
- Do you think it is possible to know if there’s a God? Why or why not?
- How do you determine whether an action is right or wrong?
- Tell me about the God you think I believe in.
- What do you find most compelling (or what do you like most) about Christianity?
- What are your biggest objections (or what do you find most implausible) about Christianity?
Also, here is a list of things you could try to do this week to engage your congregation:
- Schedule coffee with someone who has left the church or is inside of it but unhappy. Don’t defend, and don’t explain. Listen, ask questions, thank them for their honesty, and tell them you appreciate their heart in speaking to you.
- Review your last month of sermons and count how many times you used “insider” language that would confuse newcomers or skeptics. Seek in your next sermon to limit this language or explain it to those who might not understand it.
- Identify what people in your church are struggling with, and find ways to address it in your next sermon that centers Christ and uses the text appropriately.
- During your next Sabbath, take time to reflect on what Jesus means when he says, “I will build my church” (Matt. 16:18) and not “You will build my church.” How does that change your struggles?
