Mary Jo Sharp: A Transformative Journey from Atheist to Apologist

Ever have doubts about your faith or find it hard to share the gospel with others?

My guest today is all about helping us find answers to doubt and building confidence in our Christianity.

It’s important to know why we believe what we believe.

A former atheist who came to faith, Mary Jo Sharp first encountered apologetics in her own spiritual search while seeking answers.

Mary Jo is now an assistant professor of apologetics at Houston Baptist University and the founder and director of Confident Christianity Apologetics Ministry!

What an amazing transformation and oh how God is using her to share His truth with others!

The Confident Christianity Ministry focuses on addressing the hard questions of Christianity with love and logic through research, writing, training, and debate.

But before we continue with the show–here’s an important announcement…

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Need a little help sharing your faith?

I love how Mary Jo provides wisdom and guidance in navigating faith conversations, especially with those who may not believe what we believe.

We tend to make sharing our faith so hard and even legalistic at times as if we have to do it to check off a box. I enjoyed hearing Mary Jo talk about the way faith conversations can be well, conversational!

I know what she has to share will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Mary Jo Sharp…

Favorite Quotes from the show…

“We want to partner with God in like, lifegiving service to others… “

“We really need to do more listening because people need that.”

“But I’ll tell you what, you start telling God, ‘Hey, put somebody in my path that wants to know you’ and He will.”

“…being that redemptive, lifegiving sourcefor other people in the way that you’re uniquely gifted–start there…”

–Mary Jo Sharp

Connect with Mary Jo!

You can connect with Mary Jo at maryjosharp.com and confidentchristianity.com where you can also check out her resources and grab her Bible Study and books mentioned in the show. Plus, hop on over to Patreon where you’ll find the podcast she has with her husband called The Pastor and the Professor.

Other Cool Resources Mentioned in the Show

Mary Jo and I mentioned Nabeel Qureshi’s book Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity

We also mentioned Mikel Del Rosario aka the Apologetics Guy so check out his page, too! Good stuff!

More about Mary Jo…

Mary Jo is now an assistant professor of apologetics at Houston Baptist University and the founder and director of Confident Christianity Apologetics Ministry. She has been featured in Christianity Today’s cover story “The Unexpected Defenders” and is an international speaker on apologetics, focusing on love and logic to uncover truth.  She serves on faculty with Summit Ministries Student Conferences and is a published author with Kregel PublicationsB&H Publications, and Zondervan.

Mary Jo is the author of the top-selling Bible study,Why Do You Believe That? as well as Living in Truth with LifeWay Christian Resources. You can also check out Defending the Faith, and Come Let Us Reason of which she is a contributor. She recently released her book Why I Still Believe.

She lives with her husband and family in Portland, Oregon.

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Love & God’s Perfect Peace to You!

Doris

2 Comments

  1. Adenia

    Doris, I just finished listening and absolutely loved the interview with Mary Jo Sharp! I remember doing her Bible Study with you and how helpful it was. I’m going to check out all of her other resources now too! This topic is very close to my heart. ❤️

    • Doris Swift

      Adenia, that is wonderful and so glad the episode was a blessing to you! This topic is close to my heart as well and glad we went through the Why Do You Believe That? Bible study together. It’s cool that Clark is also familiar with Mary Jo and her Kingdom work in apologetics. God bless you, friend! I’m sure Mary Jo will be blessed by your words as well and that you’re checking out her resources.

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