Public Square Conversations - Training Guide
Here we go!
Antagonist Briefing – December 2025
📅 Structure of the Night
Four antagonists role-play non-Christian viewpoints (pro-choice, atheism, feminism, LGBTQ+ activism, etc.)
- Young Adults divided into 5 small groups (3–4 people each)
- Each group has 1 trainer who stays with them all night
- 4 separate rooms → one antagonist per room
- Groups rotate every ~20 minutes (visit all 4 rooms)
- Trainers observe & coach quietly — never debate or take over
📊 Conversation Comfort Sheets
Each student has a personal sheet rating comfort 1–10 on topics.
- Ex: “Existence of God” = 1 → “Abortion” = 8
- Trainers use this to gently stretch students just outside their comfort zone
🧭 Trainer Role (Important!)
- Observe only — do NOT argue with antagonists
- Quiet side-coaching, whispers, notes
- Help students spot fallacies & respond with clarity + grace
🧠 Logical Fallacies You’ll Use Naturally
Misrepresentation Fallacies
- Straw Man
“So you’re saying every woman who had an abortion should be executed?” - Ad Hominem
“You only believe that because you’re sheltered / brainwashed / old” - Red Herring
“Yeah, but what about the Crusades / priest scandals?”
Assumption Fallacies
- Loaded Question
“Why do Christians always think they’re better than everyone?” - Equivocation
“You just take it on blind faith, so facts don’t matter to you, right?” - Oversimplification
“If you’ve ever sinned, you’re just a hypocrite and not a real Christian”
🎯 Your Job as Antagonist
- Weave these fallacies in naturally (don’t announce them!)
- Stay in character, be respectful, but push their thinking
- Have fun — this is training, not a fight ❤️
Questions? Text [Your Name] at [Your Phone] — Thank you!!