Evidence for God from Science

How important is it to give great thought to the reasons for one's faith and to get one's apologetics in order? How helpful would it be in gaining and/or keeping believers?

One thing I have learnt is that you cannot win souls by winning debates. That is my opinion on it. Apologetics may answer or may even be used to get the atheist to shut up but it won't open their eyes to the gospel.

Agreed Neo.
Noone can finally 'win' another except God grant it. Our job is to be real to others.

I think anyone who doesn't learn apologetics in addition to their faith in Christ in this modern day and age is kidding themselves if they don't think its important. Its an intellectual battlefield out there guys. Not one where you pick up arms like a crusade.

Anyone who goes out there unprepared for battle without a strong foundation and strong defense for your belief is doubtful to make it and you'll likely be lost again.

Learning philosophy is going to be very important in fortifying your position.
Learning proper christian dualism proofs and philosophy is going to be important against anti-Christ beliefs.

I generally disagree about the notion that "winning debates" wont bring people to the gospel. As Christians, we have been labeled as anti-intellectual. Reason is because we don't engage non believers with intellect. Its not about winning, its about proving we believe for solid reasons. Atheists often continue to steamroll other Christians to confirm their views. It needs to stop, otherwise the gospel cannot even get off the ground

I generally disagree about the notion that "winning debates" wont bring people to the gospel. As Christians, we have been labeled as anti-intellectual. Reason is because we don't engage non believers with intellect. Its not about winning, its about proving we believe for solid reasons. Atheists often continue to steamroll other Christians to confirm their views. It needs to stop, otherwise the gospel cannot even get off the ground

Dom I agree with you all the way, my only point was my observation, while it is awesome to defend our faith, it is also important to remember that debates are the poorest way to make people see the true message of the gospel. I am all up for and always encourage people to learn apologetics. I am simply saying that it is not an alternative to evangelism and thus this point was directed towards the last part of the OP

How helpful would it be in gaining and/or keeping believers?

I personally do not encourage people to remain blind on the defending part. On the contrary I think the world out there is full of nonsense crap attributed to us, one should be ready to counter that. But with humility and love of the Gospel, not with a winning score of debates. That is just the wrong yard stick to measure apologetics and the very purpose for which it is being done.