Mission Statement

The mission of Southern Evangelical Seminary is to train men and women, based on the inerrant and infallible written Word of God, for the evangelization of the world and defense of the historic Christian Faith.

HISTORY

 1992

Southern Evangelical Seminary was co-founded in 1992 by Ross Rhoads, former evangelist and then Pastor of Calvary Church in Charlotte, and Norman Geisler, long-time Seminary professor and apologist. Pastor Rhoads’ burden for evangelism and Professor Geisler’s concern to defend the Faith combined in the two-fold vision of the seminary to evangelize the world and to defend the historic Christian Faith. It was officially incorporated in the State of North Carolina on January 6, 1992. A feasibility study prepared by Dr. Geisler was presented to and approved by the Calvary Elders on February 24, 1992. The agreement with the Church included the acceptance of its doctrinal statement and involved a fraternal and supportive relationship between the two organizations. However, both entities agreed to remain legally and economically independent and autonomous. Ross Rhoads was appointed as the first President of the Seminary, and Norman Geisler was the first Dean. By May 4, 1992 SES had obtained permission from the State of North Carolina to offer a Seminary program with degrees, as provided for under North Carolina General Statutes Section (G.S.) 116-15 (d). Preparation began to develop a faculty, catalog, and library. The first classes began in September of 1992. The Seminary grew rapidly, attracting students from all over the United States and several other countries. From the beginning it attracted national attention by its unique program in evangelism and classical apologetics.

1995

The first graduate received his degree in 1995.

1997

In late summer of 1997 the Seminary moved to 4298 McKee Road, Charlotte, NC to property graciously provided by McKee Road Baptist Church.

1998

On February 27, 1998 Southern Evangelical Seminary was granted Candidate Status by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), a national accrediting association recognized by the United States government.

 1999

In 1999, Norman L. Geisler was appointed President of the Seminary. At this same time “The Norman L. Geisler Chair of Christian Apologetics” was named after him. In March 1999 Southern Evangelical Seminary was accepted as a member organization of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) certifying that it has met all standards of financial integrity and Christian ethics.

 2001

On March 2, 2001 Southern Evangelical Seminary was granted accreditation by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) and started the Doctor of Ministry Program.

 2003

In the late summer of 2003 Southern Evangelical Seminary completed the building of its own 23,000 square foot facility on a ten and one-half acre lot located at 3000 Tilley Morris Road, Matthews, NC.

 2004

In the Fall of 2004 Southern Evangelical Bible College was established to offer students the opportunity to complete an undergraduate degree.

2006

On April 7th, 2006 it was announced that popular evangelist-apologist Alex McFarland, a long time friend of the seminary, would become its third president. A graduate of Liberty University, Alex McFarland earned a B.S. and M.A. in Christian Thought / Apologetics, and was awarded an honorary D.Div. from SES in May 2006. Alex had been in full-time Christian ministry since 1989, and has been traveling as an apologetics-based evangelist since 1996 (speaking in all 50 states and at well over 400 venues in only ten years). Alex's blend of apologetics and evangelism was found to be a perfect fit for SES which includes both of these in its two-fold mission statement: To evangelize the world and defend the historic Christian faith.

2007

In Spring of 2007 the Veritas Graduate School of Apologetics at SES was approved to offer the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Apologetics as a three year academic degree.

2008

Phase two building construction complete with a recording studio and radio station. Three new graduate degrees are approved.