This distinguished academic position honors Josh McDowell who has truly

embodied the apologetics life and represents his endorsement of SES’s mission.

The Committment:

The Josh McDowell Chair of Apologetics is in honor of and a committment to the principles and character that have defined the life of Josh McDowell. Southern Evangelical Seminary desires to carry on the legacy of this hero of the Christian faith who has so well personified the apologetics life - commending and defending the truth of Christianity.

This is named after Josh because he brought apologetics to so many people, his world class academics, his personal integrity, and his fruitful service in the Kingdom. He has been an evangelist, a strategist of the Great Commission, and a courageous defender of Christ. His fearless zeal is tempered with compassion and empathy and is a shining example of the kind of person that SES desires to help produce.

This position of academic honor represents SES's desire to train men and women in the tradition of Josh McDowell and the school's pursuit of the same mission that propelled him. It is with great gratitude that we accept the priviledge of using Josh's name to educate and inspire the next generation. His strong affirmation of the mission and methods of Southern Evangelical Seminary is a profound honor.

Current Occupant: The Josh McDowell Chair of Apologetics has not yet been bestowed upon an individual.  SES will be proud to announce this position in the near future.

Josh's Bio:

While a student at Kellog College in Michigan, Josh McDowell was challenged by a group of Christian students to intellectually examine the claims of Christianity. Josh was sure from past experiences that Christianity was worthless, but he accepted the challenge, targeting the resurrection of Christ as the key event to discredit. Instead, he discovered compelling historical evidence for the reliability of the New Testament and the resurrection of Christ.

With his intellect convinced of the truth of Christianity, Josh struggled to bring his will to admit it. One night, unable to sleep and unable to get Jesus off his mind, Josh asked Jesus to come into his life and forgive his sins. In the months following that decision, Josh noticed changes in his life. The biggest area of change was in his relationship with his father - the town alcoholic. Josh's hatred for his father turned into love by the power of God at work in his life.

Josh transferred to Wheaton College to finish his degree. While there, he began traveling on weekends to speak at churches and evangelistic meetings. After graduating from Wheaton, Josh entered Talbot Theological Seminary and continued his speaking ministry under the name, "Focus on Youth." In 1964, he joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ and eventually was assigned as a director of the campus ministry at the University of British Columbia. From there he toured Latin America, lecturing on pro-Marxist campuses. In the years that followed, Josh began publishing books and recording his talks on tape.

In 1989, Josh teamed up with the contemporary music group, Petra. Together, they toured the nation, giving Josh's "Why Wait?" message promoting sexual purity to teens. In the fall of 1995, Josh launched the nationwide "Right from Wrong" Campaign and the "Counter the Culture" tour to help today's young people make right moral choices based on the nature and character of God.

In 1990, Josh launched the first of many trips to Russian. Projects like "Mission to Russia" and "Operation Carelift" have resulted in over 6,500 volunteers going to the former Soviet Union and more than 2,300 tons of food, medicine, vitamins, and other needed items being delivered to needy institutions. In addition, more than 18 million copies of Josh's books, including More Than a Carpenter, with the Gospel of John, have been translated, printed, and distributed in Russian and the surrounding republics.

Josh McDowell is known as one of the most articulate and popular youth speakers, having spoken to more than seven million young people in at least 84 countries, including 700 university and college campuses. To date, Josh is the author or co-author or more than 50 books. He has developed nine workbook studies, and has been featured in 12 video series and numerous television and film specials. Among his most popular books are: Evidence That Demands a Verdict, More Than a Carpenter, and Right From Wrong: What You Need to Know to Help Youth Make Right Choices.

Josh has been a traveling representative for Campus Crusade for Christ since 1964, and head the Josh McDowell Ministry international organization. Josh and Dottie, his wife, live in the Dallas area. They have four children.