Southern Evangelical Seminary
Encyclopedia
Southern Evangelical Seminary is a Christian college in Matthews, North Carolina
near Charlotte
. The seminary was established in 1992 by Dr. Norman Geisler
, a Christian apologist and theologian, and Ross Rhoads, former pastor of Calvary Church and currently the chaplain of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
(BGEA). The college, Southern Evangelical Bible College (SEBC) was established in 2004.
Southern Evangelical is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools
. SES has also been a member organization of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability
since 1999.
In 2006 evangelist-apologist Alex McFarland became Southern Evangelical Seminary's third president. A graduate of Liberty University
, McFarland earned a B.S. and M.A. in Christian Thought/Apologetics and was awarded an honorary D.Div. from Southern Evangelical in May 2006. Alex has been in full-time Christian ministry since 1989, has traveled as an apologetics-based evangelist since 1996 (speaking in all 50 states and at well over 1,000 venues), and has written a number of published works.
Southern Evangelical offers students fully accredited undergraduate and graduate programs through residence or distance education that integrate classical theology, philosophy, and apologetics for a comprehensive and coherent Christian worldview.
The mission of Southern Evangelical Seminary (SES) 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." SES is conservative Protestant doctrinally and holds firmly to the inerrancy of the Bible. SES is known for its classical theology, integration of theology and philosophy, and a classical apologetics approach. They have a strong philosophy department that holds to conservative Christianity while espousing a realist Thomistic philosophy.
, classical philosophy
, and classical apologetics
. SES offers the following degree programs:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a major in Religious Studies
Master of Arts in Religion
(M.A.R.)
Master of Arts in (M.A.) with majors in Apologetics
, Philosophy
, Church Ministry, Christian Education, and Biblical Studies
. Concentrations can be added in Apologetics
, Philosophy
, Islamic Studies
, Jewish Studies
, and Youth Ministry
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) with majors in Apologetics
and Biblical Studies
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) with a major in Apologetics
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Philosophy of Religion
is also available from Southern Evangelical. For those unable to move to the Charlotte
area, lectures can be provided online or through DVD video. Although external students get the same lectures, notes, textbooks, assignments, and degree as resident students - and they take the courses on their own timetable.
SES Adjunct faculty includes Gary Habermas
, Dave Beck, William Dembski, Wayne Detzler, Elliot Johnson, Michael Licona, Gary Phillips, Kenneth Baker, Michael Brown, David Russ, Frank Turek, and more.
The faculty (past and current) and students have written numerous academic articles and well over 100 published books.
The school has been endorsed by Josh McDowell
, Ravi Zacharias
, Hank Hanegraaff
, John Ankerberg
, and Kay Arthur
(Endorsements).
, theologian and Christian apologist/theologian. Rhoads’ burden for evangelism and 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.
Ross Rhoads was appointed as the first President of the Seminary. Norman Geisler
would assume the presidency and remain in that position until 2006.
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.
The first graduate received his degree in 1995.
In late summer of 1997 the Seminary moved to 4298 McKee Road, Charlotte, NC to property graciously provided by McKee Road Baptist Church.
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.
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.
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.
In the late summer of 2003 Southern Evangelical Seminary completed the building of its own 23000 square feet (2,136.8 m²) facility on a ten and one-half acre lot located at 3000 Tilley Morris Road, Matthews, NC.
In the Fall of 2004 Southern Evangelical Bible College was established to offer students the opportunity to complete an undergraduate degree.
On April 7th, 2006 it was announced that popular evangelist-apologist Alex McFarland, a long time friend of the seminary, would become its new 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.
In Spring of 2007 the Veritas Graduate School of Apologetics at SES was approved to offer the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree.
In the Spring of 2008, a 25000 square feet (2,322.6 m²) facility was added, which doubled the library, tripled the bookstore, and provided more classroom space for students in the growing residency program. The new building also houses a radio station and a state of the art studio for recording.
Matthews, North Carolina
Matthews is a large suburban town of Charlotte located in southeastern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. The population was 27,198 according to the 2010 Census.- Geography :Matthews is located at ....
near Charlotte
CHARLOTTE
- CHARLOTTE :CHARLOTTE is an American blues-based hard rock band that formed in Los Angeles, California in 1986. Currently, they are signed to indie label, Eonian Records, under which they released their debut cd, Medusa Groove, in 2010. Notable Charlotte songs include 'Siren', 'Little Devils',...
. The seminary was established in 1992 by Dr. Norman Geisler
Norman Geisler
Norman L. Geisler is a Christian apologist and the co-founder of Southern Evangelical Seminary outside Charlotte, North Carolina, where he formerly taught. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from Jesuit Loyola University...
, a Christian apologist and theologian, and Ross Rhoads, former pastor of Calvary Church and currently the chaplain of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is an organization started by Billy Graham in 1950. The main focus of the BGEA is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to as many people as possible...
(BGEA). The college, Southern Evangelical Bible College (SEBC) was established in 2004.
Southern Evangelical is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools
Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools
The Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools is a U.S. national educational accreditation agency for Christian colleges, universities, and seminaries...
. SES has also been a member organization of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability
Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability
The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability is an accreditation agency to promote fiscal integrity and sound financial practices among member organizations. Founded in 1979, it comprises over 2,000 evangelical Christian organizations which qualify for tax-exempt, nonprofit status and...
since 1999.
In 2006 evangelist-apologist Alex McFarland became Southern Evangelical Seminary's third president. A graduate of Liberty University
Liberty University
Liberty University is a private Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Liberty's annual enrollment is around 72,000 students, 12,000 of whom are residential students and 60,000+ studying through Liberty University Online...
, McFarland earned a B.S. and M.A. in Christian Thought/Apologetics and was awarded an honorary D.Div. from Southern Evangelical in May 2006. Alex has been in full-time Christian ministry since 1989, has traveled as an apologetics-based evangelist since 1996 (speaking in all 50 states and at well over 1,000 venues), and has written a number of published works.
Southern Evangelical offers students fully accredited undergraduate and graduate programs through residence or distance education that integrate classical theology, philosophy, and apologetics for a comprehensive and coherent Christian worldview.
The mission of Southern Evangelical Seminary (SES) 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." SES is conservative Protestant doctrinally and holds firmly to the inerrancy of the Bible. SES is known for its classical theology, integration of theology and philosophy, and a classical apologetics approach. They have a strong philosophy department that holds to conservative Christianity while espousing a realist Thomistic philosophy.
Degree programs
Degree Programs offered at SES offer training under Christian apologists and Bible teachers who are committed to classical theologyTheology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
, classical philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
, and classical apologetics
Apologetics
Apologetics is the discipline of defending a position through the systematic use of reason. Early Christian writers Apologetics (from Greek ἀπολογία, "speaking in defense") is the discipline of defending a position (often religious) through the systematic use of reason. Early Christian writers...
. SES offers the following degree programs:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a major in Religious Studies
Religious studies
Religious studies is the academic field of multi-disciplinary, secular study of religious beliefs, behaviors, and institutions. It describes, compares, interprets, and explains religion, emphasizing systematic, historically based, and cross-cultural perspectives.While theology attempts to...
Master of Arts in Religion
Religion
Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values. Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to...
(M.A.R.)
Master of Arts in (M.A.) with majors in Apologetics
Apologetics
Apologetics is the discipline of defending a position through the systematic use of reason. Early Christian writers Apologetics (from Greek ἀπολογία, "speaking in defense") is the discipline of defending a position (often religious) through the systematic use of reason. Early Christian writers...
, Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
, Church Ministry, Christian Education, and Biblical Studies
Biblical studies
Biblical studies is the academic study of the Judeo-Christian Bible and related texts. For Christianity, the Bible traditionally comprises the New Testament and Old Testament, which together are sometimes called the "Scriptures." Judaism recognizes as scripture only the Hebrew Bible, also known as...
. Concentrations can be added in Apologetics
Apologetics
Apologetics is the discipline of defending a position through the systematic use of reason. Early Christian writers Apologetics (from Greek ἀπολογία, "speaking in defense") is the discipline of defending a position (often religious) through the systematic use of reason. Early Christian writers...
, Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
, Islamic Studies
Islamic studies
In a Muslim context, Islamic studies can be an umbrella term for all virtually all of academia, both originally researched and as defined by the Islamization of knowledge...
, Jewish Studies
Jewish studies
Jewish studies is an academic discipline centered on the study of Jews and Judaism. Jewish studies is interdisciplinary and combines aspects of history , religious studies, archeology, sociology, languages , political science, area studies, women's studies, and ethnic studies...
, and Youth Ministry
Youth ministry
Youth ministry, also commonly referred to as Youth group, is an age-specific religious ministry and is the way in which a faith group, or other religious organization involves and engages with the young people who attend its place of worship, or live in its community...
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) with majors in Apologetics
Apologetics
Apologetics is the discipline of defending a position through the systematic use of reason. Early Christian writers Apologetics (from Greek ἀπολογία, "speaking in defense") is the discipline of defending a position (often religious) through the systematic use of reason. Early Christian writers...
and Biblical Studies
Biblical studies
Biblical studies is the academic study of the Judeo-Christian Bible and related texts. For Christianity, the Bible traditionally comprises the New Testament and Old Testament, which together are sometimes called the "Scriptures." Judaism recognizes as scripture only the Hebrew Bible, also known as...
Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) with a major in Apologetics
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Philosophy of Religion
Philosophy of religion
Philosophy of religion is a branch of philosophy concerned with questions regarding religion, including the nature and existence of God, the examination of religious experience, analysis of religious language and texts, and the relationship of religion and science...
Resident and distance education
Distance EducationDistance education
Distance education or distance learning is a field of education that focuses on teaching methods and technology with the aim of delivering teaching, often on an individual basis, to students who are not physically present in a traditional educational setting such as a classroom...
is also available from Southern Evangelical. For those unable to move to the Charlotte
CHARLOTTE
- CHARLOTTE :CHARLOTTE is an American blues-based hard rock band that formed in Los Angeles, California in 1986. Currently, they are signed to indie label, Eonian Records, under which they released their debut cd, Medusa Groove, in 2010. Notable Charlotte songs include 'Siren', 'Little Devils',...
area, lectures can be provided online or through DVD video. Although external students get the same lectures, notes, textbooks, assignments, and degree as resident students - and they take the courses on their own timetable.
Faculty
SES (& SEBC) faculty includes Barry Leventhal, Thomas Howe, Jason Reed, Richard Howe, Dave Scott, Doug Beaumont, J.T. Bridges, Ted Wright, Doug Potter, Lanny Wilson, and Christina Woodside.SES Adjunct faculty includes Gary Habermas
Gary Habermas
Gary Robert Habermas is an American evangelical Christian apologist, historian, and philosopher of religion. He is a prolific author, lecturer, and debater on the topic of the Resurrection of Jesus...
, Dave Beck, William Dembski, Wayne Detzler, Elliot Johnson, Michael Licona, Gary Phillips, Kenneth Baker, Michael Brown, David Russ, Frank Turek, and more.
The faculty (past and current) and students have written numerous academic articles and well over 100 published books.
The school has been endorsed by Josh McDowell
Josh McDowell
Joslin "Josh" McDowell is a Christian apologist, evangelist, and writer. He is within the Evangelical tradition of Protestant Christianity, and is the author or co-author of some 77 books. His best-known book is Evidence That Demands a Verdict, which was ranked 13th in Christianity Today's list of...
, Ravi Zacharias
Ravi Zacharias
Frederick Antony Ravi Kumar Zacharias is an Indian-born, Canadian-American evangelical Christian apologist. Zacharias is the author of numerous Christian books, including Gold Medallion Book Award winner Can Man Live Without God? and bestsellers Light in the Shadow of Jihad and The Grand Weaver...
, Hank Hanegraaff
Hank Hanegraaff
Hendrik "Hank" Hanegraaff also known as the Bible Answer Man is an American author, radio talk-show host and advocate of evangelical Christianity. He was born in the Netherlands and raised in the United States since childhood. He is married with 12 children...
, John Ankerberg
John Ankerberg
John Ankerberg is an American Christian evangelist and TV presenter. He is an ordained minister and published author, having written 91 books focusing on religious subjects....
, and Kay Arthur
Kay Arthur
Kay Arthur is an international Bible teacher, four-time ECPA Christian Book Award winning author, and co-founder of Precept Ministries International. Kay’s exciting, practical approach to the Scriptures has drawn thousands to the knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior...
(Endorsements).
History
Southern Evangelical Seminary was founded in 1992 by Ross Rhoads, former evangelist and then Pastor of Calvary Church in Charlotte and Norman GeislerNorman Geisler
Norman L. Geisler is a Christian apologist and the co-founder of Southern Evangelical Seminary outside Charlotte, North Carolina, where he formerly taught. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from Jesuit Loyola University...
, theologian and Christian apologist/theologian. Rhoads’ burden for evangelism and 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.
Ross Rhoads was appointed as the first President of the Seminary. Norman Geisler
Norman Geisler
Norman L. Geisler is a Christian apologist and the co-founder of Southern Evangelical Seminary outside Charlotte, North Carolina, where he formerly taught. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from Jesuit Loyola University...
would assume the presidency and remain in that position until 2006.
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.
The first graduate received his degree in 1995.
In late summer of 1997 the Seminary moved to 4298 McKee Road, Charlotte, NC to property graciously provided by McKee Road Baptist Church.
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.
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.
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.
In the late summer of 2003 Southern Evangelical Seminary completed the building of its own 23000 square feet (2,136.8 m²) facility on a ten and one-half acre lot located at 3000 Tilley Morris Road, Matthews, NC.
In the Fall of 2004 Southern Evangelical Bible College was established to offer students the opportunity to complete an undergraduate degree.
On April 7th, 2006 it was announced that popular evangelist-apologist Alex McFarland, a long time friend of the seminary, would become its new 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.
In Spring of 2007 the Veritas Graduate School of Apologetics at SES was approved to offer the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree.
In the Spring of 2008, a 25000 square feet (2,322.6 m²) facility was added, which doubled the library, tripled the bookstore, and provided more classroom space for students in the growing residency program. The new building also houses a radio station and a state of the art studio for recording.