Huntington University to Host Engage Apologetics Conference

Keynote speaker Dr. Sean McDowell headlines list of conference presenters

HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University will host the Engage Apologetics Conference on Friday, February 7, and Saturday, February 8, in the Merillat Centre for the Arts, highlighted by keynote speaker Dr. Sean McDowell.

The conference will focus on the topics of the importance of apologetics, the reliability of the Bible and reaching the world for Christ, with a series of additional subjects being covered in breakout workshops.

“In a world of competing values and views on reality, it is crucial for God’s people to understand the timeless truth of the Christian faith and why this beautiful truth can be trusted,” said HU Campus Pastor Mark Vincenti. “1 Peter 3:15 says, ‘...Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.’ The 2025 Engage Apologetics Conference at Huntington University aims to inspire and equip you to be a wise and winsome witness for Christ to a world that desperately needs the truth of the Gospel.”

Keynote speaker Sean McDowell is a gifted communicator with a passion for equipping the church to make the case for the Christian faith. He connects with audiences in a tangible way through humor and stories while imparting hard evidence and logical support for viewing all areas of life through a Biblical worldview. McDowell is an associate professor in the Christian apologetics program at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He is the co-host for the Think Biblically podcast, which is one of the most popular podcasts on faith and cultural engagement.

McDowell taught high school Bible for 21 years, which helps give him exceptional insight into the prevailing culture so he can impart his observations poignantly to fellow educators, pastors and parents alike. He is listed among the top 100 apologists and graduated summa cum laude from Talbot Theological Seminary with a double master’s degree in theology and philosophy. He earned a PhD in apologetics and worldview studies from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2014. McDowell is the author, co-author or editor of over 20 books, including “Set Adrift” (with John Marriott), “A Rebel’s Manifesto,” “The Fate of the Apostles,” “So The Next Generation Will Know” (with J. Warner Wallace), “Evidence that Demands a Verdict” (with Josh McDowell), “Same-Sex Marriage: A Thoughtful Approach to God’s Design for Marriage” (with John Stonestreet), “Is God Just a Human Invention?” (with Jonathan Morrow) and “Understanding Intelligent Design” (with William A. Dembski).

Please visit www.seanmcdowell.org for McDowell’s blog, articles, videos and many other resources.The conference will run from 7:30-9:00 p.m. on Friday and 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Saturday at HU’s Merillat Center for the Arts.

Tickets for the conference are available for purchase for $5 in advance online and $10 on the day of in person. Advance online tickets can be purchased by visiting huntington.edu/Engage. Scholarships and group rates are available upon request.

For additional information, please contact Mark Vincenti at mvincenti@huntington.edu or (260) 359-4286.