Belgrave Heights Ideas Convention

Dr Sean McDowell is a dynamic speaker, professor, and cultural apologist, passionate about helping young people confidently live and share their faith.
Known for blending solid evidence with humour and real-life stories, Sean makes the case for Christianity relatable and compelling. He’s an Associate Professor of Apologetics at Biola University and has spent over 20 years teaching high school Bible, giving him deep insight into the questions and challenges today’s youth face.

Sean has spoken across the U.S. and internationally at schools, churches, and conferences, including events with Focus on the Family and Cru. He co-hosts the Think Biblically podcast and has written or edited over 20 books, including Chasing Love and Evidence That Demands a Verdict.

Sean lives in California with his wife Stephanie and their three children. He’s here to help you think clearly, live faithfully, and defend truth with confidence.

Dr Vishal Mangalwadi is a global Christian thinker, speaker, and author of The Book That Made Your World. Christianity Today called him “India’s foremost Christian intellectual” because he has spent decades showing how the Bible transformed societies for the better.

Vishal studied philosophy in Hindu ashrams, Swiss communities, and secular universities before returning to India in 1976 to serve the rural poor. His work sparked political reform, fierce opposition, and even jail time—where he began writing his first major book.

A fearless advocate for truth, justice, and biblical transformation, he has influenced national movements, challenged caste oppression, and inspired students around the world to think deeply about faith and culture.

Today, he and his wife Ruth travel globally, calling the Church to reclaim the Bible’s power to shape lives and nations. Vishal’s life is proof that one person rooted in truth can change the world.

Justin Brierley is the founder and longtime host of the influential apologetics show Unbelievable?, which brought Christians and sceptics into thoughtful, civil conversation online and on-air for nearly two decades.

A pioneer of faith dialogues in the age of New Atheism, Justin became known for moderating debates with guests like Richard Dawkins, Francis Collins, Jordan Peterson, and Tim Keller. His calm, curious, and hospitable style has made him a trusted voice for both believers and seekers.

Now the author of The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God, Justin explores a fresh cultural openness to Christianity in a post-New Atheist era. His work challenges the myth that faith and reason are enemies and points to a new generation discovering Christianity not just intellectually—but aesthetically and personally.

Mary-Jo Sharp is a former atheist turned bold defender of the Christian faith. Growing up in the post-Christian Pacific Northwest and later teaching in the Bible Belt, she brings a unique perspective on faith, doubt, and cultural tension. Her journey into apologetics began with her own deep questions, which led her to discover the truth of Christianity.

Mary Jo is the founder of Confident Christianity, a ministry that equips people to face tough questions with grace and clarity. She’s a popular international speaker, former professor at Houston Christian University, and author of Why Do You Believe That? and Why I Still Believe. Mary Jo is known for making apologetics personal, thoughtful, and spiritually grounded—especially for those wrestling with belief in a sceptical world.

She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband—surrounded by coffee, creativity, and questions worth answering.