IDEAS 2025

Dr. Sean McDowell is a gifted communicator with a passion for equipping the church, and in particular young people, 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.  Sean is an Associate Professor in the Christian Apologetics program at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. Sean is the co-host for the Think Biblically podcast, which is one of the most popular podcasts on faith and cultural engagement.    

Sean taught high school Bible part-time and full-time 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. Sean is listed among the top 100 apologists. He graduated summa cum laude from Talbot Theological Seminary with a double master’s degree in Theology and Philosophy. He earned a Ph.D. in Apologetics and Worldview Studies from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2014.    

Sean is the author, co-author, or editor of over twenty 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).     

In April 2000, Sean married his high school sweetheart, Stephanie. They have three children and live in San Juan Capistrano, California.     
See www.seanmcdowell.org for Sean’s blog, articles, videos, and many other resources.

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.