a-pol’o-get‘ics, n.; The discipline which deals with a rational defense of Christianity; giving a reason or justification of one’s beliefs; use of evidences and sound reasoning to reach individuals for Christ.
As a speaker, writer, and advocate for teen apologetics, Alex McFarland has spoken in hundreds of locations throughout the US and abroad. He has preached in over 1,200 different churches throughout North America and internationally, and has been featured at conferences such as The Billy Graham School of Evangelism, Focus On The Family’s Big Dig, Josh McDowell’s True Foundations events, California’s Spirit West Coast, and many more.
He has been interviewed on Billy Graham’s Decision radio broadcast, by James Dobson (Focus On The Family radio), NPR’s All Things Considered, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Chuck Colson’s Breakpoint broadcast, CBS, FOX, NBC news, SRN news, the Associated Press (AP) wire service, LA Times, Boston Herald, the BBC, OK- Celebrity News Magazine, Prime Time America, Bible Broadcast Network, La Vie (France), Christianity Today, Charisma, On Mission, and by numerous other media outlets as well.
During the 1990’s (at a time when it was predicted that that the need for apologetics was waning) Alex pioneered apologetics conference formats designed to equip teens and adults to defend their faith. Attendees from throughout the U.S. began to attend Alex’s "Truth For A New Generation" and "National Conference On Christian Apologetics" events, eagerly learning from scholars such as Josh McDowell, Ravi Zacharias, Lee Strobel, and others.
In 2004, Alex become Focus On The Family's first Director of Teen Apologetics. Through the association with Focus On The Family, Alex's vision to impart a biblical worldview to teens took on an even broader scope. Events such as the "Big Dig" conference are introducing apologetics and world-view content to thousands of teens and college students. He continues to work with Focus On The Family as a speaker, writer, and consultant.
In 2006, Alex was named third president of Southern Evangelical Seminary and the Veritas Graduate School. In his home state of NC, Alex McFarland was named one of, "Forty Leaders Under The Age of Forty," by the Jaycees. Alex is the only evangelist known to have preached in all 50 states in only 50 days, through his "Tour Of Truth." This crusade across America included 64 evangelistic services, became the subject of Alex’s first book, and was used by God to bring many people to personal faith in Christ.
Since 2000, Alex has been the Friday host for "Truth Talk Live," a nationally syndicated, live radio program. In addition to providing on-air apologetics teaching, biblical world-view content and commentary, Alex has interviewed hundreds of notable guests. These have included Christian leaders (such as James Dobson and Chuck Colson), newsmakers (such as presidential candidate Mike Huckabee), and musicians (such as Brian Wilson and Jeffrey Foskett of the Beach Boys, and four-time Grammy winners Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr.).
As an author, Alex McFarland has written over 100 published articles and is author of such books as The Ten Most Common Objections to Christianity- and How To Answer Them (Regal), and STAND STRONG in College (Focus On The Family / Tyndale). Alex’s books answering the Ten Most Common Objections to Christianity and STAND (Core Truths You Must Know For An Unshakable Faith) have been translated into over one dozen languages.
In August 2009, Tyndale publishers will release three new titles by Alex in his "STAND" series. These are: STAND: Diving Into God’s Word (a look at Psalm 119); STAND: Unleashing the Wisdom of God (a look at the book of Proverbs); and STAND: Seeking the Ways of God (a look at the life of Joseph).
Alex McFarland attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and earned a Master’s degree in Christian Thought / Apologetics from Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 2006.
Angie McFarland is the godly and supportive wife who has played a tremendous role in all that the Lord has called Alex to do. They have been married since 1988, and currently live in North Carolina.
