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Time Line History of Southern Evangelical Seminary

By Joe Felim

Southern Evangelical Seminary was co-founded in 1992 by Ross Rhoads, former evangelist and then Pastor of Calvary Church in Charlotte, and Norman Geisler, long-time Seminary professor and apologist. Pastor Rhoads’ burden for evangelism and Professor 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. A feasibility study prepared by Dr. Geisler was presented to and approved by the Calvary Elders on February 24, 1992. The agreement with the Church included the acceptance of its doctrinal statement and involved a fraternal and supportive relationship between the two organizations. However, both entities agreed to remain legally and economically independent and autonomous. Ross Rhoads was appointed as the first President of the Seminary, and Norman Geisler was the first Dean. 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 1999, Norman L. Geisler was appointed President of the Seminary. At this same time “The Norman L. Geisler Chair of Christian Apologetics” was named after him. 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.n the late summer of 2003 Southern Evangelical Seminary completed the building of its own 23,000 square foot 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 third 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. The Phase two building construction was completed, including a recording studio, radio station, and student center. Three new graduate degrees were approved. Co-founder and long time Dean, Dr. Norman L. Geisler, announced his retirement which was accepted by the SES Board on August 27th.

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Southern California Seminary

By Joe Felim

The history of SCS stands as a testimony to the providence of God who brought together three institutions dedicated to teaching the doctrines and lifestyle of the Bible to the next generation. In 2005, the school changed its name from Southern California Bible College & Seminary to Southern California Seminary. The new name more accurately reflects the emphasis on both our theology programs and our behavioral science programs. SCS currently offers two undergraduate degrees, four master’s degrees, and one doctoral degree. They offer programs in English, Spanish, and Korean, at the main campus in El Cajon and branches located in Los Angeles, Orange County, Escondido, South Bay, Mexico, and Spain.

Linda Vista Baptist Bible College and Seminary

Dr. Otto Reese, pastor of Linda Vista Baptist Church, founded Linda Vista Baptist Bible College and Seminary in 1946. The college provided a four-year course of instruction for men and women desiring a biblically based undergraduate education while the theological seminary prepared men and women for full-time Christian service. In 1969, the college and seminary moved twenty miles from Linda Vista Baptist Church to its present site. In 1996, Dr. Reese departed to ever be with his Lord and Dr. Gary Coombs was appointed President.

Southern California Bible College

Fletcher Hills Baptist Church of El Cajon founded Fletcher Hills Bible College as an extension ministry in 1970. The four-year college began with a class of eight students and the first Bachelor of Arts degrees were awarded in the spring of 1973. The college was restructured in 1976 as a non-profit corporation with the name Southern California Bible College. In 1978, the college moved to the facilities of College Avenue Baptist Church in San Diego, which provided room for growth and development. Dr. George Hare was called to be president of SCBC in 1979.

San Diego Bible College and Seminary

San Diego Bible College and Seminary was founded in 1970. Its goal was to prepare sincere Christians for the service of God by providing a complete education in Bible by extension using programmed-learning pedagogy. Five degree programs were offered, from Associate of Arts in Bible to Doctor of Ministry. Local churches, mission boards, or other Christian organizations were invited to qualify as an adjunct SDBC&S campus. Domestic and foreign students enrolled.

Southern California Bible College and Seminary

In July 1997, SCBC and SDBC&S merged with LVBBC&S. The name Southern California Bible College & Seminary was formulated to reflect a broader outreach. Dr. Coombs continued as President and Dr. Hare was appointed Chancellor.